We were kindly invited by The Chalet Edit and Chalet V to experience life at this luxury 5-bedroom chalet in the La Tzoumaz area of the four valleys in Switzerland. Read on to discover more about our stay and this magnificent Alpine abode.
Introduction
Chalet V (V represents the surname of the owner’s Grandfather) is owned and managed by husband and wife team, Zoe and Patrick, who designed and project managed the build of this extremely swish Swiss chalet. The chalet opened its doors to welcome guests in 2019 and after our recent visit, organised by the fantastic Anna at The Chalet Edit, we can clearly see why they have a loyal and repeat client base.
Arrival
This hidden gem of a chalet is off the beaten path on an unassuming little road on Plateau de Villy approx. 2hours drive from Geneva Airport or the smaller airport of Sion is less than half an hour away and La Tzoumaz is less than 5 minutes away by car. The transfer from the airport to the chalet was organised by The Chalet Edit as part of their complimentary pre-arrival concierge service. An easy-to-find meeting point, super friendly driver, immaculate people carrier and smooth ride all kicked off the trip nicely.
As we arrived at the chalet the solid oak door burst open and we immediately received an extremely warm welcome from our hosts. It felt like we were visiting long-lost relatives!
The first clue that attention to detail is paramount here is the cute Instagram-style Alpine loveseat with the blue skies and mountain view as the backdrop.
By the time we’d taken advantage of the photo op our luggage had already been whisked away to our respective rooms and we made our way into the chalet.
The Chalet
Set over four levels, the ground floor is the reception area with a coat room (kitted out with V-branded wooden hangers of course!) and the bespoke oak shelving keeps a great collection of comfortable house shoes for guests to slip on and make themselves feel right at home.
The décor has a modern alpine vibe and sets the tone for the design throughout the chalet.
The lift provides easy access to all floors, however I would urge you to take the stairs as little (but noteworthy) details can be found in every corner, for example a vintage ski-set, artistic lighting and beautiful designed iron hand-rails – to name just a few!
The chalet has a prime exposition benefiting from the south side sun and the north side for snow and ski adventure with panoramic views across the Rhone Valley and the Alps.
Welcome Drinks
Our ‘official’ welcome, (arranged by The Chalet Edit – just one of the many concierge services they offer) was hosted on the second-floor terrace where chilled champagne and canapes freshly prepared by Nico our in-house chef, awaited – along with the sweeping and stunning views across the valley. Our bubbles were served in elegant glasses and the plush V branded cushions adorning the spacious outdoor sofas all added to the first-class ambiance and setting.
The bubbles were as free-flowing as the engaging conversation between ourselves and hosts and the sun was shining – life couldn’t get any better…. but then it did! Patrick unveiled the first surprise of our stay.
Cleverly hidden under the sliding decking that is also a seating terrace sits the very inviting heated outdoor pool. Ta dah!!!
This design is another demonstration of the careful consideration that has been given to every aspect of the chalet –and this space-saving design is no mean feat given that it must withstand six tonnes of snow to comply with health and safety requirements.
Bedrooms
The first floor is home to four of the five bedrooms; one of which houses four custom-made wooden bunk beds making the chalet ideal for a family getaway. Two of the double bedrooms have direct access to the large terrace and the twin room doubled up as a massage therapy room during our stay.
All fixtures and fittings are a beautiful combination of aged wood and stone, with unique bespoke design features ever-present – take for example the sliding wardrobe doors with sleek V-shaped handles or the chest seat which is not only stylish and comfortable but practical too.
Lighting, complete with atmospheric dimmers and soft furnishings are of the highest specification and have been meticulously researched and sourced by Zoe and Patrick bringing personality and style to each room. As does the slipper collection – a choice of sizes in funky colours (think zebra, leopard print and shocking pink!) for every guest.
The master suite sits on the top floor and it is a true Alpine haven. Luxe linen, exposed beams, deep-pile rug and soft lighting along with a large free-standing bath, walk in shower and private balcony. Again, decorative finishing touches and ‘v’ branded garments all add to the individuality of the experience.
Bathrooms
Two of the four bathrooms are also located on the first floor with walk-in showers, one of which is a double steam shower with a selection of oils to help you refresh or relax. Both bathrooms have double basins and underfloor heating. The third bathroom is on the second floor, with a single sink and shower. Whilst the fourth bathroom forms part of the master suite.
Light fittings in the bathrooms are not just functional but a design statement too. Like the bedrooms, each bathroom has been individually designed to maximise space and comfort in an uber-stylish way.
Deluxe V branded towels and bathrobes are presented for guest’s comfort and can be used at any time – it’s not uncommon for a guest to toddle down to breakfast adorning their V robe 😉
Bathroom amenities have been personally selected by Zoe with an international collection ranging from NYC’s Tiffany & Co, France’s finest Hermes through to Scotland’s Isle of Arran.
A separate WC can also be found on the first floor for guests’ convenience.
Spa and Sauna
The first floor is also home to the sauna which again has been designed especially for Chalet V, with the stove cleverly hidden away and incorporated within the seating area to maximise space. Guests have direct access to the extra-large Jacuzzi, heated infinity pool and large decking area which can be used all year round. It really is a breath-taking scene!
Although many would say the all-year round outdoor spa is Chalet V’s crowning glory, I would argue that the vintage cable car, which Zoe had refurbished with a design inspired by a Chanel handbag is the piece de résistance…. actually hold that comment, the magnificent commissioned Stag painting (more on that later) could be the real contender. Ooohh, too many unique features to choose from!
Living Spaces
The second-floor is vastly impressive and is the hub of the chalet. The lounge, dining and kitchen space all seamlessly integrate with one another in the open-plan design. The lounge area boasts a large working fire that effortlessly blends modern and traditional design. Custom-made Berto Salotti sofas along with Eos Vita feathered lights create a plush but comfortable ambiance and the complimentary drinks trolley presents an array of international spirits and liquors.
Wonderful natural light streams through the large windows and sliding glass doors with picture-perfect views of the mountains from almost every angle.
The dining area is home to a handmade solid wood table that can easily seat 12 guests and as meal times at Chalet V are an occasion to celebrate it is only fitting that they are put under the spotlight …or 50 to be precise! The WOW factor orb light creation has been custom made by Bocci and weighs 100kg with a concealed structure in the ceiling to keep it suspended. We have style envy of the highest level with this one!
Once again, tradition meets contemporary with the most enigmatic and eye-catching piece of artwork adorning the feature wall. The emblematic stag (antlers form the Chalet V logo) is a commissioned piece of art brought to life in bursts of vibrant colours, to coordinate with the pallets of the bespoke sofas and bathrooms.
Direct access to the outside lounge area where guests can kick back and relax in the sunshine or enjoy precious moments by the cosy fire table. Embracing, ‘huggy’ style faux-fur coats are provided for guests to snuggle into and enjoy this beautiful space as night falls.
The kitchen is the domain of the Chalet Chef, Nico, however guests are welcome to use it as their own and the open plan design enhances the feeling of ‘togetherness’. As to be expected all appliances and equipment are of the highest spec with a Lacanche range style stove, custom bar made from tin in Lyon and even vintage Hermes cutlery.
Food and Drink
Guests can choose to stay at Chalet V on either a self-catering or a fully catered basis. We enjoyed the fully-catered offering and we highly recommend it.
Every guest is asked to complete a dietary requirement/preferences form and prior to arrival, Zoe and Nico will plan a menu for the duration of each guest’s stay, often creating multiple menus per meal to ensure every diner is happy. Not only does this planning include the actual dishes but also the tableware that will be used for each meal. During our stay, we never saw the same placemats, glasses or cutlery twice. And when it comes to drinking and dining never, ever will plastic be used – one of Zoe’s house rules! The attention to detail is unparalleled.
From our arrival canapes to our final four-course meal and everything in between, the quality of the food and drinks we enjoyed was truly outstanding. Fresh (one of my travel companions even accompanied Zoe to collect the fish from the market just over an hour’s drive from the chalet) was full of flavour and beautifully presented, with each of the wines served perfectly complimenting each dish.
Fun and Games
Located on the ground floor is the cinema and games area, complete with a retro pinball machine, giant pick-up sticks and glitzy karaoke machine to provide great family fun for both little kids and the big ones 😉 There is also a table tennis table for those game for a spot of ping pong.
Just off the cinema/games space is something that the big kids will love…. the wine cellar. Owners, Zoe and Patrick have exquisite taste, not only in their design style but also in their wine collection and they have chosen a wonderful array with each bottle reflecting the high-end quality of the Chalet V experience.
A selection of wines is included for guests who stay on a fully catered basis with an honesty box approach adopted for those not included and for guests staying on a self-catering basis.
And for the four-legged friends that may also be enjoying life at Chalet V, dog toys are available – we even spied a Louis Vuitton dog ball!!
In-house Activities
Another one of our ‘surprises’ was a wine-tasting session with local craftsman wine-maker Thierry Constantin. Thierry tends to six acres of vineyards and produces every exceptional bottle in his collection himself. We learned A LOT (that could be an entirely separate article) about wine and the process and we were even privileged to sample one a 2016 from Thierry’s own private cellar. I am now a huge fan of Swiss wine – who knew!
The wine tasting was not only educational but highly entertaining and Thierry joined us for dinner. As I noted at our arrival, the entire experience feels so relaxed and genuine that one could really be just hanging out with long-lost friends.
The wine-tasting session can be organised by The Chalet Edit’s concierge service and we’d highly recommend booking this for one evening during your stay.
Another activity that can also be organised through The Chalet Edit’s concierge service is an in-house massage. After a hard day on the slopes there is nothing better than a massage to ease those aching muscles and whoa did this masseuse do just that! One bedroom was unoccupied during our stay so that was converted into the massage room with unbeatable mountain views. There are plenty of other spaces that can be used for the massage set if you are staying with a full house. Again, Versatility and a ‘nothing is a problem’ attitude is all part of the Chalet V experience.
The Chalet Edit has a little black book of local people and businesses so take advantage of their network and let them organise the essentials and some extras to make your trip even more exciting!
The Local Area / Skiing
Chalet V may be off the beaten track but access to the local ski resort, La Tzoumaz, could not be easier. The chalet is just a 3-minute drive away (yes, we timed it!!) to the town centre where the Savolyeres Gondola can be found. This gondola is just a short ride up the mountain where the slopes of the expansive 4 Valleys await.
A new 7 seater van with 24/7 driver service, with the resort of La Tzoumaz. is also available for guests (extra charge) – making getting around even easier.
Right next to the gondola are two car park spaces and a secure private boot room complete with a boot warmer for Chalet V guests to use throughout their stay. The boot room is spacious and comfortable making a day on the slopes super easy and convenient.
For those who prefer to hire ski gear, there is a rental shop at the foot of the gondola who offer a friendly service to all Chalet V guests which can also be organised in advance via The Chalet Edit concierge service. The equipment is of an excellent standard – my board was so new and fast I could barely ride it!!!
La Tzoumaz has a handful of bars and restaurants, the premise being that it’s better to have a few quality places bustling than lots of places empty. We had a few drinks in one of the bars which boasts stunning views of the valley and hosts various themed evenings each month. It was techno night when we went and I must say the atmosphere was fab.
Venturing further afield either on the skis or as a pedestrian is also super simple, with another gondola providing direct access (approx. 15 mins) into the livelier resort of Verbier. We made a quick trip ourselves and spent a couple of hours exploring Verbier and enjoyed a cheeky mid-afternoon aperitif in the sun – it would have been rude not to!
Chalet V welcomes guests in all seasons, we experienced it in March so we enjoyed the snowy aspect of this holiday, however I’m sure it is just as fun for summer activities too.
Service
The service here is undeniably the best I’ve ever received – a natural professionalism that is delivered in the sincerest manner and the attention to detail far exceeds any standard I’ve ever encountered before.
Personal touches like the welcome chocolates with a personalised message, the variety of music playlists at the ready for any occasion, the thoughtful water stations strategically located throughout the chalet and the family-style dinner service are little reminders that the team here have thought of EVERYTHING to ensure their guests don’t have to.
Final Thoughts
We hope that we’ve conveyed what a truly wonderful experience Chalet V is – we genuinely cannot speak more highly of the quality of service, accommodation and facilities this place presents to its guests.
Find out more: www.thechaletedit.com
Contact Details
Website: www.thechaletedit.com
