Iamato

Ticks All The Right Boxes

Chalet Iamato ticks so many boxes in the list of what makes the perfect ski chalet that we ran out of boxes. But your holiday isn’t about ticking boxes, we know that. You feel what’s right for you by the personal touch, like spending time with a special friend in whose company you always feel valued. From the moment you first sink into the inviting cushions of the generous sofa Chalet Iamoto, you won’t want to leave.

Chalet Iamoto is perched just above Méribel Village – top marks for location. Achingly gorgeous views of mountains and forests from a south facing traditionally built Savoyard chalet. A queue free, high speed chair lift that accesses one of the best ski areas in the world and a gentle run right back into the village at the end of the day. That piste “Le Lapin” deposits you at a legendary après-ski venue (live music most nights at the Lodge du Village, or LDV to the locals, family-friendly and fun for everyone) that is minutes from your chalet, is icing on the tea-time cake.

The six double bedrooms all have full en-suite bathrooms and are well-stocked with the usual luxuries in an ambiance that has no pretensions. It just cossets you in a way that makes you feel at home (assuming your home has the tasteful elegance that is Chalet Iamato). If your party requires it, one of those bedrooms has ample space for two extra single beds – arrange yourselves how best works for you.

Your holiday really is your holiday here. The chalet is staffed by the utmost professionals, but their enthusiasm, energy and love for their work make them more than staff. By the time you arrive, the chef will know exactly the style of food that will delight you. Ski and boot fitting in situ is all prepared. All that you would expect: the breakfast that sets you up for your day on the slopes, the mouth-watering cakes at tea-time, the canapés, considerately prepared and served in a relaxed, heart-warming environment. Your driver ready every day to whisk you to the lifts of your choice and ensure the children are never late for ski school. The thoughtful suggestions about what will best suit your requirements on the chef’s nights off, exactly what your best friend would have advised.

Méribel Village is one of those sunny spots in the Alps where being outside is, more often than not (it has to snow sometimes) a joy. The vast terrace at Iamato will encourage everyone out into the health-giving alpine air. It has games - table football and tennis, a darts board. It invites relaxation with a sauna and bubbling hot tub. And it supplies all the fun, with an outdoor bar, music system and heaters.

You gaze around you, after a splendid day on the slopes. The steam rises from the tub, the laughter from its occupants combines with the gentle thwack of a ping-pong ball, an ambitious game given that the sun is sinking behind the mountain and the stars starting to twinkle. You are warmed through after the session in the sauna, and savouring a refined glass of red while the aroma of something delicious wafts from the kitchen. Those wonderful people setting the table might be the staff who take care of all your needs, but you know that, like your best friends, they have your happiness in their hearts.