Chalet Virmadisa

Style + Location = Luxury

A received wisdom among Verbier afficionados is that your Verbier chalet is likely to be at some distance from lifts and pistes. This iconic ski town is certainly graced by some of the most fabulous chalets in the Alps but, undeniably, it does sprawl across its sunny basin, its magnificent ski area gazing down from above. Chalet Virmadisa, however, is different. Nestled close to the Savolèyres lift station, it has enviable access to the mountain. At the same time, its location is tranquil and the views from its wooden balconies are glorious.

The chalet itself has plenty of space, its alpine architecture is pleasing and it is surrounded by a garden with its own mazot. This attractively traditional outbuilding has been converted inot independent accommodation, a bonus if some members of the party might prefer a little seclusion from the others. Its rustic exterior belies the stylish comforts of its interior. Traditionally mazot shaped, the ground floor has the sitting room with its own open fire and large TV. Upstairs there is a double bedroom with en-suite shower and pretty balconies. It is a minute over the garden to the main chalet. Sometimes, that is enough.

So, to the main chalet. Everything is carried off with a sense of style that is classic luxury alpine and yet with something extra. Is it the added softness of the rugs and throws, the especially insightful use of colour or simply an affection for materials that have beauty? Whatever it is, Virmadisa has more than its location to be proud of. The large sitting room gazes across the village through wide windows, a subtle use of weathered timber framing the panorama beyond. A stone fireplace adds a touch of grandeur softened by the deep comfort of generous sofas. The space flows into the open-plan kitchen dining area which is warm with the welcoming ambiance of chalet party dining but that carries a waft of sophistication. The setting of the dining table, the elegant chairs, the divine aromas from the kitchen, all these speak reassuringly about how well your chalet host, accomplished chef and highly professional staff are attending to all your needs.

Most of the bedrooms are on the lowest floor of the main chalet. Two double bedrooms and another that can be arranged as a twin or a double all have en-suite showers. The bunk-bed room is a veritable fantasy world. Bunks for four children are quaintly fairy-tale but it is not all about pixies and mountain gnomes as the spacious room serves also as a TV snug. The master bedroom is secluded on the top floor, under the eaves and yet bright and with a well-sized shower room.

Spas and snow are one of those heavenly matches, and this is another element of the chalet holiday experience that Virmadisa whole-heartedly embraces. Inside, a sauna and a jacuzzi bath. Then one of those playful joys, that barefoot scamper over cold ground or snow into the warm bubbles of an outdoor hot tub where you breathe icy air and gaze up at stars that seem so much closer when your vantage point is the side of a mountain. And the space in time and distance from your last run down the mountain to landing in your cedar-wood hot-tub can be counted in minutes. One of the many joys of this chalet at the foot of Verbier’s Savolèyres.