ABSTRACT
In the past 15 years the French company George V Group has established BuddhaBars and Little Buddha Cafes in 19 different cities of the world. They have become a truly global phenomenon, as many of these venues are located in the developing world and in Asia. In 2007 the company started a new venture by opening its first (of many to come) Buddha Bar Spas in Evian-les-Bains, France. In addition, the company sells Buddha-Bar CDs and T-shirts. On its web page, the company advertises the international chain of Buddha-Bars with these words:
Dining at Buddha-Bar means removing yourself from the frenzy of urban life and plunging into a rejuvenating bath. As soon as you’ve entered this remarkable place with its monumental proportions, you’ll be enthralled by the charm of its soothing, exotic atmosphere. The bar mezzanine, enlaced by 18th century style wroughtiron balustrades, looks out over the dining area where the gigantic Buddha – the bar’s namesake – sits serenely enthroned. The amber-coloured lighting, rich mahogany furniture, Chinese and Japanese art objects, Khmer statues, decorated wood panels, lush reds and gold, luxurious fabrics and Portuguese mosaics all come together to create an opulent and refined décor. In Buddha-Bar wonderland, your taste buds travel to distant lands and inventiveness nests in your plate. The chef creates an edible masterpiece that skillfully combines exotic delicacies with highend cuisine. The best DJs distill their musical selections to infuse your evenings in this sanctuary with an indescribable sensuality. The experience is brilliantly engraved in the famous Buddha-Bar compilations.
