Elite Traveler Winter 2020

EXPLORE TOP HOTELS Refuge de la Traye MÉRIBEL, FRANCE

A new ski hangout to put on your radar: Luxury French hotel connoisseur Airelles has just joined forces with the equally flashy Monaco-based brand JV Pastor Collection on the new and exclusive mountainside chalet, Refuge de La Traye. The all-inclusive Méribel- situated chalet is available for weekly rentals for the winter and summer ski seasons on an entirely exclusive-use and tailor-made basis. Fifteen guests can be accommodated in the dreamy digs spread over acres of secluded alpine space — perfect for hitting the slopes minus all the tourists. Operating on genuinely sustainable lines, the retreat boasts six elegant bedrooms, all featuring mesmerizing panoramic views, a slick wellness area, Last Christmas music-video- esque dining room, lounge with glowing open fireplace, cinema room and kid’s playroom. There’s also a fully equipped ski room for stashing all your ski gear and a bijou chapel — think magical fairy-tale winter weddings. All is taken care of by a team of expert staff who will create everything from bespoke wine menus to regional wine tastings in the cellar, and arrange muscle-soothing spa treatments and a host of inspired mountainside experiences, including rides on electric snowmobiles, snowshoeing, zip-lining and a treetop assault course. Bonfires, custom-built igloos and marshmallow-roasting campfires are just some of the things you can also request. For the French foodie in you, Refuge de la Traye’s chef is on hand whipping up local Savoyard specialties such as cheese fondues, raclettes, charcuterie boards and a plat du jour inspired by global travels. Blankets and cups of cocoa? Of course. If you do one thing... During your stay you’ll be given the option to wine and dine during the legendary Le Festin lunch experience at La Table des Airelles restaurant at Les Airelles in Courchevel 1850. Our verdict? Do it. If that’s not enough, the team will also get you booked into Le Chalet de Pierres, Courchevel, along with Nama at Aman Le Mélezin and La Folie Douce Méribel-Courchevel — all bucket-list foodie experiences that will leave your friends green with envy. From$75,756 per week low season, $134,000 per week high season. Contact Léa Décloux, executive assistant, reservation@ refugedelatraye.com, +33 458 240 404, refugedelatraye.com