Inside Didier Guillon's Valmont: A Journey Through Luxury Skincare, Art, and Hospitality Maison Valmont: Swiss Luxury Skincare and Exclusive Art-Filled Residences

Inside Didier Guillon's Valmont: A Journey Through Luxury Skincare, Art, and Hospitality

Swiss beauty meets artful, sustainable luxury across Europe.

POSTED 12.11.24 12:15 BY JENNY HALONEN

Maison Valmont, a luxury skincare brand originating from Switzerland, goes beyond traditional beauty with its innovative fusion of Swiss heritage and scientific research. Renowned for its powerful anti-aging treatments, Valmont targets everything from wrinkles to radiance, using advanced, cellular-based ingredients to rejuvenate skin at its core. Their personalized approach ensures skincare tailored to individual needs for truly luminous results.

Les Rsidences Valmont, an extension of the brand, elevates this experience further. These exclusive spaces blend art, wellness, and high-end living, offering guests curated art collections and bespoke skincare treatments in a serene, luxurious environment for complete rejuvenation.

In the heart of Sarria, upper central Barcelona, we sit down with Didier Guillon, President and Artistic Director of Maison Valmont, in one of his four residences across Europe.

At the heart of Valmonts ethos are natural ingredients, locally sourced in Switzerland to reduce carbon emissions by minimizing long-distance transportation. We rely on what's around us, Mr. Guillon proudly states, explaining the company's commitment to using regional ingredients.

Just as sustainability is pivotal to Valmonts skincare line, it is equally integral to their approach in hospitality. Mr. Guillon shares insights into how the luxury hotel industry is grappling with its own environmental responsibilities. He recounts his visit to the iconic Bürgenstock Hotel on Lake Lucerne, a historic Swiss establishment that initially appeared at odds with modern sustainability standards. I wondered, how can such a grand old palace be sustainable? he reflects, only to be impressed by the hotel's reliance on hydropower from the lake and other eco-friendly initiatives. The experience not only shifted his perception of the hotel but also deepened his sense of responsibility as an industry leader. It's not just about a hotel's name or reputation it's about what happens behind the scenes, he remarks, asking Do we want to work with hotels that don't prioritize sustainability? His message is clear: both consumers and businesses have a role in supporting those committed to reducing their environmental impact.

The conversation turns personal as Mr. Guillon shares his own lifestyle choices. Living in Venice without a car, he walks everywhere, explaining, It's part of the city's charm. He adds that he hopes to one day replace his boat with an electric model, underscoring his personal dedication to sustainability. We continue discussing the intersection of beauty, art, and hospitality architecture, design, and aesthetics shape the guest experience in luxury environments. What role does skincare play in this? Mr. Guillon describes it as a form of "spiritual alchemy," where beauty products are used in spaces designed to inspire. When you combine architecture, art, and high-quality cosmetics, you create an experience greater than the sum of its parts, he suggests, emphasizing how thoughtfully designed spaces can elevate the senses and create a connection to local culture.

Valmont now operates four residences: in Barcelona, where our interview takes place, in Venice, Verbier, and most recently, on the island of Hydra, Greece. Each residence, Mr. Guillon explains, is not just a place to stay but a curated space that integrates local art and culture. At one location, guests are introduced to the work of emerging local artists, ensuring the artistic environment reflects the regional context. In another, renowned artist Frédéric Amat plays a central role in immersing guests in the local culture. Mr. Guillon is passionate about incorporating local art into each residence, ensuring that visitors feel a strong sense of place and belonging. His goal is for each guest to feel like they are in a home, not just a hotel, creating an atmosphere that is relaxed, intimate, and stress-free.

As he looks toward the future, Mr. Guillon shares his aspirations for expanding the Valmont skincare line and residences beyond Europe. While they have established four locations on the continent, the next step involves expansion into the United States, Japan, and China. However, the challenge lies in finding hotels and resorts that align with Valmonts values, especially in sustainability and long-term commitment. He is determined to partner with properties that share these ideals, ensuring that future projects continue to embody the philosophy of beauty, wellness, and hospitality. It's not just about creating beautiful spaces, he insists, but about creating environments where well-being, sustainability, art, and hospitality are at the forefront.

Heritage is another key aspect of Valmonts identity. This notion of heritage extends to the artworks adorning the walls of their residences. Mr. Guillon points to a painting by his great-great-grandfather, Charles Meyer, as an example of the importance of legacy and continuity. For Valmont, the creative vision behind these spaces is deeply rooted in history while also embracing a contemporary sensibility that seeks to provide guests with new emotions and experiences. The goal is to offer not just luxury, but a meaningful connection to the places their guests visit.

He also emphasizes the importance of welcoming their team into the residences, cultivating personal connections, and creating a deep sense of humanity within their spaces. This human touch, he believes, is an essential part of the Valmont experience, pairing luxury with genuine personal connection. For Mr. Guillon, this level of personal involvement is what distinguishes Valmonts approach to hospitality.

The conversation then shifts to the artistic direction of the brand. Mr. Guillon highlights how Sophie Guillon, CEO of Maison Valmont is not only involved in product development and design but also plays a key role in maintaining the visual and aesthetic consistency of Valmont. Her work, which encompasses everything from creating the product formulas to designing the visual identity, represents a holistic approach that seamlessly blends art, design, and brand ethos.

Returning to the subject of art in the residences, Mr. Guillon speaks fondly of his collaboration with artists, recalling an instinctual connection he felt with a Swedish artist in Venice, introduced by a major gallery. This connection, he explains, is almost spiritual. We could sit without saying a word and still feel deeply understood, he says, emphasizing the emotional resonance that is crucial to the art selected for Les Rsidences Valmont. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about creating an emotional experience that enriches the guest's stay. Fondation Valmont also takes pride in supporting emerging artists who need exposure and recognition. These collaborations are not only emotionally fulfilling but also a way to cultivate and support new talent.

When asked which is his favorite room (me thinking of the Barcelona residence where we sit in the beautiful garden), Mr. Guillon answers, The Rubino room in Venice is particularly impressive. He goes on to describe the grand height of the floor and doors, which open dramatically, creating an imposing atmosphere that contrasts with the cozier feel of their Barcelona residence.

That leads into my next question an artist, collector, entrepreneur, and host. What insights about the impact of space would you share with another hotel owner? We know architecture and art can deeply affect people. You've experienced so many spaces. What advice would you give a hotelier based on your own experiences?

Mr Guillon goes on: The reception area is critical. Whether you have art like Basquiat or Jimmy Hendrix posters, the design of the reception, including things like the dress code of the receptionist, the lighting, or whether there is a carpet, creates the first impression. reception is the first thing you see, feel, and even smell when you enter. It's key.

He continues: It's all about the senses not just the five we know but up to eight senses. When a space touches all these senses, it creates a subtle but powerful effect. Some guests may not be able to articulate why they love a hotel, but it's that subtle combination of things that brings them back.

The distinct atmosphere in each of the residences draws a parallel between cosmetics, architecture, and art. Just as removing makeup reveals the essence of the skin, a thoughtfully designed space can strip away distractions and bring out something deeper. The intimacy of the space invites private, meaningful conversations much like the intimate nature of personal care.

Casa Maxence, nestled in Barcelonas Sarrià district, is a stunning reflection of the Guillon family's deep connection to the city's artistic and architectural heritage. Once the Valmont South Middle Europe headquarters, this 1905 modernist gem is adorned with pastel tones and intricate high-relief motifs, echoing the influences of Gaudi and Catalan Art Nouveau. Blending art, design, and the Guillons' passion for refinement, Casa Maxence offers an immersive, emotional experience, featuring a serene Japanese garden and an artist's studio.

A true celebration of family, heritage, and creativity, it transforms hospitality into a living art form.

Maison Valmonts skincare line is available online, in select five-star hotels, and at their boutiques spas in Berlin and Munich. These Maison Valmont locations offer more than just products they deliver a full sensory experience. Each boutique is designed to immerse visitors in Valmonts world of art and beauty, with personalized skincare consultations and treatments tailored to individual needs.