Domaine de la Résidence

It’s clear from a glance at its decidedly modern architecture — from its glass-fronted restaurant to its lodges, with their rakish silhouettes and primary-colored elements — that Le Domaine de la Résidence is no ordinary country-house hotel. Though it’s set just minutes from the center of Metz, it’s an experience that immerses its guests in nature — its fourteen lodges line the lakeside and dot the forest, providing an instant escape from city life.

Not, however, from modernity. The lakeside lodges carry their primary-color theme into the interiors as well, and add graphic elements as well as modern furniture. Meanwhile the interiors of the Scandinavian-style “Wikkel” lodges stick mostly to unfinished birch, but the details, again, are more modern than rustic, and they’re enlivened by some bold choices in accent colors.

A greenhouse-style structure contains an indoor swimming pool as well as a whirlpool, a sauna, a hammam, and a sensory shower. And the bistro-style restaurant, Vol128, is also blessed with impressive views of the property thanks to its wraparound glass walls; here chef Germain Samoun makes use of fresh seasonal ingredients. The bar, too, is impressive, and adjoins a capacious display-style wine cellar.