Hôtel ★★★★ & Spa L'Alta Peyra

A perfect mountain getaway, this hotel located in Saint-Véran itself has been designed as a small hamlet; it features five interconnecting buildings, so that it blends in with style of the traditional ‘fustes’, the wooden chalets that characterise the village.

Inside, local wood and stone reign, yet with luxurious contemporary touches. Think cosy lounge areas with shaggy rugs, soft velvet sofas and roaring fires. All the rooms are snug and inviting, with wood panelling and natural shades of beige, stone and magnolia. A relaxing seating area, a desk space, a flat screen TV, Wi-Fi and a minibar are joined by charming luxury additions such a bathrobes and slippers – a must for any hideaway mountain retreat.

Breakfasts are served each morning in a light and sunny dining room with surrounding glass windows and spectacular views of the slopes. Come dinner time, indulge in some gourmet cuisine at the L’Alberade, a cosy and contemporary restaurant where warming dishes include raclette and cheesy fondues.

If you’re searching for romance the antique-style Le Roc Alto, serving gourmet French classics is for you, whereas the Dardaya is the perfect place for light lunches and atmospheric sundowners.

If you fancy burning off some calories or simply getting into shape before your mountain adventures, you’ll also find a fully equipped fitness room and indoor pool, complete with magical decorative touches such as rustic logs and snow-covered pines.

After a day spent out in the fresh mountain air, return to the luxurious surrounds of the Alta Peyra and unwind in Spa Nuxe. In treatment rooms decorated with natural stone, larchwood and living plant walls, you can lay back in the hot tub whirlpool, steam bath and sauna or simply indulge in a range of treatments, beauty packages, massages and therapies. There’s even a heated outdoor pool on the sundeck, allowing you to swim and bathe in comfort with uninterrupted mountain views.

It’s not just the spa that’s for relaxation though; you’ll find quiet downtime in many of the hotel’s public spaces. Browse the photographs and paintings in the hotel’s very own light and spacious art gallery or enjoy a drink in the inviting Bar 2040, filled with plush armchairs and contemporary fireplaces. The wonderful Alta Peyra is surely one of the most idyllic properties in one of France’s most idyllic villages.