Luxury short break at the Evian Resort, Lake Geneva
I was thrilled to be invited for an action packed 2 night/ 3 day stay at the Evian Resort in France.
At the foot of the Alps, the Evian Resort is one the most prestigious resorts in the world. Only 45km from Geneva with its international airport, this oasis of calm boasts two luxury hotels, the recently renovated 5-star Hotel Royal and the 4-star Hotel Ermitage.
We flew to Geneva airport (a 75-minute flight time from London Heathrow with Swiss Air) and were met by the Evian resort team to be whisked by private vehicle to explore the Evian resort. Our first stop was the Hotel Royal which offers a breath- taking panorama of Lake Geneva and the French/Swiss Alps.
Hotel Royal: 5-star
Flagship of the Evian Resort, I was delighted to check in for my 2 night stay at the Hotel Royal, which is one of the most unique and luxurious hotels in the world, renowned as a place to get away from it all and recharge your batteries. Set within 47 hectares of beautiful grounds, this exquisite 150-room property is just a 10-minute drive from Evian-Les-Bains and offers a Spa, wellness centre (sauna, hammam, hot tub), tennis courts, indoor/ outdoor swimming pools plus a first-class golf course located nearby. The stylish contemporary design of the hotel blends with the unique Belle Epoque architecture from the start of the 20th century and it was recently awarded ‘Palace’status.
Hotel Ermitage: 4-star
Next up was a tour of the Hotel Ermitage, which with its Anglo-Normand architectural style and elegantly designed 80 rooms and family suites is a charming property. Located in the heart of the Evian Resort, this family hotel is equipped with all the essentials to welcome children, and is dedicated to golf, relaxation and outdoor sporting activities for parents and their kids. They are also respectful towards nature too and the establishment has been labelled with ‘Earth Check’, the international ecological certification programme in the field of tourism.
Kids’ Resort
As a mother of an energetic toddler I was eager to nosy around the on-site Kids’ Resort which is located between the two hotels. It welcomes children free of charge from the age of 3 years. The Kids’ Resort caters for 3 to 9 year olds and the Teens’ Resort 10 to 17 year olds. With a multitude of indoor/outdoor activities run by qualified activity leaders it is open every day all year round. There is a safe outdoor play area, indoor heated & supervised pool, activities room, rest room with board games and dance studio where they can channel all their exuberant energy! (There is also a Baby Resort catering for 4 month old to 3 years for which there is an additional charge).
Spa
Now it was time for some much needed pampering. The luxurious Spa Evian Source Centre features 2 pools, 1 aqua gym pool, a hammam, a sauna, a hot tub and fitness rooms. Guests also have access to indoor and outdoor tennis courts. With a huge array of treatments from facials to full body massages you can lie back in the hands of expert therapists and relax.
Michelin star restaurant: Les Fresques
The restaurant Les Fresques in the Hotel Royal has just been rewarded once again with a star by this year’s Michelin Guide 2022 so I was excited to sample some of their culinary delights in the evening. Exquisite course upon course appeared throught the ched, courtesy of the chef, paired with perfect wines. I had never tried asparagus ice cream, but somehow it worked and my taste buds were left tingling after this sensational meal.
Hiking in Thollon Des Mises, France
Next on the itinerary was a visit to Thollon-Les-Mémises, a village resort with a family atmosphere only a 20-minute drive away from the hotel. The resort has direct access to 50km of downhill skiing, with 14 marked pistes, served by a total of 18 ski lifts. It offers good skiing, particularly for intermediate and beginner skiers. Snow shoeing and paragliding are also an option. We enjoyed a lovely hike to a local viewpoint and then a splendid lunch to taste a Savoyard speciality of cheese fondue at the panoramic restaurant “Les Balcons du Lac” with breath-taking views of Lake Geneva.
Golf lesson with a Pro at the Evian Resort Golf club & Academy
I am not a golfer but this was a great chance to have a go and learn from a professional on one of the most beautiful courses in Europe. In each lesson players receives bespoke golf instruction focusing on drills and all golf shots, whilst varying distance and direction. I soon got the hang of it and they even filmed us to then analyse our swing angles and posture. ‘Keep your arms straight Zoe’ is still ringing in my ears. It was amazing to learn how to hit a golf ball cleanly and watch it sail into the air over the bunkers.
Lunch in Yvoire, France
Last on the itinerary was a wander through one of the most beautiful villages in France. Yvoire is a small but very romantic small town right on the French shores of Lake Geneva. This traffic-free village has managed to preserve much of its medieval look with town walls and gates, a historic castle, and narrow cobblestone streets. Yvoire is a beautiful town year-round but particularly attractive during spring and summer when it is filled with flowers blooming from seemingly every balcony and windowsill.
(Zoe travelled in March 2022 and had an amazing 3 day trip thanks to the incredibly generous @masonrose, @hotelroyalevian and @evian_resort)