Accor's luxury brands invite their guests to enjoy relaxing yet exciting holiday experiences: From "The Grand Beach" at Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam in the heart of the Dutch metropolis, to private apartments at Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris in the heart of the city, to water sports action on Lake Geneva at Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva.

A piece of the Côte d'Azur in Amsterdam

Lounge furniture, sandy beach, rosé from Provence and fresh lobster: we're not talking about a luxurious beach club in St. Tropez, but the new "The Grand Beach", which the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam opened at the end of June. Until September 13, the historic courtyard of the luxury hotel will be transformed into a real sandy beach with a terrace, various seating areas with sufficient distance, a bar and a DJ who will provide the appropriate background music. The menu features southern French dishes such as fresh lobster or prime rib with béarnaise sauce and frites, as well as delicacies such as oysters, sardines and caviar. Rosé from Provence, champagne and cocktails prepared with French liqueurs will keep you cool on hot summer afternoons. Guests can choose to take a seat on a lounge sofa, at an undisturbed table for two or at one of the high tables, bringing a piece of the Côte d'Azur to Amsterdam. "The Grand Beach" is open daily from 12 to 9 p.m. until September 13.

City break with retreat

For those who choose to travel to Paris this summer but still want to avoid the hustle and bustle and explore lesser-known corners of the city, Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris opened a new retreat on June 12. The "Secret Garden" comes in the form of an airy, sunny terrace with plenty of space for privacy in the inner courtyard of the luxury hotel and offers refreshing gourmet creations. Guests at the "Secret Garden" embark on a culinary journey with Japanese and South American influences and choose between seafood tacos, Kagoshima Wagyu beef fillet, fresh salads and creative sushi variations. Fruity desserts, cocktails and a large selection of sake round out the gastronomic experience. From the Secret Garden it's straight to the private hideaway: Since June 1, the legendary Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris also welcomes its guests in the new private apartments 41 HOCHE / Les Appartements Privés in the heart of Paris. Absolute privacy and maximum comfort included. Each of the 350-square-metre domiciles has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, a work area and a fully equipped kitchen. The apartments are each located alone on one floor, allowing for secure private access. In addition to a fitness centre and private pool reserved for guests of 41 HOCHE, residents naturally have access to the legendary Raffles Butler Service around the clock to arrange excursions, private tours and special reservations. A private chef is in charge of the culinary experience, preparing creative culinary highlights on request in the seclusion of their own apartment or al fresco on the terrace. The picturesque building on Avenue Hoche is located in one of the most prestigious districts of Paris, between Parc Monceau and the Champs-Elysées.

Time out on the water

It is the highlight of the region and the city's USP. No visitor to Geneva can escape the attraction of the elegant Lake Geneva. The Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva, located directly on the shore, does not want to deprive its guests of this pleasure and has therefore launched a special arrangement for water sports fans for the summer of 2020: From CHF 490 per night, guests have the opportunity to book a luxurious double room including breakfast and spa credit of CHF 50 per person. The highlight of the offer: Included in the price is a little time out on the water. From stand-up paddling to kite surfing, sailing and windsurfing, guests can let off steam on the water to their heart's content. The three restaurants of the hotel, the Spa Valmont or the terrace with its unique view over Lake Geneva and view of Mont Blanc are perfect for ending the day.

Information at: www.group.accor.com

Picture credits:Vincent Leroux, Michael Graste, Elisabeth Fransdonk