Year after year the French Alps attracts thousands of tourists, each more eager than the last to carve their path through the reliably thick snow that coats the remarkable mountain range. Luxury ski resorts such as Serre Chevalier, Courchevel and Megève guarantee a memorable experience on the slopes, yet the renowned winter hangouts really come into their own off-piste. Contrasting perfectly with the thrilling bitterness of the snowy runs, the numerous spa resorts that cling to the mountainsides provide a relaxing refuge for tourists to unwind. We’ve handpicked five of our favourites to warm your iced limbs:
The 5 Best Spa Hotels in the French Alps
1. Le Christiania Spa Hotel, Serre Chevalier
This charismatic retreat is in a breath-taking setting and welcomes guests after a long day of skiing. With a host of massage and beauty treatments, Le Christiania invites visitors to unwind in bliss. It also offers a sauna and hammam, a dedicated relaxation room and a new fish spa. The hotel’s traditional exterior sets the cosy atmosphere for a relaxing stay.
2. Radisson Blu Resort, Les Arcs
The Radisson Blue Resort is well-positioned for ski-in access. It offers a swimming pool, as well as full spa facilities – perfect for thawing out after skiing. The towering figure of Mont Blanc is visible from the hotel and greets guests as they leave for the ski lift in the morning.
3. La Sivoliere, Courchevel
La Sivoliere is heaven on earth for those that value a spa in which they can relax of an evening. The hotel offers a balneo therapy swimming pool with counter-current technology. Additionally, the hotel provides a hammam, a sauna, a massage room and a gym suite.
4. Les Fermes de Marie, Megève
The 5-star Les Fermes de Maria sets the standard for spa resorts in the French Alps. Offering a deluxe ‘multi-sensorial’ spa, the hotel redefines the term ‘après-ski’. Guests are bound to trade more traditional pursuits for therapeutic bliss by relaxing in the sensational facilities – both indoor and outdoor sauna and Jacuzzis, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and a Japanese bath, to name but a few.
Image credits: Les Fermes de Marie / L. Di Orio, MPM, T. Shu & DR
5. Hotel Fitz Le, Val Thorens
The Hotel Fitz Roy in Val Thorens encapsulates everything that is best about spa resorts in the French Alps. Ideally located just meters from the slopes, the hotel allows full access to an expanse of slopes. The spa facilities are second to none, with a swimming pool, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a range of tantalizing treatments.
Author: Jason Scott
For some crazy reason, we are yet to ski France, but we certainly will be soon. These spa hotels have given me some good ideas.
OMG!! I want to go. I have to say Le Christiania Spa Hotel, Serre Chevalier looks like my favourite. So relaxing and interesting all at the same time.
I think I would love one of these in the summer, the scenery for me is even more beautiful in green!
These all look blissful to return to after a hard day’s skiing. I love the quirkiness of Les Fermes de Marie and the combination of rustic and contemporary at La Sivoliere.
They are all so stunning, yet different. The setting is absolutely magical. My first attempt at skiing was nothing special (at all) but I had just fallen from an attic into the floor below about a month previously, so I think my natural balance was a bit off. What a heavenly selection of spa hotels.
Wow, these are all amazing hotels. I’ve never doing any skiing in France or for that matter Europe. These do look quite tempting and who knows what 2016 will bring.
amazing list never heard of any of these! def an eye opener