It feels like Narnia here—minus the lion and the witch. Instead, there are old wardrobes and a small village hidden among the Alpine hills. Where you may feel as if you’re in another world.

Founded around 1323, this mountain settlement has drawn peace-seekers for centuries. Legend has it that in 1901, when the world teetered on the brink of a new century, this place radiated tranquility. The Alpine oasis has long attracted souls yearning for an escape from the clamor of the modernizing world.

Hotellerie de Mascognaz sits at an altitude of 1800 meters. Through the enormous glass windows, guests can admire Monte Rosa, the "pearl of the Alps." Instead of battling the White Witch, more pleasant challenges await: skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and walking. And after the adventures? A feast fit for a king in restaurants almost in the clouds, serving local flavors in intimate settings.

Photos: hotelleriedemascognaz.com