Luxury architecture and spa weekend: unforgettable getaways within easy reach of Belgium

On the shores of Lake Geneva: luxury treatments in a five-star hotel by Jacques Garcia

If you want to breathe in the mountain air while staying in a luxurious resort, the first place that comes to mind is Geneva. Here, guests are welcomed with style and a real sense of hospitality at the Hotel La Réserve. Nestled in the heart of a park on the shores of Lake Geneva, this residence was entirely thought of by businessman Michel Reybier.

This renowned Geneva luxury hotel can offer a range of accommodation decorated with great class and distinction by French interior designer Jacques Garcia, the genius behind numerous opulent hotels throughout the world (Hôtel Costes and Fouquet’s in Paris, NoMad hotels in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, to name but a few). The interior atmosphere of La Réserve is warm, colourful and refined to the extreme. As for the rooms, in addition to the unmistakable lodge spirit, a wide array of high standard facilities can be explored. Luxury is even taken to new heights with the possibility of choosing the composition of your pillow, for total comfort.

Of course, well-being is at the heart of the hotel, with a 1,800 square metres space dedicated to skin and body care and relaxation. Indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, hammam, massage and treatment rooms… Everything has been laid on in this sumptuous spa to help you escape the daily grind and free yourself from the stress, with family or friends.

One of the spa’s trump cards is its partnership with the Nescens brand, an expert in top-of-the-range anti-ageing care systems. Thanks to a wide range of treatments, such as the better-aging facial massage, spa guests leave with a new lease of life.

In the Alps: a prestigious and revitalising wellness getaway in a unique chalet

Looking for ideas for a wellness spa weekend? Easily accessible from Belgium by train or car, French hotel Le Chalet promises guests an unforgettable short stay in one of its 12 luxury suites. Located just a few steps from the historic medieval centre of the resort of Megève, this premium hotel fascinates with its ability to blend hedonism and authenticity. Natural and noble materials are used in both the architecture and the interior design. The furniture is crafted by local artisans, giving this exceptional place a unique atmosphere.

To make the most of a luxury spa weekend, it is possible to stay in a suite offering all the creature comforts and privacy of a real home. From the lounge area to the luxury bathroom, every minute you spend here is meant to be enjoyed.

When it comes to relaxation, the hotel’s residents have everything they could wish for in the spa area, where staff, who have turned attentiveness into an art form, is at the ready to welcome each guest for an exclusive moment of relaxation.

The Vals thermal baths in Switzerland: a stay in unforgettable architecture by Peter Zumthor

While the mountains are often synonymous with sturdy woodwork and natural charm, it is possible to enjoy the bracing air while staying in an establishment featuring an ultra-contemporary design. The 7132 Hotel, and especially the rooms of the 7132 House of Architects, are popular destinations for architecture and art enthusiasts and professionals. Some of the world’s leading contemporary designers have been involved in the renovation of the hotel. Among them: Peter Zumthor, a world-renowned Swiss architect, alongside Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Tadao Ando.

This luxury hotel is also famous for its thermal spa, located near a hot spring. In keeping with the hotel’s vibe, this building also sets out to be different. Peter Zumthor is again responsible for the design of this architectural jewel. Clean lines and natural stone are the hallmarks of this extraordinary décor, which earned its designer one of the most prestigious awards in architecture: the Pritzker Prize.

Paris: a weekend in a luxury spa hotel near Belgium by Jean-Michel Wilmotte

Less than two hours from Brussels by train, it is possible to recharge your batteries during a getaway in the City of Light. The Hôtel Lutetia opens its doors to visitors to Paris for a weekend in a luxury spa hotel a stone’s throw from Belgium.

In addition to the pleasures of body treatments and the relaxing moments offered by the indoor pool, a design entirely reworked by the famous French architect, urban planner and designer Jean-Michel Wilmotte awaits guests wishing to spend a mini-break in this lavish establishment.

The Lutetia Hotel underwent a complete renovation in 2014. Thanks to the expertise of Jean-Michel Wilmotte’s firm, the Belle-Époque architectural elements were subtly combined with a contemporary style.

Classified as a prestige hotel, the Lutetia is now part of the luxury hotel group The Set. Attention to detail and customer care are among the group’s core values. No effort is spared to ensure that guests are treated to an exceptional and unique moment.

In terms of relaxation, the holistic approach of the Akasha spa at the Lutetia allows guests to rediscover a true harmony between body and mind thanks to a treatment programme carried out in collaboration with top-of-the-range brands such as Carita or CellCosmet, an expert in the field of cellular science.

In Deauville: an exceptional seaside wellness break in an interior designed by Alexandre Danan and Nathalie Ryan

After the mountains and the City of Light, the mythical seaside resort of Deauville is a tempting place to set down your luggage for a weekend dedicated to well-being. To take in the benefits of the sea air while staying in sumptuous surroundings, there is nothing like spending a few days in a five-star rated spa near Belgium.

This luxury setting is called Le Normandy. The establishment, which dates from the beginning of the last century with an architecture rooted in the style of half-timbered houses, underwent a complete makeover in 2016. The luxury hotel was completely redecorated, and two French interior designers, Alexandre Danan and Nathalie Ryan (regulars of the Barrière hotel group, just like Jacques Garcia) were tasked with breathing new life into the building’s atmosphere. The historical charm of the establishment, specific to the Belle-Epoque, has been preserved, and infused with even more elegance in the course of the renovation.

The Normandy’s signature treatment is the ‘aerial wellbeing for the future’ concept: a tailor-made regenerating treatment offered in the hotel’s prestigious spa. An unforgettable experience not to be missed.

If you want to indulge in a luxury spa weekend without compromising on your passion for high-end architecture and artistic discoveries, you don’t have to look far. Heavenly havens of relaxation are just a few hours away by car or train. These addresses are also an opportunity to satisfy a need to disconnect, which is essential to well-being. An effective way to put into practice a concept that is currently trending: slow living.