The QC Terme is nestled near Pré Saint Didier in the heart of the Aosta Valley, at the foot of Europe’s highest mountain, the glorious Mont Blanc. Not surprisingly, it looks more like Switzerland than how you would picture Italy. We arrived to find an alpine chalet-style building complete with wooden balconies, surrounded by stunning hills and snow-capped mountains. The surrounding gardens and lawns in front are the most intense fresh green. In short, a stay at the QC Terme Monte Bianco Spa & Resort is pure, bracing Alpine bliss!
Upon entering we were immediately met by friendly and helpful reception staff. Glass, wood and stone-tiled floors emphasising the use of noble, natural materials, are in keeping with the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Our room was spacious and softly furnished; as well as the king-size bed there were armchairs and a coffee table, lots of wardrobe space and a desk as well, along with free Wi-Fi. Our first destination was the balcony where we were content just to sit for a while and take in the absolutely stunning mountain views. There was a TV and mini-bar as well, and the contents were a surprise – as well as the expected drinks, there was a lovely array of toiletries from the beauty spa. In the sparkling clean bathroom, we found bathrobes and slippers. As soon as we were unpacked and settled, we went to look around the grounds.
The gardens are lush and beautiful, with a vegetable garden where fresh produce is picked daily for the lunchtime salad bar and the restaurant in the evening. The outdoor plunge pool was illuminated by candles and made a lovely serene atmosphere surrounded by the silent pines. Inside, there are little unexpected areas for relaxing like a reading lounge and a music room. We headed to the restaurant and enjoyed the Mediterranean menu – it reminded us we were in Italy! We had some delicious lamb and fresh vegetables from the garden. Over dinner, we planned our excursions for the next couple of days – one to be spent walking some of the marvellous surrounding mountain trails and one, at my insistence, to be spent in the nearby Pré-Saint-Didier thermal baths.
In the morning, in proper relaxed holiday mode, we had a very leisurely breakfast from the buffet. There was a great range of fresh fruits, cereals, yogurts, fresh traditional cakes and freshly-squeezed juices. Very nicely set up for the day, we set out for a morning walk, after some helpful tips and advice from the staff. The mountain air was better than wine! Pure fresh alpine essence with flowers and fresh greenery, and the awesome presence of Mont Blanc as our backdrop.