An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
£3000 for whole penthouse on self-catered basis
Stunning private penthouse
in plum location
usp
The penthouse above Chalet Floralie is a stunning hideaway. It can be made part of the chalet itself, or the internal stairs can be closed off making it totally separate. It is a quite gorgeously stylish apartment that is ideal for two couples with even an extra infant or two.
location
The Floralie penthouse boasts one of the best locations of all chalets: it is about two minutes from the main St Martin de Belleville lift that whisks you up into the vast playground that is the Trois Vallées. And it is on the same level too, so no nasty walking uphill or downhill in ski boots. St Martin is a charming Savoyard resort and really the only Brit-free Trois Vallées destination, favoured by locals and the French.
style
Designer, contemporary, lots of bleached wood and chalky whites. Just stunning. The living room has a balcony with fabulous views of the Alps and ski slopes and is equipped with a plasma screen TV, DVD player and surround sound entertainment system. ^
rooms
There are two bedrooms, both of them exquisite. The first has a king size bed (or twins) and en-suite bathroom, the second has a queen size bed and en-suite shower room. Both are a haven of snowy whites and beiges, with crunchy bed linen and plumped up pillows and heaps of Miller Harris toiletries. ^
food & drink
The penthouse is let on a self-catered basis only, but it has a gorgeous fully equipped eat-in kitchen and there are some lovely food shops only minutes away – not to mention the restaurants. Evening meals can be arranged for an extra fee, and the food at Floralie is fantastic – delicious, plentiful and energy-restoring, washed down with top house wines. ^
service
N/A ^
spa facilities
When the penthouse is rented as part of the chalet it has use of the chalet’s spa facilities which are lavish and include a sauna plus huge Jacuzzi and massage room. There is also a DVD in the Wellness Suite with piles of ski DVDs to inspire you while you chill out. If the penthouse is a separate booking, the spa facilities are not available. ^
children
The penthouse is really more of an adult hang-out, suitable only for tiny ones in tow. There are no games rooms or dedicated children’s areas, although it would be perfect for parents with two young children. ^
extras
Guests in the penthouse have use of an outside heated boot room with glove warmers that they share with guests in the main chalet. There is also internet access throughout, plus English satellite channels on the large plasma screen TV and DVD with surround sound. ^
for skiers
Ski lessons and ski guiding can be arranged using a selection of hand-picked guides. The lifts are also so close that the penthouse offers immediate access to the slopes. The guides come over in the evening at the beginning of the week to discuss needs and the week’s programme. They even came every morning to the chalet during our stay to collect guests and escort them the short distance to the lifts. For more adventurous off piste skiing and touring Floralie uses Elite Ski School who provide superb guides as well as all the kit (avalanche bleepers, skins and even ABS backpacks). ^
for non skiers
There is plenty to divert the non-skier in and around Floralie, from hiking to mushing with huskies, swimming in a huge indoor pool nearby, as well as the nearby Savoyard shops. St Martin is also a charming village with a church and local museum. ^
best thing
The stylish décor and doorstep skiing location. ^
worst thing
The fact that you have to do your own cooking. ^
getting there
Geneva is really the best hub for the Three Valleys, being about a two hour transfer away from St Martin, or Chambery is better if you can get flights. It’s about a one hour 15 minute run to the resort. ^
bottom line
The penthouse costs from £3000 for four people on a B&B basis, but evening meals can be pre-arranged for an extra fee. It just shares the outside ski room with guests staying in the chalet. ^
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 - N/A
Room - 9
Food & Drink - N/A
Luxury - 9
Treat yourselves to a blow-out meal in the nearby Michelin-starred La Bouitte restaurant. You won’t need breakfast or lunch the following day.
Quickfinder
• Summer
• USP
* Location
• Style
• Rooms
• Food & Drink
* Service
• Spa Facilities
• Children
• Extras
• Skiers
• Non Skiers
• Best Thing
• Worst Thing
• Getting There
• Bottom Line
• Bookings & Enquiries
• Other chalets in St Martin de Belleville
Bookings and enquiries: enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk Telephone:
+44 (0)7772 853996
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Portes du Soleil | Sainte Foy | Sierre-Anniviers | Tignes les Brévières | La Tzoumaz | Val d'Entremont | Val d'Isère | Verbier | Veysonnaz | Zermatt
