Le Saint Barnabé Hôtel & SPA

The restaurant was the standout for me. The food was delicious, far beyond anything I could cook or even present myself. The hotel is in a beautiful, quiet spot, and there are lovely walks straight from there, so no need to drive. Dogs are welcome, too. I didn’t quite dare try the outdoor pool, though I found the spa very relaxing. I’d happily come back if I get the chance.

We arrived at 10 pm and got such a lovely welcome from the owner. Before long, we were having a nightcap in the beautiful bar restaurant downstairs. The views among the mountains and forests are picturesque. The clean, spacious spa has lots of facilities, including an outdoor pool and jacuzzi. I also had a lovely 50 minute massage with Angelo, then enjoyed lunch on the veranda 😍 Thank you! Au Revoir ❤️❤️❤️

Le Saint Barnabé, Hotel and Spa, feels like a separate, untouched world: authentic and close to nature. The Massif du Ventron Nature Reserve captures the many pleasures of a magnificent landscape, with sounds that daily life has long drowned out. Above the valleys of this fine wine region, paths lead through natural beauty and offer a clearer sense of what matters, in the colors of all four seasons and a feeling of shelter. In the heart of Alsace, Hotel Saint Barnabé offers this kind of setting. Murbach Abbey is just a short distance away, making it easy to explore the region and its riches, or simply turn inward. The garden sits beside a romantic stream, where a sense of contentment can return. The Saint-Barnabé Hotel & Spa has 27 charming, cozy rooms, with comfort carefully considered. The spa encourages relaxation, meditation, renewal, and self-discovery, treating each person as a whole and helping restore a balance between body and mind. That idea comes through in the deliberately simple, unpretentious surroundings, with wood, stone, and natural colors. Water also plays an important part in the massage rituals, which draw on oriental traditions. At Le Jardin des Saveurs, warm hospitality comes with the sight of an impressive suit of armor. It belonged to a mounted warrior from the European Middle Ages, perhaps a robber baron or a nobleman, and gives the room a sense of security. No one is protected from the restaurant’s culinary magic, though. Chef David Rochel and his team bring the colorful tastes of the region to a highly creative, seasonally changing menu. There’s plenty to discover from this lively area, including Munster cheese flambéed with Gewürztraminer pomace brandy and roasted pigeon from Monsieur Kieffer. The cooking brings regional, down to earth specialties together with fine ingredients from farther away, with real care for how the flavors work. The refuge is run by Eric Orban, a former Michelin-starred chef, and his wife Clémence, whose charm and warm hospitality set the tone. They place great importance on healthy, environmentally conscious food, choosing ingredients carefully from local producers wherever possible and sourcing them fresh each day. There’s an easy rapport between Orban and his chef, and style and passion show in their work. The kitchen centers regional products and plenty of vegetables, while also playing with Asian specialties. My starter featured duck liver, typical of the region, with fruit chutney and Muscat jelly. The beef fillet that followed married local flavors with those from farther away. It was juicy, aromatic, buttery tender, and lightly seasoned with Asian spices. A beautiful piece of meat, with nothing to mask its own flavor. Colorful vegetables and bold Alsatian herbs rounded it out. And to finish, the legendary Munster, flambéed with Gewürztraminer pomace brandy. Unusual, yes, but for me a perfect ending to a concert of flavors.

Everyone at this welcoming hotel was charming and greeted us with a smile 😃 I’d recommend staying here when traveling. Thank you!