Although utterly contemporary, there’s no mistaking that this was once an Augustinian convent. Hotel August retains a paired back, minimalist style, with crisp white Egyptian percale bed linens contrasted by dark beamed timber ceilings and wooden floors. Each of the 44 bedrooms and suites is unique, some of the latter with Juliet balconies revealing views of the courtyard, chapel and swimming pond and all with trendy Le Labo toiletries. Outside, the Cour Anglaise caters to ice scrubs in the al fresco shower and a swimming pond sets the scene for a refreshing back-to-nature dip. A restaurant is found in the corridor surrounding the original chapel with an outdoor dining terrace and bar.