The Viziit journal
Domaine des Hautes Fagnes: a nature and wellness escape in Ovifat
Rooms, wellness, Ardennes cuisine and encounters with alpacas: discover Domaine des Hautes Fagnes, on the edge of the nature reserve.
In Ovifat, Domaine des Hautes Fagnes is set in a landscape of forests and heathland, in the immediate vicinity of one of Belgium’s most distinctive natural areas. The address brings together accommodation, wellness and cuisine in a setting that invites both rest and walks.
A family story turned Ardennes address
The story told by the estate dates back to the 1960s, when Filomena and Michele Petta left Italy for Belgium. Their family journey gradually turned into a hotel project, continued by the following generations.
This family dimension gives the property an identity different from that of a large impersonal hotel. It is reflected in the overall atmosphere and in the desire to bring several experiences together in one place: sleep, eat, relax and set out to explore the region.
At the gateway to a unique landscape
The main strength of Domaine des Hautes Fagnes remains its location. Between Malmedy, the Botrange Signal and the German border, Ovifat makes it easy to reach the trails, peat bogs and wide open spaces characteristic of the plateau.
The scenery changes greatly with the seasons. Autumn highlights the colours of the forest, winter can transform the paths, while spring and summer are more suited to long walks. Before setting out, check the weather and any access restrictions to protected areas.
Rooms designed as a place to rest
After a day outdoors, the rooms offer a calm and comfortable environment. The property offers several categories, from double rooms to suites; their size, view and amenities can vary significantly.
To choose without any unpleasant surprises, compare the available categories for your dates and check what is included in the stay, notably access to the wellness area, breakfast and the conditions applicable to children.
Wellness as a complement to nature
The wellness area extends the stay experience, especially after a hike or during a colder day. Rather than planning an overly busy schedule, you can alternate a morning outing in the Fagnes with some relaxation time at the estate.
Opening hours, access durations, available facilities and age-related rules may change. It is therefore best to reserve your time slot and confirm the arrangements directly with the property.
Cuisine inspired by the Ardennes
The estate’s restaurant showcases refined cuisine, with attention to ingredients and presentation. It allows you to stay on site in the evening, a real comfort when you want to enjoy the wellness area or avoid taking the car again after a day of exploring.
The menu and set options change with the seasons. If the meal is an important part of your stay, check the current offer and reserve your table before arrival.
Meeting the alpacas
The presence of alpacas adds an unexpected touch to the experience. Their discovery naturally appeals to families, but also to travellers looking for a gentle and different activity during their getaway.
These encounters depend on the estate’s organization, the weather and the animals’ well-being. They should therefore not be considered automatically included: enquire when planning your stay.
Planning your stay in the Hautes Fagnes
- Address: Rue des Charmilles 67, 4950 Ovifat-Waimes, Belgium.
- To book: the room, the table and the wellness time slot may require separate reservations.
- To bring: suitable shoes, a waterproof jacket and warm clothing, even outside winter.
- For families: check the wellness access conditions and the availability of activities with animals.
- In the area: combine your stay with the Botrange Signal, Lake Robertville or a walk to Reinhardstein Castle.
- Mobility: having a car makes it much easier to get around between the different natural sites.
Who is this getaway for?
Domaine des Hautes Fagnes will particularly appeal to couples who want to combine nature and relaxation, as well as to families looking for a comfortable base in the East Cantons. Its appeal lies less in an accumulation of activities than in the balance between outdoor outings and quiet moments.
Two nights allow you to enjoy the estate without giving up a real discovery of the region. By keeping a flexible schedule, the weather becomes less of a constraint and more of an invitation to alternate hiking, gastronomy and wellness.
