Around the Planet

Holidays are so often associated with being lazy and doing nothing, but here is a holiday for those who like loads of activity as part of that well-earned, refreshing break.

In the grounds of a beautiful old farm, the ultra-contemporary Jiva Hill Park Hotel, near Crozet, France, is located in thirty-five hectares of its own natural parkland with stunning vistas of both the Jura Mountains and Mont Blanc range. The hotel has taken full advantage of this space, equipping itself with a wide variety of facilities to suit all interests – especially those who love sport.

One of the most incredible features on offer is the EUROLAC water sports centre. This breathtaking 650 metre man-made lake has been created and designed especially for water sports fanatics. Here you can try your hand at wakeboarding, water-skiing (including slalom and jumps!), mono-skiing and even barefoot skiing. All equipment can be provided by the hotel, and instructors are on hand at all times.

One of the appealing features of this hotel, and one that I would be keen to see in other holiday hotels, is that it has a large heated swimming pool indoors, so you can swim whatever the weather, and you don’t have to slather yourself in sun-block either. For those who like to train using machines and weights, look no further – there is a superb state-of-the-art fitness suite, where you can keep on top of your regular gym routine, and are not tempted to slip just because you are on holiday. You can keep up with the running and jogging too, as there is a 2.5km jogging circuit. If you fancy doing your running more in the natural environment, then there is also a carefully crafted fitness trail, complete with ten bases in which to stop and indulge in some on-the-spot dynamic exercise – perfect for gruelling circuit training.

For more leisurely exercise, bikes, tennis rackets and golf clubs are available to hire and use in and around the grounds. The golf driving range is especially good for beginners and professionals alike. At 230 metres long, it allows players to place themselves into differing circumstances in which to practice for the real thing – whether on the green, trying for that hole-in-one or even stuck in the bunker!

All of these rare and exhilarating activities are available within a few paces of your bedroom door, but if you want to explore the area surrounding the hotel, there are two 18-hole golf courses nearby and plenty of opportunities for fishing, riding and hiking – perfect for embracing the fresh mountain air. In the winter, there are fantastic opportunities for skiing/snowboarding are right on the doorstep in the beautiful Jura Mountains – in fact you can see the ski lift from the hotel itself.

And if just reading this is a little too exhausting – fear not – the choice to laze around at leisure is also available, whether it’s chilling out by the pool, indulging in spa treatments or relaxing in the beautiful sauna and hammam – the choice is up to you.

If you want to keep fit, and you love France and the mountains, this could be just the holiday for you.

Nightly rates at the Jiva Hill Park Hotel in a deluxe double start from £115 per person, based on two adults sharing.