Instants d’Absolu Ecolodge & Spa: A Transformative Experience to Connect with Nature
At the foot of Lac du Pêcher, in the French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Instants d’Absolu Ecolodge & Spa lies in a landscape dotted with peat bogs and volcanic peaks, at 1,100 meters above sea level. Just an hour and a half from the beautiful city of Clermont-Ferrand and three hours from Lyon, this natural retreat offers the opportunity to explore landscapes framed by small villages and enjoy hikes during all four seasons.
A former 17th-century Templar house, Instants d'Absolu has been restored to offer comfort and sustainability in a natural setting. Instants d'Absolu has 12 rooms decorated with natural materials such as pine wood, virgin wool, alpaca, and leather. Junior Artist Suites are inspired by local plants and natural dyes, offering a creative and stimulating space.
A short walk through a landscape of lake, volcano, and mountain leads to the Chalet-Grill, where in an austere atmosphere where regional products are highlighted. The hotel’s greenhouse nurtures organic fruits and vegetables, reducing reliance on imported produce. On select evenings, guided walks offer the opportunity to dine lakeside, fully immersed in nature.
At the Boreal Spa, wellness begins with immersive rituals starting with a rejuvenating bath sound vibration bath (underwater sound waves) or chromotherapy (color vibration). The two-hour experience includes access to the hammam, a 45-minute massage per person, and a bath in essential oils. There is also a sauna and a barrel steam room overlooking the lake, as well as the option for a massage to improve circulation.
For couples, we recommend the Thala-Source® Experience, a restorative journey with mineralized spring water and the revitalizing benefits of volcanic clay wraps and body scrubs. Sessions run from 9 AM to 1 PM and include a thoughtfully prepared lunch. Yoga enthusiasts can join 90-minute morning sessions, while those interested in energy healing may explore reiki sessions.
The eco-lodge features a 100-square-meter meeting room surrounded by nature, equipped with a traditional worktable and a cozy, carpeted area for informal gatherings and moments of shared reflection. It’s the perfect space to invite a yoga teacher to start the day. Brainstorming sessions on the terrace overlooking the lake are highly recommended. After a full day of work, seminars or meetings can conclude with a guided excursion to explore botany, birdwatching, or stargazing after dinner.
Instants d'Absolu Ecolodge & Spa describes the stay as a way to “make you feel and understand deep inside how nature brings us to our own human nature.”
Sustainability Criteria
- Instants d’Absolu is offering fair and equal pay and reimbursement of overtime hours
- Fostering equal opportunities and diversity
- Barrier-free access and barrier-free rooms are available
- The hotel boutique is equipped with local brands mainly
- Procurement from local businesses is given preference
- The Ecolodge offers activities involving local culture and communities
- Launching CANTAL GRAND SPECTACLE, they work even closer with partners and the lands of Cézallier.
- Actions to conserve and preserve biodiversity
- Landscaping with native and endemic plants from sustainable sources
- Presenting and protecting local cultural heritage and archeological sites
- Use of non-harmful cleaning products
- Avoiding pesticides and any harmful paints and products
- The Lodge’s active wildlife conservation includes engagement of guests for e.g. wildlife inventory
- In summer, they provide interested guests with gloves, when going out for a day in the forest or on the plateau, to bring back waste.
- Organic kitchen (at least 80%)
- Variety of vegan/vegetarian menu options
- Organic meat and dairy products
- Own vegetable/fruit garden
- Use of mainly seasonal & regional products
- Avoiding imported produce transported by plane
- Leftover produce is donated or reused
- Measures to minimize food waste
- Instants d’Absolu is in an old Templar house, built with local stone
- Property architecture adapts to local environment & respects the surrounding nature
- Use of locally produced handicrafts, where adequate
- Fabrics like towels, bed sheets, and curtains are made of organic materials
- Staff wears fair/organic fashion (e.g. GOTS)
- The renovation has been carried out under ecological building standards
- Glass bottles instead of plastic bottles
- Single-use plastic free across all departments
- Hotel rooms are single-use plastic free (including amenity packaging)
- Dispensers for toiletries rather than individual packaging
- Products in recycled packaging are preferred
- Waste is separated and recycled
- Electric equipment are adequately disposed or returned
- Purchase products in bulk
- Paperless or paper-reduced communication and record keeping (at least 70%)
- Using recycled or upcycled materials
- Old furniture is reused or sold for refurbishment
- Educate staff to reduce and recycle waste
- Education of staff regarding recycling and waste minimization
- Bathroom amenities in the rooms are with natural ingredients
- Amenities and spa products are certified organic
- Spa offers holistic treatments
- Spa products consist of local ingredients
- Spa offers traditional local treatments
- Instants d’Absolu offers yoga and/or meditation
Photos
Features & Activities
- Hotel in a Historical Building
- Hotel in the Mountains
- Hotel Close to Nature
- Pool at the Property
- Spa Treatments Available
- Yoga Room and Classes
Location
Clermont-Ferrand is only 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, while the charming city of Aurillac is approximately 1 hour away. Lyon, one of France’s most vibrant cities, is a 3-hour drive.
The closest airport is Aurillac.
