Excelsior Chamonix Hotel & Spa ★★★★

Since 1905, the Excelsior Chamonix Hotel & Spa has been a family affair. Founded and run by the Cheilan family, it oozes the luxury and opulence of French hospitality. Thanks to the owner’s passion for the local region and the hotel industry as a whole, the hotel continues to proffer top-notch quality and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Tucked away in the east of France, near the border of Switzerland, Chamonix remains a quiet corner of the country perfect for getting away from it all. Rolling green hills are sewn against traditional towns, and the silhouette of the Alps edges every frame – a sensational backdrop by any stretch of the imagination. But whilst Chamonix and its snow-capped Alps scenery is usually reserved for the skiers of the world in winter, I decided to head there in summer to explore the area without the help of a ski-lift.

I arrived at the Excelsior Chamonix Hotel & Spa just after it had been renovated. Sitting prettily in a village of the Chamonix Valley and boasting fine views of Mont-Blanc, it rose up in a chateau-style exterior complete with ornate windows and a peach colouring. Flanked by lush gardens (much better appreciated in summer), it was quintessentially French and exactly the kind of surroundings I envisioned when I first set out for the Alpine region.

My room was a cosy, country-cottage style affair that I imagine would warm even the coldest of bodies in winter. For me, it was a flowery show of yellows and reds, the large window drawing in the French sunshine.

I wondered what I’d spend my time doing – there were plenty of activities to get stuck into and plenty of places to explore. Throughout the surrounding scenery there are a wealth of country walks that take in the beautiful peaked horizon and the stunning natural landscapes. You can hire a guide to show you the best places, introduce you to the local wildlife, and to point out the vibrant flora. There’s also horse riding and paragliding, mountain biking and climbing, all of which offer unique ways to get to grips with the Alps and its pockets of beauty. Golf enthusiasts can rejoice in the 18-hole course, too, and there’s always the option to mosey around Chamonix, with its selection of artisan shops and cute cafes.

For dinner, the Excelsior puts on a delicious show. At the in-house restaurant you can dine in style, with a mouth-watering menu of regional dishes that use only the freshest ingredients. A highlight for me was tucking into traditional French cuisine in the luxurious yet cosy atmosphere of the Excelsior – a combination that is so elegantly pulled off in this part of France.

The Excelsior’s renovation is a sight to behold. It stays true to its age-old roots in the French countryside whilst propping up a luxurious front for visitors looking to explore the Chamonix region - and what a beautiful region it is! You can’t really go wrong with a backdrop that features the peaks of the Alps in every frame.