The globally recognised brands of Hennessy and Rémy Martin make up half of the ‘big four’ Cognacs you’ll most likely find displayed in bars globally from Tokyo to New York. France’s most iconic spirit, the distilleries lovingly produce the precious liquor by carefully sharing secret skills and time-honoured methods with each generation. However, if you look beyond the label, you’ll discover the charming home where these famous distilleries originate, surrounded by rolling rural hills canvased by vineyards.
Opening in 2019, Hôtel Chais Monnet and Spa is Cognac’s leading luxury hotel, transforming a dilapidated five-acre estate that was the original home of producer Maison Monnet, into a place that blends industrial heritage with a refreshed, contemporary design concept. Architect Didier Poignant (of Royal Monceau, Grand Hôtel Intercontinental and The Hoxton Paris) was appointed to transform the unloved site into a five-star destination that fuses the past with the present day. Formed among two large ageing cellars, the hotel celebrates its historic narrative, whilst embracing a modern design aesthetic with walls dressed brazenly in local contemporary art that is hung among lovingly resorted features.
Rooms and suites
92 rooms and suites plus 12 apartments span around the spacious property. Our plush suite was a blend of caramel furnishings that embody the colours of the iconic French drink, from smooth parquet wooden flooring and cream ottomans set against a large original wooden beam which had been proudly restored overhead. This was paired with a gleaming white marble bathroom complete with a deep bath and a large rain shower.
Privacy and opulence peaks within the hotel’s Jean Gabriel Monnet Suite. Across 180 square meters, this spacious suite includes its own kitchen, dining room and reception room. This presidential category has a butler service and access to a private spa treatment room, meaning the spa can come to you. Meanwhile, tucked on the other side of the property are the apartments, where space and discretion are paramount, away from the central areas of the hotel.
Food and drink
It’s almost impossible to find a restaurant in Cognac that serves food throughout the day, Hôtel Chais Monnet and Spa’s main restaurant La Distillerie however will have you covered with a brilliant all-day offering. At breakfast order from a select à la carte menu that is paired with a modest but lovely buffet of pasties, fresh juices and platters of charcuterie. The beautifully reinstated restaurant with a large outdoor terrace is a suitably sophisticated spot to enjoy a relaxed lunch of steak tartare, a chicken Caesar salad, or a club sandwich, to smarter dishes which carry guests into dinner. This includes the ‘Oeuf bio de Sandra’ aka the ‘perfect egg’ which is a typically French rich, gorgeous dish, whilst the trout gravlax infused with cognac is reminiscent of the region, with a light buckwheat blini.
Putting Hôtel Chais Monnet on the gourmet map is the Michelin starred restaurant Les Foudres. The exceptional dining experience is something to write home about, but what particularly makes this restaurant stand out is the setting. Hidden beyond La Distillerie, and with a separate street entrance, this sumptuous fine-dining destination is set around hundred-year-old barrels and is classified as a French Industrial Heritage site.
At the modest age of 26, head chef Mathis Debize exhibits his culinary talent, epitomising his love for French fine dining blended with subtle touches of Cognac. On our last evening highlights included a perfectly roasted smoked pigeon, young beetroot and red fruits, a broccoli taboulé with tarragon and sturia caviar and blue lobster from Brittany.
From down around the barrels to up high is the hotel’s rooftop bar. Situated on top of the contemporary building at the rear of the estate, the spacious rooftop lies among the hotel’s striking steel ribbon structures which have been designed to represent the grape vines of the surrounding vineyards. Shakers in hand, try your hand at a cocktail masterclass, creating cocktails blended with Cognac with the hotel’s team of mixologists. Lastly, downstairs, the jazz bar (located in the former cooperage of the Maison Monnet) has a grand piano and is draped in beautiful pieces of art and a portfolio of over 220 different Cognacs. Here the cocktail menu changes seasonally in addition to bespoke cocktails which the team can make ‘à la minute’.
Spa and wellness
The indoor/outdoor pool centres within the spa feature separate male and female facilities, notably sensation showers that emulate the colours and sounds of the rainforest and dramatic rainstorms. This sits alongside four treatment rooms, a gym, a popular bubbling jacuzzi and a hammam. Using effective plant-based products from KOS Paris, face and body treatments include the scented oil ceremony massage, sea salt scrubs, and rituals. Inclusive treatments designed for men also are included throughout such as the men’s facial, ritual for him and a male manicure.
Surrounding area
With the rolling French countryside visible just beyond the rooftops of Cognac, it’s pretty easy to navigate yourself around the town… the key is to do it in style. Mindful of the French menus, we started our trip virtuously with pretty a run along the river. Should you prefer two wheels, there is also the opportunity to explore the neighbouring rural region on a gourmet e-bike tour with Rémy Martin which can be arranged by the hotel. This fun, battery powered bike route includes delicious stops at picturesque landmarks to sample their Cognac before returning for a tour of the distillery.
Back in town, and just a short walk from the hotel is one of the most glamorous producers, Hennessy. Recently launching a virtual reality experience (whether you’re a fan of the spirit or not) it’s a fun way to learn more about the process and also includes a glamourous boat tour along the leafy river, before concluding with a tasting. Finally, car enthusiasts are invited to live the French dream discovering the area in one of the hotel’s vintage 2CV cars which are proudly parked outside the property. On our last afternoon we took one out for a spin, map in hand and meandering the vineyards in true style.
In a nutshell
Hôtel Chais Monnet draws on a historic past, reimagined in a contemporary style. Notably British owned, its surprising central location makes the luxury hotel the perfect place to sip and step your way around all that Cognac has to offer. Popular with both leisure and business guests, the property also has hidden up its sleeve a 400 square metre ballroom and four conference rooms.
Factbox
Website: chaismonnethotel.com
Phone: +33 5 17 22 3223
Address: 50 Av. Paul Firino Martell, 16100 Cognac, France
