Alsace is fast becoming the new spa centre of Europe, both literally and because of the increasing number of hotels offering spa facilities. The region, the smallest in France and situated right in the centre of Western Europe, is home to a new organisation known as Spa in Alsace (www.spainalsace.fr).
 
Seven independently, family run hotel-restaurant complexes, situated all over Alsace, are members of the new organisation. Each of them adheres to a special Spa in Alsace charter covering the quality of the facilities, the treatments provided and the training of spa personnel.

Members of the new Spa in Alsace organisation include the beautiful old Hostellerie des Chateaux (www.hostellerie-chateaux.fr) at Ottrott Le Haut in the heart of the region and set amongst vineyards and forests. The outstanding Pur Attitude spa is dedicated to guests’ well being and relaxation. A hot sesame oil wrap perfumed with organic patchouli essential oil is a signature treatment not to be missed at the Hostellerie La Cheneaudiere (www.cheneaudiere.com), a member of Relais et Chateaux chain of luxury hotels. Next year a new and innovative well-being complex will be opening to complete the hotel’s existing spa facilities.

At the gateway to the Voges du Nord nature park in northern Alsace La Source des Sens (www.lasourcedessens.fr) offers a spa with a refined modern design, a Zen garden and sensory trail while also in the north La Clairiere bio and spahotel (www.laclairiere.com) offers an unmissable Sassis dei volcano treatment with hot and cold basalt stones.

The Hotel Julien (www.hoteljulien.com) is in the pretty Bruche Valley in western Alsace and offers wonderful cuisine and a spa which is the ideal place to wind down in after a day out in the fresh air. Next year Hotel Julien will be opening a new spa offering guests a veritable temple of well being.

The Asiane Spa at the luxury four star Le Parc Hotel at Obernai (www.hotel-du-parc.com) is a special place offering a unique mixture of East and West offering treatments from India, Japan, Morocco as well as Alsace. The Alsatian massage with the fragrance of Vosges Mountain pine is not to be missed.

The final member of the new Spa In Alsace organisation is Les Violettes Hotel and Spa (www.les-violettes.com) in the south of the region, midway between Mulhouse and Colmar. The hotel’s LeSpa is by Adriana Karembeu and is authentic and naturally Zen, offering a uniquely intensive experience. Swedish massage for total relaxation is a highlight on the treatment menu. 

But before lying back and enjoying Alsace’s spa treatments, holidaymakers should certainly enjoy a good meal! All Spa in Alsace member hotels have restaurants offering menus in keeping with Alsace’s reputation for fine food and serving a selection of the region’s world famous wines.

This year it is a whole lot easier for spa loving holidaymakers to get to Alsace
British Midland International (BMI) and Swiss have announced new routes from Heathrow and Manchester to the European Airport at Basle/Mulhouse in the south of the Alsace region. Return fares start from £89 from Heathrow and £93 from Manchester. Swiss also fly from London City to the same airport as does British Airways from Heathrow

In December last year Alsace was opened up to Scottish holidaymakers when Easyjet launched flights from Edinburgh to Basle /Mulhouse. Easyjet has been flying from Gatwick to the same destination for a number of years. Ryanair fly from Stansted to Karlsruhe in Germany which is about 40 minutes drive from Strasbourg.