An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
From £14,750 for whole chalet, £1475pp
Stunning mountain-chic chalet
in leafy Chamonix enclave
usp
Chalet Amazon Creek is one of three sister chalets that sits in a secluded, hidden away enclave of Chamonix, in a sort of private hamlet all to themselves. They are all completely secure and safe, and all three – flagship chalet Amazon Creek plus Chalet Baloo and Chalet Baby Bear -- make up ‘Amazonia’. The name Amazon Creek is taken from a bay on the Turkish coast that the owner was sailing around when he decided to set up a chalet business in Chamonix, and the company logo is inspired by the coastline too.
location
‘Amazonia’ is located in Les Bossons, a leafy little village on the Les Houches side of Chamonix, just five minutes’ drive from the town itself and five minutes from Les Houches by a winding back route. Mont Blanc looms so close you feel you could reach out and touch it.
style
Gorgeous, opulent, Alpine chic. Think skins and furs, designer chairs, lots of stained wood and leather, plus red rugs and cushions – red being the signature colour for all the Amazonia chalets. ^
rooms
Amazon Creek has five en-suite rooms. There are DVD players in each, plus individual controlled heating, while some have dual aspects or balconies and the master bedroom is huge. Each of the rooms is beautifully designed, continuing the Alpine chic theme, and properly spacious. ^
food & drink
Amazon Creek and its sister chalets serve up gorgeously hearty food, including cooked breakfasts, fresh cakes and pastries in the afternoon, and a four-course meal in the evening, plus cheese. There are excellent house wines plus a small cellar of finer wines to upgrade to if you so wish, and unlike at other chalets there is no set working menu – all meals are bespoke, prearranged with the chef to suit guests’ needs and preferences. The chef is genuinely passionate too, which adds to the whole gourmet experience. ^
service
The staff all have extensive experience working in hospitality, so there is nothing slack about them. Your fire is lit for when you come down off the slopes, the sauna is on, and a bath can be run if you want it to be. No gap year seasonnaires to be seen. ^
spa facilities
Amazon Creek has two Jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor, a steam room and large sauna, big enough to fit six, plus a separate massage and treatment room. ^
children
Separate meals can be laid on for kids, and the chalet works with a top nanny service so can arrange English-speaking nannies or even Russian-speaking if required. The chalet is also kitted out with children’s DVDs and toys, as well as kiddie paraphernalia such as high chairs, cots and even kids’ cutlery. There are also PlayStations in the chalet, and lots of lovely nooks and crannies in the eaves of the building for children to hide away and play in. ^
extras
There is wifi throughout, Sky on the main (giant) TV in the living area, all ski stuff from passes to ski school can be arranged in advance and beauty treatments can be laid on. Branded rugged-chic Defenders are used to drive you around the resort too – far more stylish than the usual VW Caravelles. ^
for skiers
Chamonix is a fantastic resort that consists of four different ski areas. There is plenty for all levels, although it has gained a reputation for being an off-pisters’ paradise, and there is certainly lots of gnarly terrain to tackle, but intermediates have plenty to entertain them too. ^
for non skiers
The chalet’s drivers can whisk non-skiers off into town for some lovely shopping or take them to meet the skiers for lunch, while there is heaps of snowshoeing to do nearby too (the walk into Chamonix is really pretty, through a forest, and takes about 45 minutes), plus trips further afield such as to the spa and hot springs at Pré St Didier. ^
best thing
The gorgeous sense of seclusion, being tucked away in your very own private mountain hideaway. ^
worst thing
The lighting is rather atmospheric in the bedrooms ie a bit dim and not great for doing make-up by. ^
getting there
Geneva is less than an hour away, and the chalet includes transfers with a private transfer company in the price. ^
bottom line
Prices start from £14,750 for the whole chalet, or £1475 per person per week. ^
bookings & enquiries
If you would like to make an enquiry or a booking, please email enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk. Remember, we have visited all the chalets we feature so can give you totally unbiased, independent advice on all of them. The prices we quote are also the list prices quoted by the chalets themselves, so there is no advantage in going to the chalets direct.
Chalet - 9
Service - 9
Room - 9
Food & Drink - 9
Luxury - 9
Don’t miss dinner on chef’s night off at La Cabane des Praz, a gorgeous winter lodge on the road up to Argentière. Top French cuisine.
Quickfinder
• USP
* Location
• Style
• Rooms
• Food & Drink
* Service
• Spa Facilities
• Children
• Extras
• Skiers
• Non Skiers
• Best Thing
• Worst Thing
• Getting There
• Bottom Line
• Bookings & Enquiries
• Summer
• Boutique weeks
• Other Chalets in Chamonix
CHAMONIX
RESORT GUIDE
The Chic Chalet Guide to Chamonix
how to book
Email: enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk Telephone:
+44 (0)7772 853996
guest book
"We cannot imagine a more enjoyable week than this week has been in celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. Our family has been entranced by the superb care and attention of the Amazon Creek team here in this exquisite chalet.”
“The whole team are a credit to Amazon Creek. Thanks so much for looking after us all. The chalet is wonderful! We have had an amazing time and can’t wait to come back!”
“There are not enough words to describe what a beautiful holiday we have had. Our stay at Amazon Creek will be in our hearts forever.”
“This chalet is awesome, it has so many modern features. The views are amazing and spectacular. Thank you Amazon Creek.”
summer
Open on a self-catered basis.
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