A fairy-tale re-imagined, recent Michelin Key recipient Loire Valley Lodges offers the perfect balance of total immersion in nature with modernity, comfort and luxury. LLM’s Olivia Cox checks in to find out more.
Hotel
A collection of 18 entirely unique lodges are scattered across 300 hectares of private forest, each suspended on four-metre stilts above ground level and entirely bathed in woodland. Remote, secluded, yet surprisingly accessible, at just under an hour by TGV outside of Paris.
A strong commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the hotel: lodges are equipped with wooden ecological sound systems, and the entire estate makes use of a bio purification water system. And don’t be surprised if your lodge terrace plays host to an oak, Douglas fir or chestnut tree emerging through the decking. Many have been left in situ in an effort to help minimise deforestation.
The sense of calm and serenity as imagined by founder Anne-Caroline Frey is clear from the moment you turn off the main drag and cross the cattle grid toward the hotel forecourt. A short amble past the racks of bikes (free to borrow for the duration of your stay and very handy for getting to and from your lodge) is a small opening that leads to a picturesque courtyard, with inviting high tables ready for al fresco dining. The hotel itself is a lovingly restored farmhouse, with pleasingly meandering rooms leading to the rear of the building before spilling out to a large lounge area, with the pool deck, loungers and parasols just visible beyond. Nestled at the foot of a Douglas fir avenue, the 20 metre pool is lightly heated, just enough to warm up after a dip in the Nordic bath.
The lodges
Aligning with the hotel’s eco principles, the untreated wood lodges are pleasingly hard to spot (I cycled straight past mine on several occasions), but are equipped with everything you might expect from a five-star hotel – luxurious bath robes and toiletries, original art, and of course a wildly large, be-pillowed bed (king size, to be precise). There are even three different options for how you prefer to make your coffee.
Each lodge has its own unique personality, but all follow an open plan layout before spilling onto a generous terrace complete with lounge furniture and floor-level Jacuzzi pool. To the left is a rope pulley system, which is how breakfast hampers are delivered daily. Bedrooms are wrapped on three sides by floor-to-ceiling glass, offering panoramic views. A real treat for the senses – bedtime is symphonied by your own personal orchestra of forest sounds just beyond the glass as nature comes to life at night.
The windows have remote-controlled shutters for the black-out-blind inclined, but for a truly immersive experience, leave them open and let your sleep be naturally regulated by the soft forest light. It’s worth noting that it is completely impossible to spot any other lodges in your vicinity. This, combined with the limited signal and zero Wi-Fi in the lodges (each comes with a walkie talkie to contact reception), makes Loire Valley Lodges about as close to a digital detox or going off-grid as my personality will allow.
Food and drink
Gastronomy has always been at the heart of the Loire Valley Lodges experience, with chef Thomas Besnault at the helm of gourmet restaurant Ardent since the hotel’s opening in 2020. With an ever-changing array of tasting dishes, the focus is on locally sourced ingredients. The hotel’s courtyard also plays host to a second restaurant, Asperatus. A rolling roster of chefs take residence in the open al fresco kitchen, preparing meats, fish and vegetables by fire.
For lighter meals, the bar serves finger food from 11am, or nomadic picnics can be booked to enjoy at leisure in your lodge or while exploring the local area.
To do
Whilst there’s no actual gym or spa on the property, the ample terrace in each lodge is perfect for a sunrise workout or evening yoga practice (mats are provided on request). Promoting ultimate relaxation and connection with nature, your terrace can also play host to a pop-up spa for treatments including massage, facials and reflexology. The gentle sounds of the forest add a natural sound bath while any tension is relieved using essential oils from the forest’s own trees and honey from the hives.
In a nutshell
The vibe at Loire Valley Lodges is relaxed, informal, and familiar. Guests potter around at their own pace, whiling away the hours basking on a sun-drenched lounger, taking in the sporadic art and occasional deer whilst forest bathing, or venturing further-afield on two wheels.
It’s intimate, discreet, and thoroughly exclusive. With just 18 lodges, you’ll begin to recognise familiar faces at meal-times (except breakfast, of course, which is enjoyed privately in your lodge). Loire Valley Lodges is the perfect way to experience nature without compromising on luxury.
Factbox
Travel by train from London to Paris by Eurostar.
Prices start from 440 euros per night including breakfast.
Address: Vois sans issue, All. de la Duporterie entrée par D85, 37320 Esvres-sur-Indre, France
Phone: +33 2 47 38 85 88
Website: loirevalleylodges.com
