Description
If you really want to feel at one with the mountain, Chalet La Tene in Val d’Isère, is the place to be. Nestled into the hillside in the heart of this renowned resort, you can ski right to the door. In fact, you could ski right to the outdoor hot tub if you wanted. The mountain even sneaks its way right into the wine cave here, its craggy rocks making up one of the cellar’s walls.
Chalet La Tene is stupendously stylish. Designed by Oliver Thornton Architects of Stockholm, it exudes contemporary elegance and flair, with all the special touches, bits and bobs you need to ensure it still feels nice and homely.
The upstairs living area is the most spectacular part. With just a few enormous panes of glass separating you from the mountain, light floods in and the panoramic views dominate. On the lounge half of the floor there’s a bar, so you can sink into a pile of faux-fur cushions with a beer from the tap, and drink in that snow-white vista. On the other side there’s a magnificent dining area with the imposing black run, La Face, as its backdrop. The whole living area is surrounded by a sun terrace – perfect for lunch on a fair-weather day.
Downstairs you’ll find some of the bedrooms, which lead onto another deck where you’ll find the 8 person outdoor hot tub. As if the sparkle of surrounding snow wasn’t enough, there’s also a sound system out here to make the moment truly filmic.
Nothing precedes a dip in the hot tub better, of course, than a sauna session or a massage – both of which can be enjoyed in the spa area one floor down. After that, perhaps it’s time to visit the wine cave to select a tipple to accompany dinner, prepared by your chef just the way you want it.