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 Handwritten Collection — 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 Avanti, serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine with homemade pizzas, and is complemented by the elegant Marie Paradis Bar.

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 — every room reservation includes a tramway ticket. And in summer, the village offers access to no end of Alpine recreation, from hiking and biking to rafting, paragliding, and more.