Villa Maïa

Near the old Roman theater on Fourvière Hill, overlooking the Saône and the Lyon old town, the Villa Maïa may be classical in its inspiration, but it’s thoroughly modern in its execution. Its concrete structure was designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, decorated by Jacques Grange, and landscaped by Louis Benech, and the result is truly extraordinary, even among high-end luxury hotels.

Perhaps the clearest ancient Roman influence is found in the spa, whose columns and baths lend an old-world aspect to a very modern wellness experience. The rooms, in contrast, are decidedly contemporary-luxe in their style, with high-tech Japanese toilets and Carrara marble bathrooms. Views take in panoramas of the city’s rooftops, or else look out over Mr. Benech’s tranquil gardens. For a truly exclusive experience, the 100m2 apartment suite offers spacious rooms with an unparalleled view of the city.

The lounge, with its elegant bar of Saint-Just glass and polished nickel, offers a selection of wines from the nearby vineyard of Château de La Chaize, a 17th-century chateau that also makes a charming destination for tours. At dinner time, the hotel recommends the eponymous restaurant of chef Christian Têtedoie, located across the street, which has been recognized with a MICHELIN Star — here, in the capital of French gastronomy, a hotel like Villa Maïa would settle for nothing less.