This is definitely Insta-worthy
The iconic Imperial Hotel on South Mall is drawing inspiration for their summer season from the elegance and beauty of famed past guest Princess Grace of Monaco.
The creative team behind this award-winning historic property relishes any opportunity to draw inspiration from historical figures connected with the hotel as way to offer creative and unique experiences for their guests. Through connecting the past with the present the Imperial Hotel can express its personality in a way that is memorable and authentic.
While researching Princess Grace as part of the 60th anniversary of her stay in 2021, the team learned that she had a passion for flowers and in 1980 the Hollywood star turned royal published a book with Gwen Robyns titled ‘My Book of Flowers’ which detailed the style icon’s favourite blooms, sense of floral aesthetics, interest in the symbolism of flowers and their different meanings, and the art of flower pressing.
They have now decided to take this inspiration and roll out ‘My Book of Flowers’ as a summer theme to create exclusive décor and experiences for guests to enjoy.
The floral theme will be brought to life through extravagant floral displays in the hotel’s iconic lobby which will change week to week. These displays will be created by local florist ‘Best of Buds’ and feature Princess Grace’s favourite flowers including roses and orchids for what will not only be a visual delight but also give a beautiful perfume to the venue.
A brand new ‘My Book of Flowers’ afternoon tea has also been devised by the talented pastry team which includes blossoming confections like the Pot de Fleur, Flower Power, Bloom Tropical, & A Red, Red Rose, and dainty savoury sandwiches.
A new cocktail has also been devised which can be enjoyed at the hotels redesigned bar ‘No 76’ or botanically styled restaurant ‘Sketch’. Aptly titled ‘Bloom’ this will naturally play on fresh and floral notes with ingredients including Malibu, Hibiscus syrup, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg whites.
The creativity has also flowed into Escape Spa at the Imperial where a new spa treatment package titled ‘The Graceful Floral Escape’ has been devised. Unwind with 60 minutes in the Vitality Suite which features a hydrotherapy pool, aroma steam room and Sea Salt Chamber. Then enjoy a rose oil facial inspired by the Princess’s love of pearls and roses. You can also add an optional extra of a warm oil back, neck and shoulder massage or an Indian head massage using Grace’s signature scent of bergamot to uplift the senses.
As ever, every small detail has been thought of so My Book of Flowers has been added to the shelves of the Executive lounge for guests to read and further storytelling will be in evidence at the outdoor planted parklet outside the hotel’s main entrance on South Mall.
Also, to mark the anniversary of Princess Grace’s stay at the Imperial Hotel on the 24th of June 62 years ago guests will be gifted with native wildflower ‘bee bombs’ in their room (on that date) which they can then take home and seed to keep the memory of their stay in bloom.
The best way to explore the full ‘My Book of Flowers’ experience is through the package offer which includes an overnight stay luxe accommodation, the signature afternoon tea with accompanying; Bloom’ cocktail, birdcage breakfast the next morning and a bespoke Princess Grace postcard in your room, from €164 per person sharing.
For bookings see imperialhotelcork.com or call +353 21 4274040 and for more details follow @theimperialhotelcork on social media