Have you ever dreamed of escaping the noise of now—into an era of gilded ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and lakeside serenity? Perched high above the Alpine waters of Lake Geneva, Hotel Royal Evian is the kind of place that feels suspended in time. A Belle Époque landmark reimagined for the contemporary traveller, this five-star sanctuary blends historical splendour with modern wellbeing. From its refined design and celebrated cuisine to its award-winning evian®SPA, this palace offers an immersive experience where every detail invites rest, renewal, and reconnection.
Rising from 47 acres of private woodlands, Hôtel Royal Évian presides over the spa town of Évian-les-Bains with both grace and grandeur. Built in 1909 in honour of King Edward VII, the hotel was conceived as a destination for European royalty and remains one of the most iconic properties along the Franco-Swiss border. From Queen Elizabeth II to Edith Piaf and Greta Garbo, its guestbook reads like a chapter in history.
The grandeur begins the moment you step through the revolving doors into the grand lobby, where a crystal chandelier glows beneath a frescoed dome painted by Gustave Jaulmes, whose decorative legacy also adorns the Musée Rodin in Paris. Parisian designer François Champsaur has woven original art deco flourishes with sleek, contemporary touches—like neoclassical mosaics that lead to state-of-the-art suites. The rooms, meanwhile, are a masterclass in refined comfort. Inside, sumptuous velvets, polished woods, and contemporary lighting created a classical and refined atmosphere. In the marble bathroom, a freestanding tub provided the perfect place to unwind after a day spent outdoors.
Bedroom © Evian Royal
True to its legacy as a spa destination for royalty, wellness lies at the very core of Hôtel Royal’s philosophy. The evian®SPA, a recently renovated 1,700-square-metre sanctuary inspired by the natural life cycle of its namesake mineral water, invites guests to slow down, reset, and reconnect. Every element of the spa is curated around flow and renewal: from the heated pools and outdoor hydrotherapy circuits, to the snow room, cold plunge, sauna and hammam, each space is designed to awaken the senses. Treatments are divided into immersive categories—mineral, celestial, precious, and vitality—each targeting a different path to renewal using Swiss brand La Vallée. During warmer months, the hotel’s sprawling outdoor infinity pool becomes a place of serene immersion, with sweeping lake views and sun-soaked stillness. The surrounding estate, with its ancient trees and pristine walking paths, serves as a natural extension of the spa experience. For those craving active flow, tennis and padel courts, hiking trails, mountain biking, and the renowned Evian Championship golf course offer dynamic ways to connect to the landscape.
Spa area © Evian Royal
Outdoor pool © Evian Royal
Dining at Hôtel Royal Évian reflects the same dedication to refinement and a sense of place. Chef Patrice Vander, who has led the hotel’s culinary programme for over two decades, oversees both La Véranda and Les Fresques, the hotel’s Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant.
At Les Fresques, guests dine beneath vaulted ceilings brushed in soft blue and gold—a serene atmosphere that mirrors the purity of the dishes. The cuisine honours both locality and lightness: vibrant vegetables from the estate’s garden, freshwater fish from the lake below, and lean alpine meats. Highlights include the Agneau du Limousin, delicately paired with smoked anchovies, black garlic, and roasted aubergine—a dish both bold and refined in flavour. To close, Chocolat Andoa bio offers a sophisticated twist on the classic chocolate dessert, elevated with jasmine tea-infused ice cream for a floral, lingering finish. For a more informal experience, La Véranda offers nourishing plates in a sunlit setting with panoramic lake views. Here, balance is the focus—plates that are as beautiful as they are cleanly composed. Looking for indulgence? The Pasta Caviar with a generous champagne sauce is a must-try dish and utterly addicting.
Les Fresques restaurant © Evian Royal
