Simply Abu Dhabi XXVII

2 2 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I S ome corners of the world are magically salubrious. As soon as you arrive there you feel a palpable change coming over you. There is an invisible energy that takes hold and beings to work wonders on mind, body and spirit. La Réserve Genève Hotel, Spa and Villas is one such place, idyllically positioned in Switzerland with a vista than spans the expanse of Lake Geneva and the glorious Alps. This exclusive luxury 5-star hotel resort, one of the The Leading Hotels of The World, was the first La Réserve property, launched in 2003 by the über-luxury Hotel Group, Michel Reybier Hospitality. Incredibly opulent sister properties are found in Ramatuelle in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and in Paris, but La Réserve Genève is the flagship Hotel and boasts one of the finest Spas in Europe, as well as a stunning private villa on Lac Leman and five top flight restaurants, including Le Tsé Fung – the first Chinese restaurant in Switzerland awarded a Michelin star. Founded by the discreet and distinguished French businessman Michel Reybier, whose business concerns include healthcare, biotech, oil, wine and hotels, everything about his properties speaks of impeccable taste, understatement and sober refinement. Reybier wanted to privately own and carefully manage a portfolio of truly individual properties that would provide intimate settings and cutting edge facilities for discerning clients that are happy to pay for the most exceptional holistic lifestyle experiences. The cornerstone of his vision is authentic luxury imbued with simplicity. In his own words, Reybier says, “My philosophy is to seek excellence in creating exceptional places and service-driven hospitality experiences for a circle of initiates who, in addition to certain values, share a special vision of life and luxury. Luxury that isn’t afraid of simplicity. Luxury that embraces authenticity. Rethinking luxury.” His contemplating the first of his growing hospitality empire, Reybier adds, “La Réserve offers a completely luxurious lifestyle… with a soul. Hotels, serviced properties, spas and restaurants… within each and every one of these locations you will encounter a subtly different approach to service, quality and relationships with each individual guest. I look for places that feel extraordinary – a certain light, a certain energy and soul – qualities we cannot find elsewhere. As an active traveller, I’m well aware that standards of service can make all the difference to one’s hotel experience.” The 103 rooms of La Réserve Genève are inspired by Colonial styles and evoke the finest African lodges. Interior Designer Jacques Garcia collaborated to conjure an exotic yet restrained inner elegance. On