We love Alsace for its quaint little villages, its iconic wine route, and its famous restaurant scene. Beautiful, generous, and gourmet, the region also knows how to welcome, with charming hotels and zen spas, all of which promise delicious moments of well-being. Follow the guide!
Precious break
On the square in front of the town hall in Barr, the wine-growing capital of Bas-Rhin, this old building from the 16th century has been transformed into a luxury hotel without losing any of its charm: the 5 Terres Hotel & Spa, under the name MGallery By Sofitel. Noble materials, exposed beams, and stone bricks adorn the 27 rooms overlooking the vineyard. Nestled in a vaulted cellar of Vosges sandstone, with a wall covered with 4,800 gold leaf, the spa (swimming pool, steam room, sauna) is a precious jewel. New: Since November 2017, a restaurant and a wine bar add to the delights of the place.
A Relais & Châteaux connected with nature
Between Strasbourg and Colmar, on the borders of Alsace and Vosges, La Chenaudière is a charming family house (38 rooms), faithful to the spirit of Relais & Châteaux for 40 years—winning its 5th star last year. You can relax in the heart of nature around a famous table, but especially during a break at the beautiful Nature-Spa, distinguished best hotel spa in Europe by the Prix Villégiature in 2014. Flotarium (we won't ruin the surprise for you), 3 swimming pools, 4 saunas (one glazed on stilts), outdoor panoramic pool ... it's 2500 m² of pure happiness!
Maximum pleasure
In the country of Mont Saint-Odile, at the foot of the Vosges mountains and on the Alsace wine route, Ottrott is a typical village, famous for its castles and monastery. There is also a stop for the Hostellerie des Châteaux & Spa, a 4-star hotel (with a gourmet restaurant) whose 2,500 m² spa has recently been expanded; it now has 3 swimming pools and 10 saunas with family areas. Our favorite? The suites with Jacuzzi, panoramic sauna, or private hammam with a ritual of care inspired by the vineyard.
Relaxation for two
Near the village of Jungholtz, less than 25 minutes from Mulhouse and Colmar, but in the heart of the Alsatian nature, Les Violettes Hotel & Spa overlooks the Thierenbach valley and its basilica. We adore the space and the view for a romantic and relaxing break. Wellness facilities, including an impressive colonnade pool, have been further enhanced and the spa expanded. To note: the laconium, soft version of the Finnish sauna, and especially the salt cave, are really original and worth the visit!
Make yourself at home
A safe bet, but one of which we don't get tired! Without fussing too much over the star rating (which it deserves), Chez Julien is a splendid family home which, in the heart of the Vosges forest, has become a reference for its table and its self-care spaces. The spa (with a 48-meter pool heated to 29 ° C) is a warm cocoon to recharge your batteries. We recommend the view of the mountains and meadows from the panoramic sauna: magical, whatever the season!
Double or nothing
A spa is good ... two is even better! By 2019, the family-run 4-star Hôtel Le Parc in Obernai, 30 minutes from Strasbourg, will unveil a 2,500-m² wellness temple. The centerpiece of the place, the indoor pool will offer no less than ten types of atmosphere and thirty activities. It will be connected to the outside basin by water corridors. The new spa will also feature 3 saunas, two steam rooms, a rest area and five wellness-oriented suites. This new spa complements the facilities of the existing Asian Spa, which will be dedicated to families.
More information: - Prepare your trip in Alsace
By Pascale Filliâtre
Journalist-traveller. I often voyage to the end of the world to explore what France offers... just next door. filliatre.pascale@orange.fr
