Hotel Royal Evian Resort

Evian-les-Bains

Located on the banks of Lake Leman facing Lausanne in Switzerland, Evian-les-Bains is a French thermal spa city whose Evian water is famous throughout the world. In 1808, the water from the spring was analyzed and found to contain numerous healing qualities. Today, the Cachat spring bears witness to this fabulous discovery, thanks to which Evian underwent a rapid growth especially with the construction of several luxury hotels.

The period between the two world wars represented the height of Evian’s prestige with the constant presence of crowned heads and international celebrities. In 1938, at the initiative of American President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Evian Conference designed to help Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe was held here.

After 1945, the city’s reputation as a thermal spa began to decline a bit until sports activities here came to its rescue. In 1994, the golf course created in 1904 became the venue for an international women’s tournament, which in 2013, became The Evian Championship, one of the major events of the golfing season.

Bearing witness to the history of Evian

The Royal Hotel was built in 1909 for King Edward VII who never stayed here.

Located on a 19 hectare property surrounded by lush vegetation, the Royal is truly worthy of its reputation as a mythical hotel. Once a resort for the privileged class, it now attracts a variety of guests of all ages. Its openness and conviviality have made it very popular with families.

Entering the hotel means being immersed in a rich history, a past which is spectacularly illustrated by Gustave-Louis Jaulmes’ neo-baroque style frescoes in the lobby which were part of the Royal’s important renovation. Like the building’s arches and domes, they have recovered their original elegance and splendor.

Grandeur and brilliance are essential elements of the Royal. The frescoes’ arabesques and garlands communicate with the other decorative elements like the chandelier in the lobby and even the elevator, renovated according to the site’s original plans.

All the details are in harmony; the craftsmanlike work of architect François Chatillon and designer François Champsaur.

The salon, a relaxation and meeting space, is an important spot and one of the vital arteries of the hotel. The work accomplished to create a venue where exterior and interior communicate has been extremely successful since the terraces which are accessible are like natural extensions of this magnificent site.

The bar, entirely recreated by François Champsaur prolongs the salon. The circular bar under an arch was completely covered with wood, an architectural challenge crowned by a counter made of one piece of marble. Above it, we find a very contemporary LED chandelier.

At the Royal, the spaces are interconnected, crossing each other and revealing themselves while walking, guided by the straight lines and curves of the frescoes which were at the origin of the site’s timeless magic. A more contemporary version of this spirit can be found in the 150 rooms and suites.

The intimate nature of the rooms is preserved thanks to a subtle balance of noble materials and tangible comfort. Nothing here is frozen in time or space or too demonstrative. The interiors are an invitation to stay here.

The Royal also reveals the height of its charm in its attention to detail which, after all, is one of the attributes of true luxury. They are almost imperceptible invisible details that come alive through subtle clues. Being convivial and family like while at the same time proposing an extraordinary experience the fullness and grace of which is only felt in retrospect, is true luxury.

The superb greenery of the property’s 19 hectares is part and parcel of this philosophy. Nature is king here, underlining the magnificence of the building and arousing the curiosity of each guest. How can one possibly refuse to take long strolls through the park surrounding the hotel to enjoy the perfectly maintained flowers and trees? Little hidden nooks appear, some very romantic, others adventurous. It’s a truly stunning and surprising space with a countrified atmosphere and once again, a view of Lake Leman, the Royal’s constant unperturbed companion.

If there is one thing that hasn’t changed and has even been reinforced, it’s the Royal’s attachment to the game of golf. As an integral part of the Evian Resort, the golf course is in the center of a wooded 60 hectare park just a few minutes from the hotel. Its international reputation has made it a destination of its own.

The treatments administered in the spa, inspired by ancient rituals from all over the world, are reflected in precise gestures and in an atmosphere of well-being and constant gentleness. The 1,200 square meter spa with 30 treatment rooms is a place of serenity, offering a profound sense of peace and vitality. The Aga Khan Relaxation Room proposes a refined aesthetic, adding even more charm to this surprising venue.

This sense of well being is also present in the Fresques, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant. It’s a room which as its name indicates, is blessed with the enchantment of these delicate decorations throughout the room which of course, faces Lake Leman. An updated version of traditional cuisine is served with delicious original creations in which the aesthetic pleasure is never at the expense of the taste. One of the restaurant’s main desserts demonstrates the perfection of a rare art: the soufflé.

Refined, timeless and convivial, the Royal continues its journey across seasons and eras with the assurance of a giant whose steps resound throughout eternity.

For golf enthusiasts and even for those who are not yet fans of the sport, the Royal proposes a small green facing the Leman side where anyone can attempt a hole in one.