A special kind of project

The Dixence Resort – an Investis development project currently under construction – is located at an altitude of 1,750 metres and consists of a hotel complex with 60 rooms, a thermal spa and wellness centre (Thermes de la Dixence), a “Swisspeak Resort” with around 100 apartments planned exclusively for rent, five chalets and five apartment buildings with a total of 58 condominiums. The resort, which covers a site of 25,000 m² in the municipality of Hérémence in Canton Valais, has direct access to the “Thyon 2000 - Les Collons” ski area, part of the “4 Vallées” winter sports region.

The thermal and wellness centre extends over more than 3,000 m² on two levels: almost 2,000 m² indoors and more than 1,000 m² outside (pools and terraces). It is complemented by further facilities in the thermal and wellness area. All the facilities are open to the public. The pools are fed by the naturally heated waters of the Combioulaz spring, which is located below the Euseigne earth pyramids on the valley floor of the Val d’Hérens. Recent drilling has verified that the thermal water, valued for its healing properties, has a temperature of 30°C. “The chance to use this water for the thermal baths at the Dixence Resort project represents a unique opportunity and a valuable feature of the project. The water quality is equal to that in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains – a well-known French spa town,” said Stéphane Bonvin, CEO of Investis, who was born in Canton Valais.

Expertise and experience in the thermal spa business

ValVital, based in Paris, is France’s second largest thermal spa company. It runs eleven facilities and three hotel complexes in France. “Our expansion into Switzerland is a very promising and exciting opportunity for us. It fits with our external growth strategy, but most of all it allows us to participate in a high-quality project in an attractive location in the Valais – somewhere that we want to commit to for the long term,” explains Olivier Bruez, Business Development Director at ValVital.

Project implementation and marketing on track

The Dixence Resort is being built in several phases over the next years. Work on the first residential building, “Aiguilles Rouges”, began in mid-September 2016 and will be completed by the end of 2018. Eight of the thirteen apartments have already been sold with preliminary contracts, and one of the chalets has also attracted a purchase commitment off plan. Construction of the second apartment building should be completed in spring 2019.

The hotel and thermal baths are scheduled to open in autumn 2020. GoodNight Partners, the company commissioned by Investis to choose the spa operator, is also responsible for building and launching the hotel, and managing its operation. “The hotel will offer 60 modern rooms, which reflect the natural characteristics of the region and are targeted at a family- and sports-oriented clientele. The hotel is designed to support the activities offered throughout the whole year in the Dixence Resort project and more generally in Hérémence and the Val d’Hérens,” said Arjun Fornerod, Managing Director of GoodNight Partners.

Jean-Daniel Masserey, Managing Director of mjd architectes SA, which is in charge of project management, says that “the project is unique; nature lovers seeking relaxation will appreciate the location right next to the ski slopes, the spa facilities and the breathtaking views of the mountains.”

Recognised the great potential

Investment company Mountain Resort Real Estate Fund SICAV has also recognised the great potential of the project and decided to purchase three plots with a total area of 3,574 m². Two of these plots already have building permission. Mountain Resort will build a “Swisspeak Resort” on this land, offering around 100 rental apartments with approximately 500 beds in total. “Our fund is pleased to be investing in this very beautiful project, which fits perfectly into our strategy. It’s located in a popular family destination near the mountain railways of the 4 Vallées region, while the spa and wellness centre adds a further dimension to our offering,” said Philippe Lathion, Chairman of Mountain Resort Real Estate Fund SICAV.

For more information and pictures of the Dixence Resort project: www.dixence-resort.ch