Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa , the leading new luxury resort of southwest France, has reopened, welcoming guests back for the summer 2020 season. The five-star hotel resort on the banks of the Charente river in Cognac, with extensive outdoor gardens and activities, first opened its doors in autumn 2018. It is fast becoming a fashionable destination for discerning travellers looking for an alternative experience to that which can be found in neighbouring Bordeaux. Now that tourism is back up and running, the hotel’s swimming pool has already opened to guests, with the fine dining Les Foudres and casual dining La Distillerie restaurants also open. The spa, rooftop terrace, jazz bar and tea room are either all open or will reopen over the course of the coming weeks.

Chais Monnet is easily accessible from the UK by car, via the A10 Paris-Bordeaux motorway.

Swimming Pool - open now

Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa boasts a beautiful indoor-outdoor swimming pool, leading from the state-of-the-art Club into the hotel grounds. Now the sun is shining and summer is here, guests are encouraged to make the most of the pool, sauna, jacuzzi and sensory shower as well as sunbathing on the poolside or in the gardens. The pool will be open to 10 people at a time, to ensure that guests observe social distancing measures and is bookable at the hotel reception.

Gastronomy – Les Foudres opened 25th June/ La Distillerie opened 8th July

Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa takes pride in offering guests unique dining experiences, showcasing the best of regional French cuisine. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant Les Foudres invites guests to dine amongst ancient Cognac barrels in the building’s historic Chais, whilst La Distillerie offers a more relaxed dining experience centered around seasonal eating and using fresh, locally sourced produce. Guests will also be able to order room service and enjoy their private dinner on the terrace connected to their bedroom. Cognac remains an emerging gastronomic destination, hosting the first Michelin Star Awards Ceremony outside of Paris, in January 2021.

Cognac and Cocktails – Rooftop bar opened 26th June/ Le 1838 opens mid-September

For the summer months, Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa will throw open the doors to its stylish rooftop bar and terrace, allowing guests to enjoy a Cognac cocktail with panoramic views of the historical town. The hotel is committed to making use of the vast outdoor space where possible, to ensure that guests feel safe and secure in the fresh air. This summer the hotel is launching a new sushi menu at their rooftop bar Guinguet’, giving diners the chance to indulge in dinner and cocktails out in the open air, with views over the rooftops. The hotel’s infamous jazz bar, Le 1838, will reopen in mid-September once the weather gets cooler. The bar boasts the greatest range of single batch and limited-edition cognacs in the world, stocking over 400 brands, and plays host to wonderful jazz nights every Thursday. Cosy yet sophisticated, the jazz bar is the perfect place for a nightcap.

Spa – open 9th July

After a stressful and anxious few months, guests will be in need of some serious R&R. The hotel spa will open at the beginning of July, offering an extensive selection of body treatments using products from award-winning French brand, CODAGE. In homage to the hotel’s surroundings, guests can also choose from regional spa treatments incorporating local salt and grape seeds for a 360° Cognac experience. Currently, no facial treatments will be on offer to guests to align with the hotel’s health and safety measures following the pandemic.

Martell Foundation – 2020 cultural programmes

After months of lockdown, the Martell Foundation has curated a wonderful series of exhibitions on display at this contemporary cultural space. Guests can immerse themselves in the local and international art scene and enjoy the Places to Be exhibition running from 25th June 2020. This is the Foundation’s first group exhibition, showcasing art installations, spaces and objects fashioned from wood, glass, ceramic and textiles. Perfect for culture vultures!

Following a lengthy period of lockdown, no doubt couples, families and friends will be wanting to come together for some quality bonding time. Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa offers the perfect opportunity to do so, with spacious hotel grounds, luxury service and privacy. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Bordeaux and with a charming city centre bursting with a vibrant gastronomic scene, numerous cultural events, 250 distilleries and an ultra-luxurious hotel, Cognac should be the destination on everyone’s bucket list this year.

Nightly rates from €230 per room, room only. For more information please visit www.chaismonnethotel.com/en/