L’Alpaga is situated a 20-minute walk outside of Megève, which although a little further from the ski lift, means you benefit from more glorious alpine views. Visiting at the end of March, we weren’t here for the skiing anyhow, with few white blankets left in the region at this time of year.
And with the summer season approaching, it’s well worth remembering that the French alps offer so much more than the slopes. Impressive scenery, quaint, traditional villages (albeit with upmarket shops such as Hermès), mountain biking, hiking, paragliding and hot air ballooning are all within reach. You can even take a horse-drawn carriage ride around town and into the valley, should the mood strike.
Just an hour from Geneva airport, L’Alpaga offers 26 bedrooms, all decorated in a contemporary chalet-style theme (think faux furs, cashmere rugs and a roaring fire by way of the TV as part of the turn-down service). Bathrooms include a huge, deep tub and Diptyque bath products for easing aching muscles after an action-packed day. In addition there are private chalets which would be better suited to groups of friends or families.
If the above activities sound a little too strenuous, the small on-site spa should appeal. Head to the basement to discover a pool with jets, a little gym area, hammam and treatment rooms, where we enjoyed a relaxing hour-long massage. Outside, a Scandi-style sauna and natural hot tub overlooks Mont-Blanc.
In the kitchen young chef Alexandre Baule, has recently taken over one Michelin star restaurant La Table. Here his signature dish is frog legs (what else?) but elsewhere focuses on seasonal vegetables and locally sourced ingredients. As for the desserts, award winning patisserie chef Tess Evans-Mialet, has a light and inventive touch when it comes to all things sweet. Afternoon tea is not to be missed.
Le Bistrot is the other, less formal restaurant, where breakfast is also served buffet-style. We loved the pastries, fresh fruit and yoghurt, but hot dishes, such as omelettes and scrambled eggs, are also available. The hotel bar is a cosy, relaxing space, whether enjoying a cocktail, listening to live music or taking afternoon tea.
With all that on offer, you can see how skiing was far from our mind…
