A rejuvenating bracket awaits when you drop your bags in the cozy lobby of the new 4-star Pure Montagne Resort & Spa, atop the village of Saint-Martin-Vessoub. The sight of the vast landscape of forest-carpeted mountains and the singing of birds is instantly calming. “ We wanted to be inspired by the grand hotel chalets found in Savoie “, explains Laurent Chadaj, president of SAS Pure Montagne Resort, which operates the residence, the only 4-star address in the Vesuvius Valley and the surrounding area, since its opening at the end of 2021, an initiative of the Alpes-Maritimes department.
On the panoramic terrace of the main building, he highlights the details. and granite to metallic colors. Inside, custom-made furniture boasts solid wood and soft, textured materials: fabric sofas, lamps… A precious and warm decoration to be found in the 34 pine-clad suites, all with balconies. scene. Divided into five chalets and furnished as two- to four-bedroom apartments with a living room and equipped kitchen, they can be rented by the night.
Both strong points caress the senses at the end. The spa, located in the chalet away from the bedrooms, offers sensational mountain views from the Jacuzzis in the relaxation area and a spacious treatment room that can be privatized. The restaurant is the other source of sensory pleasure. Run by Julien Matheret, a young chef from the valley who loves lamb’s brain, trout and grandma’s rabbit. Its sincere and very refined cuisine, marked by Provence and the mountains, alone is worth a stop. For hedonists, but also experienced hikers, sports enthusiasts or contemplative walkers, Pure Montagne Resort & Spa is a privileged base camp for exploring the valley.
The only closed canyon in Europe
Some hiking trails, including the GR 52A, are accessible from the residence. Departing from the Boreo site, a few kilometers north, the trails of the Mercantur National Park quickly lead hikers into a mineral high mountain landscape. Still in Boreo, the Alpha Park, although heavily damaged by Hurricane Alex in 2020, offers an unforgettable encounter with the wolf in its natural habitat where it exists in the wild. Fifteen minutes away by car, La Colmiane is a ski resort where you can shiver on a very long zip line. Finally, Saint-Martin-Vésubie has original equipment: the Vesúbia Mountain Park, which houses the only indoor canyon in Europe, a large swimming pool and indoor climbing areas. A good alternative in bad weather… or not?
Pure Montagne Resort & Spa (Tel: 04 23 04 00 00). From €120 for a 4-star suite for 2 people; From 85 euros for 2 people for a standard room (10 modular rooms with 2 to 8 beds in a special chalet); 18 euros for breakfast.
Source: Le Figaro
