Powder Retreats 2014

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T H E G R E AT E S T P L A C E S

T O S TAY I N T H E S N O W

As we’ve prepared our fourth annual edition of Powder Retreats and I have endured the, to be honest, not terribly challenging job of researching the properties, I am constantly amazed at how standards, which already seemed incredibly high when we published our first edition, somehow continue to rise.

Along with new properties opening with ever greater levels of service and ever more luxurious amenities, the ever-growing list of existing prestigious properties around the ski world continues to re-invent itself and improve its offer.

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Looking through this season’s selection of some of the best chalets and hotels in the skiing world I am struck by the choice that’s open to us – geographically of course, but also whether to stay in a small, intimate resort or in one of the world’s biggest ski regions; whether to opt for a 150 year old grand hotel with a rich and unique history to saviour, built up through the decades, or in a brand new chalet bursting with fresh ideas and keen to impress.

One mistake I’ve made in the past however has been to think only about my time in the accommodation and not about my travel to it and back from it at the start and end of my stay. Whilst arriving can be sublime after stressful travel, I can clearly remember the rapid sinking feeling having left a great hotel or chalet and found myself battling for space in a check-in queue, all the good feelings of my stay gone in a few moments.

So I now take extra care, normally in consultation with the property, on how to travel as well as where to stay. Sometimes the cold hard realities of modern travel can’t be avoided, but generally they can be minimised and common mistakes avoided if you plan ahead.

The toughest decision, of course, is choosing where to stay. With so much choice and so many possibilities as you turn the pages of this book it can be very difficult indeed to decide. Other than deciding to open a page at random having decided in advance that “whichever it is, this will be the one!” I cannot offer much useful guidance. Hopefully you will already have some idea of the type of luxury accommodation you prefer, or the resort you’d like to visit. I can only wish you good luck!

PATRICK THORNE | EDITOR

+41 (0)81 378 8888 | info@arosakulm.ch | www.arosakulm.ch

AROSA KULM HOTEL & A L P I N S PA , A R O S A SWITZERLAND Located on a slight elevation, by the slopes in a quiet part of Arosa, the ski in/out, 5 Superior Arosa Kulm Hotel & alpinspa, established in 1882, offers a unique Alpine atmosphere that’s ideal for romantic weekends or exceptional corporate events alike.

The local ski slopes more than tripled in size recently, when new lifts created a connection to neighbouring Lenzerheide to create one of the Alps’ biggest ski regions with 225km of piste.

Families are always very welcome here, and the Arosa Kulm’s popular offer of free ski instruction for children up to 17-years-old is always a hit.

The hotel’s 119 rooms and suites, six different restaurants, two bars, and six function rooms are all inviting places, and there’s a wonderful relaxation to be found in the alpinspa, a holistic place that embodies a unique and inspiring world of water and Alpine wellness.

Supported by his culinary team, chef Pascal Kleber knows how to inspire visitors.

Restaurants choices include the Muntanella (highly recommended by the prestigious Gault & Millau guide), where guests can enjoy Mediterranean dishes, the Ahaan Thai, and the Stüva Cuolm for Tuscan specialities (both Gault & Millau favourites). Kul(m)inary Dine Around, half-board packages allow guests to choose a different restaurant each day.

With the added luxuries of it spectacular spa, the charming hotel is a place where the

We love the architectural

conscious fusion of history and tradition, along with contemporary change, continues to

signature of design specialist

write the Arosa Kulm's prestigious history.

Jo Brinkmann, visible in the use of warm shades and natural materials throughout the hotel.

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+41 (0)27 7754000 | evaihotel@kingsverbier.ch | hotelnevai.com

T H E N E VA Ï H O T E L VERBIER SWITZERLAND With state-of-the-art architecture, inspired by mountain life, this Design Hotel is located at the hub of Verbier life.

A place of physical and spiritual contentment and happiness, The Nevaï Hotel is home to a ground floor lounge, first floor bar, and an excellent restaurant where the menu is centred on an open grill concept led by leading Scandinavian chef, Victor Vestberg.

Verbier’s most famous nightclub, The Farm, is also here.

The Nevaï’s glorious Elemis spa features a Turkish hamman, sauna, and invigorating vitality pool, while world-class spa therapists are on hand to provide a personalised approach with relaxing spa therapies designed especially for you. A wide range of facials and indulgent body treatments, including massage, exfoliation and relaxing body wraps, are available.

The Hotel Nevaï’s unique blend of Alpine luxury and ambience is evident in each of its 33 superior rooms, as well as its two spectacular Panorama Suites. These suites are amazing places to stay, with the elegant and romantic penthouse suite 501 featuring a rooftop Jacuzzi, cosy open fire with a see-through fireplace, spacious bathroom and separate wet room, complimentary luxury mini-bar, three private terraces and, of course, a stunning design.

We love sampling the cocktail mixology expertise served up in the first floor Nevaï bar

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+41 (0)81 836 7000 | info@carlton-stmoritz.ch | www.carlton-stmoritz.ch

C A R LT O N H O T E L ST MORITZ SWITZERLAND The Carlton Hotel St. Moritz opens again for another winter season from 12 December 2013 to 30 March 2014, and this year it celebrates the 100th anniversary of its inaugural opening at Christmas 1913!

Located on a sun-soaked plateau above the lake of St Moritz, the Carlton Hotel boasts captivating views from all of its 60 suites and junior suites.

A complete refurbishment of the hotel was undertaken a few years ago, which showcases the historical values of the property, initially built a century ago, with a modern, contemporary re-interpretation. Under the guidance of Ticino interior designer Carlo Rampazzi, the hotel exhibits his signature unconventional style and colour palette affording the hotel an unrivalled self-assured luxury.

While the Restaurant Romanoff, with its sumptuous surroundings, serves culinary delights in a classic setting. At “Da Vittorio - St. Moritz” you can immerse yourself in the world of Enrico and Roberto Cerea, whose restaurant, Da Vittorio, in Brusaport, Italy, was awarded three Michelin stars.

The Carlton’s spa facility is the only one in St Moritz to have been awarded Leading Spa status. Its spacious, invigorating and elegant infrastructure boasts a swimming and sports pool, an interconnecting indoor and outdoor relaxation pool, a Kneipp facility, saunas and steam baths, a private spa suite, fitness centre and light-filled treatment rooms.

We love the unobtrusive extravagance of Carlo Rampazzi’s design that creates a binding link between past and present.

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The Carlton Hotel is where people come from all over the world to enjoy the pleasures of delightful company or withdraw in peace and quiet.

Experience superlative St Moritz lifestyle at the 386m2 Carlton Penthouse!

+43 (0)55 832 5130 | hotel@zuerserhof.at | www.zuerserhof.at

HOTEL ZÜRSERHOF ARLBERG AU S T R I A Located in one of the world’s most exclusive resorts, the elegant Zürserhof is perfectly located to offer the best of both worlds; located in a sunny high-lying valley at a snow-sure altitude of 1720m, it stands in a secluded location, but also within a short walk (or ski) of Zürs centre, itself part of the huge and spectacular Arlberg ski region.

Indeed, you could not have a better location in a ski area than at the Zürserhof. The ski lift is outside the hotel’s doors; the hotel has its own ski slope, and for beginners a private shuttle service to the nursery slopes; and instructors are available to meet you at the hotel for ski lessons, guiding or perhaps a heli-ski excursion. In addition, the best equipment can be tested from Strolz’s sport shop in the hotel, where you will also receive the very best personal attention and advice. Of course your lift pass is also available through the hotel, and there’s heated equipment storage on site, too.

As you would expect, this 5 hotel has superb wellness facilities including a swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, sunbeds and steam bath, and a ladies-only sauna. There is also a spa with a hairdressing and beauty salon, as well as an indoor sport centre (offering tennis, football, basketball, volleyball), and a fitness studio offering personal training programmes.

Choose to stay in one of the Zürserhof’s single or double rooms, or one of five types of suite, the best of which is the spectacular Royal Suite.

The hotel's kids' club employs professionally-trained nannies for children aged 3 years and over who can

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+43 (0)55 832 5130 | hotel@zuerserhof.at | www.zuerserhof.at

We love that one of the world’s best ski schools and ski shops are both on site.

provide care from 1–10pm, with a daily children's dinner provided at 6pm.

The Zürserhof also organises a weekly programme, with a welcome cocktail and gala evening, as well as culinary-themed evenings. The hotel’s own pianist plays each day in the lobby.

In the Zürserhof's gourmet restaurant, the chef combines the best regional products with delicacies from all over the world. Gentlemen wear jackets for dinner, if not every night, definitely for the weekly Sunday evening gala menu with its sumptuous dessert buffet. During the daytime, the hotel’s popular sun terrace is the place to enjoy Austrian or vegetarian specialities.

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+43 (0)52 542 2600 | info@central-soelden.at | www.central-soelden.at

DAS CENTRAL SÖLDEN AU S T R I A

Sölden has been one of the world’s leading resorts for many years now; its long ski season from October to May is guaranteed thanks to its twin glaciers, and the skiable vertical of nearly 3000m is one of the world’s biggest.

The only 5 hotel in this lively village is "Das Central – Alpine, Luxury, Life". Here, Alpine charm meets luxurious flair and Tyrolean cordiality is a way of life. The hotel's ambience is relaxed, but don't be fooled, as beneath this informal approach lies a dedication to providing luxury service and gastronomic delight.

Warm hospitality and a noticeable love of detail create a special atmosphere that succeeds in making you feel right at home. Each of the hotel’s 121 rooms and suites are individually styled, with interiors ranging from traditional rustic Tirolean to modern contemporary.

The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, run by toque chef Gottfried Prantl, has built an international reputation, and alongside the culinary masterpieces there are more than 30,000 bottles of fine wine in the cellar to choose from.

The three-storey Water World Venezia spa has nine different saunas among its many delights, with the Beauty and Wellness Residence pampering guests with treatments from around the world.

We love the Alpine treatments, for which Das Central is famous.

Feel the healing, beneficial effect of pure, natural herbs and plants and experience the power of the Tirolean mountains.

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+41 (0)27 967 7676 | www.firefly-zermatt.com

H O T E L F I R E F LY Z E R M AT T SWITZERLAND The Hotel Firefly is the first address in Zermatt for travellers who expect luxury and lifestyle of the highest level. In the midst of the breathtaking scenery of the famous glacier ski area, the hotel is only 3 minutes from the Klein Matterhorn cable car and from the centre of Zermatt.

Each suite in the Hotel Firefly is individual, spacious and luxuriously furnished; the design of each room is themed on fire, water, air or earth. The equipment in the rooms is generous: all suites offer high-quality kitchens, granite bathrooms, free wi-fi connection, satellite TV, PlayStation, radio with iPod docking station and a safety box. Open fireplaces are available in the large suites. The Firefly has no hotel restaurant so breakfast is served in your room, giving that "just like home" feeling.

In the Hotel's 380m2 wellness and fitness area there are great facilities including an indoor pool with coloured lighting, massage showers, sauna, steam baths and ice grotto, as well as two massage rooms offering various treatments. There are also13 items of gym equipment for a personal workout. Afterwards, you can head over to Bar 55, with its cosy atmosphere, charming attention to detail, and delicious drinks menu.

We love the familiar atmosphere; it feels just like home.

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+43 (0)55 832 191 | mail@thurnhers-alpenhof.com | www.thurnhers.com/alpenhof

THURNHER’S ALPENHOF ARLBERG AU S T R I A The intimate Thurnher's Alpenhof in Zürs am Arlberg is among the most exclusive addresses in the Alps, located within one of the world’s greatest ski areas.

The hotel was created nearly 50 years ago by Elfi and Oscar Thurnher with the aim of creating a place where guests from all corners of the globe could gather, where old friends could meet and new friendships be formed. That philosophy, along with fresh new ideas, is maintained by the next generation of the Thurnher family.

Rated a 5 Star superior hotel, Thurnher’s Alpenhof’s 14 rooms and 24 suites are exquisitely decorated and luxuriously equipped. Each has a unique design and all boast panoramic windows for wonderful mountain views.

The hotel’s gourmet restaurant and comfortable bar with crackling log fire, share magnificent vistas. Guests can also enjoy the superb spa that features a warm indoor pool with counter-current flow, Finnish and Bio-Saunas, steam bath and of course an enticing massage treatments menu.

Skiers are looked after especially well. Thurnher’s Alpenhof is the only hotel in the entire Arlberg region to provide their own certified ski and snowboard teacher free of charge, while equipment, passes and everything else are all taken care of.

We love the excellent service for skiers including tuition, ski waxing, lift pass supplied and much more.

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T I E K A T Y S EA If the luxury accommodation providers you’ll discover within these pages are providing the services they intend to, then from the moment you walk through their doors for the first time into a grand hotel or cosy chalet, and if it’s catered then, perhaps, handed a flute of champagne, you will be able to take a deep sigh knowing that your holiday has begun.

In some cases you may get that feeling even sooner, the instant you have cleared security at the airport, had your bags courteously taken for you, and been escorted to your comfortable chauffeured vehicle for the resort transfer.

But the savviest luxury ski traveller knows that with a little more forward planning, your holiday can start even earlier, and end later, so you can get in the mood before you even leave home, and maintain it, to some extent at least, when you have to say goodbye and make the return trip.

The aspects of a ski holiday that can quickly shock you back to grim reality include the stress of getting to the airport, carrying your baggage and equipment, battling through the airport, being crammed on a plane, and a poor transfer to your destination.

These can all, normally, be avoided, and many accommodation providers can organise ways to avoid these common pitfalls, so that your travel is as seamless as your stay.

There are the obvious things, not always available, but often possible – airport lounge access, separate check-in and security channels, and business class travel.

But why face the stress of check-in at all? A growing number of services are available that will collect your baggage from your home and transport it to your resort accommodation for you, so that it’s waiting on arrival. There are also chauffeur services to wait for you on both sides of your flight.

So on the day of your holiday, with your bags already waiting for you in resort, you can simply walk out of your door with a small item of hand baggage, allow yourself to be driven to the terminal, whisk through security to the airport lounge, and be called to board the plane separately into your business or first-class seat, finally to be met on arrival by your chauffeur to transfer you to your resort. On the return the process is reversed, the stress of travel is removed, and your ski holiday becomes a complete holiday. That little extra forward planning is well worth it.

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+81 (0)13 622 0038 | reservations@nisade.com | www.thevaleniseko.com

T H E VA L E NISEKO J A PA N Luxury redefined awaits the discerning guest to the world-famous powder snows of Niseko.

The Vale Niseko blends Japanese tradition with an Asian chic, which drives the fusion of design elegance. From the moment you enter the building until the moment you sink into the sofa you'll be amazed at the winter wonderland outside the window.

Timber and glazing envelop you in an alpine experience, the clean design lines drive a silence in space. With each apartment hosting an environmental fireplace, the ambience is superlative in every sense.

Constructed in 2009 the building offers an unparalleled experience, with heated pool, sauna and luxurious onsen (a traditional Japanese mineral bath), après bar and lounge, and restaurant serving some of Japan’s finest foods. Each apartment is fully appointed with a full kitchen sporting Miele appliances, and the latest in gadgets to ensure your stay is without worry.

This pinnacle of snow pampering is definitely the mineral bath soak in the private onsen on your balcony, available in eight rooms and the penthouse.

Detail is the success of this property, every wish for your stay has been delivered, from the direct lift access from a stylish ski and boot room to the in-house massage facilities.

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+81 (0)13 622 0038 | reservations@nisade.com | www.nisekoalpineaccommodation.com

THE GLASSHOUSE NISEKO J A PA N First opened by Nisade in December 2012, Glasshouse is an elegantly appointed fivebedroom designer home, superbly positioned in the highly sought-after Niseko-Hirafu village location, which offers sweeping, uninterrupted views of the beautiful Mt Yotei.

Architecturally designed to a superb standard, and spread over more than 270m2, Glasshouse has a huge upstairs open-plan living space warmed by the ‘floating’ fireplace, and can sleep up to 12, with five bedrooms, including a kids' bunk room, and four bathrooms.

Glasshouse’s seamlessly integrated technology includes a large plasma LCD television supplied with international cable, and an additional TV and DVD player in the kids room. There’s also surround sound audio with a connection for your iPod, and complimentary wi-fi throughout. Even the toilets have heated seats.

You can also relax inside a traditional wooden bath tub, or slip on the traditional Japanese robe provided and head out for a soak in the Glasshouse’s outdoor Jacuzzi.

Along with a maid service every other day, a private concierge service provides a dropoff and collection service at the main Family Ace chairlift, so you can effortlessly enjoy the world’s deepest, fluffiest powder snow.

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+41 (0)81 836 3636 | info@suvrettahouse.ch | www.suvrettahouse.ch

S U V R E T TA H O U S E ST MORITZ SWITZERLAND Located a short distance outside St Moritz centre, but right on the ski slopes, Suvretta House could be a million miles from anywhere.

Today, as when it opened a century ago in 1912, you can stay away from the bustle of the town centre, remain incognito if you wish, and enjoy your holiday undisturbed and in complete privacy.

Suvretta House fulfills every gastronomic desire. The Grand Restaurant serves gourmet specialities, while the Suvretta Stube offers guests simple cuisine, authentic Swiss favourites and traditional classics. You can enjoy drinks and snacks in Anton’s Bar, the Club Bar or the hotel lobby. Families have always been particularly welcome at Suvretta House, and the Teddy Club provides superb facilities and care for the hotel’s youngest guests, with the Kiddy Club (an in-house kindergarten) and a separate children’s restaurant.

As you would expect there’s a wonderful health spa, complete with a 25m swimming pool, and the hotel has four exclusive boutiques for designer shopping.

With a ski lift right next to the hotel, the Suvretta Snowsports School is one of the world’s best and longest established (it dates back to 1925). Its ski instructors are used to teaching and guiding guests of all abilities and ages.

We love arriving at Suvretta House by sleigh.

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+41 (0)27 966 8888 | mcp.reservation@seilerhotels.ch | www.montcervinpalace.com

M O N T C E R V I N PA L A C E Z E R M AT T SWITZERLAND The Mont Cervin Palace is one of the great hotels of the Alps, with more than 150 years of simple warm hospitality. The original hotel opened in 1852 with just 14 beds. Today the 5 Mont Cervin Palace offers 150 charming rooms and suites. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World association. Throughout summer 2012 the hotel has undertaken major renovation works.

There are three gourmet restaurants: Le Restaurant, Grill Le Cervin and Ristorante Capri.

Le Cervin has been awarded 14 points in the prestigious Gault Millau guide, and Capri has the best score of any Zermatt restaurant with 16 Gault Millau points and one Michelin star. There are also two bars, a smokers lounge, and various corners to just relax in.

Children are especially welcome at the hotel, with many facilities, including a kindergarten, a children’s paddling pool and the children’s table.

Mont Cervin Palace’s leading spa facilities are particularly good and extend over 1700m², incorporating a 20m indoor pool warmed to 28°C, an outdoor pool with waterfall, massage jets and bubble massage bed warmed to 35°C. At the MCP Beauty Spa there are 11 treatment rooms offering a wide choice of massages, and hand, foot, face and body treatments – just lie back and be spoilt!

We love the hotel’s own horsedrawn carriage, which picks you up from the train station.

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+43 (0)54 462 6110 | info@arlberghospiz.at | www.arlberghospiz.at

ARLBERG HOSPIZ HOTEL ARLBERG AU S T R I A With beyond 5 service and facilities, an unrivalled slopeside location at the heart of the world-famous Arlberg ski area, and a pedigree in the history of skiing that is unequalled worldwide, the Arlberg Hospiz Hotel is not only a wonderful place to visit, it should also be on the "must stay" list of any serious skier.

The Arlberg Hospiz Hotel was originally built as a shelter for travellers crossing the Arlberg Pass in 1386, and the current hotel, now a tad more luxurious, sits on exactly the same spot. It was here too in January 1901 that four skiers met to establish the Arlberg Ski Club, a body responsible more than any other for developing Alpine skiing from the early years and its rapid spread worldwide.

But guests today will be most interested by the luxurious facilities offered by the Arlberg Hospiz Hotel, wonderful rooms and suites, its exceptional restaurant, awarded a very high two toques by the Gault Millau gourmet guide, and its incredible 5 diamond award-winning wine cellar.

They’ll also want to enjoy the vast spa, with a Finnish sauna, bio sauna and a steam bath among the many facilities, and a wide-ranging massage treatment menu available.

This is one of the few luxury ski hotels that truly has it all.

We love owner Florian Werner’s passion for modern art, evident throughout the hotel.

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+44 (0)131 510 2525 | snow@premiere-neige.com | www.premiere-neige.com

CHALET LA MARQUISE S A I N T E F OY FRANCE With its open-plan living area and balcony hot tub providing breathtaking views, the new 5 Platinum Chalet La Marquise in the heart of Sainte Foy provides the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, a snowball’s throw from the slopes and the village centre.

This high-class chalet, which sleeps up to 16, has high vaulted ceilings, a centrally suspended fireplace, spacious bedrooms and living areas, fabulous designer decor and stunning panoramic views.

Careful thought has gone into the chalet layout. There is a mezzanine level in the eaves equipped with sofa, additional flat-screen TV and DVD player – a perfect hideaway for teens or children – or a quiet office space for corporates.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto chalet-length balconies, and the bedrooms are all substantial and have top quality finely sprung beds made up with luxurious Egyptian cotton duvet covers. En-suite bathrooms have large bath towels, soft bathrobes, and a selection of exclusive Elemis toiletries.

The private spa is located on the on the ground floor with sauna, hammam and massage room. In addition to private use of these facilities, guests may also make arrangements for a range of additional treatments and massages through their dedicated chalet host.

We love the hot tub in the private area on the upper balcony, a haven of relaxation offering breathtaking views.

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+41 (0)81 836 8000 | info@kulm.com | www.kulm.com

KULM HOTEL ST MORITZ SWITZERLAND Located at the very heart of the resort, the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz has been providing superb accommodation with luxurious facilities since 1856.

Enjoying breathtaking views over the famous lake of St Moritz, the Kulm Hotel is not like any other luxury hotel.

What other hotel can claim that two Winter Olympic Games, in 1928 and 1948, were officially opened there? The world famous Cresta Run, the Olympic Bob Run and the famous Dracula night club are all here too.

After checking into their luxurious wood-lined room or suite, guests may relax in the hotel’s amazing spa which has a large indoor pool with underwater music, an open-air whirlpool, saunas, a salt grotto, steam bath and a panoramic view.

They can also enjoy dining at one of the Kulm Hotel’s five restaurants. Indulge in the magnificent Grand Restaurant and gourmet restaurant ‘The K’ with its 15 GaultMillau points. The NITO restaurant/Sunny Bar serves Japanese cuisine and the Pizzeria offers Italian dining. Chesa al Parc combines sporting elegance with the rustic charm of a cosy Engadine-style restaurant.

Celebrate the legendary Kulm Hotel, on its 150th anniversary as the cradle of winter

We love the stunning views over the St. Moritz Lake from all angles of the spa including the Private Spa Suite.

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tourism. World-class facilities and personalised service are yours to enjoy.

+41 (0)81 830 3030 | info@kronenhof.com | www.kronenhof.com

GRAND HOTEL KRONENHOF PONTRESINA SWITZERLAND One of the world’s great hotels, the 5 Superior Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina has been welcoming guests since 1848. Arriving in the majestic hotel lobby, with its ceiling frescoes dating back to the early 1900s, you are immediately aware of the glory of a bygone era with its neo-baroque style, while also enjoying all the luxuries and conveniences of the 21st century.

Located 1800m above sea level and 6km from St Moritz, the Grand Hotel Kronenhof’s guests have direct access to the 350km of piste in the surrounding Engadin valley.

The Hotel is designed in a horseshoe shape with three wings around a grand courtyard, its elegant and lavishly furnished rooms and suites designed to pamper, with luxury furnishings and the latest technology.

The superb Kronenhof Spa with its dozen treatment rooms stretches over 2000m2, and offers stunning views across larch forests to the glaciers of Bernina and Val Roseg.

Guests are welcome to dine in one of the most beautiful neo-baroque grand restaurants in the Alps, the "Kronenstübli", which received a Michelin star in 2011, and this year was awarded its 17th point by the famous GaultMillau gourmet guide.

We love the majestic hotel lobby with its restored century-old ceiling frescoes.

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SNOWHERE

NINETY YEARS ALWAYS ON THE SLOPES

WWW.COLMAR.IT SHOP.COLMAR.IT

+41 (0)27 966 2424 | info@matterhorn-focus.ch | www.matterhorn-focus.ch

M AT T E R H O R N FOCUS Z E R M AT T SWITZERLAND

Zermatt is a very special resort, with Europe’s highest lifts, one of the world’s biggest lift-served verticals, and the iconic backdrop of the Matterhorn making it hard to beat.

The resort is full of top-class accommodation too, so standing out is a challenge. The answer from the Matterhorn Focus team was to design the hotel like a work of art.

This “Design and Lifestyle Hotel Garni” was created by Heinz Julen, world-famous for his eye-catching creations. With its distinct lines, the architectural style follows that of the mountain railways, creating a building that is elegant, without being obtrusive, blending perfectly into the mountain environment.

The hotel is not big, with just 30 spacious double, superior-double family rooms, and suites, some with freestanding bath tubs specially created for the hotel, placed to provide a view of the Matterhorn, others looking on to the resort’s car-free, but often bustling streets.

Heinz Julen was responsible for the interior design and all the rooms are furnished with furniture and works of art created by him. Nearly all the rooms have a balcony with a view of either the Matterhorn or of Zermatt.

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+41 (0)27 966 2424 | info@matterhorn-focus.ch | www.matterhorn-focus.ch

We love the fantastic views of the Matterhorn.

Facilities include a sophisticated wellness oasis complete with a wonderful interior pool, outdoor whirlpool, heated couches, saltwater bath, caldarium, Finnish sauna and a rest area, which altogether provide complete peace and relaxation. A wide range of massage and beauty treatments are, of course, also available.

There are many very special features to the hotel; for example, the lower station of the Klein-Matterhorn cable car is accessible in just 2 minutes through an underground passageway from the hotel. But the key element of the success of the Matterhorn Focus, behind the great design and the excellent facilities, is the high standard of discreet but attentive service provided by the owners, Sonja and Christian Noti.

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+41 (0)27 486 2000 | info@hotelguardagolf.com | www.hotelguardagolf.com

H O T E L G UA R D A G O L F C R A N S M O N TA N A SWITZERLAND One of the newest hotels in Crans-Montana, and indeed the entire Alps, the 25-room Hotel Guarda Golf has risen rapidly to the top, with a 5 Superior rating, membership of The Leading Hotels of the World and Swiss Deluxe Hotel groups, and 13 points from the prestigious Gault & Millau guide for the superb Mediterranean restaurant, Giardino.

Those Gault & Millau points are thanks to the creativity of the chefs de cuisine and pâtisserie. Using only the freshest local produce, the team has succeeded in creating a rare profusion of authentic flavours. Every day, guests are asked for their particular wishes and preferences to make their stay as cosy and comfortable as possible in all respects.

There are two more restaurants in the hotel – Les Alpes, serving authentic, regional specialties in a cosy atmosphere, and the Guarda Golf Lounge with its non-stop service.

The gorgeous Guarda Golf SPA brings new dimensions to recreation with its 600m2 wellness area carved in stone. It features an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, hammam, solarium, and four treatment rooms.

The Hotel Guarda Golf is one of the few luxury hotels in Switzerland owned and managed by the same person. The personal style and passionate commitment of Brazilian-born Nati Felli can be seen in every detail.

We love the beauty treatments with products from “Beauty by Clinica Ivo Pitanguy”.

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+41 (0)81 378 9999 | info@tschuggen.ch | www.tschuggen.ch

THE TSCHUGGEN GRAND HOTEL AROSA SWITZERLAND The 5 superior Tschuggen Grand Hotel in the snow-sure resort of Arosa is one of the ski world’s great hotels. Its spectacular spa has become a famous image and guests can enjoy every comfort and service, including a choice of five restaurants.

The Tschuggen Grand Hotel’s 5000m2, Mario Botta designed, Bergoase Spa is one of the world’s most iconic, located in the open space at the foot of the mountains, it uses geometrically organic bodies to "channel" daylight into the luxurious underground facilities, then at night they shine out above the village and look visually stunning.

For winter 2013–14 the local Arosa ski slopes have been connected by lifts and pistes to those of neighbouring Lenzerheide, to create one of the world’s biggest ski areas with 25km of piste – tripling what was previously available in Arosa. On the first day of the season hotel guests have exclusive use of Arosa’s slopes.

The hotel’s remarkable Tschuggen Express lift is a private mountain railway that can carry a dozen guests at a time on a 528m ascent from the hotel direct to the ski lift, climbing gradients of up to 52% on its journey of less than 2½ minutes.

We love accessing one of the world’s great ski areas by private mountain railway.

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+33 (0)4 79 00 67 67 | contact@hotelavenuelodge.com | www.hotelavenuelodge.com

H Ô T E L AV E N U E L O D G E VA L D ' I S È R E FRANCE The luxurious Hôtel Avenue Lodge is a superb base in one the world’s great ski areas, the exceptional Espace Killy. You’ll feel welcome from the minute you arrive, with valet parking and the concierge service taking care of your luggage.

This elegant Savoyard-style chalet offers a contemporary, sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing interior. Particular care was taken in selecting the materials used, between modernity and tradition.

The Spa at the Hôtel Avenue Lodge offers a new and unique concept in modern luxury, and incorporates a swimming pool, sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi, with a variety of massage treatments from around the world also available.

The Hôtel Avenue Lodge's other guest facilities include a lounge bar, a large sitting area with a fireplace, and a pro shop for all your skiing or boarding needs. The excellent restaurant serves both modern and traditional French cuisine.

The hotel has perfected the art of living with its refined guest bedrooms, which incorporate both hi-tech comfort and spacious bathrooms. The entire hotel is accessible to those with reduced mobility.

The Hôtel Avenue Lodge’s entire team is at your service to make your holiday in our resort an unforgettable stay in Val d'Isère.

We love visiting Denise at the Spa's beauty and hair salon, which offers Carita brand treatments for the face & body.

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+41 (0)27 966 7171 | info@the-omnia.com | www.the-omnia.com

THE OMNIA Z E R M AT T SWITZERLAND

There’s an immediate wow factor at The Omnia Mountain Lodge, perched as it is on a cliff in the centre of Zermatt. Passing through a tunnel, you’ll come to an elevator rising up through the rrock, which brings you to the lobby 1649m above sea level. Here you have effectively passed through a portal into another world, one where you can forget time, where you are from, where you are going, and just enjoy life.

To help you do just that, The Omnia builds on its great location with exquisite interior design, based on a contemporary interpretation of the classic American mountain lodge, fine cuisine, a wonderful wellness centre and seamless service.

There are 30 rooms, including 12 suites, all equipped with the latest technology. There is no design conformity here; in fact the opposite is the case, each room varying in layout and décor, and none with a room number. In addition, most rooms and suites have a balcony with breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn.

The Omnia’s lobby has a library and fireplace, along with a restaurant, bar, boardroom, cavern, and two sun decks high above the rooftops of Zermatt.

The Omnia’s intimate restaurant is a place you’ll want to spend the evening in, with residents and their guests equally welcome. Executive Chef Patrick Weber creates modern, uncomplicated cuisine with authentic flavours, using seasonal ingredients. His food is served to you by staff who are both efficient and

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+41 (0)27 966 7171 | info@the-omnia.com | www.the-omnia.com

We love The Omnia's restaurant where the hotel’s Executive Chef focuses on providing pure, authentic flavours reflected in the modern seasonal dishes.

understated, giving you the space to enjoy. After dinner, relax on the sofa by the fireplace to enjoy an espresso and grappa, or whatever else you desire.

The wellness centre features an indoor/outdoor pool, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, caldarium, flower steam room, hi-tech gym, two treatment rooms, a relaxation room and an outdoor Jacuzzi with, once again, wonderful views.

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ST. Z T I R MO OULDN'T YOU? WHY W

Although other resorts have climbed to the top rung of the ski

past century. The train journey is spectacular, so much so that it has

resort fame ladder, none have been there as long as St Moritz,

been awarded UNESCO World Heritage site status in its own right.

which celebrates 150 years as the original winter sports holiday

It’s a good start.

destination in 2014.

Rolling into St Moritz many are not prepared for the beauty of the This is a very high resort, and in the early years of winter sports

place and the scenery. The resort is divided into two, known as Dorf

holidays was particularly difficult to reach. Although you can fly into

and Platz, with one part rising above a magnificent lake, the other

the nearby airstrip at Samedan, the remarkable mountain railway

lying across on the far side. Spectacular mountains tower above –

climb up to St Moritz remains THE way to arrive, as it has for the

there’s skiing all around.

So far so good. It’s a short walk up into the heart of the village. There are exclusive boutiques, spectacular grand hotels, snug private chalets, and enticing gourmet restaurants around every corner.

And enjoy it I did, there is talk of a champagne climate, of more than 300 sunny days per year, and that’s partly it, but for me, without wanting to get too airy-fairy, there’s something spiritual about St Moritz that transcends any glitz. This is THE home of ski holidays and has been since 1864.

Many people know the story: it was in the winter of 1864–65 that a comparatively poor hotelier bet some English Victorian grand tourists staying the summer in St Moritz for their health, that if they stayed the winter they’d find it sunnier and much more pleasant than smoggy, damp, cold London. They did, he won his bet and they told their friends, and winter sports tourism was born.

That hotelier, Johannes Badrutt, went on to build the mighty Kulm hotel, which stands there still. The main events of the 1928 Winter Olympics were staged in its grounds, and the top of the Cresta Run departs from just outside.

But despite the luxury and the amazing facilities of the Kulm today, the most exciting thing for me was that the original farmhouse where those original English visitors stayed is preserved in a corner of the building. The manager took me in where I was able to sit at Mr Badrutt’s desk and see the rooms where that first holiday took place.

The ski slopes are luxurious too. There are complaints from die-hard skiers that they are too easy, maybe they are, I’m just an average

ST MORITZ stmoritz.ch/en

British skier, but I like wide sunny slopes that are, indeed, pretty empty most of the morning as it’s not fashionable to get up early

ST MORITZ POLO WORLD CUP

in St Moritz. There are fast lifts back up, and superb mountain

polostmoritz.com

restaurants offering surprisingly good value and high-quality cuisine.

30 January–1 February 2014

Wherever you stay, you’ll find St Moritz continues to go quietly

WHITE TURF

from strength to strength. After the 2014 celebrations of its 150th anniversary, the resort already has plans for more world-class events, continuing that Olympic-standard legacy from the early

whiteturf.ch 9, 16, 23 February 2014

years of global winter sports competition.

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ST. Z T I R O M OULDN'T YOU? WHY W

This winter also sees the 30th anniversary of the famous St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, which takes place at the start of February each winter, which is the world’s most prestigious winter polo tournament on snow. Four High Goal Teams with handicaps between 15 and 18 goals fight on the frozen Lake St Moritz for victory. The spectators experience this in front of the wonderful mountain backdrop, characterised by the power, elegance, speed, honour, and the traditional British competition spirit.

A week or so later the frozen Lake is home to more world-class competition, this time the amazing White Turf contest, when horses race around a course on the thickly frozen ice, with the world’s great and good there to bear witness, as they have done since the first races in 1907.

The next milestone is the World Alpine Skiing Championships in 2017, and perhaps, looking further ahead, another Olympic bid. As it is, St Moritz remains the only ever Swiss Olympic host. Twice.

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+44 (0)203 432 8446 | info@ski-base.com | www.ski-base.com

CHALET DE LA CLOCHE VA L D ’ I S È R E VA L L E Y FRANCE Chalet de la Cloche is situated in the heart of Les Brévières, one of seven villages that make up what is often considered to be one of the greatest ski areas in the world, Espace Killy.

The region combines two of the best resorts in France, Val d’Isère and Tignes, and offers an amazingly diverse range of skiing. There is something for everyone with over 300km of marked pistes. Ski lessons or guiding can be prearranged with the top instructors in the Espace Killy area.

The Ski-Base team have created a wonderful chalet described by Harpers Bazaar as a “haven of sensual indulgence”. It is one of Condé Nast Traveller’s top-ten chalets in the Alps, and was shortlisted for the Design Et Al International Hotel and Property Awards 2011.

Specifically designed and built to the most exacting standards, the attention to detail is obvious, even down to the elegant and contemporary interior where all the furniture has been designed and made uniquely for the chalet. Each bedroom has a balcony, a plasma TV, a luxury bathroom with Hermès amenities, and a super king bed with a memory foam mattress.

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+44 (0)203 432 8446 | info@ski-base.com | www.ski-base.com

We love the always innovative cuisine of the in-house chef, Miko Trawinski.

After a tough day burning up the slopes many people like to relax in the spa, with its steam room, pool and outside hot tub, or massages and beauty treatments can be arranged. The evening doesn’t end there; guests are treated to a sumptuous dinner created by the in-house chef Miko Trawinski (who's worked in the restaurants of Marco Pierre White, Mark Hix and Gordon Ramsey). As well as Miko’s wonderful food, also included are canapés, champagne, wine, and after dinner drinks from the bar. At the end of the day one can’t fail to relax and snuggle up in the incredible 1000 count Egyptian cotton sateen bed linen and the goose down duvets, to prepare for another day on the slopes.

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+33 (0)6 37 85 18 30 | Jolanda@chaletbibendum.com | www.chaletbibendum.com

CHALET BIBENDUM CHAMONIX FRANCE Ideally located in the tranquil, picturesque Savoyard hamlet of Les Bois, 5 minutes from the centre of Chamonix and a minutes walk to the La Flégère lift. The 300-year-old Chalet Bibendum is a tastefully renovated holiday home, where the comfort of a luxury hotel and its service meets the magic of a bygone time.

The spacious chalet enjoys a beautiful sunny exposure and is designed to deliver panoramic breathtaking views – it is like living in a postcard!

With special attention to detail, Jolanda and Olaf offer their guests a homely atmosphere and provide a unique experience from the beginning to end.

Bibendum sleeps eight guests in four ensuite bedrooms, each unique. The central fireplace divides the living area into two distinct parts, and the open-plan kitchen and dining area offer stunning views. Meals begin with a wonderful continental breakfast each morning and end with a superb five-course meal prepared by chef Basile.

Guests can unwind in the wood-fired hot tub to enjoy the incredible views of Les Drus, relax in the sauna, or curl up on a comfortable sofa in front of the roaring fire, and should you ever want to leave, an in-resort chauffeur awaits.

We love the “Bibendum Feeling” – living like a local, in a spectacular location, and in a luxurious way.

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+33 (0)4 50 21 20 02 | contact@hotelmontblanc.com | www.hotelmontblanc.com

L’ H O T E L M O N T- B L A N C MEGÈVE FRANCE Whenever Megève is mentioned, one name immediately springs to mind: the MontBlanc, the hotel up among the mountain peaks. It celebrates 100 years this winter!

Situated in the heart of the village and close to the ski lifts, the resort’s legendary hotel re-established its pedigree under the dynamic impetus of Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet, while respecting the pioneers’ spirit, like Georges Boisson and his numerous friends, and among them Jean Cocteau, who named the restaurant of the hotel: Les Enfants Terribles.

On the eve of its centennial anniversary, the Hôtel Mont-Blanc can pride itself on a past worthy of a Parisian Palace hotel, and presents this winter its new Signature Suites in vintage and couture style, brilliantly reinterpreted to pay tribute to some of the artists to which the hotel owes its fame.

Between the modern and the nostalgic, the restaurant sports a refined and unconventional decoration in a harmonious mix of red, black and tobacco. With its open kitchen, Les Enfants Terribles’ Chef renews its ties with tradition: the wonderful smells of a rotisserie, including the restaurant’s spearhead, the ever-popular pepper steak, and the opulence of an oyster bar…

On the garden side, the indoor pool and Jacuzzi stay opened to the sun. And finally, the must: a sauna and four treatment cabins comfortable and welcoming, all dressed up with granite and snow-covered walls.

For more apres ski relaxation, “Le Georges” tearooms, famous for its range of teas and

We love the Hotel Mont-Blanc’s

homemade hot chocolates, turns into a Champagne bar at 6pm.

Pure Altitude Spa, inspired by ice floes, which plays freely with cold and hot contrasts.

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+43 (0)55 832 5610 | rooms@kristiania.at | www.kristiania.at

HOTEL KRISTIANIA LECH AU S T R I A The Kristiania is a truly special place in the heart of Lech. Innovative and individual in its philosophy, its priorities are providing a luxurious, private stay that’s also a unique experience. This philosophy led to the Kristiania being ranked number one of 500 small luxury hotels.

The 29 rooms and suites are unique in character and design, and for dining there’s a choice of the à la carte restaurant or casual dining in the Kaminzimmer with its open fireplace. Art lovers will also particularly enjoy their stay as the hotel has both its own collection of innovative work, and a regularly changing selection of work from specially selected artists. The environment is also taken very seriously by the Kristiania, it was Austria’s first carbon neutral hotel, offsetting its emissions.

Facilities within the intimate Seventies Spa include a whirlpool tub, aromatic sauna and serenity lounge, and treatments are offered according to your personal desires – relaxation, skin renewal, or a refreshing sports massage.

Finally, those fascinated by ski racing history will also want to know that the Kristiania was built by Othmar Schneider, Olympic slalom gold medallist from the 1952 Winter Games in Oslo, who also ran ski schools in the USA and Portillio in Chile.

We love the scented candles and fresh flowers which welcome you to the Kristiania’s spa.

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+41 (0)79 916 1372 | +41 (0)27 967 1727 | info@chalet-zen.com | www.chalet-zen.com

CHALET ZEN Z E R M AT T SWITZERLAND A chic and luxuriously appointed, privately-owned chalet in snow-sure Zermatt, Chalet Zen is discreetly tucked away just 100m from the main Matterhorn glacier lift hub and piste. It is also only a short stroll to the centre of the village, making the chalet perfectly located for skiers and non-skiers alike.

Offering all the amenities of modern-day living, yet retaining the cosy, traditional feel of a home from home, Chalet Zen is all about old-school luxury, with antique furniture, rugs and paintings giving it a wonderfully established feel. Each of the four large, elegantly furnished bedrooms features its own en-suite marble bathroom with fluffy bathrobes, slippers and Jo Malone products; three have balconies looking up to the mighty Matterhorn. There is also a bunk room and fifth bathroom as part of a family suite, should your party be larger than eight guests.

In addition to a bubbling outdoor hot tub, the steam and massage rooms ensure guests are pampered post-piste. There are also two spacious living areas with fireplaces, a small study with computer and wireless broadband internet, flat-screen TVs with cable and satellite, an extensive library of books and DVDs, as well as toys for all ages (including toboggans). A rare and private haven, Chalet Zen combines supreme comfort with excellent service.

We love the truly fabulous ski in/out location, charming professional manager/personal concierge, and skilled chef who creates gastronomic magic to suit all tastes.

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+41 (0)79 357 2038 | +44 (0)207 843 7264 | clauslabes@hotmail.com | www.klosters-ski-chalets.com

CHALET MALDEGHEM KLOSTERS SWITZERLAND Chalet Maldeghem is a lovely old chalet, attractively redecorated and refurbished to a luxurious standard. Eight to ten guests are looked after and thoroughly pampered by an excellent chef and a dedicated housekeeper/hostess. The atmosphere is of a luxurious home away from home, in a quiet rural location, perfectly located between the two main lifts up to the ski slopes, and also next to cross-country trails and winter walking paths.

Having been greeted with champagne on arrival, you’ll find that Chalet Maldeghem has a stunning drawing room with sitting area, a chill-out area, big TV, fireplace, dining area, and a large south-facing balcony/terrace and a small gym downstairs. There’s also an outdoor Jacuzzi for that essential après-ski soak.

There are four double bedrooms, one single bedroom and one bunk bedroom, all with fine linen. A sauna shower with luxurious bath products is also provided.

Your own excellent chef provides delicious dinners in accordance with your preferences, wonderful breakfasts in the morning, and afternoon tea and canapés when you return from the slopes. The neighbouring hotel, Sport, has a large swimming pool and a good restaurant with typical local dishes.

We love the large and high ceilinged master bedroom with old wood decor, en-suite bathroom and sitting area.

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+33 (0)7 78 84 57 10 | helen@thealpineclub.co.uk | www.thealpineclub.co.uk

CHAMOIS LODGE L E S 3 VA L L É E S FRANCE St Martin de Belleville is often overlooked in the rush to be seen in Méribel Vallée and Courchevel, but overlook it at your peril as it is the abode of Chamois Lodge, a heavenly mountain home with light-flooded rooms and idyllic mountain views.

Sympathetically finished in old wood and stone, the chalet is decorated in an elegant contemporary style, with cosy fur throws, cowhide walls and authentic Alpine touches.

Located on the second floor with majestic mountain views, the focal point of Chamois Lodge is the spacious, open-plan living room with warm, honey-coloured timbers, crackling log fire and soothing sofas.

The Lodge sleeps six to nine guests, in three twin/king en-suite rooms and a triple bunk bedroom; each of them feature large windows to make the most of the magical views, super comfy beds and crisp Egyptian bed linen for a dreamy night’s sleep. To soothe tired muscles at the end of the day take a dip in the outside spa, complete with uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains.

Whilst you concentrate on putting in the turns at the world’s largest ski area, which, incidentally, is right on your doorstep, a plethora of staff will look after your every need.

We love feeling cocooned in luxury in an authentic mountain hamlet, knowing the world’s largest ski area is on your doorstep.

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+33 (0)6 14 38 47 94 | hello@chezbear.com | www.chezbear.com

CHEZ BEAR SKI LODGE S E R R E C H E VA L I E R FRANCE Chez Bear is located 5 minutes drive above the historic town of Briançon, part of the vast Serre Chevalier xalley ski region. The Ski Lodge offers a warm, friendly, relaxed, chalet-style atmosphere and provides the services you expect from a luxury private hotel or ski chalet.

Guests receive private airport transfers, and are welcomed with a champagne reception.

Lift passes are provided on arrival, and ski hire, guiding and lessons are available. A complimentary resort chauffeur in a 4x4 vehicle can take you to and from the slopes, or anywhere in the Serre Chevalier valley, and we provide complimentary piste-side ski storage.

Chez Bear’s decor reflects its long history including original stone work and larch beams.

The chalet features a wood-burning oven, cinema screen complete with games console, sauna, log fire and it's very own pub-style bar.

Chez Bear provides deliciously healthy, hearty and homemade dishes prepared with fresh ingredients that are sourced locally. Gluten-free, vegetarian and other dietary requirements are catered for with pleasure, and there are special children's menus. These, and all other aspects of your stay, can be discussed and organised in advance when you book.

We love the strong Italian and French influences to meals and the wine list, the Italian wines sourced from the Barolo region.

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+43 (0)52 122 6210 | anfrage@klosterbraeu.com | www.klosterbraeu.com

H O T E L K L O S T E R B R ÄU TIROL AU S T R I A The luxurious 5 Hotel Klosterbräu and spa, in the quintessentially Tirolean village of Seefeld (20 minutes from Innsbruck, 1½ hours from Munich) exudes a timeless atmosphere of warmth and friendly, efficient service having been run by the Seyrling Family for a remarkable six generations, so over 200 years!

Seefeld has a perfectly formed ski area with 40km of slopes running right down to the Hotel. The village is located on a sunny plateau, and is especially famous for its 280km of cross-country tracks for all levels, and a perfect winter hiking area.

Erected on the site of a five-centuries-old historic monastery, the Hotel Klosterbräu successfully blends up-to-the-minute design with this historic backdrop to create an inviting ambience, with antique furnishings and luxurious materials used throughout the building.

Guests staying in any one of the 97 individual rooms and suites have access to the hotel’s five high-class restaurants, which ensure that gourmets and connoisseurs are well catered for. There’s also a cosy piano bar and cigar lounge to enjoy, and even a wedding chapel where marriages are celebrated.

The hotel’s new, and already award-winning, 4000m² “Spiritual Spa” includes a wellness area with two swimming pools, whirlpools, six different saunas, quiet rooms and, of

We love that the massage and cosmetic treatments in the spa are complemented by monastic rituals – quite unique!

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course, a wide range of massage treatments are available.

+44 (0)151 625 1921 | info@mountainheaven.co.uk | www.mountainheaven.co.uk

J A R D I N D 'A N G E L E COURCHEVEL LE PRAZ FRANCE Chalet Jardin d'Angele in Courchevel Le Praz beautifully combines modern architectural thinking with a traditional, rustic feel. Clad and finished in old timber, the chalet is a beautiful haven in the Alps, and is perfectly located just 100m from the slopes.

The chalet boasts a new full spa centre with indoor hot tub, steam room and sauna.

There’s a large open-plan living and dining area, with traditional stone log fireplace, free wi-fi and British satellite television.

Laid out on three floors, with fabulous views up the mountain, Chalet Jardin d'Angele sleeps 16 people in eight bedrooms, six of which are en-suite, while the other two bedrooms form a useful family suite with a shared shower room.

Guests enjoy chalet board, with the local baker making bread deliveries and the village butcher delivering fresh meat and fish of the highest quality.

Courchevel Le Praz is a true Savoyard village, the prettiest and most atmospheric of the four Courchevel resorts, with a quaint village square and narrow cobbled streets. There are a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants nearby, including Le Bistrot du Praz, one of the most famous restaurants in Les 3 VallĂŠes.

We love the spa centre with the indoor hot tub, steam room and sauna.

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+33 (0)4 50 75 46 25 | info@chaletfourmiliere.com | www.chaletfourmiliere.com

CHALET FOURMILIERE MORZINE FRANCE Chalet Fourmiliere in Morzine is a boutique, owner-run, catered ski chalet, which is quickly gaining a reputation as a gastro-chalet. When you stay here your every need will be accommodated and no request is too much for the wonderful hosts and their staff, whose sole intention is to ensure you feel at home in their splendid abode.

On entering the extensively and beautifully renovated Savoyarde farmhouse, it is hard to believe the building dates from 1805. A unique style permeates through the chalet, perfectly blending the original features of the building with French antiques and carefully chosen modern pieces, the end result of which is truly luxurious. The doubleheight dining room, with its bar and mezzanine library, is particularly impressive, as is the huge open log fire in the separate lounge. The six en-suite bedrooms feature super king beds, flat-screen TVs, and an abundance of toiletries and appliances to cater for your every need. A stylish black felted pool table and hot tub are also provided for your enjoyment.

Chalet Fourmiliere offers exceptionally high standards of food, accommodation and service at affordable prices. You will not be disappointed if you choose to stay in this gem of a chalet and, like its growing number of loyal followers, you will want to return again and again.

We love the fact that this chalet company's main objective is to ensure you have the best possible holiday whilst staying with them. They truly do go beyond the call of duty to meet your every need.

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+43 (0)56 748 181 | office@ hotelsinger.at | www.hotelsinger.at

S I N G E R S P O R T H O T E L & S PA TIROL AU S T R I A A traditional Tirolean hotel with contemporary accents, the Singer Sporthotel & SPA was founded by the Singer family 85 years ago and is managed today by the latest generation of the family, Florian and Christina Singer.

Best for ski in/out: this Alpine hideaway has direct access to the ski lifts in the village of Berwang in the Tirolean Zugspitz Arena. The high-altitude, sunny location of the Alpine crossing between the Zugspitze and Lechtal valley is truly magnificent, snow is guaranteed with deep snowy slopes, cross-country trails and winter footpaths.

A Relais & Châteaux member for more than 25 years, this 4 Superior hotel offers a refined ambience with a sense of place, beautiful rooms and suites with stunning views, and a galleried lounge with bar. Award-winning cuisine rounds up the temptation!

The elegant Singer’s SPA is spread over three levels, totalling over 1800m2, and boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool in the snow-covered hotel grounds, an indoor pool, a diverse sauna landscape, relaxation areas with open fire and waterbeds, a state-of-theart fitness and cardio room, and an extra large gym – a SPA haven with a wide choice of treatments, services and attention to detail.

We love the Singer Sporthotel & SPA’s passion for hospitality.

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+41 (0)33 736 3636 | welcome@lenkerhof.ch | www.lenkerhof.ch

LENKERHOF L E N K , S I M M E N TA L SWITZERLAND Lenk is an old spa resort that’s not well known outside Switzerland, but has been welcoming winter tourists for more than a century, and skiers since the early 1930s.

The village remains unspoilt, and is connected by lifts to neighbouring Adelboden, and together they offer a considerable 180km ski area.

There’s only one 5 hotel in the village and it’s something special, graded in the even higher 5 Superior category.

The Lenkerhof gourmet spa resort is one of the most modern, most unconventional luxury hotels in Europe. Here you will find everything you might need to allow you time to rest, relax and regenerate between your days on the slopes – if indeed you force yourself out from the hotel’s luxurious embrace to actually get on the snow!

One of Lenkerhof’s two restaurants is the Gault & Millau Restaurant Spettacolo where every meal is a spectacular experience. Everyday there are 15 dishes to choose from.

The alternative Oh de vie restaurant celebrates exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.

The hotel’s 7 Sources spa reflects and enhances Lenk’s spa history, with indoor sports pool, outdoor sulphur pool, seven saunas and much, much more.

We love the timeless elegance of the Lenkerhof, one of the world’s best ski hotels.

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