In a beautiful setting in the country side not far from Puy de Dome volcano, is the Volca'lodges. It is not far from the highway, but far enough away from civilisation to feel exclusive and truly special. Upon entering the property you immediately feel the nostalgic charm of the old stone barn-like reception building and the surrounding wooden cabins. We were warmly greeted by Lionel in the reception, which was a beautiful, wooden great room with both modern and vintage trappings making it feel so cool that you wish it were your own living room. Lionel met us at our car to load our bags onto a golf cart and escorted us down to our cabin which we we approached with massive smiles as we discovered the dramatic, unobstructed view of the valley, hillsides, and soon to be sunset. An additional elation was induced upon seeing that we had a private jacuzzi on our patio. A small supplement for the use of our jacuzzi was well worth the pure joy we felt as we sat immersed, sipping on our Bordeaux rouge and reflecting on the amazing vacation we had had. The interior of the cabin seemed brand new, with beautiful wooden walls and doors, stainless steel appliances as well as a flat screen TV. I've never stayed in an Eco-Hotel before. Lionel had told us that the hotel was only 2 years old, and all of the wood and materials for the cabin were taken from the surrounding area. Our cabin was on the lower price range so it was smaller than some, but the space was perfectly functional for two people, and I would even dare to say that the bathroom was generously large. Once we relaxed away the afternoon and soaked in the extravagance of our situation, we readied ourselves for dinner and walked up to the restaurant on the lower floor of the reception building. Overall, the decor of this hotel is so well-done; entering the restaurant feels like you are entering a wine cellar, with archways, stone walls, and romantic lighting. We opted for a menu with some of the regional specialties as well as some beer from a local microbrewery. After drinking Calanda, Feldschlossen, and other watery, tasteless beers, it was a treat to drink a flavorful, rich, unique brew that reminded me of the kinds of beer I like to drink back at home in California. After dinner, we enjoyed a quiet, peaceful night's sleep which was much needed before our final push back home to Switzerland the morning. We packed our bags and wandered into breakfast which was, not to our surprise, a wonderful spread of the usual suspects- croissants, pain au chocolat, cereals, yogurts, boiled eggs- but also included a fascinating array of local jams, homemade sweet and salty butters, spiced bread, and local meats and cheeses. I am so glad that I happened upon this hotel as I was searching for a one-night stay on our drive back home from Bordeaux. It was the perfect experience, I would recommend it to everyone and anyone, and I would even love to go back and for a longer stay, exploring the volcano and...
Read moreVolca Lodges is a bit whacky and a bit bonkers in a good way. The lodges are built of what looks like re-cycled pine, and the lay out of the place we stayed in was a bit out of the ordinary but we enjoyed it. We were self catering and the cooking facilities were very comprehensive. It could easily accommodate 5 in comfort. There was good privacy too. The place if Pet Friendly, our dog loved it. Indeed he decided that the whole park was his!||||The Lodges are about 5KM from a town with good supermarkets and bars. It's about 15 minutes from the highway, not that you'd know it. It was very peaceful,||||There's lots of space, and we even had a view of the Puy de Dome, not that were worried about it.||||There was a comfortable reception centre and restaurant (they are in the Michelin Guide), but we'd had enough of eating out by the time we got there, and so didn't try it out. This is where the wifi is. Some would argue that having to be in the reception is inconvenient if you want to connect to the internet, but the reception was a big space, full of sofas and interesting paraphernalia, cheerfully decorated Lambrettas, pet rabbits and the like!||||The owners were very friendly, welcoming and helpful.||||Also, it's just a short drive to the volcanos and some fab walks. The geology and the local flora beggars belief - if you are a Brit anyway!||||In summary, a good place with good facilities and good value for money. I wouldn't hesitate to...
Read moreI spent only one night in this amazing resort on our way to Vulcania. We were 4 with 2 children ( 7 years and 1 year ) and we stayed in a triple room. Our room was basic but with all the comfort; clean, with a small kitchen, the main bedroom had a window over the ceiling to enjoy the stars. We had dinner at the facility restaurant which was very good: 3 menus to choose with uncommon peculiar combinations and fresh ingredients ( we also enjoyed very much local beers). The welcome was great, warm and pleasant. We would like to visit again maybe longer: Volca lodges makes you feel so in contact with the nature with all the...
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