Barcelonnette, France
Hotel Spa Azteca
Franco-Mexican Alpine villa
Franco-Mexican Alpine villa
Built by returning emigrants, the villa brings Mexican folk art into an Alpine setting with fireside salons and mountain terraces.
What it’s good at
Notable
An 1888 villa mexicaine built by returning emigrants, with original fireplaces and woodwork.
Notable
Mexican bark paintings and folk art honor the Ubaye Valley's transatlantic migration ties.
Listed
Simple contemporary guestrooms accompany public salons adorned with traditional Mexican decorative art.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
It’s a tribute to the long history of emigration between Barcelonnette and Mexico, and its public spaces … are full of Mexican artworks and decorative elements.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Barcelonnette's center and local restaurants sit a short stroll away, beneath the peaks of the Ubaye Valley.
The rooms
Rooms in the 1888 wing keep their original character. Newer rooms are straightforward and contemporary.
The spa and sauna
Vaulted stone rooms host massages with Sothys Paris products. A wood-paneled infrared sauna sits nearby.
At the table
The bar serves drinks and light bites on the courtyard terrace, or indoors beside the salon fireplace.
How it began
Local emigrants who made fortunes in Mexico's textile trade returned to the valley in 1888 to build this villa.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.