Explore the coastal, cosmopolitan retreat …
DÉCOR: Nostalgic elegance with a side helping of literary history. Walls feature vintage photographs and quotes by authors such as Marcel Proust and Marguerite Duras.
NEED TO KNOW: Part of the MGallery Collection of hotels, known for their singular stories, Les Cures was originally built in 1912 as a casino. Since then it has served as a hospital, an Allied base during the war, a museum and a thalassotherapy centre, before falling into disrepair. A recent renovation has enhanced its Belle Epoque silhouette and neo-classical bone structure.
ROOMS: 103 rooms, including six suites, overlook the beach, harbour or a quiet courtyard. Mine was an airy room overlooking the harbour, which transforms into a twinkling backdrop at night. Interesting features include pretty Verner Panton mother-of-pearl lights, bedside light therapy lamps to aid morning and evening relaxation, and lemons to prepare a detox drink in the morning. Guests have access to two complimentary activities each day, which include posture realignment.
DINING: Breakfast in La Galerie restaurant, decorated with ginger jars and modern art, is a highlight. I’m not a fan of breakfast buffets, but this was the best I’ve ever seen with tempting Normandy cheeses and pâtisseries. There’s also a bar and panoramic terrace, open for lunch and aperitifs.
AMENITIES: The Purist Spa is a sybarite’s dream. Spread over three floors, it includes a seawater pool, hammam, flotation pool, cryotherapy, meditation space and 34 treatment rooms, where treatments use Cinq Mondes Cellcosmet, Evoleum and Voya products – the only French spa offering the latter. Specialists are on hand to help with sleep disorders and advise on nutrition.
VERDICT: Chic, comfortable, discreet and casual. To purloin a quote from French playwright Marguerite Duras, which also could apply to Les Cures, “Trouville has a very violent charm. I don’t know anyone, who from the first visit, doesn’t dream of coming back.” @curesmarinestrouville
