Deals of the day
George Zero Street Charleston
Named after our actual street address, Zero George is comprised of sixteen lush guest rooms and studios in three painstakingly restored historic residences and two brick carriage houses that surround our private garden courtyard. We’ve infused it all with a sense of intimacy and warm personality, honoring the buildings’ solid 1804 bones and graceful architecture with measured, timeless design. At Zero George, you’ll…
Borgo Pignano Volterra
Deep in the heart of historic Tuscany lies an enchanting haven of peace and tranquillity. At Borgo Pignano you will discover a beautifully restored country estate offering an exclusive combination of elegant accommodation, exceptional comfort and gracious hospitality. Borgo Pignano is an elegant country estate in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, just a short drive from the historic, hill towns of Volterra and…
Parador de Cuenca
The Parador de Cuenca is a destination in itself. It’s located in a 16th century convent originally built for the Dominican order and it’s one of the most representative monuments of the city today. It’s located in one of the most special places in the city, next to the San Pablo bridge and opposite the Casas Colgadas or Hanging Houses. The convent of San Pablo has a beautiful glazed cloister with semi-circular arches and a…
Chateau De Sacy Reims
The Chateau de Sacy, surrrounded by vineyards on the outskirts of Reims, dates back in its original state to the middle of the 19th century, but in its present form it’s been thoroughly transformed — the Château de Sacy is a fantasy more romantic than the real thing, a luxe and lavish 12-room hotel that incorporates a multitude of historical styles, and a bit of modernity as well. The spa includes barrel-style hot tubs with…
Hotel Nidwaldnerhof Beckenried
About 100 years ago the Nidwaldnerhof was known as Park-Hotel Nidwaldnerhof. “In a favoured, open location, with a large covered terrace, directly beside the lake. Many rooms with balconies. Music salon. Electric lighting. Shady park with 400 m of shoreline and magnificent all-round views. Choice cuisine…” according to the brochure available at the time. In 1979 the Park-Hotel Nidwaldnerhof was torn down and today’s…
Black Rhino Game Lodge
Black Rhino Game Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located in the North West Province of South Africa, in the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park. The lodge is situated in a prime location for game viewing, with access to over 55,000 hectares of wilderness. Black Rhino Game Lodge offers a variety of safari activities that allow guests to experience the beauty and wildlife of the African bushveld. The Pilanesberg National Park…
Erakor Island Resort & Spa Vanuatu
We look forward to sharing our culture, our customs and our beautiful smol aelan (small island) with you. Whether you are coming for a family holiday, reunion, tropical wedding, honeymoon, friends’ get-together or a relaxing break, we look forward to meeting you and sharing our culture and customs, along with plenty of Vanuatu smiles! There is so much to do and enjoy on this fabulous little island and when you…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Hotel Grotta Palazzese Polignano a Mare
Naturalis Bio Resort is an exclusive Charming Residence, situated on a promontory with a view of the Salento countryside. Naturalis Bio Resort & Spa is the result of a fine and careful renovation of an ancient rural village surrounded by typical dry stone walls and protected by majestic old olive trees. A unique hotel facility, the most authentic rural tradition of Salento and our careful hospitality, perfectly come…
Villa Bordeaux Santorini
Inspired by the traditional architecture of the Cyclades, the exceptional Santorini Luxury Suites of Villa Bordeaux are part of an authentic neoclassical house. They have been restored so as to preserve the charm and character of a bygone era while at the same time offer all indulgences and comforts of modern life. Spacious, elegant and chic, all 4 luxury suites in Fira Santorini are fitted with fine furnishings and…
Having spent two decades in the medical industry and travelling around the world, I decided to put down roots in central France and embark on a new way of life. Château d’Ygrande was created from scratch.
It is an ode to the charming, tasteful and generous places that I have visited on my travels, and the very best hotels and countries I have stayed in. My idea was to bring all the best elements of these experiences together in one place.
I wanted Château d’Ygrande to be an authentic, welcoming boutique hotel where guests are treated with the attention, respect and kindness they deserve. Château d’Ygrande stands in vast grounds of 40 hectares, which guests are free to explore and enjoy as they choose:
- freedom to rest, soak up the stunning views and pamper themselves
- freedom to be active, exert themselves and enjoy the wide range of leisure and sporting activities on offer, including walking, cycling, horse-riding and canoeing
- freedom to explore the local cultural attractions, including the abundant heritage, remarkable gardens, unique museums and many châteaux of the Bourbonnais
- and finally, freedom for both adults and children to have fun at the area’s exceptional theme parks, extensive forest populated with large animals and mushrooms, and farms where visitors can learn about local production techniques.
The inside of the Château is refined and elegant without being pretentious. The warm, intimate atmosphere, with its works of art, antique furniture, open fireplaces, music and books, creates the impression of a large guest house where every guest is among friends, yet with all the facilities and comfort you would expect of a 3-star hotel.
The Château is worth visiting for its kitchen alone. It serves up sumptuous, natural dishes, with an emphasis on local, organic and ethically farmed produce. The vegetable garden and orchard are not just visitor attractions – the fruit and vegetables they produce are used by Thierry Guinot, our Head Chef, and his team.
Our catering service is deliberately unpretentious, with each and every guest receiving our undivided attention. We do our utmost to fulfil any special requests our guests may have.
Château d’Ygrande is a member of the Châteaux & Hôtels Collection network, from which it has received the “Table Remarquable” label. It also boasts the “Maître Restaurateur” label, which guarantees that our cuisine is entirely home-made and certified to official and recognised quality standards.
We also have a firm commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development. Finally, we are active members of the Nattitude network. Château d’Ygrande stands at the crossroads of northern, southern, eastern and western France. It offers an experience with a difference – somewhere you can relax, unwind and indulge yourself.
Château d’Ygrande offers breathtaking views of endless countryside. The meadows, forests and lakes of the Bourbonnais woodlands stretch out as far as the eye can see in every direction.
The Château grounds feature meticulously tended gardens bursting with bright, colourful plants and flowers. Take a stroll around the vegetable garden or the orchard and pick a piece of the latest seasonal fruit for yourself. Set out for a stroll around the 40-hectare grounds, accompanied by the Château’s dogs.
Our footpaths will take you down to the lake with its carefully maintained banks. Why not hop aboard a boat and take to the water? Alternatively, you could borrow one of the Château’s bikes and explore the cycle paths and lanes that pass through the woodlands. It’s the perfect way to get back to nature.
LUXURY ROOM
Our Luxury room is the Château’s flagship room and is ideally situated at the end of the main building’s west wing. It boasts views from three sides (south, west and north) and overlooks the magnificent Bourbonnais woodlands. It features a bath, free WiFi Internet access, a flat-screen TV, a courtesy tray and a reversible air-conditioning system.
SUPERIOR ROOM
Our Superior rooms are south or north-facing and offer a panoramic view over either the Bourbonnais woodlands or the horse training tracks. Each room features a bath, free WiFi Internet access, a flat-screen TV, a courtesy tray and a reversible air-conditioning system.
GARDEN PAVILION ROOM
Our Garden Pavilion rooms (located next to the Château) are furnished in typical country residence style. They are located on the ground floor and lead out directly onto the gardens. These rooms are ideal for guests with pets, and are also popular for their accessibility and direct access to the grounds.
Each room features a bath or shower, one double or two twin beds, a flat-screen TV and a reversible air-conditioning system. One of the rooms is fully equipped to disabled accessibility standards (double bed).
DINING
Our restaurant is both refined and friendly, and is guaranteed to satisfy even the most demanding customers. Enjoy the views across the grounds, flower-lined gardens and ancient trees from the windows of the dining rooms.
Our chef’s range of exquisite dishes, made from natural ingredients and using authentic, genuine flavours, is guaranteed to set your taste buds alight. Our recipes are made using produce from our own vegetable garden, local farms and small producers, as well as Label Rouge Charolais meats and the freshest fish available.
We place a particular emphasis on the use of organically produced ingredients. Our dishes change according to the latest harvests, with a seasonal menu and a Market Produce menu that changes every day.
THE TERRACE
The terrace offers commanding views towards the Auvergne Volcanoes in the distance. It is drenched in sunlight from dawn until dusk, and is the perfect place to relax under a parasol. Terrace service between June and September (subject to favourable weather conditions).
THE BREAKFAST
Get your day off on the right note with a comprehensive buffet breakfast, featuring fresh and home-made produce. Start your day in the luxurious surroundings of our restaurant, with classical background music specially chosen to ease you into the day.
STEAM ROOM
You can hire our steam room for a private session and enjoy the physical benefits of eucalyptus vapours. A 20-minute session will give you plenty of time to simply relax or unwind before a massage or facial treatment, getting your skin ready for the essential oils to come.
MASSAGES
Why not use your free time to pamper your body with a massage, wrap, exfoliation or facial?
THE SWIMMING POOL
The heated pool sits in the middle of the vegetable garden and is the epicentre of the estate between early June and late September.
EVENTS & MEETINGS
The peaceful surroundings of Château d’Ygrande make the ideal place for reflection. Our magnificent mahogany library provides a quiet place for your team to work effectively and efficiently. At your request, we can provide the full range of equipment necessary for your working meeting (video projector, screens, DVD player, camera).
Add a dash of flavour to your event with our seasonal cuisine and encourage team unity by taking part in one of the various events on offer, such as horse-riding, wine-tasting, cookery lessons, sporting challenges, cultural visits, or a mountain bike ride through the Tronçais Forest.
The estate is the ideal base for off-site activities, and numerous activities can also be organised on-site, including hot air balloon rides, flying lessons, helicopter rides, classic car rallying and archery lessons.
If you’re looking to organise a team-building seminar, then our horses are on-hand to provide an authentic and memorable experience. Working with an external service provider, this activity will deliver instant team leadership benefits and help to boost team unity.
HORSE RIDING
The stables feature a comprehensive range of equestrian facilities, including 26 stables, 2 schooling yards, 1 covered manège, 1 walker, a galloping track, grazing land and paddocks and bridle paths throughout the grounds.
Our trekking and training horses are available for beginner and advanced level lessons. Our professional instructors are on-hand to guide you, whether you want to take a ride or have a lesson.
Take a ride through the grounds, set off on horseback through the woodland, learn to jump or improve your dressage skills. Whatever your level, we have a safe and enjoyable activity to suit you.
Activities & Leisure
Whether you’re travelling alone, with family or with a partner, Château d’Ygrande has a range of leisure activities for guests of all ages, all year round.
You’re sure to find something to suit your tastes within the stunning 40-hectare grounds or in the surrounding area.
The Allier is a Bourbonnais region that is bursting with activities and attractions. In fact, there’s so much to do in this stunning, clean, peaceful land that you’ll need to come back time and again to fit everything in.
Activities include relaxation, spa treatments, swimming, walking, cycling, horse-riding, cookery lessons, exploring the rich Bourbonnais heritage (Romanesque churches, abbeys, medieval châteaux) and its remarkable gardens, several theme parks and leisure parks, the Saint-Pourçain vineyards and local produce, walks through Europe’s most stunning oak forest, and numerous listed villages.
HEATED POOL
(open June to September)
The pool is tucked away in the gardens, surrounded by the orchard, the vegetable garden and the vast lawns where you can relax in the sunshine. Unsupervised pool, reserved for hotel guests only.
WALKS IN THE GROUNDS
The grounds span 40 hectares and are criss-crossed with footpaths that pass through the woods and meadows, taking visitors to the boundaries of the property towards the fishing lake.
EDUCATIONAL VEGETABLE GARDEN
The educational vegetable garden is our project for the future. Our gardeners are on-hand to answer your questions and teach you about the joys of growing your own food.
Guests can try produce from the orchards between June and October.
THE LIBRARY
The library boasts an extensive collection of works, including art books, novels, crime fiction and comic books. All books are available for guest use.
MUSIC ROOM
These bright, comfortable rooms are set against a backdrop of classical and jazz music. And when summer finally makes way for autumn, the open fireplaces are lit to keep the premises warm.
BALNOTHERAPY
The sumptuous thermal baths at Bourbon L’Achambault (7 km away), with their exquisite earthenware and wooden décor, are the perfect place to recharge your batteries, with restorative baths, hydro-massage showers, high-pressure jets, steam baths, etc.
VILLAGE OF CHARROUX
The ancient fortified city of Charroux lies to the south of the department and is recognised as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. The summit of its hill provides commanding views over the magnificent 15th-18th century façades, narrow pedestrian streets and small squares, arranged around a well. Artisan produce, including the famous Charroux mustard.
MAISON DE MANTIN (MOULINS)
The mysterious Maison de Mantin is named after the man who built and owned it in the 19th century. He wanted to leave his house to future visitors, and it reopened its doors for the very first time in 2010, some 100 years after his death. It contains incredible golden leather items, Aubusson tapestries, and ancient stained glass windows that cast incredible light into each room.
ANNE OF FRANCE MUSEUM
The Anne of France Museum is housed in the leading French Renaissance monument. It holds classical archaeology collections, Bourbonnais medieval sculptures, Moulins decorative art from the 18th century and paintings from the 19th century.
FORTRESS OF BOURBON L’ARCHAMBAULT
This medieval fortress has just three of its original towers remaining. The so-called “Qui qu’en grogne” tower is perched on a headland overlooking the picturesque town of Bourbon l’Archambault. Take a step back in time with a guide in traditional dress and explore life at the castle in the Middle Ages. Magnificent views from the top of the towers.
MUSHROOMS AND DEER RUTTING IN SEASON
Walkers can venture into the depths of the Tronçais Forest in search of large animals. In autumn, the entire forest reverberates to the cries of deer during the rutting season. At dawn and dusk, you may even catch sight of the deer in the flesh.
It is a truly captivating spectacle, with raucous cries that tear through the half-light, the trembling leaves, the scent of moss and brief glimpses of the animals through the trees (not recommended for young children).
WALKS IN THE GORGES DE LA SIOULE
Walkers can venture into the depths of the Tronçais Forest in search of large animals. In autumn, the entire forest reverberates to the cries of deer during the rutting season. At dawn and dusk, you may even catch sight of the deer in the flesh.
It is a truly captivating spectacle, with raucous cries that tear through the half-light, the trembling leaves, the scent of moss and brief glimpses of the animals through the trees (not recommended for young children).
CHATEAU DE BOSZT (BESSON)
This is one of the last châteaux in the Bourbonnais that belongs to the descendants of the Bourbons. Built at the advent of the classical style, the inside of the château is closed to visitors but it is worth viewing from the outside.
CHATEAU DE FONTARIOL (LE THIEL)
This small, late 15th-century château is open to visitors, with a guided tour given by the owner. Yet this is anything but a stately manor – come and explore the more colourful side of a château’s history!
CHATEAU DE MEILLANT
The Château de Meillant is the jewel of the Berry, and an iconic piece of flamboyant Gothic architecture. It is fully furnished, and the most sumptuous of its 90 rooms are open to visitors. Its layout, decoration and furniture are truly remarkable.
