Instants d'Absolu - Ecolodge Spa

Instants d'Absolu - Ecolodge Spa - Auvergne, France

About this Chic Retreat

Instants d'Absolu - Ecolodge & Spa (meaning timeless rare moments) is a new ecolodge in Lac du Pêcher on the high mountain plateau of the Auvergne region. This ancient farm has been expertly reworked to create an eco-friendly retreat as comfortable and inviting as it is at one with the natural surroundings. In the heart of the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne, this chic retreat is surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape of volcanic mountains, fertile plains and forest habitats, and Instants d'Absolu have endeavoured to create a luxury getaway in keeping with the environment. Wherever possible, recycling is practiced, hot water is heated by a wood stove, biodegradable recyclable products are used and all is sourced from local producers and ethical traders with an emphasis on protecting biodiversity. Guests can relax and let go of the stresses of daily life in the intimate spa, enjoy gourmet dinner and tea in the restaurant, and get a good nights sleep after all that fresh air in one of the 12 gorgeous rooms. Enjoy views of the deer-inhabited pine-forest of Pinatelle and the beautiful 40-acre lake from this gorgeous hideaway.

Accommodation

Instants d'Absolu has 12 individually decorated rooms. The style is based on a "great lands" safari theme using safari-style desks, sheep and goat skins for carpets and cosy armchairs covered with fine linens and cashmere. There are 3 styles of decoration in the rooms, one evoking the lakes with beige and ivory fabrics, another influenced by the forest with brown fur and suede and the last taking inspiration from volcanoes with grey and black textiles contrasting with red alpaca plaids and cushions.The larger rooms have small lounges, with 4 accommodating up to 3 guests and the 2 junior suites sleeping up to 4. This eco-friendly hotel has commissioned some great extras, with pillows made of recycled bottles with the feel of a goose-down duvet in the rooms, and in the private spa - which is charged extra - recyclable bathrobes made of bamboo! Towels are also provided for the rooms and spa. One of the rooms has wheelchair access.

Activities

Lac du Pêcher is perfect for nature lovers and there are a great many things to do depending on the season. Between May and October, the surrounding countryside is great for horse-riding and mountain biking and there are 2 riding tracks close by. The Pinatelle forest is ideal for hiking and mountain biking and for an alternative day out, cycle along the interesting paths of the old train tracks. The area is rich in flora and fauna, and in season, guests can watch the deer and migrating birds. Trout fishing is available from the lake right in front of the eco-lodge. To get a birds-eye view of this gorgeous landscape, take a trip in an ultralight aircraft and fly alongside wild geese or soar above the plains in a hot-air balloon. Keen golfers can visit the 18-hole golf course in Vézac, one hour away. The truly adventurous can try hang gliding from the volcanoes and kayaking on the Truyères. In winter, explore the landscape on a dog-led sleigh or try snow-shoeing. Cross-country skiing is available nearby, and for an alternative ski experience, spend the day on the volcanic slopes. Guests taking the Instants d'Absolu half-board experience are also offered an activity per day and unlimited access to the nature look-out posts by the lake and in the forest. This chic retreat is also within easy access of the famous volcanic mountain, Puy Mary. Back at the hotel, rejuvenate in the spa with its sauna & Nordic hammam and relax in the hot tub with views to the volcanic mountains beyond. There is a home cinema room for a cosy night in.

Dining

Instants d'Absolu offers a half-board gourmet experience including breakfast, tea-time and dinner. The restaurant can seat up to 30 guests and offers an intimate atmosphere with an open Cantou - a huge local fireplace. The menu offers traditional French cuisine with a modern twist, with local asparagus cream and Bleu d'Auvergne cheese cake, roasted gilt head fish on a spinach base with sauce and candied lemon and Auvergne nut tart among the dishes devised by their talented chef who concentrates on organic, locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. The safari-chic style continues in the dining room with a colour scheme drawn from the natural surroundings. Tea is served in the living room with large windows opening out to the lake and whisky lovers will be impressed by the selection at the bar alongside some pine liquors. There are also some great local eateries. Le Jarousset is a 10 minute drive away and serves fine cuisine from head chef Cazanave who has worked with Paul Bocuse and Michel Bras. For a great local experience, visit the nearby buron - a high mountain pasture farm - which serves regional food such as aligot, truffade and pounti.

Rates

Rates at Instants d'Absolu - Ecolodge & Spa are per room per night and include access to the spa open 4-8 pm daily and internet access and VAT. An additional local tax of EUR 0.90 per person per day applies. The room only option does not include breakfast which is charged at EUR 12 per person. The half-board plus activity option includes breakfast, tea-time and dinner (excl. drinks) at the ecolodge. A local eco-participation donation of EUR 1 per person, per night from the guest is matched by Instants d'Absolu each time. Half-board bookings are on a 2 nights minimum basis. Taxi transfers can be arranged at an additional fee, as well as helicopter transfers, massages and hot-air balloon flights.

Rates (EUR)

Room

Jan 2012

Feb 2012

Mar 2012

Apr 2012

May 2012

Jun 2012

Jul 2012

Aug 2012

Sep 2012

Oct 2012

Nov 2012

Dec 2012

Jan 2013

Feb 2013

Mar 2013

Apr 2013

May 2013

Jun 2013

Jul 2013

Aug 2013

Sep 2013

Oct 2013

Nov 2013

Dec 2013

Cat:

Half-board

Room:

Classic double / twin room

–

Apr:

230

May:

230

Jun:

230

Jul:

230

Aug:

230

Sep:

230

Oct:

230

Nov:

230

–

Room:

Lounge room (2 pax)

–

Apr:

250

May:

250

Jun:

250

Jul:

250

Aug:

250

Sep:

250

Oct:

250

Nov:

250

–

Room:

Lounge room (3 pax)

–

Room:

Junior Suite (2 pax)

–

Apr:

270

May:

270

Jun:

270

Jul:

270

Aug:

270

Sep:

270

Oct:

270

Nov:

270

–

Room:

Junior Suite (3 pax)

–

Apr:

335

May:

335

Jun:

335

Jul:

335

Aug:

335

Sep:

335

Oct:

335

Nov:

335

–

Cat:

Full Board

Room:

Classic Double/Twin from

Jan:

270

Feb:

270

Mar:

270

–

Room:

Lounge Room from

Jan:

290

Feb:

290

Mar:

290

–

Room:

Junior Suite from

Jan:

310

Feb:

310

Mar:

310

–

* Rates in EUR

Additional information

Nearest Airport: Clermont Ferrand/Rodez.
Distance from Airport: 1 hour/2 hours 15 minutes.
Additional Info: Airport & station transfers are available on requests including a heli-taxi ride, a wonderful introduction to the area, complete with carbon compensation. There are flights from Paris to Clermont Ferrand almost every hour and Instants d'Absolu is 30 minutes from Motorway A75 which links Paris to Montpellier, between Murat and Allanche.
Southampton-Clermont flights are now available through to the end of September

http://www.ecolodge-france.com