An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
From £1119 pp/week
Modern Alpine kitsch in Méribel
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Taiga Lodge is the flagship property of, and most expensive chalet run by, smart operator VIP. It was built to the company’s own specification and is located in the Dou du Pont resort enclave, known locally as the Mayfair of Méribel, no less. The chalet has recently been rebranded as one of two chalets in VIP’s new, enhanced, Platinum Collection.
location
The chalet is around 100m from the piste and 800m from Chaudanne, the central lift area in Méribel and meeting point for most ski schools. It has its own dedicated private chauffeur available throughout the day, however, for the young, tired or just plain lazy.
style
The style is contemporary mountain chic, lots of modern, jewel-bright soft, funky furnishings. Bleached wood combines with chocolate leather chairs, a beige sofa and red cushions plus big slab wooden tables and coffee tables. The main living-dining area is not huge but is beautifully stylish, although there are slightly odd pieces of modern art on the walls. A slight feeling of being over-designed. ^
rooms
Each of the bedrooms has been specially themed by VIP’s own interior designer and is done out in different colours. Each also comes with its own south east facing terrace which makes the most of the sunshine. The one we stayed in -- the master bedroom on the third floor -- was all grey satins and creams, with boldly floral curtains. There was plenty of space and hanging areas. Definitely the best room to book for extra space and privacy. Molton Brown supplies the toiletries. We used to like Molton Brown. Now we feel that they are not quite special enough.
food & drink
Breakfast was the usual combo of fruit juice, cereals, yogurts plus freshly baked bread, but porridge or a full French cooked breakfast was also on offer. Afternoon tea consisted of diet-defying, delicious cakes and hot chocolate, while dinner comprised a three-course meal followed by a cheese course, coffee and mints, all complemented by a selection of extremely palatable French wines. The wines are selected by VIP’s Chalet Sommelier, Xavier Rousset, who has worked at several top restaurants in France such as the two Michelin star Le Laurent in Paris and the luxurious Villa Belrose in St Tropez. After deciding to practise his trade in the UK, Xavier was Chef Sommelier at Hotel du Vin from 1999 -2004. Now a Master Sommelier, he is currently Chef Sommelier at the prestigious Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxfordshire. So the wines were, indeed, good. There is no actual house champagne as such (because it is extra) but they had Veuve Cliquot NV and Dom Perignon 1999 available. All upgrades from the house wines are extra too. Upgrades include Sancerres and some special Viogniers. ^
service
The staff seem to be older than the usual, more mass market chalet hosts, giving the service a more mature, thoughtful, and very child friendly approach. ^
spa facilities
There is a sauna and outdoor hot tub, and all VIP chalets offer an extra, gorgeous massage service, supplied by local experts Pamper off Piste. ^
children
A complementary cot and high chair is available. Private nannies can also be booked on request, for a supplement depending on age/number of children and number of half/full days. ^
extras
There is the outdoor hot tub and a sauna for crucial après ski pampering, plus free wifi throughout and private chauffeur with dedicated 4x4 vehicle. Taiga Lodge comes with its very own 10-person private cinema, too, complete with suede-lined walls and huge squishy sofas. It has a huge selection of DVDs that are kept totally up to date with all the latest releases, as well as a good choice of kids’ films too. ^
for skiers
The chalet doesn’t seem to work directly with a particular ski school but has good links with a selection of instructors who seemed great at guiding us to the best snow, the shortest queues and the coldest beers. ^
for non skiers
Besides lounging about in the sauna or hot tub or even watching movies in the cinema, the non-skier or fair-weather skier has a rich choice of other things to do. VIP can advise on and organise anything, from hot air balloon flights over the Trois Vallées to ice diving excursions that include dramatic helicopter flights. Méribel also has an ice rink, indoor pool, cinema, bowling alley and even indoor climbing wall. ^
best thing
The private cinema, plus the surprisingly secluded location, despite being so close to the centre of Méribel. You can sip fizz in total peace in the hot tub without being overlooked. ^
worst thing
The lack of pool and dedicated spa treatment room. ^
getting there
Méribel is about 3hrs 30mins hours from either Geneva or Lyon, and only 1hr 30mins from Chambéry. Return transfers are included in the chalet price. Helicopter transfers can be arranged if a guest requests this but there is no set price. ^
bottom line
Taiga Lodge costs from £1350pp per week, including flights and private transfers. It sleeps up to 10. ^
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 - 8
Service - 8
Room - 7
Food & Drink - 9
Luxury - 8
Don’t miss Rond Point on the way back down into Méribel for some après ski action, and make sure you book a table at Chez Kiki for chef’s night off – a Méribel institution, perfect for steaks and fondues.
Quickfinder
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• Bookings & Enquiries
Bookings and enquiries: enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk Telephone:
+44 (0)7772 853996
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