sp e n d i t
Travel
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ver since Henry VIII successfully launched a religion like Paris Hilton launches fragrance lines, it’s been a long held truism that royalty sells. Whether it’s commemorative coronation plates or skydiving Olympic monarchs, the glimmer of association from crown and sceptre renders audiences dumbstruck, and the big bucks usually follow. From culture to politics, and business to pleasure, a touch of regal glamour creates headlines and riches. And the travel industry is no different, with the world’s most famous palaces frequently in the top five most visited attractions across the globe, and over half of London tourists stating that a brush with British royalty is their primary reason for travelling into the UK. A knowing nod from a crowned head really has become the ultimate status symbol. So, when a travel destination receives a royal stamp of approval, it’s a pretty big deal indeed. When that money-spinning endorsement becomes an annual thing, it becomes a tourism kingmaker. Arise, Sir License to Print Money. The French ski resort of Meribel is one of a small number of global destinations that have this royal bloodline running through its DNA, allowing it to place a princely price on its snowy wares. Charles, William and Kate have all claimed it to be their most favoured ski spot, and are frequently spotted on its slopes, whilst Diana once called it her “special
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l British Airways fly to Geneva from multiple UK locations. www.ba.com
place”. You simply cannot buy that kind of kingly kudos, and its effect has led to a concentration of ultra-high net worth wealth converging on the resort every season, making it some of the most expensive snow on the planet. And, of course, at that level, secondbest will not do, resulting in the creation of some of the world’s most opulent accommodations. However, there can be only one absolute ruler, and reigning over them all is Les Trois Ours; the chalet equivalent of the Palace of Versailles
ballroom, compared to the rest’s Royle family living room. Situated on the exclusive Route des Chalets, the chalet possesses perhaps the best location in the resort, offering true skiin ski-out access onto the Doron piste. The five en-suite bedroom chalet is split across multiple levels, with stunning views across the Alps from every corner, and boasts a private gym, cavernous cinema, and outside jacuzzi. After a hard day’s skiing the chalet also has its own health and beauty spa, complete with luxurious steam