Hotellerie de Mascognaz ★★★★

Summer is the season to explore the mountains, to live surrounded by nature, and to soak up the clean, fresh air. It is during the warmer months that floral fragrances reign strong and the spectacular views are made colourful with blossoming plant life and lush greenery. Yes, summer is the time to draw life from nature and bask in the wonders of a landscape that has prevailed for centuries.

In Mascognaz, the enchanting backdrop harks back to a simple time, when a laidback lifestyle was of utmost importance and traditions made themselves at home. Dating back to the 1300s, the village harbours the thrill of an intense moment in history, agelessly perched against the Monte Rosa. Here, nature walks take you deep into the landscape as well as the backstory of the region, with an eclectic soiree of flora and fauna. Those on the hunt for some adventure can whizz along mountain pathways by bike, feeling the fresh breeze ruffle their hair and the whistle of birds echoing for miles around. As I explored the village and its surroundings, I found an endless supply of hidden corners bursting with life. The Hotellerie de Mascognaz slots in perfectly with this essence of nature and harmonic landscapes. Located 3km from the centre of Champoluc, the hotel is haven of relaxation with a peaceful mountain spa and a traditional hammam. At sunset, yoga classes by Corinne Favre provide the perfect way to unwind.

At the Hotellerie de Mascognaz, each chalet takes on a personality of its own. Chalet Etre flourishes in a fine display of antique textiles, Chalet Monterosa is a beautiful union between stone and wood, whilst Chalet Rascard was, at one point in time, a village barn. All eight chalets are decorated in a typical mountain style, with plenty of wood and plush furnishings. A splash of luxurious charm in the form of modern technologies and contemporary fixtures and fittings makes them the perfect hideaway, whilst the rustic touches keep in tune with the natural ambiance.

Day trips to Champoluc are easy to organise with the hotel’s free shuttle service, but the 19m long pool won’t keep you away from the hotel for long. It was the wellness area that really sealed the deal for me, though, with its sumptuous sauna, traditional hammam, Kneipp bath and hot tub, and its extensive range of massages. There is a gym, too, for an active way to start the day. There are plenty of active pursuits to get stuck into as well, from mountain biking and hiking, to guided tours and ski rentals.

As the day draws to a close, the hotel’s restaurant serves up a menu of refined, local cuisine and, in summer, grills take place around the chalets accompanied by a round of wine tasting. Whatever your prerogative is for exploring the mountains, Hotellerie de Mascognaz has everything you need. Surrounded by the dashing scenery, the stylish chalets and the hotel’s relaxing wellness facilities make for the perfect hideaway at any time of the year.