From the Parisian neighbourhood frequented by James Joyce to a city staycation in Oscar Wilde’s favourite hotel suite, these trips invite travellers to follow in the footsteps of some of world’s greatest writers in the settings that inspired their finest work.
Paris: The New Hotel Enveloped in Literary History
Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain
Situated on Paris’ culturally rich Left Bank, the site of the new Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain was frequented by the legendary James Joyce in the early twentieth century, and was where he spent the final days of writing Ulysses, (undoubtedly one of the greatest literary works in history). Make like Joyce and explore the surrounding neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, brimming with typical Parisian eateries that have been visited by some of the world’s artistic and cultural greats throughout history, including Simone de Beauvoir and Ernest Hemingway.
Back at the hotel, relax in the cosy library where walls are lined with copies of Gallimard foreign literature, sip on signature cocktails at the James Joyce Bar and sample elevated bistrot dishes at Les Parisiens before retiring to your handsome bedroom with a good book in tow.
An overnight stay costs from £300 per room, including breakfast. Visit en.pavillon-faubourg-saint-germain.com.
London: The Chelsea Hideaway Frequented by Oscar Wilde
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel’s largest suite – marked bedroom 118 – is the famed room where Oscar Wilde was arrested after his affair with the son of the Marquess of Queensbury (gasp!).
The poet and playwright was a regular guest of the hotel and his arrest later inspired the 1930s poem, ‘The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at The Cadogan Hotel’ by John Betjeman. Today, The Royal Suite honours this scandalous past while offering every modern indulgence; from an immaculate lounge with roaring fireplace to an in-room library with cosy reading corners. High ceilings frame large windows, washing the suite in natural daylight, while views of Cadogan Place Gardens can inspire guests to become literary geniuses themselves.
An overnight stay in the Royal Suite costs from £5,000 per night, including breakfast and dedicated butler service. For more information or to book, contact the concierge here.
Crete: The Intriguing Island That Inspired a Bestseller
CAYO Exclusive Resort & Spa
Set in the charming village of Plaka on the northeast coast of Crete, every room at CAYO Exclusive Resort & Spa features a private plunge pool, with views over the ocean and the island of Spinalonga. The setting sparked intrigue in author Victoria Hislop, who’s bestselling novel, The Island, tells the story of a young woman who arrives in the small fishing village to uncover her family’s history, only to discover her links to the leper colony that resided on Spinalonga in the 20th century. Guests can marvel at views of the island from the hotel’s private swathe of seafront on Plaka Beach or take a short boat trip across the water to discover its unique history for themselves.
An overnight stay costs from £210 per room, including breakfast. Visit www.cayoresort.com.
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