ESCAPE
ESCAPE
A legendary luxury hotel
Set in glorious grounds overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva, the Hotel Royal in Évian-les-Bains is a unique haven of peace renowned for golf, its evian ® spa, art, gastronomy, wellness and of course its luxurious bedrooms – where the very best in Swiss beds by Elite are naturally the preferred option.
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naugurated in 1909, Hotel Royal in Évian-les-Bains aspired to be the “finest
Zanzibar and the Shah of Persia. Other former patrons include Anna de Noailles, Marcel Proust and in more recent years Greta Garbo, the Aga Khan, François Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac; the latter attended the G8 summit held at the hotel in 2003. Waking up in paradise All of these VIPs have had the privilege of opening a window in one of the Royal’s luxury suites and enjoying some of the most breathtaking views in the world. The views from the hotel (nestled amid 19 hectares of outstanding grounds) take in Lake Geneva, the mountains and the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experiencing a sunrise at the Royal is a real blessing. As the sun’s rays shine onto the king size bed and pick out the different shades of blue and yellow wall decorations, your gaze is drawn to the mist-shrouded Lake; you feel like you’re in paradise. The frescoes in the Royal’s lobby and restaurant are a pleasing extension of the gentle natural surroundings, giving the hotel a unique and magical sense of peerless refinement. Designed by Gustave Jaulmes, one of the most prominent artists of the
early twentieth century, the decor was restored during the major renovation works in 2015 that returned the Royal to its former glory.
hotel in Europe”. Following a full restoration programme in 2015, today it is still a premium luxury hotel that combines the exquisite touch of the Belle Époque with the modernity of a ‘palace’ hotel where wellbeing is celebrated on a daily basis. You enter a different world when you arrive at the Royal. Elegantly set in pleasant green grounds in a clearing above Lake Geneva, the majestic all-white palace hotel suddenly comes into view between a grove of rhododendrons and a hundred-year- old cedar tree. It’s no accident that the hotel recalls the English stately homes that do such an excellent job of blending extravagance and cosiness; indeed, the Royal was built to welcome King Edward VII of England. Sadly, though, the high-living monarch passed away in 1910 before he had the chance to pay a visit. The hotel was nonetheless named after him, and has welcomed a succession of other royals including Queen Amelia of Portugal, the Sultan of
Spa, gastronomy, sports and a kids’ club
The recent renovations also include the creation of the first evian ® spa in Europe, now one of the hotel’s star attractions. This expansive yet snug, scented space with views of the surrounding countryside and Lake Geneva opens onto an infinity pool which gives the illusion of being a part of the lake itself, in much the same way as the Royal’s grounds blend seamlessly into the surrounding countryside and the two magnificent golf courses. For families, there’s the best-in-class kids’ club with its own dedicated tennis courts and pool. And for foodies, we recommend the fine cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Patrice Vander: meticulously crafted dishes that are in step with the seasons and nothing short of culinary masterpieces, served in unforgettable settings beneath the frescoes or on the sumptuous terrace. Could this indeed be the finest hotel in the world?
Queen Amelia of Portugal, the Sultan of Zanzibar, the Shah of Persia, Anna de Noailles, Marcel Proust, Greta Garbo, the Aga Khan, François Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac.
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