Instants d’Absolu - Owner's Story

Some stories begin unexpectedly, born of serendipity and a curious twist of fate. The tale of Instants d’Absolu Ecolodge & Spa, nestled on the remote shores of Lac du Pêcher in the heart of the Auvergne’s volcanic wilderness, is one of passion, persistence, and an unwavering connection to nature.

Laurence and Daniel, two seasoned hospitality professionals living the high life in the chic Alpine resort of Megève, could never have imagined trading their vibrant social calendar for the tranquillity of this wild, untamed landscape. But life has a way of leading you down unexpected paths.

It all started one snowy January day in 2007, when Laurence, eager for fresh powder, was whisked up the slopes of Mont Blanc’s Evasion ski area. There, by chance, she met Pierre—a stranger whose passing comment would sow the seeds of a life-changing journey.

“You love nature; you’d love Lac du Pêcher,”

he said with conviction, mentioning the place more than once as they chatted about adventures in Alaska and South Africa.

Laurence was intrigued. Later, her curiosity piqued, she searched online for this enigmatic lake. What she found painted a picture of remoteness and wonder—but there was a catch. The charming inn by the water was closed, and the property was up for sale. For a couple devoted to crafting exceptional hospitality experiences, this seemed unthinkable. How could a place so magical not thrive?

Two months later, curiosity propelled Laurence and Daniel to the lake. The five-hour drive from Megève was punctuated by scenic roads and anticipation. What awaited them was a vast, dried-up basin, a starkly beautiful expanse bordered by a rustic stone building. The air was crisp, the silence profound. And in that moment, the spark ignited. “This is an ecolodge!” exclaimed Laurence with conviction. The idea took root quickly. On the return journey, their minds buzzed with visions—a lakeside jacuzzi here, bespoke wellness retreats there. The place spoke to them, unlocking a connection to the land they couldn’t ignore. Yet Megève, with its music-filled evenings and vibrant community, held its own gravitational pull.

“Can you imagine leaving all this behind?” Laurence asked Daniel. He needed time—72 hours, he said—but returned with a firm decision in less than two days. The answer was yes.

Over the following years, synchronicity and determination guided their path. There were challenges, of course. Endless road trips, negotiations, and countless design decisions were required to transform the property into a luxurious yet grounded retreat that respected its wild surroundings. But fate seemed on their side—manifesting in chance encounters, helpful partners, and even a mysterious “Cantal - Auvergne” sticker spotted at a toll booth near Megève, as if the universe itself was cheering them on.

By June 2010, Instants d’Absolu Ecolodge & Spa opened its doors, embodying the very spirit of its surroundings. The property seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability, from the natural stone construction to the conservation programmes supporting local wildlife. Guests are invited not just to stay but to connect—to listen to the whisper of the wind across the plateau, to spot kites soaring overhead, and to immerse themselves in experiences crafted to celebrate the beauty of nature.

Laurence and Daniel’s journey from Megève to Lac du Pêcher is a testament to the power of intuition and a deep respect for the land. What began as a fleeting suggestion on a snowy mountainside has blossomed into a sanctuary of timeless rare moments—a place where life is lived fully, here and now.