A Slice of Paradise in Aspen

Hennessy’s Paradis suite brings a slice of Cognac to Colorado.

Spend any time in Aspen and you’ll inevitably find yourself at the St. Regis. The sprawling hotel tucked at the base of Ajax mountain serves as a hub for those visiting the town. Year round, you’ll find a steady stream of guests trickling through the doors, though the space really comes alive in the winter when seasonal pop ups take over. Whether it’s dinner at the Caviar Kaspia or a night spent dancing at Snow Lodge, you’re guaranteed a memorable evening. But for those who prefer a quieter but no less noteworthy experience, tucked away in the penthouse is the Paradis suite inspired by Maison Hennessy. Created in partnership with the historic liquor brand and named after Paradis, one of the brand’s most luxurious offerings, it’s a unique stay that combines elegant design with fine dining for the ultimate getaway.

Debuting in 2024, the space is actually a takeover of the presidential suite. Serving as a visual bridge between Cognac, France and Colorado, there’s a sense of thoughtfulness throughout. Even the materials chosen reflect that attention to detail from marble, selected to represent the organic soil used to grow grapes to the mohair to the wood, which calls back to the qualities seen in Paradis. Upon entry you’re greeted with two details worth noting: a cloud-like chandelier designed by New York-based Apparatus Studio while on the side is a Hennessy Rare Editions piece, a sculptural interpretation of the bottle. Both ground the space and remind guests that this is a place that combines art and craft, albeit with a sense of joy and whimsy as well.

From there guests enter the living room with a marble fireplace at its center — original details that nod to the fact that while the suite is new, it’s not completely eliminating aspects of the historic building. But perhaps the most striking piece is the Steinway Spirio Cast baby grand piano. Don’t know how to play? Not a problem, it’s designed to self-play with a selection of artists ranging from classical to jazz to pop, all of which can be cued up at the push of the button.

Art takes focus in the suite, as evident by the sculptural interpretations of the Hennessy bottle.  In the corner of the living room sits another Rare Editions piece, the Hennessy Dame Jeanne while there is also a Paradis Unlimited, an extremely limited addition to the collection with only 100 pieces available worldwide. The brand also commissioned Paris-based artist Mathilde Nivet to create three pieces with the first being an intricate weaving of paper and glass in the main space while in the dining room there’s a whirlwind meant to signify the flavors found in Pardis. Finally in the bedroom, a serene vista to ensure complete relaxation, designed to be enjoyed in tandem with the king sized bed and deep soaking tub.

But perhaps the best part of the stay takes place in the dining room, where guests can tack on a fine dining experience in the form of a four course meal by chefs Burga Keles and Cyril Baudin. Featuring luxe ingredients that change seasonally, naturally there’s also a carefully curated drink pairing that includes Krug Grande Cuvée, Joseph Phelps Insignia, and Krug Grande Cuvée, Joseph Phelps Insignia, and the brand’s X.O. and Paradis cognacs To end, Baudin’s dessert, which brings to mind Chateau Bagnolet, the Hennessy family home where he serves as head pastry chef. Naturally paired with Paradis consider it the perfect finishing touch for a slice of paradise in Aspen.

Photos: Alice Gao