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Maldives unwrapped: the luxury Christmas alternative
ByHannah Ross
Six perfectly private Alpine chalets to have on your radar
Words by Hannah Ross
7 min read
For most slope-skimmers around the world, their annual ski holiday is the highlight of the year, especially if they’re heading to the winter playground that is the Alps. With the likes of interconnected resorts, a variety of runs and sublime après-ski, life arguably couldn’t get sweeter. Except, maybe, if the base from which to experience it all was a luxury chalet.
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While there are plenty of high-end hotels sprinkled across the mountain range, chalet living is holidaying at its most personalised. They are the true definition of a home-away-from-home, often coming with creature comforts like fully equipped kitchens for a private chef to cook up a storm, and roaring fireplaces that tempt evenings in pyjamas with something warming in hand. Yet at the same time, they balance this cosiness with everything you could wish for when staying in a 5-star resort – think a dedicated team of staff, bespoke menus (often all inclusive), drivers, and the likes of private amenities from saunas to cinemas.
Whether earmarked for an intimate family getaway or a large-scale special celebration, just like the groups that inhabit them, each chalet is unique. So, when it comes to finding the perfect match, enlisting experts like our dedicated Luxury Travel Designers is paramount to ensure everyone gets the most out of their ski trip, right down to little skiers in training. From a luxe mega-cabin that sleeps over 30 people to a playful spot complete with a slide, there’s a chalet out there for everyone, but to give you a taste of some of the best, here are six of our favourites.
An Alpine playground
An Alpine playground
Chalet Tataali, Morzine, France
Mirroring the fun-loving atmosphere of Morzine village, Chalet Tataali is a masterclass in balancing a jovial outlook with high-end luxuries. It’s playful from the get-go, with a slide running from the entrance down two storeys to a games room that occupies the same floor as the climbing wall. And that’s not even the end of it, head one floor up and you’ll find a cinema and pool table, while the ground floor houses the spa with its hammam, sauna, swimming pool and outdoor hot tub.
Its stylish and carefree nature makes it the kind of place you want to spend as much time as possible in, but when the urge to venture out does strike, it’s done with ease thanks to the chauffeur service. It’s quick and reliable, ready to deliver guests to the nearest ski lift just 500 metres away, Morzine’s lively centre, or even to the cable car that whisks skiers to high-altitude Avoriaz in just four minutes.
Sleeps: 12
Special inclusions: A six-course Japanese fine dining experience, spirits including speciality gins and signature cocktails
The newbie on the block
The newbie on the block
Chalet Myriam, Méribel, France
After welcoming its first guests in 2025, Chalet Myriam has managed to draw the eyes of celebrities within its first year. They can’t be blamed, perched in the renowned ‘chalet quarter’ of the resort offering sweeping views across the valley, this lodge is the perfect base to retreat to after a day on the slopes. With a large 400-square-metre living space there’s plenty of room to breathe, and the classic vaulted ceilings housing plaid furnishings alongside modern amenities makes it an elegant yet homely place to do so.
Four floors drop down the hillside, starting with a handy boot room to shed all equipment as soon as you enter. Then there are the welcoming communal areas, including an intimate library and sun terrace. Rooms are tucked in the lower floors but the two on the fourth arguably have it best just steps away from the spa – a sanctuary for sore limbs featuring a counter current pool, outdoor hot tub and sauna.
Sleeps: 15
Special inclusions: Bedside wake-up drinks and a private chef for five days of stay and a resort driving service from 8am-8pm
The charming classic
The charming classic
Chalet Cheval Blanc, Méribel, France
With so many options out there, sometimes it’s best to focus on the most important elements of a luxury chalet holiday, like character and location. In the case of Chalet Cheval Blanc, it delivers on both. A stone structure crowned with warm-toned wood, this Alpine gem is the vision of a quintessential ski lodge. Despite its relatively young age, there’s a traditional charm courtesy of the organic shapes and natural fabrics in each room. Some contemporary touches add a refined edge, however, from stone ensuites that seemingly melt into bedrooms to quirky wall décor.
At the door, you can strap up your skis and go, and it's just a couple of minutes from Méribel’s Olympic ski lift to the peak of Roc de Fer. Après isn’t far either, with the village centre, including skier favourite Le Rond Point, just a short drive away. Upgrade to the à la carte option for extra perks including mountain excursions, private ski instruction and activities and in-chalet wellness options.
Sleeps: 14 (17 with additional beds)
Special inclusions: When booking on a catered basis, the service includes a private chef and dedicated host, as well as a champagne arrival and afternoon tea for up to five days
An all-inclusive level up
An all-inclusive level up
Eleven Chalet Hibou, Le Miroir, France
Sitting close to the boundaries of seven different ski resorts and exhilarating Italian heliskiing terrain across the border, Eleven Chalet Hibou opens up a world of exploration at all points of the compass. It’s a highlight that’s worth taking advantage of, especially since the chalet’s generous all-inclusive offering spans expert local guides to lead these adventures, like both piste and off-piste skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing – plus all the gear and lift tickets to do so.
Back at the lodge, the bounty continues to dazzle from dawn to dusk. Daily chef-prepared breakfasts start the day off right, while the same care is put into après treats and dinner for up to six nights. Communal areas are also kept well stocked for when stomachs rumble between meals and, for one evening during any stay, a special candlelit dinner is hosted at a historic shepherds’ mountain hut complete with sunset cocktails and fireside fondue. It’s so private it’s only accessible by snowshoeing or skiing.
Sleeps: 17
Special inclusions: Everything! Though due to the chalet’s close proximity to the Italian border, heliskiing can be arranged for an extra charge
Spare no expense
Spare no expense
Ultima Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Some occasions in life call for a big celebration, and with facilities to host up to 38 guests, this peaceful lakeside estate is the perfect place for it. Sheer size aside, these two glitzy chalets make a stylish impression, with the likes of marble bathrooms, a chic bar area and a plethora of impressive multi-storey chandeliers. A welcoming atmosphere remains, though, thanks to the obligatory fireplace area and traditional timber walls. Plus, children will be in sleepover heaven in the shared suites that sleep up to five little ones each.
All this space means there’s plenty of entertainment for when residents aren’t slopeside (it’s ski-in/ski-out by the way). A heated outdoor pool and the likes of a cigar lounge, billiard room and arcade games room occupy time for all ages until evenings are spent in the private cinema. The spotlight, however, is on the spa. Roughly the size of four tennis courts, it houses three private treatment rooms, sauna, Hammam and snow shower.
Sleeps: 38
Special inclusions: butler service, packing and unpacking service, and chauffeur for up to eight hours per day
The family favourite
The family favourite
The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland
As a part of the prestigious Virgin Limited Edition collection, great things can be expected from this unpretentiously named treasure. Sitting in an A-star ski resort with everything from beginner-friendly zones to thrilling black runs, this is a great all-rounder for a winter family getaway – and the treats inside more than sweeten the deal. Children are welcomed with special Lodge Ranger gifts and, under a parental eye, can enjoy activities like sledging, pool parties, movie marathons and a kids’ disco.
While everyone is off enjoying themselves, guests can be happy in the knowledge that everything is being taken care of by a dedicated team of 16 – a high staff to guest ratio for a chalet. They oversee everything, from the themed evenings catered by the head Michelin-trained chef and drink top ups to ski equipment and lift passes. The aim is for guests to not have a single care in the world, and with meals, drinks and a driver service also included The Lodge more than delivers on that.
Sleeps: 18 (24 when using kids’ bunk room)
Special inclusions: Kids’ welcome pack, personalised group itineraries, dining by Michelin-trained chefs and a four-course gourmet feast
Stay a while…
... and explore our other wintery reads, from family fun in the snow to winter wellness.-
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Where snow speaks louder than words: Reconnect on a luxury family ski escape
On a holiday usually ruled by squeals of speed-induced joy, let the moments of calm and connection do the talking.
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