Le Saint Gervais Hôtel & Spa

Saint Gervais les Bains is a ski town, but not only a ski town — though it stands at the foot of Mont Blanc, and offers access to a vast network of ski runs, it’s got a permanent year-round population, and was established as a spa town long before the advent of ski tourism as a mass phenomenon. All of which is by way of explaining the fact that this Alpine village manages to sustain a hotel of the caliber of Le Saint Gervais Hôtel & Spa — a stylish, contemporary luxury boutique hotel that wouldn’t look out of place in any of France’s major cities, occupying a lovely Art Nouveau heritage building from the early 20th century.

The rooms and suites are divided between the original structure and a contemporary addition; all combine retro atmosphere with modern interiors and comforts. There’s a spa equipped with an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and four treatment rooms, and a small outdoor pool offers views of the village and the mountains. Meanwhile the restaurant features authentic Italian fare, including wood-fired pizzas.

Though Le Saint Gervais is no ordinary ski hotel, it does offer ski-hotel services, including passes and storage, and the Mont Blanc Tramway is close at hand — and in summer, the village offers access to no end of Alpine recreation, from hiking and biking to rafting, paragliding, and more.