The Jiva Hill hotel and spa offers a chic retreat in the Ain region of France, just 30 minutes from Bellegarde’s TGV station and 10 minutes from Geneva Airport, nestled on the foothills of the Jura massif.
Nestled in Crozet, this 50-hectare private estate provides refined hospitality with views of the snow-capped Mont Blanc on clear days. It’s a favorite escape for Geneva residents and a perfect spot for French visitors seeking relaxation, fine dining, sports, and wellness, combining the passions of its Swedish owners, Ian and Virginia Lundin, for water skiing and horseback riding.
A blend of South African lodge and Scandinavian design
The Jiva Hill’s architecture draws inspiration from South African lodges, infused with Scandinavian touches. Owned by Swedish entrepreneurs Ian and Virginia Lundin, the hotel emphasizes eco-friendly construction, using renewable energy and sustainable water management, with an emphasis on raw, natural materials like concrete, marble, and plant fibers.
Inside, dark wood dominates, from the spacious lobby to the 48 rooms and two suites, creating a warm atmosphere accented by gray and copper tones. The hotel’s evolution since its 2007 opening includes a €12 million renovation in 2020, adding 20 new rooms and expanding services. Rooms start at €395, with suites from €1,000.
The Superior Mountain View Room in the new building features a modern, cozy design, with wood accents and soft lighting. A private terrace overlooks the park, inviting guests to relax with a drink from the in-room bar, complemented by an inviting outdoor seating area.
Gourmet dining and Voltaire’s legacy
The hotel‘s gastronomic restaurant, Le Jiva, showcases regional French cuisine under Chef Jean-François Vasseur, a Maître Cuisinier de France since 2023, who has led the kitchens since March 2019. The 360 menu, priced at €90, highlights seasonal ingredients sourced within 360 km, including dishes like tomato variations, Jura lake fish, and veal with wild mushrooms.
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Nearby, the village of Ferney-Voltaire offers a cultural detour. Once home to Voltaire, the 18th-century philosopher, it became a thriving center under his influence. Voltaire, often at odds with authorities and exiled multiple times, settled in Ferney in 1759 after a brief stay in Geneva, seeking proximity to Switzerland for safety. His château, now a historic site, reflects his life and work, including his fight against injustice and his famous quote, “We must cultivate our garden”.
Voltaire, arriving in Ferney at 64, spent his final two decades here with Madame Denis, his niece and companion, transforming the village into a prosperous town of 1,250 inhabitants. His legacy includes campaigns against intolerance, his masterpiece “Candide”, and his “Philosophical Dictionary”, all while hosting illustrious visitors and managing his finances, which made him wealthy.
Wellness and Leisure Activities
The Jiva Hill’s spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body rituals. The indoor pool, visible from the bar, provides a relaxing space for guests, complemented by the serene park and a nine-hole golf course that attracts many amateur golfers.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the surrounding park, with its arboretum, inviting guests to stroll and enjoy the sublime light of early September, while the nearby Monts-Jura ski station offers winter activities, though snow has become less abundant.
Cultural Exploration and Local Attractions
Beyond the hotel, the region offers cultural and natural attractions. The village of Ferney-Voltaire, just 12 minutes away, is a highlight. Voltaire’s château, a historic site, provides insight into the philosopher’s life and work, including his famous quote, “We must cultivate our garden”. The château’s exhibition, “J’ai descendu dans mon jardin… Destinées de Candide”, running until January 3, 2027, offers a deep dive into Voltaire’s ideas and works, set within a domain labeled as a “Maison des illustres”.