France
Pays de Loire
Perched 4 metres above ground on stilts, the 18 eco-chic cabins come with a king-size bed, a private terrace with a relaxing bath, and large bay windows for total immersion in the canopy. At the centre of the estate, a vast longhouse welcomes guests for meals at the bar-restaurant or relaxed moments in the library lounge, before heading out to wander the estate's wooded trails, dotted with works by contemporary artists.
While lunching in the heart of the vegetable garden is one option, bringing the garden to the plate is a given on the summer menu, to everyone's delight.
A place out of time, far from the clamour of the city, where art and nature come together.
Built on stilts from wood species found in the surrounding forest, the 18 lodges are true warm and cosy suites. Their large bay windows and open terraces, each equipped with a private spa, encourage a harmonious dialogue between indoor spaces and the forest. As a finishing touch, the decor of each lodge is signed by a contemporary artist. A few examples:
Named among the sexiest suites in the world by the Times, the “Lucien” lodge-suite pays tribute to the genius of Serge Gainsbourg. Immerse yourself in the musical world of this great artist by listening to his vinyl records, or listen to the birds and the sound of the wind while relaxing in your private jacuzzi on the terrace? A real dilemma… What if you did both?
The Houppelandes lodge-suite is an invitation to travel by Elisabeth Riou and her work centred on centuries-old capes. Meditate facing a vast open clearing or in your private terrace jacuzzi in the shade of the oak trees — it's your choice…
The Uzume lodge, designed by Jacques Bosser as a tribute to the eponymous Japanese goddess, invites you to contemplation and relaxation at the heart of the raw, wild forest.
The Efflorescences lodge, designed by Cédric Porchez, welcomes you for a romantic night at the heart of the raw, wild forest. Your only problem will be choosing between jacuzzi or sauna… But who says you have to make such decisions?
Dine beneath an artist's chandelier with 100 Barbie legs at the heart of a raw, wild forest — that's what awaits in the “Moodywood” lodge by Cedric Marcillac Lehmann
The springtime colours of Philippe Borderieux's works bring light and freshness to the Via Nilo lodge.
Anne-Sophie DUFEUTRELLE specializes in energetic massage and energy rebalancing. Forest massages are performed in your private lodge, on the terrace or in your room, following the scents and sounds of the surrounding nature.
All massages incorporate natural elements from trees, plants, flowers, or forest essences, starting with the exclusive massage oil made from essential oils. A reset of energy, an inner journey, a sensory pause to feel your body and reconnect with yourself.
Listening to the live concert of birdsong before sunset from your terrace or your jacuzzi, glass in hand while waiting for dinner to be delivered, is an activity in its own right at Loire Valley Lodges. Watching every shade of red, orange, pink and mauve of a sunset over the forest from your private jacuzzi is equally part of the experience.
Drawing on various approaches such as meditation and sophrology, Emilie offers a gentle, non-tactile relaxation method, guiding you with her voice toward calm and serenity. By identifying your own inner resources, a one-hour session alternates deep-breathing exercises and positive visualisation to bring the total release needed for your well-being during your stay. Your finest resource is yourself!
Every Sunday morning, a relaxation session guided by Émilie takes place outdoors, around “Amore” by Matteo Logreco — a chance to unwind in the heart of nature at the foot of a work of art.
Forest bathing session: relaxation beneath the tall Douglas firs. An experience led by Anne-Caroline, the founder of this place, or by Céline, a forest-bathing practitioner and naturopath. Alone or in a group, come breathe with the trees and rediscover your senses.