A Haven of Serenity Facing Mont-Blanc at Jiva Hill Resort

Facing Mont Blanc, Steps from Geneva

Located just 10 kilometers from Geneva Airport, Jiva Hill Resort enjoys a prime location, right at the Swiss border but on the French side, in the peaceful commune of Crozet. This 45-hectare green haven, nestled between the Jura Mountains and Mont Blanc, offers spectacular views over lakes and mountains. Easily accessible, it combines the convenience of urban proximity with the serenity of preserved nature, making it an ideal address for both business travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, year-round.

Between Raw Concrete and Fine Wood, A Gracefully Natural Aesthetic

In the heart of the Haut-Jura Natural Park, Jiva Hill Resort features architecture in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Far from alpine clichés, the hotel draws inspiration from South African lodges and Scandinavian bungalows, with a preference for raw and noble materials such as wood, concrete, and metal. This unique signature reflects the touch of architect Cristina Gherardi Benardeau, whose sensitive approach reveals the spirit of the place while preserving its identity.

Inside, the clean lines do not compromise on comfort. The atmosphere is cozy and warm, highlighted by a palette of natural tones mixing cream, copper, and rust. The lobby, conceived as a living space, opens onto a series of alcoves and lounges punctuated with open bookshelves, custom-designed furniture, and carefully selected vintage pieces. Materials interact with the landscape: velvet, beige leather, silky walnut... Every detail contributes to a feeling of softness and understated elegance.

The architect also reimagined the outdoor areas, infusing them with spontaneous vegetation that blurs the line between manicured garden and wild nature. The terraces, facing Mont Blanc, invite contemplation. Teak furniture and custom garden lounges create ideal relaxation areas to enjoy an aperitif at sunset, in a refined yet casual atmosphere.

But Jiva Hill Resort stands out not only for its aesthetics: it also embodies a committed vision of contemporary hospitality. Aware of environmental issues, the property multiplies sustainable initiatives. The entrance has been greened, new species have been planted, and water management is optimized through rainwater harvesting. On the golf course, next-generation synthetic greens reduce the use of phytosanitary products.

A Refined Design For a Soothing Getaway

Jiva Hill Resort houses 50 rooms and suites designed as intimate sanctuaries where design harmonizes with nature. All are bathed in light through large bay windows opening onto the majestic Jura landscape or the manicured lines of the golf course. The interior design favors a sober and warm aesthetic, where raw concrete, walnut wood, and natural textiles create a calming, elegant atmosphere in perfect coherence with the resort's overall style.

The rooms offer a minimalist yet refined setting, accented with touches of velvet, wool, and fine materials from renowned brands like Rubelli and Dedar. The lighting, thoughtfully designed, plays a key role in the ambiance: designer pendants, wall sconces, and table lamps cast soft halos of light that transform the space into a cocoon of serenity.

We stayed in one of the Deluxe rooms, a true showcase of Jiva Hill's expertise. Offering 34 sqm of understated elegance, our room had a terrace with a breathtaking view of the golf green. The interior, faithful to the property's spirit, featured custom furniture, mid-century inspired leather armchairs, thick wool curtains, and noble materials. The bathroom, clad in anthracite gray marble, offered discreet luxury with its bathtub, rain shower, and double vanity with contemporary lines.

Breakfast and Panoramic Views

In the morning, Jiva Hill Resort offers a generous buffet breakfast in the restaurant's sunlit dining room. Guests can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, pressed juices, warm bread, golden pastries, crunchy granola, and eggs cooked to order. All of this is enhanced by a spectacular view of Mont Blanc on clear days. For a more private experience, we chose to enjoy our breakfast on our room's terrace, in peaceful intimacy facing the tranquil Jura landscape.

Between Fine French Cuisine and Italian Flavors

This five-star resort offers a high-end gastronomic experience through two complementary venues led by passionate and talented chefs. At the gourmet restaurant Le Jiva, Jean-François Vasseur celebrates the nobility and sincerity of French cuisine. His background in Michelin-starred kitchens and his deep-rooted connection to the land result in a seasonal, precise, and committed culinary style. Each dish, designed as an ode to the product, balances tradition and boldness, like his scallops seared with Jerusalem artichoke and coffee. Here, precise cooking, elegant plating, and fresh ingredients compose a gastronomic journey that evolves with the local harvests.

As a complement, the brasserie Le Jardin offers a more relaxed setting, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner facing the seasonal garden. Chef Zakaria Mahfoud brings cuisine inspired by his Italian roots, marked by simplicity and generosity. Heir to a warm family tradition and trained under great culinary names like Mauro Colagreco, he revisits Italian classics with delicate modernity, emphasizing quality ingredients and seasonal respect. His cooking evokes childhood memories, sharing, and conviviality, for an experience that is both heartfelt and captivating.

Our dinner at Le Jardin was a true ode to the Mediterranean, blending Italian inspiration with southern French terroir. From the starters, freshness and refined pairings set the tone. The Burrata, straight from Puglia, was served in a summery and elegant version: surrounded by heirloom tomatoes and fresh peaches, the creamy cheese was enhanced with a kalamansi vinaigrette and a touch of black olive powder. The whole dish struck a perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and creaminess, with a presentation as polished as it was appetizing.

In a more seafood-oriented style, La Ricciola showcased raw amberjack as a tartare. Delicately prepared, the fish was paired with tangy red fruit compote and Sicilian lemon zest for a burst of brightness and freshness. Sliced almonds and crispy tiles completed this bold starter, which was subtly fruity and distinctly marine.

The rest of the meal led us to two generous dishes, each rooted in its region of inspiration. Gamberoni, straight from Sicily, featured fresh tagliatelle coated in a rich, aromatic prawn bisque flavored with tarragon. Topped with roasted prawns and melting cherry tomatoes, the pasta revealed a fine play of textures and a well-balanced aromatic intensity, brightened by lemon zest.

In contrast, L'Agnello, a tribute to Puglia, offered a refined and comforting take on lamb. The tender, flavorful saddle was served with a variety of artichoke textures, raisins, and a concentrated, flavorful jus. A generous and indulgent dish, balanced by a minimalist presentation.

To conclude this meal full of contrasts, we chose two desserts as different as they were exquisite. La Pesca was all about lightness and freshness: a rosemary-poached peach, delicately scented, encased a sorbet made with vineyard peaches. Topped with golden Italian meringue, it was an airy, fruity finale, perfect for summer evenings.

More intense, La Nocciola e il Cioccolato was made for chocolate lovers. A Guanaja 70% dark chocolate tartlet filled with homemade hazelnut praline sat in the center of a generous, silky cream. Caramelized hazelnuts and shards of chocolate added the finishing touch to this rich dessert, offering a perfect mix of crunch, melt, and indulgence.

Indoor Relaxation and Outdoor Escape

At the heart of Jiva Hill Resort, the spa embodies the site's Zen spirit, where well-being aligns with the surrounding nature. Flooded with natural light through large bay windows, the 17-meter indoor pool invites a soothing break, complemented by a Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, hammam, and more recently, a wet sauna and a sensory shower. Outside, a 16-meter heated lap pool, bordered by a teak solarium with loungers and private cabanas, allows for open-air relaxation with Jura views. For more invigorating experiences, the Nordic ritual alternates the warmth of a Canadian red cedar cabin with a 10°C ice bath in a secluded garden corner. In addition, Sothys facial and body treatments and a fully equipped fitness room complete this holistic wellness offering, centered on serenity, renewed energy, and reconnection to self.

A Playground For All Ages

Jiva Hill Resort is a true playground for sports, nature, and thrill enthusiasts. Surrounded by the Jura Mountains, the estate offers a wide range of outdoor activities: golf on a 9-hole course with year-round synthetic greens, tennis with professional coaching, cycling, running, and also water skiing and wakeboarding at the nearby water base. Just five minutes away, the Monts Jura resort adds alpine and Nordic skiing, via ferrata, treetop adventures, and paintball. In the evening or during bad weather, the Tripot offers vintage foosball, pinball, and billiards in a retro atmosphere, while the private cinema L'Eden screens classic and recent films.

The resort hasn't forgotten families and offers a wide range of kid-friendly activities. Little ones can enjoy the spa with fun, age-appropriate treatments while their parents relax. Golf and tennis are available from age 4 or 5 through a dedicated school, with courses during school holidays. Playgrounds, zip lines, swings, and an indoor discovery area round out the family-friendly offerings. Two large suites and several lodges are designed to comfortably accommodate families, and a dedicated dining menu allows even the youngest to enjoy gourmet flavors gently.

My Review

With elegant design, preserved nature, and refined gastronomy, Jiva Hill Resort offers an exceptional escape on Geneva's doorstep. At the crossroads of influences, it masterfully combines discreet luxury and authenticity, premium comfort and sustainable commitment. Whether to recharge facing Mont Blanc, savor inspired cuisine, or enjoy family time, every stay at Jiva Hill becomes a unique experience rooted in the contemporary art of living.

What I Loved:

What I Regretted:

Practical Information

Many thanks to Jiva Hill Resort for the invitation to discover their property. Of course, I remain free to express my own opinions in this article!