Consensio - Your Luxury Lifestyle Magazine First Edition 2014

Y O U R

L U X U R Y

L I F E S T Y L E

M A G A Z I N E

CONSENSIO

Welcome Luxury is such a subjective word and is used to describe anything from food and drink through to stunning chalets and super yachts.

The official definition is: ...the state of great comfort and elegance or a pleasure obtained only rarely.

However, we all lead such busy lives these days that time itself has become a luxury - having the time available to do what you want to do with the people you want to do it with.

At Consensio we aim to give back some of this precious commodity by organising and arranging every conceivable detail of your holiday for you.

We anticipate your needs and make things happen to ensure you get maximum enjoyment and relaxation out of the time you spend with us.

Our unique lifestyle magazine provides a taste of what you can expect from Consensio by sharing stories about some of our favourite people, as well as giving you an insight into the luxury accommodation, services and destinations on offer.

Travel with Consensio and you will find that time magically appears - and you can spend it with friends and family doing the things you love.

Ceri Tinley Managing Director and Co-founder Consensio Holidays

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Editor Clare Meaney For all media and marketing enquiries please contact Clare on 07941 568679 Or email: clare@consensioholidays.co.uk Contributors Richard Meaney James Devine Holly Carr Hanneke Maljaars Yulia Titovets The Chalet Photographers Jake Leighfield Design & Print Anthony Thornley Design Mountain Marketing Ltd

C H A L E T S E X C E P T I O N A L

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V I L L A S

P R O P E R T I E S

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Y A C H T S

E X C E P T I O N A L

9 RE ECE MEWS, SOUTH KEN SI N GTON LON DON , SW7 3HE +44 (0) 203 393 0833 ENQ U IR I ES@CON SEN SI OHOLI DAYS.CO.UK WWW. CON SEN SI OHOLI DAYS.CO.U K

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Contents 3-5 Welcome and Contents

44 - 45 How to ski powder

6-7 Comedian gets serious about vodka

46 - 47 Let the children play

8 - 11 La Folie Douce makes its mark

48 - 49 Winter wellbeing

12 - 13 My perfect day

51 - 53 The Wow factor

16 - 17 Wine expert opens up his cellar

54 - 55 The lighter side of luxury

18 - 21 The creation of an award winning chalet

56 - 57 Latest gadgets and gizmos

22 -23 Mountain menus

58 - 59 Skiing for women - no men allowed!

24 - 26 For the love of chocolate

60 - 61 W Hotel welcomes large groups

28 - 29 Consensio and Lacroix unite

62 - 63 zai skis - a modern day icon

30 - 33 Fashion

64 - 65 Turning a dream chalet into reality

34 - 35 The extravagance of Perrier-Jouët

66 - 68 Get fit for skiing

36 - 38 Taking the kids

70 - 71 Sail away aboard a super yacht

40 - 41 It’s a dog’s life

72 - 73 Living it up in St Tropez

42 - 43 Dates for your diary

74 The Alpine challenge

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Crystal clear Have you heard the one about the comedian who went into the vodka making business...?

D

UE to its inclusion into almost

and artist John Alexander were looking to

every cocktail on the menu, and

create an ultra-pure premium spirit, and with

its willingness to combine with a

Crystal Head Vodka it would appear that

myriad of potential mixers, vodka has become increasingly popular over the last few years.

The choice of vodkas available to us today can sometimes seem a little overwhelming. Within

they have achieved exactly that.

Highest quality peaches and cream corn are distilled four times into a neutral grain, gluten-

this confusing plethora of similar and generic products, there is, however, one particular vodka that stands out from the crowd.

With its insanely cool bottle, which comes in the form of a glass skull handcrafted in Milan, Crystal Head Vodka has developed an almost cult-like following since its release in 2008.

Nothing is added to enhance or mask the taste.

But it’s not all about looks.

There is no denying that the eccentric and eye-catching

container

has

contributed

to the brand’s appeal, but it is the pristine flavour created by Crystal Head’s meticulous distillation process that has taken the vodka world by storm.

From the outset comedian Dan Aykroyd

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free spirit and blended with unspoiled water from Newfoundland, Nova Scotia. The liquid is then filtered seven times, three of which are through layers of semi-precious crystals known as Herkimer Diamond Crystals.

Crystal Head Vodka contains no additives –

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no glycerol, citrus oils or sugars. Nothing is added to enhance or mask the taste.

So how on earth did ‘Ray’ from Ghostbusters start making vodka you may well ask?

It would appear that it was something to do with his decision to import tequila into Canada, which somehow led to his acquisition of four vineyards in Niagara, which in turn led to his search for a pure, additive free vodka. When he couldn’t find one that met his exacting standards, he decided to produce one himself; so the story goes.

However it came about, it seems that Aykroyd came into the vodka making business for all the right reasons. He wanted to produce as pure a vodka as possible and at the same time provide his customers with the most enjoyable vodka drinking

with the Jewish community in the world of

experience possible.

comedy.

His passion for producing high quality

Aykroyd’s

libations and a commitment to incredibly

altruistic notion that his product is made to

high standards has ensured that Crystal

be enjoyed.

Head Vodka has become a brand renowned for its additive free purity, making it the perfect blank canvas for mixologists all over the world.

mantra

emulates

an

almost

Responding to the theft of 21, 000 bottles of his vodka from a warehouse in 2011, Aykroyd said that he was at least “happy that some consumers will be afforded the opportunity

Aykroyd’s inclination to make his vodka

of tasting it at significantly lower than retail

kosher came not from direct religious

price”.

necessity (being a catholic himself), but from a fondness for the Jewish community which developed during his visits to Israeli vineyards, and through a close affinity

He may have lost some of his vodka, but at least he didn’t lose his sense of humour. www.crystalheadvodka.com

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Brand awareness The lively atmosphere at La Folie Douce restaurants and après ski bars has seen them make a big impact in a very short space of time. Founder Luc Reversade explains the secret of their success.

Y

ou are currently in Val d’Isère, Meribel, Val Thorens and Alpe d’Huez, with St Gervais/Megève

opening next. Have you always wanted to open La Folie Douce in St Gervais/Megève?

The ski area is beautiful. There is great variety and the setting is fabulous. The villages of St Gervais and Megéve each have real charm, unique culture and a tradition of mountain hospitality. The fun element has always been part of the local DNA. We were offered the opportunity to purchase the restaurant located

at

the

top

of

Mont

Joux,

overlooking the slopes of St Gervais and

Mont

d’Arbois,

opposite

Mont

Blanc, and we threw ourselves in to this new adventure willingly.

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What is it that makes La Folie Douce so

the slopes with a smile. Each Folie Douce

It’s both. A Folie Douce is made up of two

successful?

should be original and authentic. Whilst

restaurants. ‘La Fruitière’ - a Brasserie -

they all have a shared culture, each Folie

and ‘la Petite Cuisine de La Folie Douce’

Douce should develop its own personality

- a self-service restaurant. In both cases

through its setting, its cuisine and its

the food is prepared on site using fresh

resident musicians and performers.

produce which, whenever possible, is

Our intention is that each of our Folie Douce venues will bring together a full spectrum of clients, irrespective of age, style or budget. We want everyone to find an attractive well run venue, good food,

Do you see La Folie Douce as an après ski

and if they are up to it, a great ‘après ski’

bar with a restaurant, or a restaurant with

experience that will round off a day on

an après ski bar?

continued on next page...

locally sourced. The challenge for our large teams is to be able to perform at altitudes of over 2000m. For après ski

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we have resident musicians who perform

that brings people together. The musical

of experience of our producers, suppliers,

each afternoon on the terrace. Then there

style and ambiance may be different

kitchen and service staff, performers and

is a cabaret followed by an ‘après ski’

- it is often more traditional and local

clients. By doing this we can provide work,

party with good music to end a great

in Austria - but the important thing, in

camaraderie and memorable experiences

day’s skiing in style.

Austria as in France, is that it is genuine,

for all. Each Folie Douce must have its

generous and done with feeling. This is

own soul.

Do you think French après ski is more sophisticated than Austrian après ski?!

We share a similar culture with the Austrian ‘après ski’ – a spontaneous party

the perfect recipe.

Can you imagine a time when La Folie

Do you have any plans to open La Folie

Douce will be in every well known ski

Douce outside of France?

resort in the world?

We

are

actively

We are prepared to set up in every major

working on this and

international ski resort which ‘captures

hope

an

our heart’. A new Folie Douce is always

announcement in the

the end product of a long process – visits,

next few months. We

imagination and conceptual design. The

want La Folie Douce

objective is not the number of Folie

to

fantastic

Douce venues but the quality of each

projects in the world’s

venue and its standing in the host resort.

to

make

develop

top ski resorts.

What inspires you?

It sounds like you have plans

for

worldwide

expansion and global domination!

We travel a lot in the mountains and to places that attract and interest us, be it renowned worldwide hotspots or

Douce to reflect the

discreet, select venues in the middle of

Folie

nowhere.

Douce -

family

those

on

which the first Folie Douce Our

was as

We feel proud when our clients leave

can

a table or terrace feeling happy after

as

spending time with us. Then we know we

long

each new Folie Douce develops its own style, colour and personality using

the

What is your proudest moment?

built.

expansion

continue

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them, both in our venues and outside.

We want each Folie

values

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Our clients! We listen to them, we watch

have done a good job.

What is the best thing about your job?

combined

Participating in the happiness of others

expertise and wealth

- even at a modest level! This is what

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motivates us every day in the work we do.

Do

you

come

from

a

long

line

of

entrepreneurs?

I am the son of school teachers and a former ski instructor. However, we all have an entrepreneurial spirit that drives us to continually review the development of the existing Folie Douce, the future Folie Douce and also other exciting projects about which we hope to be able to say more in the near future. www.lafoliedouce.com

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My perfect day in Val d’Isère Former British champion Chemmy Alcott may have hung up her ski racing boots but her love for the mountains is still as strong as ever. Here she describes how she would spend a perfect day on the slopes of Val d’Isère.

Who would you spend your perfect day with

machine smoothie which I love, and my bottle

in Val d’Isère?

of Udos Oil which is added to scrambled eggs

My new husband Dougie Crawford and my two brothers. We are all speed demons and love to challenge ourselves, so it would be the perfect mountain crew.

What kind of accommodation do you prefer?

Obviously it is lovely to stay in the lap of luxury, but a good ski holiday is about who you are with and how great the snow is - although a

Do you have a favourite run in Val d’Isère?

Le

Face

is

particularly

daunting

and

challenging, but it doesn’t exactly make you feel like a skiing hero as it’s never pretty skiing down a vertical ice pitch. I love the OK piste on La Daille with its great undulating terrain – but watch out for those blind rollers.

post ski hot tub/ice bath combo definitely

When you and Dougie ski together do you

helps those tired legs.

get competitive or just cruise around?

What would you choose for breakfast?

As we’ve matured we have reached a perfect

I love breakfasts. I have my staples - my green

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and smoked salmon with lots of coffee.

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balance between free ski competition, respect and mutual admiration, which I know sounds

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mushy. We are both very different in how we ski. I like to flow more through the turns whereas Dougie attacks the top of every turn.

Where would you have lunch and what would you eat?

La Peau de Vache is one of my favourite places and now I have retired from racing I would indulge in the duck burger but probably with salad as I wouldn’t want to go into a carb food coma and miss out on the afternoon skiing.

Where might you enjoy a spot of après?

There’s still a bit of the former racer in me and so while most people head for the bar I would take a dip in the hot tub and roll around in the snow every so often to stimulate circulation before hopping back in the tub.

You’d still enjoy an après ski drink, wouldn’t you?

I’ve just discovered a new blend of British whisky called ‘The One’ which is my drink of choice at the moment.

Well in a perfect world I would throw in some skydiving, sunset surf and beach volleyball!

But a good day in the powder with ‘my boys’ is just great.

Is there any particular reason why you would choose to spend your perfect day in Val

What would you do to relax before dinner?

d’Isère?

In an ideal world a Thai massage would be

There are so many former British ski racers who

fantastic.

base themselves there, that you will always

Where might you have dinner and what would

have some great chair lift catch-up sessions!

you eat?

What do you love most about Val d’Isère?

A meat and cheese fondue at La Corniche.

It has everything - the steeps, the hero feeling

Would your perfect day include anything else?

slopes, the powder, the restaurants - a little slice of winter heaven.

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PERRIER-JOUËT, THE ALLURING CHAMPAGNE

Photography by Warren & Nick

Since its foundation in 1811, the champagne house Perrier-Jouët has crafted elegant, floral wines of rare finesse with a Chardonnay hallmark.

The elegance of the cuvees echoes that of the Art Nouveau anemones adorning the Belle Epoque bottle and offers moments of pure delight and beauty. www.perrier-jouet.com

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

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Fine Wine After 10 years of running a business that stocks more than 7,000 bottles consisting of 600 varieties, it’s fair to say that expert sommelier Antoine Veuriot knows a thing or two about wine. But like most things in life, it’s not what you know, but who you know.

W

Wine is very much part of the art of French living and the

majority

of

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guests are happy to embrace it with great enthusiasm.

The cellars in the luxury ski chalets are extremely well stocked with an excellent range of house wines, but if guests have any special requests, no matter how rare, wine expert Antoine Veuriot, proprietor of La Cave sur le comptoir in Val d’Isère is on hand to track them down.

Antoine is not only extremely knowledgeable about wine but he is also very well connected in the world of wine production.

Generally, the only way to experience these rare wines is to either buy them from a professional wine merchant who has been allocated an annual allowance of the wine, or to drink them in the world’s finest restaurants where the wineries willingly supply their outstanding wines to complement dishes created by the world’s best chefs.

This system of allocation means that the rarest wines are saved purely for insiders

In recent years global wine consumption has

who have the necessary connections, such

been on an upward march, with booming

as our very own Antoine Veuriot.

demand from the US and China driving this astronomical rise. Some wine producers have found themselves so overwhelmed by this explosion of international demand for rare wines that they have had to become

Antoine is proud to be able to offer Consensio guests some of these rare wines to accompany the exquisite food created by the company’s talented chefs.

very selective about whom to sell their

He will work with them, and the chalet

wines to.

mangers, to ensure that tasting these wines

In most cases they have chosen to continue to sell their wines to loyal customers who

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bought the wine before it became popular.

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will be a truly unforgettable experience.

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QUIZ Everyone likes to think of themselves as a bit of a wine expert these days, but how much do we really know? Test your knowledge with our wine quiz.

1. What line of latitude is Bordeaux closest to? a. 35

b. 45

c. 55

2. What is the flower depicted on a bottle of Perrier Jou毛t Champagne? a. Anemone

b. Aster

c. Azalea

3. Which country is the wine producing area of Hawkes Bay in? a. Australia

b. Chile

c. New Zealand

4. Which is one of the types of grape used in C么te R么tie? a. Calitor

b. Syrah/Shiraz

c. Brun Fourca

5. How many litres does a Nebuchadnezzar bottle hold? a. 15

b. 6

c. 3

6. Which wine producing region of France does Meursault come from? a. Bordeaux

b. Provence

c. Burgundy

7. In which country would you find the Rioja appellation? a. France

b. Italy

c. Spain

8. Which country produces the greatest volume of wine per annum? a. Germany

b. France

c. Australia

9. Which country is the Mosel Valley in? a. Germany

b. France

c. Italy

10. Which country is the grape variety Gr眉ner Veltliner associated with? a. Austria

b. France

c. Switzerland

* Answers at bottom of page

WINE QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. 45; 2. Anemone; 3. New Zealand; 4. Syrah/Shiraz; 5. 15; 6. Burgundy; 7. Spain; 8. Italy; 9. Germany; 10. Austria.

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And now for something completely different‌

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Marco Polo in Val d’Isère was voted, ‘Best Ski Chalet in France’ at the World Ski Awards 2013. We spoke to Jean Bernard Montel to find out how he and his family went about creating award winning accommodation and to discover a little bit more about what makes Marco Polo so unique.

When you first started work on Marco Polo, were you aiming to create the best ski chalet in France?

When we first began building Marco Polo, we simply wanted to create something that was unique. Our inspiration came from the silk route and the art of adventure, so we started buying antiques from many different countries. The primary objective was to create a private museum within a chalet. Our goal was not to create France’s number one ski chalet, but to produce something completely different.

Why did you choose Val d’Isère?

How long did the project take to complete?

We love the spirit of Val d’Isère as the town itself has real history. Plus the ski area is vast and is really well managed and maintained. Due to the variety of slopes which face in all different directions, there is always somewhere with excellent conditions no matter what the weather.

The construction period lasted two years, but acquiring the artefacts for the chalet was a much longer process, taking more than five years. Marco Polo is forever changing - the collections continue to grow and the chalet continues to evolve.

This year we are working on a rain water

What makes Val d’Isère so special?

therapy massage area.

It is the mixture of people from all over the

Where did you source the materials?

world that makes Val so special. People from all walks of life can enjoy a holiday in Val d’Isère. continued on next page...

The artefacts are sourced from our travels around the world, from our friends and

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from fashion shows. The materials for the chalet itself are sourced from local Alpine wood which is prepared on site.

Tell us about the Christian Lacroix tile design?

In another life we worked in the clothing business and we still have some strong relationships

within

the

industry.

Our

mosaic partner Sicis suggested a unique collaboration with Christian Lacroix and it is this creation that is now adorning the walls in our pool area.

Which is your favourite room in Marco Polo?

My favourite room is the professional kitchen. I like to stop by, say ‘hi’ to the chef and see what he is preparing for the day. I love to watch him preparing food with the Pacojet!

We are never completely satisfied, but people seem to like what we have done.

The antiques seem to get better and better

You must have been pleased with the end

throughout the season. The funny thing

result?

with this chalet is that it gets better with

age, just like a fine wine Is there anything you would change or do differently with the benefit of hindsight?

We are in the process of planning and installing a new, larger professional kitchen over the next year or two. We understand the importance of amazing food. It is much more than just a basic human need - it is a skill, an art and a knowledge that we can share with the guests. We would like to create a larger kitchen so that our guests can spend time there learning from our chef.

Were you surprised when Marco Polo was awarded the title of ‘Best Ski Chalet in France’?

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When you look at the competition, you

Morocco. We discovered that the best tone

So you believe Marco Polo deserved this

can clearly see the difference. Let’s take

to complement this within the pool would

title?

the pool area as an example. Most chalets

be yellow, so we asked Sicis to produce a

in the competition have a nice swimming

24-carat gold mosaic.

pool with some wood or aluminium chairs, a television, a Jacuzzi and perhaps a sauna.

Marco Polo is in a league of its own.

Our

discerning

The real difference is the time spent on the

understanding

guests of

have

quality

a

and

true really

development. Instead of creating the place

appreciate the sumptuous environment we

In order to create our pool, we took

in a month, we took a year to properly

have created for them to enjoy within our

a 150-year-old ceiling from a Souk in

create the chalet.

world class ski chalet.

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Mountain fayre Food is very much a part of the experience when staying in the Alps and the list of great places to dine both on piste and in resort is endless. Here are a few of our favourites.

Courchevel

list that is carefully explained to you by the

Chabichou

sommelier. The décor is cosy chic, a charming

With two Michelin Guide stars, you cannot go wrong with Le Chabichou. Offering the finest of French gastronomy, classic dishes are crafted using local produce in innovative

warmth of interiors makes for a welcoming atmosphere, with hospitable staff that make you feel at home.

ways with flavours subtle yet refined. Each

Meribel

dish is executed with precision and finesse

La Bouitte (St Martin)

and the décor combines rustic charm with regal splendour. You also have the options of dining on the sunny terrace offering scenic views or the table d’hôtes in the kitchen where you observe an enchanting ballet of chefs at the ovens.

La Bouitte undoubtedly has that certain je ne sais quoi that makes a great restaurant.

Offering an experience like no other, the focus on quality and freshness is evident in the imaginatively divine dishes. The wine list is superb and complement the

Val d’Isère

food exquisitely. We recommend the chefs’

Partenariat avec l’Atelier d’Edmond

surprises menus which use the produce of

Michelin star l’Atelier d’Edmond is where you can expect to find perfection with a cuisine that engages the senses, full of twists and somersaults.

Dishes

combine

seasonal

ingredients with bold imagination and are complemented by the commendable wine

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nostalgia with old tools and oil lamps. The

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the season in ways that enthral the senses and leaves you with a memorable experience.

A striking establishment where the art of French gastronomy is made ethereal, it is impossible not to love this place.

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Les Gets

1

Ferme de Montagne

2

Light, perfectly flavoured and outstanding in quality, every dish at Ferme de Montagne is wonderful. With a strong commitment to exceptional food, health and well-being, menus change daily and always use local produce to create light, innovative French dishes that will have you frequenting again and again. Nothing is left to chance in making your experience memorable; the chefs are even happy to cook your favourite dishes for you on request! With exquisite wine, gorgeous interiors and legendary staff, this restaurant will never cease to be amazing.

Megève Flocons du Sel

3

In Megève, Chef Emmanuel Renaut at Flocons de Sel serves a cuisine all his own; delectable,

imaginative

and

engaging.

The way in which the finest ingredients

4

are sought is wonderfully quaint, coming from elderly home distillers to classic lake fisherman. All dishes are crafted with imagination and are superb matches for the rich nectars found on the extensive wine list. The décor is calm and sophisticated,

1

surrounded by alpine mountains that make

2

a soothing ambiance where the experience

3

cuisine art is optimized.

4

Limoncello Parfait Loin of Lamb Parsley Crust Seared Cod Pan Fried Cannon of Lamb

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For the love of chocolate…

Consensio invited a panel of volunteers to taste lots of samples in pursuit of the perfect chocolate for its chalets. It was a tough job – but somebody had to do it. It didn’t take long before it was unanimously decided that Amelia Rope’s awardwinning chocolate was THE ONE. Here Amelia explains how she became an expert chocolate maker.

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Chocolate came into my life by chance after I appeared on Masterchef. Now chocolate and I are joined at the hip!

Where did you grow up?

Layer Marney in Essex.

What was your favourite subject at school?

History, History of Art and Cookery.

I

loathed Maths!

What was your favourite chocolate as a child?

They designed the Ransome YL plough,

transported corn from Suffolk to London

which was the most successful and efficient

before the railways were invented. He also

plough of the industrial revolution.

owned a brewery called Ropes Ales and

Her grandfather, Edward Packard, was the first person to produce fertiliser on

Was

eventually amalgamated with Fisons.

ambition?

My

grandmother was a second cousin of the author, Arthur Ransome.

Bar and the Milky Bar kid!

grandmother’s uncle was James Wilson

spirit from?

My

Ransome.

My great great

who founded the Economist, was financial secretary to the Treasury under Palmerston and Peel and was the First Finance Minister

paternal The

grandmother Ransome’s

was bought

Hope the

patent for lawnmowers and built it to be a global brand which held a Royal Warrant.

continued on next page...

Southwold.

a commercial scale, and his company

Dare I admit it? Galaxy, Milky Way, Texan

Where did you get your entrepreneurial

Stouts which later sold out to Adnams of

for India, where he introduced income tax for the first time.

My

father’s

successful

father, shipping

being

a

chocolatier

a

lifelong

I can say honestly, it wasn’t. I always knew from an early age that I wanted to run my own business and work for myself.

Chocolate came into my life by chance after I appeared on Masterchef. Now chocolate and I are joined at the hip!

I have only ever done one five-day chocolate

Humphrey, company

had

a

which

course in Valrhona, Tain L’Hermitage. I create and blend all of my recipes in my

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

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mind. Not being professionally trained means that some work and some don’t!

I know it’s hard to choose, but which flavour is your favourite?

Recently I have been devouring Dark Coffee Bean and Dark Raspberry. I am about to launch a new flavour which I imagine will become my favourite. Each flavour is created because I am craving it, so at some stage each one has been my favourite. But my taste buds are fickle - it really depends on what I am craving that day.

Who or what inspires you?

Mosiacs, stained glass windows, architecture, music, reading and travel - especially Latin America.

I was also inspired by Cath Kidston and how

and global domination?!

she built her brand from a small business to a

Oh yes! I have started exporting to India and

global success, as well as Angus Thirlwell, the

am about to export to China and possibly even

founder of Hotel Chocolat.

Japan. They approached me, so how could I

What is your proudest moment?

There are a few…

Ewan Venters seeing my chocolate bars and selecting them for Selfridges which was the first store I ever supplied.

Winning four awards from the Academy of Chocolate (I am now on the committee) Visiting No 10 Downing Street to meet with the Head of the GREAT campaign and UKTi. Do you have plans for worldwide expansion

26

say no? I would love to do it for the brand, not really from a materialistic viewpoint. I want to salute the man who opened the doors for me to create chocolate bars - Patrick Reeves (co-founder of sofa.com) who sadly passed away this year and is deeply missed.

What is the best thing about your job?

Eating the chocolate I want to eat, meeting the most incredible people

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

I would never have dreamed of meeting, being my own boss, creating new recipes and designing new products. www.ameliarope.com

#loveskiing

27 SPECIALIST SHOPS NATIONWIDE London: Covent Garden, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford, Kensington High St & St.Paul’s One New Change • Cambridge Lion Yard • Xscape Milton Keynes • Bristol • Tamworth Snowdome • Manchester • Chester • Liverpool • Xscape Castleford/Leeds • Glasgow intu Braehead • Aviemore • Fort William The North Face Stores London: Covent Garden, St.Paul’s One New Change, Westfield London & Westfield Stratford • Cambridge Lion Yard • Sheffield Meadowhall

www.ellis-brigham.com follow us on New Catalogues Out September

CONSENSIO

A first for Christian Lacroix and Consensio Consensio is one of the first companies in the world to host the new Christian Lacroix Incarnation range in its luxury ski chalets this winter. Clare Meaney explains how this partnership came about.

W

hen

Consensio

started

a

quest to find a perfect range of

cosmetics

befitting

the

luxurious bathrooms in its chalets and the luxury lifestyles of discerning guests the company turned to Luxury Hotel Cosmetics for advice.

in 1987, Christian Lacroix has blossomed

Their brief was to help identify a fabulous

into a flamboyant luxury lifestyle brand

fragrance with contemporary style and a

whose style is unique, exuberant and

velvet touch.

baroque.

As luck would have it, they found that

The Incarnation range, with its Eygalieres

Christian Lacroix had recently launched

fragrance, takes you right into the heart of

Incarnation, the luxury perfume company’s

Christian Lacroix.

first ever range of cosmetics designed specifically for the hotel industry.

28

Ever since the creation of the couture house

Named after a city in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Eygalieres is a green, citrus woody

This made Consensio’s decision making

blend reminiscent of an orchard of fig and

process a whole lot easier.

lemon trees.

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

CONSENSIO

A rough translation is ‘flower of love’ or ‘flower of the gods’ and has come to be associated with fascination, distinction and love.

Its

scientific

name

dianthus

roughly

translates as ‘flower of love’ or ‘flower of the gods’, and has come to be associated with fascination, distinction and love.

The Incarnation range was created as a result of Mr Lacroix’s love for the South of France, from where he originates.

Consensio is very proud to be one of the first companies in the world to host the Christian Lacroix Incarnation range, which will be available in all of our luxury ski chalets this winter.

We are confident that our guests will enjoy the Incarnation range, and that their days will be filled with ‘joie de vivre’.

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

29

CONSENSIO

Slope style Holly Carr takes a look at the new season’s ski wear for women from luxury brands Killy, Canada Goose, Mountain Force and Toni Sailer to bring you the key trends and what you should be wearing this winter.

The Mountain Force quilted Chip Hooded Insulation Jacket

3

CONSENSIO

Y

OU are staying in a luxury ski chalet, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery the

world has to offer - who says you can’t have the wardrobe to match?

It is a long dispelled myth that skiwear has to be bulky and unflattering and thanks to the newest of fabric innovations, you can look stylish on the slopes without sacrificing your comfort. Even better, today’s luxury ski wear is not only for the pistes, it fits right in at the coolest of mountain bars too.

While

styles

and

silhouettes

remain

relatively constant, each season we are treated to a new colour palette. In recent seasons we have seen everything from lime green and pop pinks to tangerine and turquoise. This season heralds a more sophisticated palette based around core colours such as black, slate and olive enhanced by deep burgundy pinks, ocean blues and accents of amber.

One key piece that should be the staple of any ski wardrobe is the down-filled puffer coat. A firm favourite with off duty models and celebrities, it is an item no longer reserved for dog walkers and soccer mums.

In the past this item has been all about the function and little about style but this season there are a number of chic options to choose from.

1

1

The Toni Sailer Elie Fur Jacket

The Elie Fur Jacket from Toni Sailer continued on next page...

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

31

CONSENSIO Womens Chic jacket from Killy

The Shelburne Parka from Canada Goose

4

2

(www.tonisailer.com) will be a particular

complete with luxurious fur trimmed hood

slim leg pant and you will be the envy of

favourite this season with its nipped in

(www.canada-goose.com).

your fellow skiers.

waist, colour blocking and fur trim which adds a touch of class to what is a very functional garment.

3

If you need something a little more

around town with a luxury performance

Force

Women’s Chic jacket from Killy (www.

collection

(www.mountainforce.

On the other hand, if you are looking

com) which aims to combine innovation and craftsmanship. Their quilted Chip

even in the harshest of climates, consider

Hooded Insulation Jacket with chevron

the Shelburne Parka from the Canada

detailing and its rich colour is right on

Goose

trend this season. Pair it with a classic

32

Arctic

Collection

which

comes

Make a statement on the piste and

lightweight, take a look at the Mountain

for a long line style that will keep you warm

2

4

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

killy.com).

It’s

waterproof

and

breathable

pearl

fabric protects you from the worst winter weather and the generous down fill wraps you in a warm hug.

CONSENSIO

Toni Sailer Jet pants

5

Ski pants from Mountain Force

Features include a zip off hood with

the right trousers is just as important. You

removable faux-fur trim, stretch soft shell

want something that gives you the right

side panels to give a closer slimming

level of protection and flatters your figure.

fit, soft stretch inner cuffs, removable powder skirt and phone pockets.

Colours

include

Deep

Forest,

5

6

6

Both Toni Sailer and Mountain

Force have just the trick. They both Black

Night or Light Champagne and it is

feature a number of styles that will make you look good and keep you warm.

available in sizes 8 – 18.

While your jacket and accessories are more likely to make a statement, getting

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

33

CONSENSIO

The extravagance of Perrier-Jouët Napoleon III was a fan, as was Catherine II of Russia and Queen Victoria. Coco Chanel was a known admirer and Oscar Wilde ordered it from his prison cell.

Perrier-Jouët is one of the world’s most prestigious champagnes and has been favourite to the great, the rich and the good for more than 200 years due to its charming elegance

B

orn out of the romantic affair between Jouet

in

Mr

Perrier

1811,

and

Miss

Perrier-Jouët

is

This, says the winery that produces Perrier-

Cuvée Belle Epoque which quickly became

Jouët, is how the principles of rarity and

a favourite champagne among stars and

exclusivity were formed.

celebrities such as Grace Kelly, Princess of

The quest for artistic splendour is inherent within

the

company

a

century

after

Belle Epoque became a work of Art Nouveau

the Belle Epoque and continues to be

in its own right and the Perrier family house

demonstrated by Hervé Deschamps, Chef

at Number 11 Avenue de Champagne was

de Cave since 1993 and current guardian of

transformed into the Maison Belle Epoque

these important company principles.

to act as a showcase.

Hervé retains the philosophy of the master

After eight years of labour and love,

craftsman - being an artist whose work

Maison Belle Epoque is now a palace of

combinies grand flair with a skilled eye.

uncompromising elegance.

His winery contains a high proportion of

It houses one of the largest and most

small vats and parcels of vineyard which

exquisite private collections of Art Nouveau.

enables him to add an individual quality to

Guests of Perrier-Jouët are invited to stay

everything he produces.

and become part of the atmosphere which

Hervé creates his blends, using intuition as

And obviously they can experience the very

give each Cuvée the Perrier-Jouët finesse.

essence of Perrier-Jouët, where life itself is

This,

the exuberant extravagance of the Belle

champagnes will always have a certain rare

Epoque with the personality and artistic

and unique quality about them.

34

bustles with life and glamour.

well as expertise to select those that will

a champagne which now truly unites

approach of Art Nouveau.

Monaco.

he

claims,

is

why

Perrier-Jouet

In 1969 Perrier-Jouët launched its renowned

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

seen as art in its own right. www.perrier-jouet.com

CONSENSIO

               

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

35

CONSENSIO

Taking the kids In the days B.C. (Before Children) you could stay up all night and sleep all day during your holiday if you wanted to. But as every parent knows, this all changes when the babies come along. Do not despair, Consensio can help smooth the way.

F

or most parents, the overwhelming memories

of

summer

holidays

with babies and toddlers will be

of demanding children and unparalleled levels of stress. Away from their routine, small and even previously angelic offspring seem to turn into miniature devils who shamelessly have tantrums at every turn.

Taking your offspring on a skiing holiday can be an even more daunting prospect.

There are so many things to consider.

What if they hate the cold? What if they hate skiing? What if they never become an Olympic champion?

The advantage of this is that you will be

The most important consideration will be

able to ski all day without being restricted

the availability of childcare facilities which,

by the opening times of the crèche or ski

can of course, make a big difference to the

school and your child will be cared for in

success of the whole trip.

the comfort of your own accommodation

Let’s start with the private nanny. Some

36

a private nanny to look after your children.

by the same familiar face each day.

hotels and chalets, especially in the luxury

Then there’s the crèche. Hotels and chalets

end of the market, will be able to organise

often offer a crèche facility where your

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

CONSENSIO

A children’s bedroom in the Mont Blanc chalet in Megève.

children will be cared for during certain

within their ski schools which mean that

which is suitable for non-skiers if you

hours and staff may be able to escort older

your little ones will be able to enjoy ski

expect them to push baby around the

children to ski school.

lessons for part of the day and then some

resort.

The disadvantage of using a crèche is that if your child becomes ill, they will probably

indoor play as well as being fed and entertained all day long.

It is important to get the balance right, depending on the ages of your children.

not be able to return to the facility until

Taking willing grandparents who may no

You might need to be a little patient and

they are no longer infectious, which could

longer wish to ski, but are more than happy

experiment with the different options until

potentially put an end to your own skiing.

to help with the childcare, is also a good

you get it right. Children’s requirements

option. In this case choose somewhere

change as they get older. Before you know

Some resorts will offer childcare facilities

continued on next page...

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

37

CONSENSIO

it they will be able to ski with you and

into the future, even when they have grown

might even become better skiers than you

up and left home.

in very short space of time.

They may prefer to go on a cheap and

The family ski trip is something that all

cheerful summer holiday with their friends,

generations can enjoy. If you start your

but they will probably still be keen to come

child skiing at a young age, it will always

on the annual family ski trip‌ as long as

be something that you do as a family well

you are paying!

Top tips for a stress free family ski trip 1. Choose the right chalet. With small children, safety is paramount. All Consensio chalets have stair gates, bed guards and baby monitors. If the chalet has a pool, the doors can be kept locked at all times.

Children are provided with a contact wristband while they are out skiing to give parents peace of mind. A ski in/ski out chalet always makes life a little easier.

2. Take the stress out of packing by using the services of a concierge company who can organise for all of your favourite brands of essentials such as nappies, milk and baby food to be delivered to the chalet prior to arrival.

3. Pre-book ski children’s ski lessons with a reputable and experienced ski school. www.progressionski.com www.eliteskiteam.com 4. Pre-book a private nanny for all of your childcare needs. www.jellyandice-cream.com 5. Make friends with Charlie Bear. Consensio aims to create a fun and friendly environment for little ones. Charlie Bear will be waiting on their bed to welcome them on arrival and the Charlie Bear Challenge should keep them amused for hours. Each chalet is equipped with toys, games, books, consoles and Apple TV. Sledges are provided for outdoor fun.

38

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

CONSENSIO

Pampered pooches As well as being a best friend, your dog is very much part of your family. When it comes to a skiing holiday, it is understandable that you will want to bring your whole family – including your canine companion.

D

ogs are welcome in all Consensio

outcasts if they so much as try to enter a bar,

chalets, and staff endeavour to

shop or restaurant with a dog, but dogs are

provide the same level of service

a way of life in French ski resorts, and most

for your dog as they provide for you.

people have a very relaxed attitude towards

Your dog’s home environment can easily be recreated in the chalet, with modifications made where necessary, to ensure that your

you for lunch up on the mountain, a chalet chauffeur will happily bring your pet to you.

canine companion settles into his new

However, there are a few things you need

surroundings as quickly as possible.

to look out for when bringing your dog into

If your dog has special dietary requirements, these can also be catered for by Consensio.

Steak medium rare? No problem. Chicken sautéed in butter? Coming right up.

a cold environment. First of all, you should allow your dog a little time to adjust to the temperature. Dogs shouldn’t be left out in the snow for prolonged periods, as leaving them out in the cold can be just as dangerous

It may seem strange to dog owners who

as leaving them in the heat - they can get

come

hypothermia in the same way humans can.

from

countries

where

they

are

accustomed to being made to feel like social

40

them. If you would like your dog to join

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

CONSENSIO

Photo Credit: Yulia Titovets www.fourlittlepaws.com

It is therefore sensible to limit the amount

lower a dog’s core temperature, which

dog. Bringing your pooch to a ski resort

of time your dog spends in the snow,

can also lead to hypothermia.

certainly won’t hamper your enjoyment, and

especially if you have a very small, thin coated or old dog. Your dog might even be willing to wear that designer coat that he previously looked at with disdain!

Some dog’s paws are better equipped to cope with snow and ice, such as huskies that have thick pads and coarse hair. You

it will almost certainly enhance it if you are anxious about leaving your pet behind while you go away.

can always protect your dog’s paws with

Rules and regulations for travelling overseas

When out and about in the resort, you

some little boots if they are prepared to

with your dog will vary depending on where

should try to prevent your dog from

tolerate them.

you live. It may be necessary for your dog to

eating snow, as there may be traces of antifreeze in it, which can be dangerous.

Eating large quantities of snow can also

As

long

as

you

take

a

few

sensible

precautions, spending time in the snow should be great fun for both you and your

have certain vaccinations, and to obtain a Pet Passport – please check the requirements in your country of residence.

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

41

CONSENSIO

Winter events Luxury ski holidays don’t necessarily have to be limited to just skiing and snowboarding. There are many spectacular and entertaining events you can enjoy as part of your trip to the mountains. Here are just a few examples of what’s on offer this season.

42

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

PHOTO: Courchevel Tourisme/Patrick Pachod

CONSENSIO The White Turf

BMW Masters Polo

On three consecutive Sundays in February,

Snow polo is an action packed, majestic and

thoroughbreds in both human and equine form

undeniably glamorous sport, which seems to

gather at one of the world’s most glamorous

have been gaining momentum in winter resorts

race courses – the frozen surface of the lake in

over the last few years.

St Moritz.

This season the BMW Masters Polo is being held in the chic French ski resorts of Val d’Isère (14-17 January) and Megève (22-25 January).

Watching highly skilled horsemen thundering across the glistening white surface, chasing a bright orange ball is quite a spectacle. With no ‘off-side’ rule to worry about, understanding the game is a breeze; the only thing the spectators need to worry about is where their next glass of champagne is coming from.

The Snow Polo World Cup is also being held in St Moritz, Switzerland from 29 January - 1 February.

There are flat races and trotting races of varying distances, but perhaps the most exciting and crowd pleasing is the Skijoring, where unsaddled horses pelt across the frozen lake dragging their riders on skis at speeds of up to 50kmh. The racing has been taking place in the Swiss resort since 1907 and with its exceptionally beautiful setting, style and glamour, it is easy to see why The White Turf has established itself as the most spectacular winter event in Europe. It now attracts more than 30,000 guests from all over the world.

This season The White Turf dates are 8, 15 and 22 February. www.whiteturf.ch

Alpine World Cup Skiing

from 12 February to the 5 March.

There is always a great vibe and party atmosphere when a World Cup ski race takes place in a resort. Even if you don’t normally follow the sport, you will soon be absorbed by the excitement. Among the French resorts

This will be the 12th time the French ski village has hosted the competition when specialist companies light up the sky with amazing displays.

hosting World Cup races this season will be

Each year more than 8,000 spectators watch

Megève, Val d’Isère, Courchevel and Meribel.

the event and enjoy the traditional torch-light

For race dates and more information log on to:

descent by the resort’s ski instructors while enjoying mulled wine and other traditional

www.fis-ski.com

treats.

Courchevel Firework Festival

The programme dates are as follows: 12 Feb

Courchevel

is

hosting

a

spectacular

international festival of pyrotechnic art – that’s fireworks to you and me – on selected days

– Courchevel Village; 19 Feb – Courchevel; 26 Feb – Courchevel Moriond; 3 Mar – Courchevel Le Praz; 5 Mar Remise des prix a Courchevel.

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

43

CONSENSIO

Feel the force Ski performance coach and instructor Warren Smith explains how to make the jump from piste to powder skiing.

T

he sensation of riding through deep powder snow is something many skiers long to experience. As

they progress and achieve new personal goals they start to set their sights on skiing off piste and skiing in powder.

As off piste skis and touring bindings have become more readily available, skiers have become more and more adventurous. But while dreaming of skiing in fresh powder is one thing, having the ability to ski in fresh powder is quite another.

Many skiers find it difficult to perfect the pressure control between their two skis and have trouble getting the skis to ride in unison. When the skis ride together, skiing powder feels easier, carries less

A great way to test your awareness is to ski on piste and make some carved turns. Once you have become aware of the pressure in these carved turns, you will quickly see just how much pressure the outside ski carries when you come to link the turns together.

In order to optimise the pressure control between your two skis, start to think about making turns where the pressure is more even. Begin this on piste and feel the difference here first.

Then take it on to powder snow and try it out. The first step is to just feel the snow, and to feel what it is like to push one of your skis into the snow.

risk of injury, gives an amazing sensation

Afterwards you should make some turns

and allows the skier to attain better

that are well within your comfort zone and

performance and speed.

simply monitor the pressure control. Think

When the skis don’t ride together skiing can feel awkward, individual skis can sink, and performance can be hindered.

Raising your awareness of the pressure control between both of your skis is the

44

key to developing this area of your skiing.

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

about the height of your skis on the surface and try to visualise these images.

Give extra attention to the cross over from the end of one turn to the start of new turn, as differing snow surfaces and speed of

CONSENSIO

This aerial shot shows how Warren is maintaining the tracking of the skis, and how the skis are working together in unison.

skiing may require extra awareness.

Don’t expect the skis to automatically ride together. Be prepared at first to work hard to make them track in unison. Once you start to become more experienced, you will learn how to fine tune the ski pressure and will gradually become more comfortable with it.

As you start to ski faster in powder, managing the pressure between the two skis will require more effort. As you move away from smaller radius turns into the bigger freeride GS style turns, you will need to heighten your awareness and fight for ski unison By now you will have become more aware of how the weight against the outside ski feels when you are carving on piste, so you should be well equipped to balance it out a little more on in the powder.

Work hard with awareness and pressure control in the legs, and once your skis are riding in unison your powder skiing skills will improve dramatically.

* Warren Smith is one of Britain’s leading professional free skiers and an internationally qualified performance coach and instructor. Warren’s wealth of experience and ability to combine ski technique, ski biomechanics and ski physiology has earned him a reputation of being one of the most innovative instructors working in the Alps today. www.warrensmith-skiacademy.com

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

45

CONSENSIO

Let the children play If kids are happy, then parents are happy. When it comes to teaching children of all ages, Progression has stuck to this mantra enabling the company to become one of the most highly regarded ski and snowboard schools in Val d’Isère.

W

hen Progression first started

the leading ski and snowboard schools in the

offering children’s lessons they

French Alps.

were very conscious of the fact

that they needed to pull out all the stops to make sure everyone had a good holiday.

lessons

with

Progression

are

four hours - from 9am to 1pm - which has proved to be the perfect length when taking

When it comes to teaching youngsters,

into account bathroom stops, hot chocolate

Progression has thought of everything. All

stops and time for chairlift chat.

of their instructors carry a full first aid kit, sun cream and hand warmers. Rather than the usual bibs favoured by other ski schools, children are equipped with funky helmet covers, making it easier for the instructor to spot them out on the mountain or waiting in

The ski school, which was established in 2006, offers the full range of ski and snowboard lessons

with

fully

qualified

instructors,

but the company has become particularly popular with the parents of young children and teens and are now regarded as one of

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

Four

hours

also

allows

parents

the

opportunity to take a much more relaxed approach to their morning’s skiing, without having to worry about racing back before they have even started.

As a ski school, Progression focuses on

lift queues.

46

Children’s

safety and fun without making things too technical. From experience, Progression has found that most children learn visually, so the instructors often combine games with exaggerated body positions, with the result that often the children don’t even know they

CONSENSIO

are learning or being taught.

group lesson and ski with them during the

At the end of the week, each child receives a certificate, a Progression badge to show the level achieved and a DVD of themselves skiing to take home and show to family and friends.

For parents who wish to ski all day, Progression

offers

private

lessons

for

children in the afternoons. The instructor will take the child to lunch after the morning’s

afternoon, allowing parents the freedom to explore the whole mountain throughout the course of the day.

Parents are always amazed to see the improvements in their children’s skiing so it’s no surprise that the same families return to Progression year after year. www.progressionski.com

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CONSENSIO

Looking after your body and soul The spa and wellness facilities in Consensio chalets can help you relax and recover after a day on the slopes.

S

kiing and snowboarding involves a

steam. A hammam is a large heated room

skiing, as well as stretching you out from

series of highly complex interactions

functioning as a steam room, as well as a

head to toe with every stroke.

between both upper and lower

place to wash and exfoliate.

muscles

including

your

abdominals,

hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes.

Steam

raises

the

body

It also serves as ‘muscular meditation’ temperature,

stimulating the immune system to increase

with large muscle groups being used in a rhythmic, repetitive fashion.

Exertive forms of exercise have renowned

the production of antibodies and interferon,

health benefits. However, with your body

effectively drawing out toxins. Amongst the

undergoing such strenuous movements for

benefits of a hammam are muscle relaxation,

Plunging into an ice bath aids recovery and

several days in a row it is important that you

pain relief, respiratory benefits, firming of

reduces muscle pain and soreness. Soreness

relax and condition your muscles.

the skin and the promotion of sleep.

occurs when waste products such as lactic

All of Consensio’s ski chalets come equipped

Swimming pool

with optimal wellness facilities to ensure you and your body are well cared for and that you get the most out of your stay.

Hammam Nothing relaxes the muscles like heat and

48

Swimming is a low-impact therapy for injuries. When you are buoyant there is no stress on your bones, joints or connective tissues. It helps strengthen the abdominal muscles which can become strained when

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

Ice bath

acid accumulate in your muscles through the blood vessels.

Cold water temperatures constrict blood vessels, flushing these waste products out of the affected tissues.

This means that having an ice bath after an

CONSENSIO

injury helps prevent swelling and bruising caused by fluid build-up.

Jacuzzi Stepping into a Jacuzzi will dilate the blood vessels and improve circulation, which is essential after skiing or snowboarding in cold temperatures. Jacuzzis can also reduce soreness in muscles and joints as water jets provide something of a deep-tissue massage, soothing muscle spasms and speeding up recovery time.

Massage A great way to increase blood circulation to stiff muscles and joints is by having a massage. Muscles and joints are warmed by extra blood circulation, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to them. This effectively removes waste products, reducing pain. A massage relaxes muscle tissue, which may lead to increased joint space, range of motion and improved function.

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CONSENSIO

The Wow Factor Luxury ski chalets are, by their very nature, spectacular places to stay. Five star interiors, sumptuous soft furnishings, state of the art facilities and stunning snow-capped scenery come as standard. But you will also come across places with ‘the wow factor’ - something exciting that exceeds your expectations, takes you by surprise and brings a smile to your face. Here are a few of our favourites.

Enjoy a Jacuzzi at Elephant Blanc.

The well-stocked Marco Polo wine cellars offer wonderful wines from around the world.

From poolside to pisteside at Shemshak.

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C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

While away the hours in Lhotse’s luxurious piano lounge.

CONSENSIO

Pool with a view at Aurora Borealis.

Some like it hot! Tiptoe between the ice bath and hammam in Les Brames.

Swim indoors and out in Toit du Monde’s disappearing pool.

Relax in Grande Corniche’s glass sauna and spa.

continued on next page...

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CONSENSIO

Take a ride on a slide to the next floor at Grand Corniche.

The little ones will be longing for their beds at Montana.

Let the hammam take away the strain of a long day on the slopes at Chopine.

Mont Blanc – arrive in style on the chalet’s own helipad.

A little bit of magic and mystery in Himalaya’s disappearing pool.

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C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

Pop along to the games room for some pre-dinner snooker in Les Brames.

© Phillipe Rebreyend

SKI SCHOOL & GUIDING

LUXURY CONCIERGE SERVICE

ELITE COACHING Ski with a pro +33 (6) 662 039 402

ELITE POWDER Heliski, Freeride, Ski Touring |

contact@eliteskiteam.com

|

ELITE PINK Ski & Yoga for Girls

www.eliteskiteam.com

CONSENSIO

The lighter side of luxury Deciding where to go and where to stay is part of the pleasure of looking for a ski holiday. But choosing a luxury ski holiday isn’t just about elegant interiors, sumptuous surroundings, free flowing champagne, fine dining and endless indulgences. You need to make sure that you are selecting the right kind of accommodation for your party, which is not always as straightforward as it might appear. After all, what is one man’s powder might be another man’s piste.

54

Menus will be created according to your likes,

The luxury catered ski chalet The

luxury

catered

ski

chalet

will

usually come complete with its own spa,

swimming

pool,

Jacuzzi,

gym,

cinema,

massage

room,

sauna, games

dislikes, diet, allergies and beliefs. Everything from childcare to lunch reservations and ski guides can be arranged prior to arrival, so you don’t have to worry about a single thing.

room and bar. A team of highly trained

The luxury catered ski chalet is perfect for

professionals, ranging from chauffeur to

big groups or large families looking to spend

chef, will be on hand to cater for your

some quality time together in a relaxed and

every need.

intimate setting.

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

CONSENSIO

The luxury hotel The luxury ski hotel will usually have all the same facilities as a luxury chalet, but on a much larger scale. As well as spa and conference facilities, some luxury ski hotels have their own luxury retail outlets, nightclubs and even gondolas!

This type of accommodation is perfect for couples wanting to spend time alone together or for corporate groups, but not so good for families with younger children as the atmosphere can sometimes be a little formal and reserved.

The luxury ski residence Staying in a luxury ski residence can be

their own, as the luxury ski residence offers privacy and flexibility.

every bit as glamorous as its chalet or hotel

Consensio

counterpart, with beautiful interiors, luxury

residences in Courchevel this season.

bathroom products, daily housekeeping and fresh flowers.

This accommodation is perfect for smaller families or groups looking for a place to call

is

offering

two

elegant

ski

The Pearl and the Rosa Alpina residences are both located right on the piste which means guests have ski in/ski out access.

The Consensio Concierge team is on hand to organise every aspect of your stay from ski guides to restaurant reservations. The team can even arrange for a private chef to come and cook for you.

When a ski chalet is too big for your group and a ski hotel seems too impersonal, why not try the lighter side of luxury with a Consensio residence?

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CONSENSIO

Device advice Items available at Ellis Brigham: www.ellis-brigham.com

Everyone loves a good gadget and there are plenty to choose from this winter season. The Ellis Brigham store has picked out a selection that are destined to catch the eye.

Ambit3 Peak Sapphire (HR) £499.99 The flagship model of Suunto’s new Ambit3 family is the ‘must have’ GPS watch for serious adventurers and athletes who appreciate style as well as function. Featuring Bluetooth Smart compatibility and loaded with advanced features, the Ambit3 Peak Sapphire allows you to enrich, relive and share your adventures.

Dragon APX Boost Transition £250.00 Transitions are market leaders in photo-chromatic optical lens technology. For the coming winter Dragon have exclusive rights to use this lens technology in goggles. These photochromatic lenses automatically adjust to changing light conditions offering the best protection and visual enhancement no matter what the .light conditions. No lens swaps needed here, just perfect adaptation of a yellow lens for low-light conditions that gradually darkens as UV levels increase, to the extent it becomes fully dark in the brightest of conditions. The company claims this is the first time this type of technology has been used by an established market leader and it will change the way people think about using ski goggles.

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CONSENSIO Ortovox S1+ Transceiver £349.99 Regardless of whether you end up above or under the snow following an avalanche, the S1+ can help. If you are buried, it will help rescuers find you

Powertraveller Solarmonkey Adventurer

more easily thanks to its Smart Antenna

£84.99

Technology. If you are above ground

This slimline solar powered

the display gives you full control of the

charger with integrated

situation so you can find victims quicker.

2500mAh battery allows you to keep your essential 5V gadgets running when venturing off the beaten track.

Thermic Power Gloves £200.00 Therm-IC Power Sock Set £160.00 Therm-ic’s mission is to develop technologies for portable and easy-to-handle heating systems to protect the body. PowerGloves, PowerSocks and heated inner soles all gently warm using imperceptible built-in heating elements. Heat levels are adjusted with a user-friendly control panel while ultralight, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide the power. Whether you are skiing, walking or just watching sport, you can prevent heat loss and keep your body warm even in the coldest temperatures.

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CONSENSIO

Zen and the art of skiing for women Eliteskipink has come up with a new way to enjoy skiing. It has been designed exclusively for women and is based on yoga principles such as breathing, awareness of body movement and outdoor meditation, The Eliteskipink programme is available to female skiers in Courchevel and Meribel this season. Aurélia Chrétien Pomès, co-director of Eliteskigroup provides an insight into how it works.

Is this programme suitable for all levels of

enjoy skiing, make some progress, and have fun

skier?

being in the mountains.

Absolutely - from complete beginners to

Do you think women learn to ski in a different

experts and there is no age limit. Some of our

way to men?

clients are 80 years old and still enjoy skiing with Eliteski instructors.

How many people will be in a group?

There won’t be any more than five in each group and all the instructors are female. It’s a great way for mothers, sisters, friends and daughters of all ages to ski together.

What makes the Eliteskipink programme different to other methods of teaching?

We have created a brand new method of teaching which we have named ‘Zen Ski’. It encourages women to ski in a totally different way bringing them pleasure, joy and new sensations. Females often focus on the negative aspects of skiing such as the cold, the heavy equipment and the complications of organising their families. We just want them to be able to

58

Yes they do. Their sensitivity is different – women enjoy their performance and wish to improve, but in a different way to men. With ‘Zen Ski’ we will be creating a ‘testosterone free’ environment which will help ladies to become more confident and improve their rate of progression.

Does Eliteskipink help female skiers overcome their fears?

Where will the yoga/Pilates element of the course take place?

We start with a body awakening inside the chalet and then move outside to enjoy downhill skiing together with some special exercises.

We will take some breaks in designated areas, where we will practise some short meditations and breathing techniques. * Aurélia has been a director of Eliteskigroup for seven years, and a ski instructor for 15 years. She has been a ski racer and French and

It is certainly one of our goals. We would like

European water skiing champion. She received

the ladies on our programme to be able to ski

her Yoga Alliance world certification from the

without anxiety. We want them to be able to

Mana Yoga Centre in Hawaii where Michaelle

find peace and calm while skiing, in order to

Edwards has developed a special yoga science

develop their real potential. If by the end of

known as Yogalign’ which is based on posture

the programme a lady can come down a red

and core alignments.

run whilst still smiling, is keen to return the following year and actually starts to enjoy her skiing, we will all be happy.

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

www.eliteskiteam.com

www.mountainforce.com

CONSENSIO

Safety in numbers Organising a trip for a large group of skiers and snowboarders has never been easier thanks to the combined skills of Consensio Corporate and the W Hotel in Verbier.

A

nybody who has ever been given

skiers

the task of organising a ski and

levels of ability and also has perfect

snowboard trip for a large group

snow conditions.

of people - corporate hospitality, team building, networking or just for a group of friends - will tell you that it is not quite

may

invariably

sound turns

simple into

in

a

theory

logistical

with

differing

• Co-ordinate the transfers with the flights.

• Book everyone into the airport lounge and check them all onto the flight.

nightmare.

...and that’s before you’ve even left the

You will need to be prepared to:

country.

• Choose a resort with easy access

Couple that with having to organise ski

to an international airport which is

hire, ski lessons, lift passes, and being

also served by flights from different

responsible for selecting only the finest

regional airports and countries.

restaurants and evening entertainment

• Find a destination that is suitable for

60

boarders

• Collect all the passport information.

as easy as it might appear.

What

and

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

while still managing to crack a smile, and you have quite a job on your hands.

CONSENSIO Managing the expectations of a large group of individuals with a wide range of requirements takes a great deal of skill, diplomacy, patience and time.

also the only five star hotel in the resort.

Local materials have been blended with ultra-modern daring design to create 123 stunning and spacious rooms, each with

This is where Consensio Corporate and W Verbier can offer you some assistance.

its own fireplace and balcony.

For

corporate

groups,

the

with its two Michelin starred chef’s twist on Swiss classics, and the nightclub Carve, should keep you fully fuelled with food and drink.

In fact, there’s probably no need to ever

multi-

leave the hotel – except when you want to go skiing of course.

Very often the most difficult aspect

functional meeting space with a capacity

of trying to book such a trip, is finding

for between 25 and 300 delegates is the

Consensio is offering the W Hotel from

the accommodation, as many hotels are

largest of its kind in Verbier.

December 2014 and with the W Verbier’s

reluctant to allow short stay bookings.

With its 800sqm spa, three saunas, three

The W Hotel in the Swiss resort of

hammams,

Verbier is one such hotel where there is

outdoor pools, it doesn’t have to be all

no minimum booking requirement, apart

work and no play.

from the Christmas and New Year period.

W Verbier opened its doors in December

Jacuzzi,

gym,

indoor

and

Whatever/Whenever

Service

Team

on

hand 24/7, your next group ski trip can run as smoothly as a Swiss watch. www.wverbier.com

The W Café, Off Piste après ski bar, W Living Room, Tapas Bar, Arola restaurant

2013 when it became the first ski property in the W portfolio.

It has already caused quite a stir and has been nominated in the ‘World’s Best New Ski Hotel’ category at the prestigious World Ski Awards 2014.

Verbier is a great choice of resort for big groups of skiers as it is easily accessible from Geneva airport with daily flights from almost every corner of the globe, It is a world class resort famed for its fabulous free riding terrain and buzzing social scene.

The

W

Verbier,

with

its

string

of

superlatives, seems to have everything covered. As well as being the only ski in/ski out hotel in Verbier - less than 50 steps away from the Medran lift - it is

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CONSENSIO

zai - a modern day icon Simon Jacomet’s vision to produce a ski like no other has become a reality.

I

n little more than 10 years of business,

of incomparable smoothness, stability and

from a small factory in the Swiss Alps,

power.

the Swiss ski manufacturer zai has

changed the face of modern ski design.

When Simon Jacomet founded the company in 2003 his aim was to create a ski like no other – models that stood out from the crowd and that didn’t wear out after a couple of seasons.

Jacomet has been proved right.

Take the testa, for example, with its polished walnut surface, or the spada which has a revolutionary stone core. The company will also make custom-built, limited edition skis such as the Bentley which was designed in

zai skis are hand crafted from the finest

collaboration with the legendary British car

materials and designed to last for several

maker.

years. Of course, the cost of manufacturing such a ski is high compared to other mass-produced brands, but zai believes passionate skiers are prepared to pay more

62

And by sticking to these principals Simon

These skis have helped earn zai iconic status among the world’s most discerning skiers.

for something that is truly beautiful and can

zai’s mission is to achieve the perfect

provide years of enjoyment as well as a ride

synthesis between human movement and

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

CONSENSIO

equipment, regardless of the challenges

using skiers of all ages and abilities. This

this might entail.

method is more costly and time consuming

Simon claims it is this singular, driving passion that causes every zai product to break new boundaries and provide unparalleled pleasure for those privileged enough to own and use them.

than computer-aided design. But Simon believes this results in a ski that is far more in tune with human movement and the everchanging environment of the mountains. zai’s 2014 – 2015 ski range includes the scadin.

Like all zai skis the scadin is handcrafted in Switzerland and is the world’s first ski to feature a felt surface, making it extremely durable and scratch resistant.

These skis have helped earn zai iconic status among the world’s most discerning skiers.

This dedicated piste ski, with a strong racing focus, embodies all the values of zai - Swiss-made quality, durability, superior performance and ground-breaking design. zai encourages its customers to visit its factory where they can watch the skis being built and then test them on the mountain.

Simon is confident that once you have seen the craftsmanship, innovation and passion that goes into creating a pair of zai skis, felt how responsive they are on the snow and

The business magnates and Hollywood stars who ride zai skis may grab the headlines,

admired their beauty first hand, you will find temptation difficult to resist.

but they are just as suitable for those with

You may not need a pair of zai skis, but you

regular jobs and regular lives who just

will almost certainly want one…

happen to share the same love for the slopes. All owners get to become a member

www.zai.ch

of the exclusive club of zai skiers.

Unlike other ski brands zai does not rely on virtual ski development for its designs, preferring instead to build prototypes and test them in a variety of snow conditions,

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CONSENSIO

Dreams can come true Have you ever thought about creating a dream ski chalet of your very own? We talk to Simon Tinley, the Project Manager who helped the owners of Chalet Chopine in Meribel do exactly that.

How did you become involved in the project?

mostly cosmetic?

The owners engaged me to find them a chalet

There was limited structural work on the

in the Alps. After much searching on their

project - it was mostly cosmetic, although

behalf we found Chopine in Meribel.

incorporating the spa area took a little time

What was the chalet like to begin with?

The chalet looked quite sad and was a typical 80’s pine box.

Was there much structural work, or was it

and thought.

What was your vision when you started the project?

It’s never my vision; it’s always the client’s vision that counts. They tell me what they like and what they want to achieve and I make it happen.

How long did the project take to complete?

Chopine was completed over two seasons.

The spa area was done in year one and the renovation of the rest of the chalet during the second summer. Generally speaking a renovation project should take seven months. A new build will take two summers. Construction is only allowed outside the tourist season April to December - so timing and planning

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C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

CONSENSIO You would have to ask them, but given that

guests arriving for Christmas.

we have remained firm friends since and

Where did you take your inspiration from?

The inspiration for the chalet and how it will look comes from the client, although I advise on the logistics to make sure it hits budget and fulfils their criteria.

Is it easy to achieve these goals within budget?

Yes, if you are organised and use the right team of professionals. It’s taken me a while to build up a network I trust. Generally, if you stick to this formula and plan in advance, the budget shouldn’t move.

they continue to use the property yearly, I’d say that they were delighted!

Would you be able to use your project management skills to create a dream chalet anywhere in the world?

Yes, it’s the same principle, just different

go by the January before the ski season

language and suppliers. I managed a build

in which you want to build are going to

in Canada and am currently completing a

struggle to be ready for Christmas. Be

property in Mayfair.

honest with the amount of time you have to

What is the most important thing to consider when creating a dream chalet?

Consider what you want to achieve - is it

Is planning control and building control in the Alps very strict?

capital gain, is it rental or pure indulgence?

Your end goal allows you to put together a set of plans that work for each circumstance

For new builds it is very strict. There are

and calculate an accurate budget. Timing is

numerous levels of control as regards quality,

everything - projects that aren’t ready to

devote and surround yourself with people you trust. * If you are interested in buying or renovating

a

chalet,

contact

Simon

Tinley for a confidential discussion on +44 (0) 7797724884 or email him at: simon@simontinley.co.uk

planning, energy efficiency and structure. A pure renovation of an existing building is less challenging, but all the correct paperwork needs to be in place to make sure the client has no problem at sign off and eventual resale.

How does project management in the Alps differ to, say, Central London?

Bar the obvious issues such as language,

Do’s and don’ts Do make sure you use a licensed estate agent Don’t be rushed into parting with your money by anyone Do make sure you investigate the best ownership structure

regulations and currency, the principle is

Don’t assume the costs in the Alps are similar to those in the UK

the same. The Alps do throw up additional

Do get a survey no matter what you may have been told

considerations such as geographical and geological

constraints

and

the

logistical

Don’t be over optimistic with timings or budget

headaches of building in cold climates.

Do enjoy the experience. Creating your dream holiday home should be fun

Did the end result exceed your client’s

Don’t use unqualified tradesmen

expectations?

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

65

PHOTOS: Andy Parant/www.andyparant.com

is everything, particularly if you have paying

CONSENSIO

Get fit to ski Celebrities from stage and screen, plus well-known names from the world of music, fashion and industry, have all called upon personal trainer and best-selling fitness author Matt Roberts to help get their bodies into shape. Here he explains how he has now used his expertise to put together a three week training programme to help skiers and snowboarders get fit for the slopes.

How does the ski programme differ from

Have you had positive feedback from skiers

your usual programme?

who have followed the programme?

A ski programme touches on many of the

Yes, a number of our clients have completed

same facets of a normal programme but

programmes based on the fundamental

includes exercises to help build strength in

principles outlined in this programme and

specific areas, for example, core and quad

have had great success.

strength. Ultimately, like with any sport, you need to get fit to ski rather than the other way around. A lack of fitness is often what causes injuries.

What are the benefits of this particular ski programme?

Not surprisingly, core strength is important to help build stability to cope with skiing.

Lower body work focusing on the legs, glutes and back will take the strain off lower joints and give you enough power to last the distance. Finally, agility work is important too so your muscles get used to coping with the sudden twists and turns.

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C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

CONSENSIO

Are there any other activities that skiers can participate in that might help to improve their ski fitness?

It is a good idea to try sports like badminton, squash

and

tennis

to

improve

your

cardiovascular fitness and agility because of the need to change direction quickly.

Is a skier’s fitness affected by the altitude and extreme temperatures?

Partially. Working at altitude means the air is thinner so your heart has to work harder to get oxygen around the body. When it is extremely cold your fitness will not be adversely affected but you will burn energy quicker because your body is trying to keep itself warm.

Is there anything that can be done to overcome this?

If you can train at altitude your body will adapt to the climate and circumstances but not many of us have the luxury of being able to do that. In terms of skiing in extreme weather conditions, it is a good idea to keep yourself warm and well fuelled so you can ski from the first until the last lift!

Can a skier benefit from using the spa facilities after a hard day on the slopes?

Yes spending some time in the spa rather continued on next page...

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

67

CONSENSIO

than at the bar is a lot better for you!

What works best? Sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi or massage?

A heat treatment of any variety will relax the muscles whilst a massage will breakdown the build-up of lactic acid and help the muscles recover in readiness for the next day.

We all aspire to be ‘fit’, but what does ‘fit’ really mean for the average person?

Fitness is such a complex topic. Fitness is different things to different people. Is Andy Murray fitter than Usain Bolt? It really depends on the goal. However, in its simplest form it consists of three different components: strength, cardiovascular and flexibility. Ideally we should aim for fitness across all these disciplines to be truly fit.

Do you ski yourself?

Yes, I’ve skied for years so it is part of our family’s annual schedule.

www.mattroberts.co.uk

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CONSENSIO

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CONSENSIO

We are sailing...

We take a cruise around the places to see and be seen during a yachting holiday along the spectacular Mediterranean coastline.

I

F you like the idea of spending

flexibility to explore a variety of exciting

your holiday at sea, but can’t bear

destinations.

the thought of a crowded cruise

ship, then chartering a yacht may just be the ideal solution. A yacht charter affords you the privacy and comfort of your own home, along with the freedom and

For your very first experience of chartering a yacht, the safe sheltered waters, pristine bays and backdrop of stunning scenery make the Adriatic a great place to start. The coasts of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, BosniaHerzegovina,

Montenegro

surrounding

the

and

almost

Albania,

landlocked

Adriatic, offer a diverse mix of history, lifestyle and culture.

From

the

breathtakingly

beautiful

architecture and gondola rides of Venice, to the sun drenched, palm tree lined promenade of Split, it’s hard to imagine a more splendid way of spending your summer, than sailing around the sparkling waters of the Adriatic on a super yacht.

For

those

who

prefer

the

heady

excitement of the Mediterranean beach club scene, the allure of the Cote d’Azur is hard to resist.

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CONSENSIO

From Monaco to St Tropez, the coastline is

and relaxed atmosphere of Formentera,

littered with gourmet restaurants, designer

the most westerly group of islands in the

boutiques, A-list clubs and natural beauty.

Mediterranean

With the likes of Nikki Beach and Le Club

make

for

an

interesting

itinerary.

transported to a different world each day.

From cities that party all night to ancient villages that time forgot, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

55, it’s entirely possible to party all day

Party people can play in comfort all day

and with the lure of legendary clubs such

long at the exclusive and decadent Ushuaia

as Jimmy’z and Les Caves du Roy, you

Ibiza Beach Club, renowned for its live

may well be tempted to party all night.

shows from world-famous performers.

The wonderful beaches, rich cultural heritage

As a guest on a charter yacht, you are able

and notorious night life make the Balearics

to customise every aspect of your trip,

a great place to sail in the summer. From

making it a truly bespoke luxury holiday

the architectural majesty of Palma’s Gothic

where you can enjoy the freedom of the

cathedral in Mallorca, to the pristine beaches

seas and experience the thrill of being

www.consensioyachts.co.uk

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

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CONSENSIO

Glittering St Tropez The scenic rocky Saint Tropez peninsula on the French Côte d’Azur is an oasis of splendour that combines incomparable glamour with old world charm.

S

aint Tropez is the place to see

It is an opulent and indulgent experience

and be seen in summer. The

where

atmospheric

sprayed

extravagance

of

this

and

shameless

historic

with

will

find

bottles

models of

being

champagne

French

whilst celebrities dance around the pool.

town has enamoured the world’s elite

Queues are long but the experience is

for decades and here is just a taste of

unrivalled. If you are looking for a wild,

some of the many hot spots you should

fun night in true Saint Tropez style, Nikki

experience during your stay.

Beach is the place.

Whether single, a couple or in a family, all

Pampelonne beaches are numerous but

are welcome to the little terracotta haven

if you are with your family, La Plage des

where designer boutiques line cobbled

Jumeaux is the place to head for.

streets, champagne-fuelled yachts fill the harbour and Hollywood glitterati grace the beaches,

With a laid-back yet elegant ambiance, La Plage des Jumeaux is a tasteful beach club which is ideal for families. With a

To sample the crème de la crème of Saint

children’s playground and a sandy beach

Tropez decadence head to Nikki Beach.

for building sand castles, there is plenty

More of a pool than a beach, the party

to keep the kids occupied while parents

starts around 4pm. The best DJs, fashion

relax with a cocktail at the bar.

shows and general ambiance make this a celebrity hot spot.

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you

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

The buzzing restaurant offers sumptuous dishes served to you by friendly and

Photo:Pool with a view at Villa La Terrace.

CONSENSIO

Photo: Party time at Nikki Beach

efficient staff.

If you just want a quick

bite, there’s also a snack bar and shop.

The whole set-up by the sea at La Plage des Jumeaux offers visitors comfort and discretion.

Le Club 55 is arguably the most famous beach club in the world and is the epitome

SAINT TROPEZ AT A GLANCE

of chic. Here you’ll find yourself rubbing

1. Best shop for jewels - Senso, 18 Rue Gambetta, 83990 Saint-Tropez

shoulders with A-listers and aristocracy who also like to indulge themselves in the gorgeous rosé and sublime food brought swiftly to tables draped in provincial blue tablecloths.

The crudités, served in a carved out log of cork bark, is a perfect starter.

Le Club 55 prides itself on fun and relaxation where everyone is welcome – even your dog is well catered for at the Dog Bar.

2. Best place for local produce - La Tarte Tropezienne, Place des Lices 83 990 Saint-Tropez 3. Best spot for art lovers – Musee de l’Annonciade, Rue Georges Clemenceau, 83990 Saint-Tropez 4. Must-have “Saint Tropez” item –Tropeziennes at Rondini, 18-18bis Rue Georges Clemenceau 83990 Saint-Tropez 5. Best shop for children’s clothes - Tartine et Chocolat, 3 rue Gambetta.

6. Best spot for a champagne cocktail - White 1921, Place Des Lices, 83990 Saint-Tropez

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

73

CONSENSIO

Snow-Camp Alpine Challenge

T

he Snow-Camp Alpine Challenge two-day charity ski and snowboard endurance event will be taking

place from the 12 – 15 March 2015 in the Portes du Soleil in France.

This year Consensio, in conjunction with the Skier & Snowboarder magazine, is supporting the charity by entering a team.

The event challenges each team of four people to clock up 150km+ of GPS tracked skiing or boarding over two non-stop days across the 15 resorts of the massive Portes du Soleil ski area.

The team that clocks up the most kilometres the

most

and

successfully

checkpoints

will

visits

win

The

Snow-Camp Alpine Challenge 2015.

About Snow-Camp Snow-Camp is an innovative youth charity that uses a unique combination of skiing,

If you would like to donate to Consensio/Skier & Snowboarder team go to: www.justgiving.com/teams/ConsensioSAS

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new skills to support their futures – particularly towards careers in the snowsport industry.

snowboarding and life-skills programmes to

Snow-Camp has grown steadily from 2003

support inner-city young people.

and now works with at least 400 young

Through the combination of snowsports

Snow-Camp by supporting the

their day to day lives, and help them develop

and life-skills, its programmes enable young people to grow in confidence and self-esteem, develop as individuals and make positive choices for their lives.

Snow-Camp programmes also enable young people to reflect on the key issues impacting

C O N S E N S I O H O L I D AY S . C O . U K

people each year across 12 London Boroughs.

Their vision is to expand Snow-Camp to other cities across the UK and bring the success of its approach to benefit many more inner-city young people.

For more information on Snowcamp go to: www.snow-camp.org.uk

E X C E P T I O N A L

P R O P E R T I E S

I

E X C E P T I O N A L

9 RE ECE MEWS, SOUTH KEN SI N GTON LON DON , SW7 3HE +44 (0) 203 393 0833 ENQ U IR I ES@CON SEN SI OHOLI DAYS.CO.UK WWW. CON SEN SI OHOLI DAYS.CO.U K

S E R V I C E