Evian Resort: A Confluence of Purity, Prestige, and Natural Splendor.
Nestled in the heart of the Lake Geneva region, where the majestic French Alps meet the serene expanse of one of Europe's largest lakes, lies a destination of unparalleled distinction: the Evian Resort. Located in the historic spa town of Évian-les-Bains in Haute-Savoie, this iconic resort is more than a luxury retreat; it is the physical embodiment of a philosophy born from its world-renowned source. The very name "Evian" evokes an image of crystalline purity, a concept that has flowed from its natural mineral water wellspring into a comprehensive vision of wellness and rejuvenation that defines every facet of the guest experience.
The resort commands a breathtaking panorama, a living impressionist canvas where the Alpine foothills descend to the placid waters of Lake Geneva, with the Swiss slopes of the Lavaux vineyards visible across the shore. This unique geographical setting is the foundation upon which a remarkable luxury ecosystem has been built. The Evian Resort is not merely a hotel with amenities but a complete, self-contained world designed for indulgence, recreation, and restoration. This world comprises three distinct hotels, including the palatial 5-star Hôtel Royal and the charming 4-star Hôtel Ermitage; the legendary Evian Resort Golf Club, home to two magnificent courses; two dedicated wellness centers, the evian®SPA and the therapeutic Les Thermes evian®; a vibrant casino; the architecturally stunning La Grange au Lac concert hall; and a constellation of eleven diverse restaurants.
This extensive and varied collection of facilities represents a deliberate and sophisticated strategy to create a "total destination." The resort is engineered to be a self-sufficient sanctuary, capable of satisfying the desires of a diverse clientele—from solo travelers and couples to multi-generational families and high-level corporate groups—within a single, impeccably managed environment. The sheer breadth of offerings, from a 1,000-square-meter Kid's Resort with age-specific clubs to a major championship golf course, minimizes any need for guests to venture beyond its bounds for entertainment or relaxation. This approach culminates in the resort's unique ability to be entirely privatized, transforming the 47-acre estate into an exclusive domain for private celebrations or corporate events, cementing its status as a premier destination for the world's most discerning guests. It is a place where history, nature, and luxury converge to create an experience that is both profoundly restorative and utterly unforgettable.
The Heart of the Resort – A Golfer's Paradise.
The soul of the Evian Resort for many of its guests lies on the meticulously manicured fairways of its world-renowned golf club. The Evian Resort Golf Club is not merely an amenity; it is a legendary destination in its own right, a place where over a century of golfing history is etched into the landscape and where the world's greatest players come to compete on the grandest stage.
The Evian Resort Golf Club – A Century of Legacy
The story of golf at Evian began in 1904, inextricably linked to the resort's origins. The Evian Water Mineral Company, recognizing the appeal of the sport to its discerning clientele, purchased a local farm and commissioned the construction of a 9-hole course to coincide with the opening of the Hôtel Royal. The course proved so popular that it was expanded to a full 18 holes in 1922, establishing its place on the European golf map.
For decades, the course evolved, but its transformation into a true global icon began between 1988 and 1990. The resort enlisted the expertise of acclaimed British architect Cabell B. Robinson, a former senior assistant to the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., to completely redesign the layout. Robinson's work elevated the course to a genuine championship standard, setting the stage for the next chapter in its illustrious history. The club is set within a stunning 148-acre wooded parkland, located just a convenient two-minute shuttle ride from the resort's hotels, making it both a secluded sanctuary and an accessible playground.
Luxury Stay at Hôtel Royal Evian Resort.
Hôtel Royal
The undisputed flagship of the Evian Resort is the Hôtel Royal, an establishment that transcends the 5-star designation to hold the coveted "Palace" status—a distinction awarded by the French government to only the most exceptional hotels in the nation. Perched majestically within a 47-acre park, the hotel commands unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, a vista that greets guests upon arrival and remains a constant, breathtaking backdrop throughout their stay.Its international renown is built on this rare setting, its singular history, and an atmosphere of refined simplicity that belies its sumptuous legend.
The hotel's 150 accommodations, comprising 118 rooms and 32 opulent suites, offer a sanctuary of elegance and comfort.The range is extensive, from the beautifully appointed Sejour Park View rooms at 30 square meters to the magnificent, 207-square-meter Royal Suite, ensuring a perfect space for every guest. Many rooms feature private terraces, and the availability of interconnecting rooms makes it an ideal choice for families seeking both proximity and privacy.
Culinary arts are central to the Hôtel Royal experience. The gastronomic pinnacle is Les Fresques, a celebrated restaurant that has earned a prestigious Michelin star under the direction of chef Patrice Vander. The hotel also offers more relaxed, yet equally elegant, dining at L'Oliveraie and sophisticated cocktails at Le Bar, providing a variety of atmospheres to suit any mood or occasion.
The Hôtel Royal serves as the hub for many of the resort's premier amenities. It is home to the immersive evian®SPA, a 1,700-square-meter temple of wellbeing. Guests have exclusive access to the hotel's indoor and outdoor heated pools, a state-of-the-art fitness room open 24/7, and the remarkable Kid's Resort, a comprehensive facility for younger guests located within the hotel's park. A complimentary shuttle service seamlessly connects guests to the Evian Resort Golf Club and the Casino d'Evian, ensuring every corner of the resort is effortlessly accessible.
The Champions Course
The most significant evolution of the course occurred in preparation for its elevation to Major championship status. In 2012-2013, the resort invested $8 million in a comprehensive renovation led by American architect Steve Smyers, in collaboration with Dave Sampson of European Golf Design. This was not a minor tweak but a root-and-branch reconstruction of virtually every tee box, fairway, bunker, and green complex. The explicit goal was to craft a course that would not only challenge the world's best female golfers but also provide a dramatic and spectator-friendly arena for the LPGA's newest Major.
The result is a spectacular and strategically demanding 18-hole course. For tournament play, it is set as a Par 71, stretching to 6,120 meters (6,693 yards) from the championship tees. It should be noted that some resort materials refer to the course as a Par 72, which may reflect a different setup for amateur and member play. The course is situated at an average elevation of 480 meters (1,575 feet) above sea level, and amateur players wishing to test their skills against the major layout must have a minimum handicap index of 35.
The Champions Course is universally praised for its breathtaking beauty, with unrivaled viewpoints of Lake Geneva and the Alpine summits that make it one of the most picturesque courses in Europe. However, an expert assessment must also acknowledge the nuanced and sometimes critical reception from those who play it at the highest level. The redesign created a course that demands precision, with tight fairways, thick rough that punishes errant shots, and dramatically contoured greens. This has led to some criticism from professional players, including Lexi Thompson and Stacy Lewis, who have pointed to "fundamental design flaws" and a tendency for well-executed shots to receive "bad breaks" due to severe slopes and tricky bounces. Other critiques have noted that despite the extensive renovation, the course can still suffer from drainage issues in wet weather. This blend of stunning aesthetics and controversial strategic elements makes The Champions Course a fascinating and complex subject of study, and a formidable test for any golfer
The Amundi Evian Championship – Crowning the Greats
The global prestige of the Evian Resort Golf Club is cemented each July when it hosts The Amundi Evian Championship, the only women's golf Major in Continental Europe. The tournament's history is a story of ambition and ascent. Founded in 1994 as the Evian Masters, it began as a premier event on the Ladies European Tour (LET). In 2000, it achieved co-sanctioned status with the prestigious US-based LPGA Tour, a move that dramatically increased its international profile and prize money.
The tournament reached its apex in 2013. In conjunction with the major course renovation, it was officially elevated to become the LPGA Tour's fifth Major championship, a move that placed it in the most elite tier of women's professional golf. Now sponsored by French asset management firm Amundi since 2021, the championship boasts a prize fund of US$8.0 million and attracts the very best players from around the globe. The list of champions who have triumphed on these fairways reads like a hall of fame, including legends like Annika Sörenstam and Helen Alfredsson, record-breakers like Lydia Ko, who became the youngest Major winner in history here in 2015, and national heroes like France's own Céline Boutier, who captured the title in 2023.
The Lake Course
Recognizing the need for a different kind of golf experience, the resort unveiled its second course, The Lake Course, in 2020. Located at the Academy, this innovative course was conceived by architect Dave Sampson, who was also involved in the 2013 renovation of the main course. The Lake Course is a 6-hole, all par-3 layout, designed to offer a high-quality, engaging, and time-efficient round of golf.
Spanning a total length of 885 meters (968 yards), a full loop can be played in under 90 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick game, for practice, or for those new to the sport. Yet, it is far from a simple pitch-and-putt. The course is technically challenging, with multiple tee box locations to suit all abilities and tour-quality greens that demand precision. All of this is set against the backdrop of breathtaking views across Lake Geneva, making it a rewarding experience for both seasoned golfers looking to sharpen their iron play and beginners indulging their passion in an inspiring setting.
