St Martin de Belleville, France / M Lodge

Keeping a low profile, the little-known village of St Martin de Belleville is a quiet retreat away from the rush of the après-ski world; an unfrequented winter wonderland savoured by lovers of authentic French charm.

Hidden beyond the bright lights of Val Thorens and the glitz of Courchevel, it’s hard to fathom that M Lodge is the first and only five-star hotel to grace the streets of St Martin de Belleville. Especially when this petite Savoyard village showcases the best of both worlds; charming provincial scenery with the ski lifts at the gateway to Méribel and the wider Three Valleys.

Away from the slopes, laid-back evenings go hand in hand with sensational cuisine, and foodies are sure to be impressed in a region renowned for its gastronomy. Local favourite La Bouitte is particularly popular – father-son duo René and Maxime Meilleur share three Michelin stars, awarded for their mastery of seasonal and regional ingredients. Forgetting to book in advance won’t leave you at a loose end though; sister restaurant Simple & Meilleur Bistrot de Montagne is a mere two-minute walk from your doorstep. Of course, M Lodge has its own superb dining experiences, even catering their menus to suit fastidious little ones. Perfect for when tiresome days call for nothing more than unwinding by the roaring fireplace, dining in the warmth of good company and sharing stories of the day’s adventures.

For an even more intimate retreat, two private chalets stand a stone’s throw from the main hotel, right in the heart of this picturesque village. Leaving little to be desired, families will delight in exceptional views of the valley from their very own Nordic bath. No need to lift a finger here, your team of private staff will tend to every detail.

Travel notes:

• 25 rooms and suites plus 2 private chalets
• Private terraces feature in all rooms to bask in the winter sun
• Take your pick of artwork adorning the walls, carefully selected for sale by Amélie du Chalard
• Take time out in the M Lodge Spa, indoor pool and 3 treatment rooms
• Custom skis are no trouble for the M Lodge Boutique, add state-of-the-art accessories for a complete winter wardrobe
• From the top of the St Martin de Belleville ski area (accessed by gondola and chairlift), you can ski directly into Méribel

Guide price

7 nights from £2,600 per person, based on 2 adults sharing a Standard Room, including breakfast, flights and transfers.

Terms and conditions
Our pricing aims to give an indication for a given holiday; the price you pay will vary depending on your party size, dates of travel, length of stay, class of air travel, room type and board basis. Prices correct at time of publishing in August 2023.