Classic alpine luxury, Michelin-starred food and an extraordinary spa at Cogne in the heart of the Aosta Valley

Gorgeously understated design that lets the views sing

A veritable museum, this family-run retreat is full of antique furniture and charming artifacts. No two rooms are alike but all make a great spot to unwind after a day in the mountains

Managed by four generations of the same family, the 90 year-old Bellevue Hotel remains markedly traditional but has adapted brilliantly over the years with the addition of an award-winning spa and Michelin-starred restaurant. Exceptional service and a magical location in summer and winter ensure that guests return year after year.

Winner of several awards, the 1200m² Gran Paradiso Springs wellness area is the ultimate in blissful indulgence. Facilities go beyond the norm with a choice of five saunas (including citrus and hay), a Turkish and Roman bath, and salt and ice caves. There are two pools, including a mineral salts pool reserved for adults, and a fitness area.

Rooms are furnished in alpine style, with wooden floors and furniture, chintzy fabrics and large windows that frame awe-inspiring mountain views.

Several of the rooms have balconies and suites have a Jacuzzi, private sauna, fireplace and views of the Gran Paradiso glacier.

There are several restaurants, ranging from relaxed outdoor lunchtime dining to the ultimate in gourmet dining, the four-table Michelin-starred Le Petit Restaurant.

Local seasonal produce and ingredients from the hotel’s kitchen garden feature on the menu at the main Bellevue Restaurant.

More informal options include the Brasserie du Bon Bec (situated in the town centre) which serves sharing dishes such as fondues and, in a converted dairy overlooking the meadows of Sant’Orso, the Bar à Fromage.

Enjoy al fresco lunches at any time on the Terrace and, once a week during the summer, La Maison à l’Alpage grills meat and prepares polenta underneath brilliant blue skies and amongst the fragrant woodland of the Grand Paradiso Park.

The capital of the Gran Paradiso National Park, Cogne is a fairy-tale mountain village of 1400 inhabitants that has managed to maintain the characteristics and appearance of an authentic Alpine village.

It overlooks the immense meadows of San Orso, covered with flowers in summer and snow crystals in winter. There are numerous walking trails in the summer and, in winter, the famous Nordic ski trails, the alpine ski slopes, the ice falls and snowshoe hikes.