Toit du Monde

One in a million

Chalet Toit du Monde is the sister chalet of Chalet Himalaya and is an idyllic haven located in ski heaven. An old soul, married sensitively to the most luxurious modern comforts imaginable. Toit du Monde is a former monastery dating from the 17th century. Situated on the piste, it is a landmark building in the hameau of La Daille in Val d'Isére. Mountain chic, as in the Himalayas rather than the Alps.

The owner has spared no expense in furnishing this opulent home with imported Tibetan chests and giant carved wood doors, handmade rustic railings from the Mongolian Steppes, and vast blocks of carved marble. It feels extraordinarily lavish and indulgent and perfectly hideaway.

Chalet Toit du Monde is located in La Daille, the least salubrious part of Val d’Isère. There is a chauffeured 4x4 laid on from 8.30am to 11pm every day to take guests wherever they wish to go. Also, crucially, the chalet is genuinely ski-in ski-out for skiers of all levels, with an easy green on one side and a World Cup downhill slope on the other. The owner proclaims that this was key when she was shopping around for her winter home - just as key as a beach villa having direct access to the sea.

Original features such as the huge fireplace and the stunning window stone seats (where monks would have sat and read till daylight faded) are enhanced by modern ornamental features and state of the art facilities. There is the movie screen which appears at the touch of a button. Then there is the invisible swimming pool which can pop up between the dining area and the outdoor terrace where guests can relax after sampling the delights prepared by their chef. Toit du Monde has a sauna, a massage room, and the extraordinary swimming pool with electronically adjusted sinking marble floor (it can drop to create a pool or just a shallow Jacuzzi area to lounge in at your leisure).

All bedroom suites have separate sleeping and relaxation areas. The marble walls of the bath are adorned with delicately engraved snowflakes, while the floor of each bath is subtly heated. The bath is of impressive proportions, each commands a rain shower and converts into a steam room, easily seating up to 4 or more, with remote-controlled lights.