instants d'Absolu Ecolodge & Spa

Well off the beaten path in the scenic Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans, Instants d’Absolu Ecolodge & Spa is a stylish retreat in the middle of nowhere. This restored farmhouse is the only hotel — indeed, the only building of any kind, save for a bird observatory across the water — on the wooded shores of the deep blue Lac du Pêcher. There are no screens or phones here, just quiet, sun-filled suites, a lakefront restaurant, a state-of-the-art spa, and refreshing views of natural landscapes all around. Covered in snow in winter, these landscapes are a playground for hiking and horseback riding the rest of the year.

Though the main house is fairly large, Instants d’Absolu is intimately sized, with just a dozen rooms. Each is uniquely decorated, but they all have some features in common: hardwood floors, an earthy color palette, writing desks, linen drapery, antique pieces, and rustic-chic details like alpaca throw pillows and bedside tables made of tree trunks. All guests get timed-entry access to the spa with its open-air Japanese-style bath, and a large terrace facing the lake is perfect for reading or bird-watching. A short walk along the water, past the greenhouses where the kitchen staff grows vegetables and herbs, leads to a wooden chalet housing a restaurant with a grill and inviting open-air tables.