There is something so enchanted about waking up in the forest! With glimmers of sunshine peeping through the trees, the wake-up call at Loire Valley Lodges is charming in so many ways. Don’t worry there are blinds for those who like to sleep past sunrise BUT morning routines in a treehouse are a welcomed change to my daily city slicker routine.
Firstly, at Loire Valley Lodges, breakfast is delivered in baskets and added to the pully at the bottom of your treehouse sanctuary. Hauling this up is easy and it’s filled with all the goodies you ticked off the brekkie list the day before at check in. A variety of fresh juices, fruit, poached egg pots with fresh French baguettes and pastries fill the basket to the brim. There is also a selection of cold meats or if a salmon lover like me, you must order the extra salmon gravlax.
The lodges are about 4M high and hidden throughout the forest which covers an impressive 300 hectors. This is the perfect floating height but not so high you get vertigo! Terraces look out to the woods and come equipped with seating area, extra deck chairs and a jacuzzi as standard, plus six of the lodges feature their very own sauna. The amenities overall at the retreat are exceptional. They have thought of absolutely everything!
The treehouses are luxurious and each uniquely designed by a contemporary artist. The art theme runs through the whole resort with sculptures and pieces dotted around contrasting with nature. For all the art lovers out there, you can book in for a walking art tour during your stay which covers all the details. My favourite: the shiny, gold skull by the pool.
Each private suite is finished to the highest standard with HUGE beds placed in prime viewing position all dressed with pillows and extra throws if you get chilly. The furnishings in my ‘Picto Heaven’ lodge (designed by Pierre Marie Lejeune) featured a blue theme which complimented the green backdrop perfectly. It is honestly like a floating hotel room submerged in countryside and the best part is, it’s just under two hours away from Paris.
During your stay there are a host of activities to enjoy such as walking, yoga, Nordic bathing or bike riding. Bikes are available to use at your leisure and helmets are also provided as safety is key! The trails around the forest are ideal for people who haven’t cycled for a few years (I was very rusty!) but also for those who love more adventure as you can go ‘off road’ to reach some of the other points of interest. I will admit, I did fall off during my bike ride but thankfully no harm was done. Photographic evidence of this will not be shared with the feature to save myself lots of embarrassment!
On the well-being side of things, there is an extensive list of curated spa treatments at Loire Valley Lodges to choose from, including in lodge massages and facials. Plus, sound baths, healing etc in the cool futuristic looking ‘Zome’ feature.
Along with all the above, swimming is encouraged and the outdoor pool is heated! You can lounge here and take in the beautiful surroundings and dip in and out as you please (pool is in use April-September). I can only imagine how much more wonderful this space is in the summer months.
I took full advantage of the pool and went for morning swims to get me kick started. There is an equipped changing room right by the pool and you can use the basket bag left in your room to shuttle your belongings in. Top tip – if out for a sunrise early morning swim or night swim, do not forget your torch for the walk through the trees (you are provided with one along with your key and a walkie talky upon arrival).
I’m sure you would have guessed it by now but there is no Wi-Fi! The only place with Wi-Fi is the reception and bar area. This makes it so easy to really switch off and immerse yourself in nature and embrace your forest experience with phone free hands!
I have touched on all the perks so far but there is still one more rather important one…. THE FOOD!
Loire Valley Lodges is home to two restaurants. Asperatus which is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday and lunch on the weekends. It is also home to gourmet restaurant Ardent which was proudly awarded a Michelin Key in April of this year.
Clever Chef Thomas Besnault offers a ‘Carte Blanche’ Menu of four, six or eight courses with a carefully chosen wine pairing to match. I was blown away by the intricate details of each dish and the vibrant flavours. I was lucky enough to enjoy a six-course sitting.
Being in the forest, the land boasts a vegetable garden as well as plenty of herbs and aromatics which the team forage from. The property’s bee lodge is also in full swing with honey being produced and used in several dishes and drinks. There is even a homemade mead made using the honey, which was included in our wine pairing.
Dining at Ardent awakens all your senses, I was astounded with the flavour combinations – who knew carrots could be so versatile and the signature dessert dish features goats cheese…these are just some examples of what to expect from this culinary adventure.
Ardent is also open for lunch and aperitifs throughout the day. I made it my mission to have lots of vino by the crackling fireplace in the bar area and soak up all the autumnal vibes.
Every single element of this deep forest retreat was unbelievable. Having my birthday here made it even more special and it was completely different to all my other trips this year. I made some very fond memories during my stay and it helped me to regain my zen before heading back to the big smoke I call home.
Review and Images by Zoe Laing @_zozogram_
