In need of a spring healthy break I headed for a long weekend to France at La Clairière Bio & Spahotel, in the picturesque Alsace region of La Petite Pierre. A family-owned establishment, this wellness retreat is small and welcoming with a friendly atmosphere. From the organic, seasonal food to the ecological bathroom products, it has an unpretentious air which enables you to feel instantly at home. I was lucky enough to be in a Deluxe room with an additional sitting area and large balcony, but the Comfort rooms are perfectly sized for a couple, or friends sharing. The Classic rooms are elegantly furnished and cosy but perhaps better suited to solo travellers, though I would advise to upgrade if staying more than a couple of nights.
In need of a spring healthy break I headed for a long weekend to France at La Clairière Bio & Spahotel, in the picturesque Alsace region of La Petite Pierre. A family-owned establishment, this wellness retreat is small and welcoming with a friendly atmosphere. From the organic, seasonal food to the ecological bathroom products, it has an unpretentious air which enables you to feel instantly at home. I was lucky enough to be in a Deluxe room with an additional sitting area and large balcony, but the Comfort rooms are perfectly sized for a couple, or friends sharing. The Classic rooms are elegantly furnished and cosy but perhaps better suited to solo travellers, though I would advise to upgrade if staying more than a couple of nights.
Having arrived very late at night, I awoke to a lovely buffet breakfast with freshly made fruit & vegetable juices, homemade granola, fruits, breads, buckwheat pancakes. Though you may choose what you want, those foods suitable for the detox or weight balance programmes are clearly labelled, providing the perfect destination for those wanting a detox or weight loss holiday.
Healthy breakfast at La Clairière
I had chosen to have Udvartana, an Ayurvedic treatment which consists of a massage with herbal oil followed by a vigorous scrub which is commonly used for weight loss and also leaves the skin wonderfully soft. Following this I had a Fango Body Wrap where mineral rich mud is applied to the skin before you are gently wrapped up and then lie on a relaxing dry flotation bed. This is similar to a waterbed only heated and it feels like you've been cocooned in a warm gentle hug! It was definitely the most relaxing wrap I've ever had.
The resort is set in the Parc des Vosges du Nord, a forested area ideal for hiking or biking as well as gentle walks. The nearby town of La Petite Pierre is a short 15 minute walk away and there is a Zen temple in nearby Weiterswiller where you can practice meditation.
Complimentary activities are offered most days with yoga being the most common making it an alternative option for yoga holidays, but also Qi Gong, Pilates and meditation which is often conducted in association with the nearby temple. During my stay both relaxing yoga and Vinyasa yoga were on offer and the standard of teaching was excellent. Variations were given for different abilities so everyone was able to participate and enjoy the class.
In addition to the treatments offered, the spa includes a steam bath, tepidarium, light sauna (60°C), Finnish sauna (80°C), infra-red sauna (42°C), cold water plunge pool, ice fountain, Whirlpool, relaxation room, and solarium. There is both an indoor pool suitable for laps and a heated outdoor pool which looks out onto the forest.
Depending on your chosen programme, your evening meal will either be a 3 course gourmet healthy menu or a healthy but delicious detox or weight balance menu. The detox menus are vegan (perfect for those on a detox holiday), with no animal protein or dairy, but 5 beautifully created vegetable based dishes, whilst the weight balance menu is similar but only 3 courses should be chosen. Animal protein may be added if desired since all meat and fish is lean and organic.
Sophie at the entrance to La Clairière
Evening entertainment is sometimes provided and there was a duo playing guitar to accompany our dinner. This created a nice atmosphere especially if you are travelling solo and find eating alone daunting. There is also a bar open from noon to late evening (you are in France after all!) and they also offer non-alcoholic fresh juices as well as a wide variety of teas.
I had a fantastic weekend at La Clairière and would highly recommend it for anyone, whether you want a relaxing luxury spa break or a week or more to de-stress and unwind.
To request a quote or for more information visit our La Clairière Bio & Spahotel page
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