V-Day Special: Check out Sheetal Mafatlal's Guide to A Single's Valentine celebration in Paris

Luxurista Sheetal Mafatlal gives a lowdown on how to indulge yourself on Valentine Day in the French capital even if you are single

By BollywoodLife
| Updated: February 14, 2019 3:58 PM IST

I'm of the firm belief that every occasion should be celebrated, no matter what! And Valentine's is something, which is special for everyone - for those, who are in a relationship and even for those, who are single. I always like to look at the bright side of every situation and strongly feel that if one's not dating anyone, one still has the luxury of making one's own plans. And while I can't tell you, dear reader, how you should feel about this occasion , I would definitely like to encourage you to embrace your solitude and take yourself on your ideal Valentine's Day date — whatever that means to you. For some people, that means staying in, while others may want to go all out and spend the day at a luxury spa. Also Read - RIP Karl Lagerfeld: 'In a world where most people try to be politically correct, he created a furor with his legendary quotes'

I would suggest to plan a trip to Paris - the city of unparalleled love, unmitigated romance & also of ultimate Luxury .
From the consciousness-altering appeal of the shimmering Eiffel Tower to the elegant settings of Le Marais neighbourhood - every corner and nook evokes a sense of timeless exoticism and poetry - all steeped in history, decadence and an era of excess. It's not hard to understand why even the most die-hard cynics turn wobbly-kneed at the prospect of visiting the city of lights. It's the city where romance meets style, passion flirts with history, visuals complement the mood. Having spent a lot of time in Paris over the years, and enjoyed its famed night life, I could think of these bastions of undying love and moony romanticism to usher in your Valentine's Eve even if you are on your own. Why deprive yourself of a celebration of love and why not indulge in pampering yourself? Also Read - Valentine's Day 2019: Hina Khan bakes a special cake for BF Rocky; sets the stage on fire with her killer moves - watch videos

Hotel Plaza Athénée
Carrie Bradshaw played by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and The City waits for her lover in one of the suites of this gorgeous hotel as she falls asleep on the bed in a giant tiered tulle dress. A Cupid’s arrow from the Champs-Élysées, the iconic hotel is easily the chicest spot to spend your Valentine’s Day in the French capital. The décor is exquisite, the service - meticulous, and the relaxing Dior spa downstairs is the ideal place for decadent pampering, and with a treatment room for two. Savour Dom Pérignon Rosé out on the balcony, over looking the Eiffel Tower & immerse your senses in the beauty that surrounds you. Later on, feast on an elegant five-course gourmet dinner at Restaurant Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, which will make it truly a night to remember. I'd also recommend the oft-overlooked Le Relais Plaza, which serves French food in a relaxed, historic setting. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Also Read - Ananya Panday, Kartik Aaryan, Tara Sutaria and others turned up the heat at Punit Malhotra's V-day bash - view HQ pics

Tea at the Plaza Athénée lobby
The luxe hotel's afternoon tea takes you on the personal culinary journey of pastry Chef Angelo Musa, from his favourite childhood treats, to the wonderful creations, which made him World Pastry Champion. Don't miss the ‘Trio of 100%’, the dessert, which first caught the attention of Alain Ducasse and brought him here to this iconic Hôtel.

Epicure Paris
Picture a countryside château, with soft tartan chairs, fringed table linen, and ornate florid draperies and you've pretty much summed the vibe and the mood of Epicure, the restaurant within Le Bristol Hotel with three Michelin stars to its name. A fire in the grate and a dainty golden chandelier in the centre of the room, which will set the mood of this special evening. Besides the Dom Pérignon, the delectable delicacies will complement the V-Day vibe to the T. From macaroni stuffed with foie gras, artichoke, and black truffle to a whole poached hen stuffed with giblets, crayfish, and mushrooms - one's clearly spoilt for choice. Impeccable service and attentive staff make the whole experience even more sublime. Cuisine, comfort and class - the three Cs which will enhance your V-day dining experience. Bon appetit!

Le Gabriel at La Reserve
When one envisions Paris in one's head, all the finer things in life come rushing to one's mind; incredible architecture, tantalisingly tasty food and a good bottle of wine. And Le Gabriel at La Reserve is one place which combines all this and much more. Located just off the Champs-Elysées, with a floating silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, the restaurant, in my view, will transfix your Valentine with its grandeur - be its towering ceilings, Art Deco furnishings or open fire - every aspect radiating the spirit of joie de vivre. Tickle your taste buds with the coriander-flavored Brittany artichoke heart and the Vendée pigeon with cacao and crunchy buckwheat - all of which have already become signature dishes at Le Gabriel.

Retail therapy
Spend, spend spend!!!! Burn the plastic!!! where better than the worlds luxury capital.
Rue Cambon!! Rue Faubourg St Honore!!! Avenue Montaigne !!!! February is the best time to indulge in the new seasons collection- Fashion, Jewelry, Accessorise you name it and its there.

Check into the Coco Chanel suite at Ritz- A fashion lovers ultimate dream room. The late Gabrielle Chanel was intimately linked to the hotel and she decorated her suite herself. Her famed abode reflects her penchant for Asian lacquer, gilded mirrors and the timeless monochrome - all of which we see in Karl Lagerfeld's designs season after season in some format or the other. Hence it's not hard to comprehend why The Ritz Paris became her home. "The Ritz is my home", she would tell visitors, who admired her rock crystal chandeliers and art collection. A must stay for Chanel addicts and lovers of fashion history.

Spa-tastic at the Ritz
While you're at the Ritz, you might as well indulge at CHANEL au Ritz Paris. What makes CHANEL treatments a cut above the rest are the exceptional me-time moments that reconcile body and mind. Decadence personified!

Drink up at Hemingway Bar
Don't miss the Serendipity with calvados from Le Pays d'Auge and apple juice with bitter apples from Normandy, fresh mint, and Champagne. The iconic Hemingway Bar at the Ritz never disappoints. I'd suggest have a great time here with your other single friends trying out cocktails a la Sex and The City.

Hop on to Tinder/Grindr
If you don't have a special someone to spend Valentine's Day with this year, then don't lose heart! Hop on to dating apps like Tinder and Grindr and meet with individuals, who might just end up share your world canvas.

More than anything else, relax, let your hair down and focus on enjoying the moment . Happy Valentine's Day♥️

- Sheetal Mafatlal

Picture Courtesy: Vikram Bawa

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ByBollywoodLife
| Updated: February 14, 2019 3:58 PM IST