The fine Belgian city of Spa will, for the next few weeks anyway, find itself at the centre of global motor sport.
First up (28-31 July) is the annual “24 Hours of Spa” endurance racing competition, the world’s biggest GT race, followed by the Belgian F1 Grand Prix on 28 August.
Visitors to one or both events who are looking to stay over (now or at any time, in fact) and enjoy the beautiful countryside will do well to consider a splendid place known as the “Little Versailles of the Ardennes”.
It is called Manoir de Lébioles and, as well as being located less than 15km from the famous Spa Francorchamps race track, it now boasts another direct connection to the famous Spa, known internationally for its mineral-rich thermal waters.
The link is Loïc Jambon, who has lived in Spa for over ten years and is the new head chef at the hotel’s restaurant which offers fine dining in equally fine surroundings.
In fact, he is returning to the place where he first learned his trade as a chef for it was here that he started out as an 18-year-old. After learning the skills of his craft under the previous head chef Loïc left to work at various establishments, including starred restaurants.
When the vacancy for new head chef arose the hotel’s German owners thought immediately of Loïc and he says he is “delighted to be given the chance” to make a return.
He explained his philosophy, saying, “I was taught by the former chef here but I now want to create something that represents me.”
“I am grateful to the owner for thinking about me for the new role and it is a great opportunity. I hope to be here a long time.”
Loïc Jambon
The restaurant, which can accommodate up to 50 guests, is open to non guests as well as those staying at the hotel itself and the type of menu depends when you stay. On Monday and Tuesday, it is a 3-course service (at a very reasonable €65 per head) while a more extensive gastronomic-style menu is offered the rest of the week.
From Wednesday to Sunday, the other menus offered are a 4-course “Menu Imperial” costing €83pp and also a “Menu Manorial”, consisting of six courses and priced €98pp.
As Loïc, executive chef since last autumn, explains, the idea, whatever option you have, is to reflect the rich variety of local and Belgian cuisine.
That means, for instance, sourcing the fish from trout fisheries at Aubel near Liege and game (when in season) locally in the verdant and deeply forested local environs. It’s no surprise that the resto has been awarded by Gault & Millau.
The upcoming game season, which starts around mid September, also promises to offer some exciting new additions to the menus.
He told this website, “It is all about striving for a ‘short circuit’ in terms of supplies, in other words, trying to use local suppliers and produce as much as possible. That helps the local economy and also improves the traceability of our food.”
He adds, “We may seem a little isolated in the countryside but Spa, with all its attractions, is very close.”
Indeed, the hotel is a favourite not just for people wanting a peaceful break but for race teams taking part in the annual grand prix at Spa. It even has its very own helipad for those (maybe the odd F1 superstar?) lucky enough to consider aerial access.
While some diners availing themselves of Loïc’s excellent cooking are non-guests, most also stay at the hotel which, in itself, has a fascinating history.
It was built by the architect, minister and visionary George Neyt between 1905 and 1910. Rumours say he was the natural son of King Leopold I.
After a lengthy refurbishment project (2005-2008), this gem of a property has been restored to its former splendour. For many years, Manoir de Lébioles has been ranked as one of the best luxury hotels in Belgium and the best luxury hotel in Wallonia on the Trip Adviser website.
Its charming 16 rooms and suites (there are five room categories so it’s best to consult the website for the most appropriate one for you) fit into this concept by providing lots of space and comfort while the very well equipped wellness centre offers people a plethora of possibilities to relax and revitalize.
The wellness also now offers something else new here: beauty and skincare treatment by Valmont, the renowned Swiss experts on such things – all administered by skilled professionals.
Valmont is known for anti-aging cosmetics and exceptional perfumes and guests get the chance to choose the best for their skin with Valmont face, body and hair treatments.
If Valmont has raised the standard of beauty with over 30 years of experience in anti-aging formulas so too has the owner here.
There is one thing, though, that the renovations could not hope to improve on and that is the unspoilt nature that surrounds this delightful place. This rambling spread does benefit from a superb natural setting and you really are assured of plenty of fresh air, peace and quiet here.
This, coupled with the friendly, welcoming ambience makes this a great bolt hole for a short break from the rigours of everyday city and town life. Look out for the meandering path at the rear of the hotel that takes you through very pleasant countryside and makes for a good way to build up an appetite before sampling some of Loïc’s fine food.
It is easy to see why people travel some distance to avail themselves of the charm of this place.
If you prefer to stay active while away, Spa with all its attractions, including a casino and the aforementioned motor sport until the end of August, will keep you more than busy.
Golf fans will also find nearby one of the oldest and most beautiful courses in the whole of Belgium.
Before leaving, don’t forget to take a photo at the entrance of the whole place – there can be few quite like it in Belgium so it is best preserving the image as a keepsake.
Further info: www.manoirdelebioles.com
