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Words by Ralph CANIS

Boasting lavish, five star luxury in the very heart of Bordeaux, The InterContinental is a phoenix-like tour de force to be reckoned with. Originally built in 1789, the building itself was instrumental in Bordeaux’s UNESCO world heritage status. Recently renovated following a long period of disuse, The InterContinental makes a solid first impression by sheer dint of its location. It stands as a formidable sight amongst the surrounding architecture already gracing the Place de la Comédie, rubbing elbows with similarly splendid exteriors such as that of the world-renowned Grand Théâtre.

By all accounts, The InterContinental’s fabled façade offers an enticing promise of the interior extravange that awaits inside inside. And thanks to the bold artistic vision of award-winning French architect and interior designer, Jacques Garcia, the hotel more than delivers on this promise. Each and every one of the hotel’s 130 rooms and 44 suits is a love letter to the majesty and splendour of fine French sophistiaction.

A neoclassical core with a modern flourish is the l’ordre du jour, with Napoleon III style velvet upholstery, silk curtains and other such fanciful flourishes throughout the five star hotel. Likewise, the 2 Michelin-starred Le Pressoir d’Argent adds a touch of gastronomic flare very much in keeping with the French’s penchant for fine dining. Situated on the first floor of the InterContinental, this Gordon Ramsay-led restaurant takes its name from the dining room’s centrepiece: A rare Christofle solid silver lobster press, one of only five in the world.

And lastly, offering spectacular views and superlative drinks with equal gusto, The InterContinental’s rooftop terrace, The Night Beach, is a must-see. Boasting some truly unforgettable panoramas, the terrace is both an Instagrammer’s dream and a glowing testament to The InterContinentals constant pursuit of five star perfection. EJ