More and more hotels are offering villas or apartments that provide the privacy of being in your own home with the five star services of a top resort. In this issue we give you three news resorts in Europe that provide this combination in top ski resorts.
Severin’s, The Alpine Retreat
Part of the Small Luxury Hotels’ network, Severin’s opens its second season on December 8. Originally built as a private residence for a British billionaire, its 10 units are perfect for full takeovers, while its four-bedroom private residence is the top accommodation. CNN writes, “It has already become a byword for rarefied luxury. The nine suites each come with fireplaces and terraces with mountain views, while the luxurious, four-bedroom private residence has its own hot tub and home cinema for perfect apres ski relaxation…Throw in a Michelin-starred chef and original Lichtenstein artwork on the walls and it’s easy to imagine why some guests would be tempted not to bother with the slopes at all.”
The Telegraph adds, “The two-story, four-bedroom Residence offers the privacy of a luxury chalet with hotel benefits – the other half of the Alpine retreat is a nine-suite hotel, to which the Residence is linked underground.” In terms of location, “A chauffeur-driven lift into Lech is required to reach the après bars, shops and the ski lifts, from where guests have access to the enormous Ski Arlberg ski area that also includes St Anton.”
Luxury furnishings, based on the original intention for the building to be a private residence, include suede-clad bannisters and wardrobes and custom-made furniture by the Italian designer Minotti. A collection of contemporary art is displayed throughout the property, and available to buy. The Residence is 4,553 sq. ft. and accommodates eight persons over two levels, including private cinema and a terrace with whirlpool. The Telegraph notes, “There’s a team of 26 staff to tend to the whims of Residence and hotel guests (the two combined sleep 26 at full capacity), including Michelin-starred German chef Stefan Kriegelstein” making it perfect for full takeovers. In addition to twice-daily maid service you can have Kriegelstein cook for you in your residence or the nine table hotel restaurant. There’s also a spa, indoor pool (pictured at the top of this newsletter), full fitness center, chauffeur-driven cars and underground parking. You can arrange private spa treatments and the Residence, which has its own private elevator.
On the upper level of the residence (floor plan above) is a living room with balcony, a fireplace corner, a lounge with grand piano, and a large dining room with fully appointed kitchen and fireplace. On the lower floor (floor plan below), there is a bedroom with shower bath and balcony, the master bedroom with oversized bed, a sitting area, large wardrobes, and a free-standing bathtub with a view of the mountains and fireplace, an additional bathroom with rain shower, WC and bidet as well as a study and a cinema. The upper floor has a bedroom with an open bathroom, a second bedroom with shower bath, and a guest WC.
The Residence has a separate entrance and you can reach it from the basement car park via a the private lift. There is also a ski room with heated ski lockers. By the way, the hotel features a 3,000-bottle wine cellar.
Four Seasons Hotel Megeve
Earlier this year we told you about Four Seasons’ new ski-in, ski-out resort near Geneva in Megeve, France. Now we can share details about its top suite which can become a private floor and extended apartment. The 1,518 sq. ft. Suite des Aravis is well suited for families, decorated in cozy Alpine chalet style. Dark wood covers the suite’s floors and walls, while a wrap-around wooden balcony offers mountain views. You can entertain in the living room, which is complete with a fireplace, or prep meals in the suite’s kitchenette. There are two full bathrooms and a large walk-in closet. You can add a second or third bedroom to the suite by connecting to adjoining rooms. The entire fifth floor can be booked, offering a total of two suites and three bedrooms making it like a private apartment.
The entire hotel has only 55 units and its proximity to Geneva makes it ideal for company meetings or a full takeover if you have a celebration in mind. There’s an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour room service. Two-star Michelin chef Julien Gatillon brings Le 1920 to the hotel serving lunch and diiner, including a private dining room that seats eight. Japanese fusion and sushi restaurant Kato offers an alternative, there’s a 10,000 bottle wine cellar and a cigar room. There’s a 24-hour fitness center and six spa suites, including a VIP Couple’s Suite. You can also hop to other nearby resorts via helicopter if you want to a change of pace.
Six Senses Residences Courchevel
Bazaar Magazine calls Six Senses first ski resort “a perfect base from which to enjoy…a triumph of style and sophistication – with just a touch of extravagance.” Luxury travel advisor and villa expert Scott Dunn calls it “Ideal for families and groups of friends mixing independence with a fully serviced apartment.” And that’s the big selling point. You are staying in fully serviced, privately owned residences with 5-star hotel services. The 31 multi-million dollar apartments were designed by Alain Foeillet and focus on “capturing a harmonious balance of contemporary styles and traditional mountain influences that celebrate the Alpine aesthetic.”
The one to three bedroom residences feature timber paneling, beams, stone and organic materials. All have terraces or balconies. Six Senses provides an extensive range of services including 24/7 concierge, in resort complimentary shuttle service and private catering. There is a private members’ enabling residents to have equipment prepared in the morning and sit back and enjoy the après ski without having to lift a finger or a ski.
The concierge will help you get into Courchevel’s world famous Michelin-starred restaurants such as La Saulire, known for its specialty of black truffle and prestigious wine, La Mangeoire for fine french dining, and Dénali bringing Asian spice and heat.
