The art of subtle luxury — A conversation with Maisons Pariente
When true luxury speaks, it whispers rather than shouts. This philosophy stands at the heart of Maisons Pariente, the family-owned collection of exceptional properties that has redefined luxury hospitality across France.
In a recent conversation with Leslie Kouhana, the eldest of the Pariente sisters and co-founder of this distinctive hotel collection, I discovered striking parallels between her approach to hospitality and the transformative travel experiences I design for my clients.
A family philosophy.
“Luxury should not be ostentatious, but rather subtle and felt through carefully considered details,” shares Leslie, whose vision alongside her father and sister Kimberley has shaped Maisons Pariente into what it is today. This philosophy of understated excellence permeates every aspect of their collection, from the French Riviera to the Alps, Provence, and Paris.
What struck me most was the genuine warmth behind their approach. "We aim to create spaces where every guest feels at home, surrounded by warmth, art, and culture," Leslie explains. It's this commitment to creating a sense of belonging that elevates a stay from simply comfortable to truly memorable.
The art of personalisation.
At the heart of Maisons Pariente lies an exceptional dedication to personalised service. “We take the time to understand our guests' preferences and desires, ensuring that every interaction feels genuine and tailored,” notes Leslie. This might manifest as a handwritten note acknowledging a special occasion or thoughtfully curated amenities for returning guests.
This level of attention resonates deeply with my own belief that exceptional travel experiences begin with understanding what matters most to each traveller. It's about creating moments that feel intentional and uniquely yours.
Local authenticity.
Each Maisons Pariente property stands as a reflection of its surroundings. The family takes great care to embed local culture and heritage into every aspect of their hotels, from architectural choices to culinary offerings.
Leslie's family's passion for art curation adds another layer of distinction. "Each one of our hotels is carefully curated, each detail has been thoroughly thought like the property was our own home," she shares. This artistic nod, combined with local partnerships, creates environments that feel both elevated and authentic.
The true meaning of luxury.
For Leslie, true luxury in hospitality lies in what she calls “the art of subtle attention” — the ability to anticipate needs without intrusion, creating environments where every detail matters and service feels seamless yet deeply personal.
“What will make our guests remember us, more than the absolute comfort of our rooms or the views of sublime surrounding landscapes, is the relationship our staff create with them,” she noted. “It's about creating emotions and memories that each guest will always cherish.”
This philosophy mirrors what I believe creates exceptional travel experiences: the understanding that luxury is found not just in lavish surroundings, but in the thoughtful curation of meaningful moments that remain long after the journey ends.
In a world where true luxury increasingly means personalisation, attention, and authenticity, collections like Maisons Pariente remind us that the most memorable experiences are those crafted with genuine care and understanding - a principle that also guides every journey I design for my clients.
The Maisons Pariente collection includes: Hotel Lou Pinet in Saint-Tropez, Hotel Crillon le Brave in Provence, Hotel Le Coucou in Méribel, and Hôtel Grand Mazarin in Paris.
