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A look inside: Villa Gella

Sunday, November 4th, 2012

Skiing in Bulgaria has for some time been associated with low-cost holidays and is an unknown quantity to many travellers but now, as the FT How to Spend It magazine eloquently phrases it, “Bulgaria is a land of opportunities…travel tastemakers respond to its potential.”

This doesn’t just go for the mountainous regions – the whole country is brimming with cultural charms, beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites and medieval monasteries.

Bulgaria’s history is eventful starting with the settlement there of Thracian tribes in 500BC. Many consider the nations “golden age” to be circa AD890 when arts and creative movements flourished and the first Bulgarian Kingdom was formed. Over the centuries the nation has seen Byzantine leadership as well as being part of the Ottoman Empire and more recently communist rule.

Villa Gella is a magical escape in the historical village of Gela, believed by many to be the birthplace of the mythical musician Orpheus. The village sits at around fifteen hundred metres above sea level and is seventeen kilometres away from Bulgaria’s second largest ski resort, Pamporovo.

This mountain home is a sanctuary of peace and tranquility where guests can explore the surrounding countryside or learn about the ancient Thracian Kingdom. There’s plenty of adventure available as well, from hiking and horseback riding through to exploring the Devil’s Throat Cave where Orpheus entered the underworld. And of course let’s not forget the skiing – twenty-five kilometres of downhill ski slopes and thirty-eight kilometres of cross-country skiing at Pamporovo should be plenty to keep you entertained.

If you’re looking for a place not to be seen and you’re not one to wish for celeb-filled ski slopes then this is the ultimate hideaway.

The villa is unrivalled in central Europe and would compete with some of the most stunning ski chalets in the Alps. The style is different and this isn’t a show off property – it’s refined, tasteful and built to complement the unspoilt surrounding scenery.

This mountain home is expansive, spanning three thousand square metres with six en-suite bedrooms. The styling is cool and refreshing with neutral and earthy colour tones and raw, natural materials. The villa has also been designed to high sustainability standards and, to quote the FT again, it “blows the chorapi (socks) off anything built since the strongman Todor Zhivkov was ushered from power in 1989.”

The facilities include a ten metre indoor swimming pool, two jacuzzis, a wellness area with steam room and there’s a huge terrace with an outdoor fireplace that’s perfect for al fresco dining even on the colder days.

The high-calibre service is definitely a family affair with the owner’s mother and a sous-chef preparing fine local specialties such as patatnik (potatoes, cheese and eggs baked on a hot stone or in a frying pan) and lozovi sarmi (rice and minced meat wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves and steamed). Of course there are also international dishes available but we definitely suggest tucking into these dishes.

Lunches and Dinners can be accompanied by the exquisite wines of the Terra Tangra winery (also family owned) which produces Bulgaria’s most celebrated wines, many of which have received international awards and critical acclaim.

The manager of the property is the owner’s cousin and has worked in top international hotels. She knows everything you need to know and want to know about the local area.

A stay at Villa Gella for twelve guests has a guide price from £7,200 for exclusive use of the property (available year-round). The price includes meals and wines. The villa is located two and a half to four hours from Sofia depending on which route you take (we suggest the scenic one). The nearest airport is Plovdiv which is around one hour thirty minutes from the house. The villa can also be easily reached by car from Istanbul and Thessaloniki. To book call +44 (0)203 004 8750.

Tags: rhodope mountains, villa gella
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A look inside: Chalet Bouquetin

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

Chalet Bouquetin is located in the quiet and exclusive Plan Pra area of Verbier and is just a short drive from the centre of the village. Bouquetin is one of Verbier’s premier ski chalets with an extensive list of facilities spread through the six hundred and fifty square metre property, from the state-of-the-art cinema through to the hammam and outdoor jacuzzi. The services include all the usuals such as daily housekeeping through to a dedicated driver service to get you to the slopes, shops and restaurants.

The interior design of the chalet is a real mix of contemporary, opulent, traditional and subtle but these all come together to create a unique and sophisticated atmosphere.

The open plan living area leads to a twelve seater dining room with impressive chandeliers. Extensive balconies with great views over the town and the surrounding mountains surround these rooms. The kitchen is open to the living/dining area or the sliding doors can be closed to provide more privacy whilst the first class chef prepares gourmet meals on six nights of your stay. There is also a kids’ television room reached by a staircase in the living room and a further staircase leads to two single children’s bedrooms which share a bathroom

Chalet Bouquetin has in total six bedrooms and can accommodate up to ten guests. The most impressive of the bedrooms, as you’d expect, is the master suite located at the top of the property and has a spacious en-suite bathroom and a private balcony with impressive views over Verbier.

Tags: chalet bouquetin, Verbier
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A look inside: Chalet Amadouvier

Saturday, August 18th, 2012

Attention to detail and a very very central location are two of Chalet Amadouvier’s finest qualities. This Verbier ski chalet is situated on the Chemin de Plenadzeu which is about a hundred and fifty metres from the lift station at Medran and a further hundred metres from the bustling Place Centrale. The location is superb as it offers privacy and quiet yet is still on the doorstep of the nightlife, shops and restaurants. Amadouvier occupies the second and third floors of newly built timber-clad residences that ooze alpine quality.

Inside the chalet and the first thing that’ll strike you in the living space is the dominating open fireplace and characterful furnishings. The living room is an adult-friendly escape with the television subtly hidden away under the stairs. The kitchen is divided from the main living area by cupboards although an opening allows for talking between the rooms. There is a gigantic wrap around balcony that is shared by the open plan living areas and the master bedroom. It also has some very pleasant outdoor teak furniture for al fresco dining (seating up to ten.)

Now you’re probably thinking this sounds great but what about when we want to let our hair loose and relax a little more, well upstairs is a second entertaining room that houses two large comfortable sofas, a snooker table that can convert to a table tennis table, computer workstations (two of them) and double doors opening to a balcony. Usually games rooms are found in basements but this one is high up, with great views and is very bright. It’s the ultimate place for teenagers and children to hang out but it’s normally the adults who stake claim to it for a few after dinner drinks and games.

Bedrooms. Well they’ve got White Company linens, incredibly comfortable mattresses and goose down pillows and duvets. The master bedroom has balcony access, a king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom with separate shower, there’s also a second master that has an en-suite with integrated shower. There’s a twin room with en-suite bathroom next to the upper living space and this is dubbed the ‘safari’ room with another twin that has restricted head room accessed through it, the latter of these is ideal for children from around six to twelve years old and has a small play area. These Finally there is a four bedded bunk room with separate shower room. All in all that’s five bedrooms, two bathrooms and three shower rooms sleeping up to twelve guests.

Chalet Amadouvier can be rented either with catered services or on a self-catered basis and is a great option for families and groups who are looking for a sophisticated and spacious apartment within close proximity to both the slopes and the town. Rates are from 16,930 CHF for a weeks stay on a catered basis or from 10,620 CHF per week self-catered.

Tags: chalet amadouvier, Verbier
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A look inside: Chalet La Cloche Verbier

Friday, August 17th, 2012

Chalet La Cloche is a ninety five square metre apartment located right next to Verbier’s main lift station at Medran. We most often find that guests either want an isolated position high above resorts for ultimate privacy or a super central location next to the restaurants, bars, shops and of course most importantly the ski lifts – for those who prefer the latter this is the apartment for you.

This Verbier ski chalet has an intimate ambiance and there’s plenty of space for the six guests that it accommodates. The open plan kitchen-diner and comfy seating area are on the lower floor along with a balcony and a shower room. The kitchen small but well-formed and well-equipped (especially important as the apartment is rented on a self-catered basis.) The seating area is tastefully decorated with has a television and an open fire; it also has a heightened sense of space as a section of the ceiling is open to the hall on the floor above.

Being so centrally located it’s great to have a balcony (and a south-facing one at that) and be able to watch the hustle and bustle of people going about their business and heading to the lifts (if you like people watching.) Obviously with the location comes some noise during the day time but the pay off for being bang in the centre of town is definitely worth it, especially if you like to enjoy restaurants and nightlife frequently. We should also point out that the vistas from the balcony are really quite good.

A spiral staircase (and quite a cool one at that) leads to a surprisingly spacious upstairs hall / study combo that leads to the three bedrooms and bathroom. The three bedrooms include one double and two bedrooms that can be either twins or doubles depending on the needs of your party.

On arrival guests are welcomed with a hamper that includes a bottle of Champagne, some Swiss chocolates and a selection of fruits, butter, jams, milk, tea & coffee along with breads and croissants. We suggest that this place is ideal for a family, a few couples traveling together or small and close group of friends. Chalet La Cloche is available from £3,950 per week during the winter.

Tags: chalet la cloche, Verbier
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A look inside: The Dairy

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

The Dairy is one of our favourite Verbier ski chalets. This family chalet is situated in Savoleyres on the spot where a former dairy once operated and sleeps up to five adults and eight children in style.

Now it has to be said that our hands down favourite part of this chalet is the open plan living space on the highest of the three floors. This room is flooded with light throughout the day and has access to a beautiful balcony with views over Verbier, the ski slopes and across the valley to distant peaks. As a family home the property has been tastefully furnished with contemporary pieces and we have to say the sofas are incredibly comfortable. The wood burning fireplace is a great feature with its white surround contrasting against the wooden walls.

The open plan kitchen is sleek, streamlined and equipped to the highest specification. Everything you need to prepare great meals is provided and if you’d rather have someone else to do the work for you we can generally arrange a professional chef or local cook to pop in (you’ll need to confirm this early for peak weeks however.)

There’s a separate childrens’ television area which always comes in handy especially if you want some adult time up in the main living space after dinner. Whilst the chalet doesn’t have a ski room there is a good sized entrance space where you can leave your boots and there’s also one indoor car parking space (in a shared underground car park with stairway connecting it to the chalet) for those who drive up to the resort.

The Dairy has a total of five bedrooms. The master suite has a private bathroom and French windows opening to a balcony, a nice touch if you ask us, and there is a second double room also with a private bathroom. There are two double bunk rooms each sleeping four and there’s also a single bedroom. These three rooms share a bathroom and a shower room.

The chalet is generally rented on a self-catered basis and we can arrange additional services that you might like on request. The chalet is available to rent by the week throughout the winter from CHF 6,639 to CHF 19,862, inclusive of two hours of daily housekeeping and a local concierge service.

Tags: the dairy, Verbier
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A look inside: Chalet Gentianes

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

Chalet Gentianes is the penthouse apartment in the exclusive Sagittaire building that sits just below the Medran ski lifts in Verbier. There are three luxurious apartments in the building: Gentianes with six bedrooms, Fontanet which has space for between twelve to thirteen guests and last but not least the smallest and most intimate of the residences Les Esserts, which sleeps six. Now while they all have magazine worthy interiors today we’re focusing on Chalet Gentianes with its rustic walls, elegant living room and rather funky television room (we have a penchant for cow hide armchairs.)

The open plan living and dining room is really quite a spectacle and has large windows that create a picture frame around panoramic south-facing views and of course a south-facing terrace. The apartment is a duplex, split over two floors, with the living spaces all on the upper level (the fourth floor of the building) so as you can imagine this further enhances the vantage point giving really great views over the Val de Bagnes. Both levels of the property can be accessed via a lift which always makes a difference.

Completing the upper ‘living’ level is the kitchen which is separate from the living areas allowing guests to fully relax while the chefs and staff prepare the incredible breakfasts and suppers. While we’re on the topic of the cuisine we should definitely mention that the chefs who work here have Michelin starred credentials and produce sublime five-course dinners with canapés, Champagne and cocktails setting the tone for each evening. House wines are included with meals and there’s a very extensive à la carte list available too.

Chalet Gentianes has six bedrooms with extremely comfortable beds, goose-down duvets and Egyptian cotton sheets that are so soft you’ll struggle to get out of bed in the mornings (you definitely should though because as we all know Verbier has some of the best skiing in the world.) Five of the bedrooms are en-suite can be configured as either super-kings or twins and the sixth has a beautifully crafted built-in double and a private bathroom across the hallway.

Grazia Magazine hadn’t even arrived at the chalet when they started to be in awe of the place, as a journalist commented: “Oh.My.God. The brochure! It all started with the brochure.” And British Airways High Life have hailed the staff as “…setting the standard for luxury ski breaks.” Pretty good reviews if you ask us.

We shouldn’t forget to mention that there’s a wellness area in the building that is shared by the three properties. There’s a swimming pool, massage / treatment room, relaxation area and a steam room along with a gym for those who still want a workout after a day on the hill. Wi-fi flows throughout the penthouse and of course there’s all the state-of-the-art tech that one would expect from music systems to ipod docks in all the bedrooms.

Chalet Gentianes is available to rent throughout the winter either as an individual penthouse or along with the other properties in the Sagittaire building. You can rent them weekly or on a few select weeks the properties are available for weekend bookings. Let us know what you think about this incredible chalet in the comments and do remember to share it with your friends.

Tags: chalet gentianes, Verbier
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A look inside: Chalet Hidden Dragon

Monday, July 30th, 2012

Described by previous guests as having “…microscopic attention to detail” and being the “…perfect escape from reality” Hidden Dragon is definitely one of the most luxurious chalets available to rent in the world. The property is genuinely unique and since its opening back in December 2009 has provided some of the most incredible alpine stays for numerous guests.

A fusion of Swiss authenticity and Asian seduction, the chalet has an auspicious Feng Shui location (that’s also ski-in/ski-out) and was chosen for precisely this reason. There’s a mountain to the rear providing support and protection with a winding river to the front that offers cosmic Qi. The plot was “prepared with Shinto rituals to cleanse the earth and appease the mountain spirits.”

hidden /hid(e)n/ – (adj)

concealed; out of sight
designed to elude detection; secret
difficult to find; obscure

dragon /’dragen/ – (n)

benevolent mythical creature in eastern culture
inhabits auspicious lands
protector of the world and overcomer of obstacles
represents happiness, immortality, procreation and fertility
water diety: rain, snow, river, sea, ocean

Hidden Dragon offers four floors of the most contemporary and indulgent alpine styling around. Hidden Dragon has a traditional exterior and exudes the charms of a traditional Swiss ‘cabane.’ With Asian touches throughout, the interior has modern furnishings and antiques that are matched with organic materials such as bamboo, hide and eel skin to create a multi-textural and highly visual effect that enlightens the senses and creates a unique atmosphere.

There are six super king en-suite bedrooms (they can of course become twins by request.) Two of these bedrooms are ‘master-suites’ and all but one have balconies. Even the colour schemes of the bedrooms have been selected in line with feng-shui principles. For those that don’t know in feng-shui there are five elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood. Fire for instance represents passion and high energy and is the element of south. South-facing rooms would usually be red and north-facing rooms would for instance be black, as they are at Hidden Dragon.

Hidden Dragon has the ultimate ski room which takes the form of a Gentlemans club room. There’s everything from heated boot racks to personal kit baskets and leather club chairs. It’s also worth mentioning the après-ski bar in this room where you can unwind with a drink after skiing to the door.

A huge emphasis has been placed on gastronomy at the property with amazing cuisine and a cellar packed with fine wines. The chef whisks up indulgent yet healthy meals focusing on superb quality produce and locally sourced ingredients. The owners (brother and sister) have Eurasian heritage (half Japanese,) so there’s an Asian fusion style to the cooking. Combining French cooking techniques with the Japanese philosophy of letting quality produce speak for itself is certainly a winning formula. Of course the menu can be completely tailored to guests requirements so if you feel like something, just ask.

Hidden Dragon is renowned for its spa and treatments. There’s a hammam, yoga deck, sauna, hot-tub and a meditation room. There’s also a a rain shower and treatment / massage rooms. Whether you want a deep tissue or sports massage or a manicure and facial the team are able to meet and exceed your needs. During the summer Hidden Dragon offer a range of experiences from yoga retreats through to golf and fitness. In the winter guests usually want to head up the slopes, who wouldn’t when you’ve got a ski-in/ski-out location in the Four Valleys. It’s also worth mentioning that Alex Coudray, one of the worlds top freeride snowboarders, works in partnership with the chalet and can be on hand to show guests an unforgettable time in the surrounding backcountry.

The chalet is available to book throughout both the winter and summer with very personal and tailored experiences. You can view more information on the Hidden Dragon page and do make sure to share this incredible chalets with your friends.

Tags: chalet hidden dragon, veysonnaz
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A look inside: Eco Farm

Friday, July 27th, 2012

Eco Farm is a two hundred and thirty year old farmhouse located in Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley. The chalet is owner operated and has been renovated over the past five years to become a beautiful residence with enhanced original features and contemporary comforts.

The chalet has a large open plan living and dining room that is also open to the spacious hallway and well-equipped kitchen. The main thing that hits you as you enter is the vast amount of wood with exposed timber beams and the light that pours in through velux windows and double French balcony doors. The views are of the Les Houches ski pistes, the valley and forests (a good combo we say.)

Eco Farm has an outdoor ‘swim spa‘ which is basically an over-sized hot-tub that guests can use in the afternoon and evening or by arrangement. There’s also a sauna and geothermal underfloor heating (hence the eco.) Although the eco-credentials don’t stop there with organic bed linens and REN bathroom products used throughout the bedrooms and bathrooms.

There are five bedrooms at Eco Farm, four of these have en-suites and the fifth has a private bathroom across the hall. All of the bedrooms can be configured as kings or twins. The master suite is particularly impressive and is located on mezzanine level next to the office / study area; it has a bath, his-and-hers sinks, a separate shower and large velux windows. The chalet can comfortably accommodate ten adults and a few children (the master bedroom can easily become a triple and by prior arrangement there’s also a studio on the ground floor which can be rented in conjunction with the main residence.)

Eco Farm offers very flexible stays with self-catering or catered options and we can arrange for both week long and weekend stays. Prices are from £750 per person for a catered week in the chalet.

Tags: chamonix, eco farm
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A look inside: Chalet Himalaya

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

Chalet Himalaya is an old monastery dating back to the 17th century. The property has been lavishly decorated and furnished with bold pieces from the Orient and exudes a level of opulence far beyond that of any other chalet we know. It’s sort of ironic having such a loud interior design in a former monastery but that’s part of the appeal and charisma of this superb Val d’Isere chalet.

The property is located in the hamlet of La Daille and is definitely the landmark building of the area. Whilst it is not the most exclusive location in Val d’Isere it is very convenient. One of the best things about the location is that the property is ski-in/ski-out and not just for experts – there’s a gentle slope that’ll lead beginners back to the door too.

The chalet has some beautiful original features that date back to when it was inhabited by monks, including an incredible stone fireplace. The living areas consist of a drawing room and dining room, separate kitchen and the pool room. The pool room is particularly impressive as it has an adjustable marble floor so it can be deep or shallow.

Himalaya has four suites all of which can be configured as super kings or doubles. Bedrooms one and two have deep sunk marble baths and steam rooms in the main bedroom area with curtains to close these areas off, there are also day beds covered in furs and quilts with roaring fireplaces alongside. The further two bedrooms (three and four) are actually split level with the marble bath, shower and steam room area on the lower floor along with a relaxation area, television and day bed (again with fireplace.) On the upper section, under the eaves, there’s a sleeping area with gigantic beds and another television.

The chalet also has a cigar room, a huge terrace, sauna and massage rooms. The service is just epic with chauffeured vehicle for in resort use and incredible cuisine from a professional chef.

Tags: chalet himalaya, Val d'Isère
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A look inside: Ferme de Moudon

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

Ferme de Moudon is quite a famous chalet and appeared on a special edition of the Grand Designs show, presented by Kevin Mcloud, Grand Designs Abroad. Nicky and James Dobree are the people behind this incredible design-led property and what a triumph it is. They’ve creatively turned a three hundred year old farmhouse into a contemporary property. The interior makes an impact yet is subtle and immaculate in design, whilst the exterior remains true to its Savoyard heritage.

Ferme de Moudon is in the beautiful resort of Les Gets, part of the expansive Portes du Soleil ski area. The chalet is located in private grounds, in a quiet location away from other properties, offering ultimate privacy.

The living space is open-plan with bespoke furniture and a mix of modern whites against ancient timbers create an impressive space. There’s a low cut-out fireplace and various pieces of artwork dotted around the place. As Conde Nast have said this mountain home has been ‘painstakingly created’ and we must applaud Nicky on her ability to subtly design such a luxurious retreat. Kevin Mcloud went as far to say that the chalet is ‘like something from a James Bond set’ – definitely a compliment in our eyes (we love a bit of Bond.)

The chalet has a superb kitchen that is streamlined and well-equipped. There’s also a very well stocked wine cellar, with a few bottles of Châteaux Margaux and Lafite hidden in there (obviously they’re à la carte.)

There are five exquisite bedrooms, each individually decorated and of course incredibly stylish. The master suite, which takes up most of the chalet’s upper floor, is very special and has uninterrupted views over the valley below and the distant mountains.

The chalet isn’t short of relaxation facilities with a massage room, sauna, outdoor ice shower and a very private outdoor hot-tub, which again enjoys dramatic views. Make sure to take a more detailed look at everything Ferme du Moudon has to offer, the property is available from just shy of £2,000 per person per week and that includes everything from a Champagne reception through to a private chauffeur until eleven at night (in resort.) There are also carefully selected house wines and really sumptuous meals that guests always rave about.

Tags: chalet ferme de moudon, les gets
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