For me, Alpine chalets conjure up images of single beds, scratchy blankets and gloomy decor. Then we discovered the bright, light and uber luxurious Secret Chalet.
The Secret Chalet (built in 2012) is spacious, modern and chic. Perched high above the valley floor it’s nestled amongst the mountains, forests and meadows of the Grand Massif ski area. We first visited in the spring when the cows would wander down the hill and pose through the generous west window, presenting a rustic ‘living picture’. Lazy afternoons were spent in the sway of the hammock and evenings ideal for French style barbeques. With so much to do in the local area we were spoilt for choice whether at home or out exploring.
This place had such a lovely ambience that we couldn’t wait to return, just 6 months later, to enjoy a thrilling winter break. This time we shared the chalet with 5 other couples, and found that after an exhilarating day on the slopes it was a warm and spacious place to spend sociable evenings round the long dining table. We complimented the day’s skiing with night air soaks in the 40 degree hot tub or chatting around the purpose built bar. The under floor heating kept us so cosy we had to turn the heat down, and that’s before we soothed our aches and pains in the sauna! When we fancied some quiet time the separate snug was ideal for reading or a movie, although , as it turns out, also easily able to accommodate a crowd eager to play quiz games on the Playstation and 40 inch TV.
Finally, rounding off the evening with a late night soak in one of the three baths before collapsing into the Egyptian cotton sheets set us up perfectly for another day of snowy adventure.