Discover luxury in its purest form at the Evian Resort Lake Geneva

Posted October 10, 2012 by GC Privé in Europe

Set between the serene waters of Lake Geneva and the dramatic peaks of the French Alps, the Evian Resort overlooks the pretty town of Evian-les-Bains and, beyond it, lies a stunning view of neighbouring Switzerland. Surrounded by natural goodness, Evian has created an oasis of heavenly relaxation and pure 5-star indulgence.

With two grand hotels to choose from, each with their own blissfully revitalising spa, the Evian Resort offers something for everyone; from romantic getaways to stylish family breaks away. The activities centre, with it’s vast array of things to do, will keep your inner thrill-seeker up in seventh heaven whilst the resort’s Evian Masters golf course is an absolute dream for keen players. What’s more, just a short walk away, sits the ‘source cachat’; a fountain from which the world’s most famous mineral water flows, untouched, directly from the heart of the mountains.

Rejuvenation

The resort offers two properties, both set within lush grounds, each a short walk away from one another. The 5-star Hotel Royal which, first built in honour of King Edward VII in 1909 and once used as a war-time
hospital for soldiers, is steeped in history. At the time of it’s construction, designed by famous French architect Ernest Hébrard, the Royal was considered one of the most luxurious hotels ever built and was hugely popular with the wealthy elite during the roaring twenties. Whilst the hotel has since been renovated to meet modern standards, the Royal’s frescoes, mosaics, high ceilings and wide corridors remain bringing it’s golden past to the fore. It’s 152 rooms and suites have an air of splendour with their marble bathrooms and rich mahogany interiors whilst the grand lounge downstairs is the perfect setting for some early evening aperitifs. Guests may enjoy a truly marvellous dining experience at La Suite, one of the hotel’s four restaurants, where the menu offers both traditional french cuisine and exquisite contemporary dishes matched beautifully with local wines by an extremely knowledgeable sommelier.

There are two spas at the Evian Resort and guests are free to use either. The Spa Evian Source, based in the Hotel Royal, is a fresh, revitalising experience and offers an array of tantalising treatments for the mind, body and soul, the Evian philosophy embroiled throughout. The hydro-contact trail is a selection of outdoor jacuzzis and offers a taste of hydro-therapy. The Spa Maison 4 Terres, located in the Royal’s sister hotel, is a cosier affair, however, and has a swimming pool, relaxation area with water beds and several well-stocked treatment rooms all immersed in a peaceful ambience.

Hotel Ermitage is Evian’s second offering but is by no means second best. Each property is different; the Ermitage is a newly renovated and highly luxurious boutique hotel sat slightly higher up than the Royal with awe-inspiring views of the lake and easy access to the spa town below via the traditional ‘funicular’ or mountain train. The rooms are undeniably chic and stylish with no expense spared; gentle illumination, spacious king-sized beds, a huge flatscreen TV – and a bathroom filled with spa goodies, a rain dance shower and warm, inviting bathrobes - create a personal sanctuary geared towards relaxation. And, of course, complimentary bottles of Evian water, refreshed daily, add the final touch. La Table, the hotel’s main restaurant, offers authentic, elegant cuisine made with fresh, natural ingredients – there’s even a ‘spa’ menu for those pursuing total rejuvenation.

Discover luxury in its purest form at the Evian Resort Lake Geneva

Relax and enjoy the clean mountain air in the grounds of Hotel Ermitage

Adventure

But if you’re after something a little more adventurous than the spa, you’ve hit the jackpot. The Evian Resort has an activities centre that’ll set up almost anything come rain, snow or shine. From hiking in gorgeous green pastures to jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet, the activities staff are brimming with ideas. In the summer, pony trekking, white water rafting, picnics, hiking and mountain biking are all popular choices among guests whilst, in the winter, skiing and snowboarding is made easy by going to Evian’s local ski slope, no more than a 10 minute shuttle ride away. Although, should that not satisfy a thirst for kicks, the main ski resorts at Avoriaz and Morzine are just 45 minutes away by shuttle (Evian provides a free service for guests). And the best part is you can turn up with absolutely no gear, the hotel will kit you out with everything you need.

The service at the Evian resort is second to none. Each and every staff member appears to take enjoyment at the sight of a happy guest and you’re left wanting for nothing. Knowledgable, bi-lingual and passionate about the brand, the Evian team know how to make your stay that extra special.

Well-being

The whole area surrounding the Evian Resort is protected by law and everything around you seems to improve your well-being. Even the typically quaint french chalets look hand-made, built with expert craftsmanship. It comes as no surprise considering this town, known as the ‘pearl of Lake Geneva’, sits upon the birthplace of our planet’s very own natural elixir. The ‘source cachat’ is a fountain in the centre of town from which real Evian water flows directly from the mountains. The water undergoes over a decade of purification, from start to finish, arriving at the fountain nearly 15 years after first beginning it’s journey atop the peaks of the French Alps.

In 1759, the Marquis of Lessert believed himself cured of kidney problems due to various ‘curative’ properties found in the water and thus the Evian legend was born. This ‘healing’ ethos seems to permeate all aspects of this gloriously ‘raw’ destination from the Evian Resort to the very locals that work inside it. Clean, fresh mountain air and breathtaking views coupled with the unrivalled splendour of the Evian Resort make this a truly luxurious break discovered in the purest of forms.