Lightbowne

When luxury shines through

As autumn starts fading to winter, you know just what is around that next seasonal corner. That excited anticipation that only a snow-lover will appreciate is starting to creep into your soul. You know that it can’t be quelled for much longer and you long for those days of incredible forecasts and powder runs. When those days finally arrive and Meribel throws her arms open to you, The Lightbowne will be waiting for you in all her shining glory.

You’ve done it. You sweep past Moutiers, past the welcoming illuminations of Les Allues and up into Meribel itself. Step out of that chauffeur vehicle like you own that private snow covered corner of Mussillon. You have a one-way ticket to luxury and you can’t wait to spend it. You breeze into The Lightbowne, resplendent in four floors of modern affluence. Sweeping into the lounge and dining room and out onto the south-facing terrace, inhale that mountain air and those vistas. You have done it. You have finally made it to your favourite days.

Contemporary features, furnishings and details ensure that your first impression of this generously spaced chalet, is one of the ultimate in luxury. Your gaze is drawn to the huge sofas around that magnificent open fireplace and those cozy armchairs. That looks like a spot that has a date with afternoon tea written all over it.

As the sun starts dipping behind your favourite slopes in Les Trois Vallées, the fading daylight won’t let you ski today. However, that sounds like the perfect excuse to acquaint yourself with this prestigious chalet that you’ll willingly call home for the week. Wander down to the ground floor and inhale the scent of indulgence. With a tranquil sofa area, sauna and sunken spa, you know just where you’ll be seeing the hours dreamily tick by after your post ski deep tissue massage. With an in-house therapist, perish the thought of ever having to leave The Lightbowne for such treatments.

Your ears can detect the sound of a champagne bottle about to be opened from a mile off and with that means only one thing. After the tough choice of which canapé to elegantly devour first, the question comes to which striking suite out of the six must you pick. All with en-suite bathrooms and most with freestanding baths in the bedrooms, must you really choose one? At least with your brother-in-law’s family joining you and taking the family suite, home to a snug area and the children’s twin bedroom, that is one less to debate over.

Overwhelmed with such a decision, you are remarkably grateful for the arrival of the in chalet boot fitting service. Canapés in one hand, a glass of champagne in the other and ski boots being put onto your feet. Not only do you wish that every Sunday could be like this but that this could be your everyday. Just like you wish that everyday concluded with a three-course dinner and a slice or three of Beaufort all suitably washed down with a glass of port.

With the snow starting to fall outside and a digestif top up from the cellar, it’s time to leave you to start believing that forecast we promised.