Amazon Creek

Amazon Creek is a genuine wow ski chalet: it has knock-out designer interiors, oodles of space, heaps of creature comforts and a fantastic location just outside Chamonix.

It is in fact one of three sister chalets that sit in a secluded, hidden away enclave, in a sort of private hamlet all to themselves. Together – Amazon Creek plus Chalet Baloo and Chalet Baby Bear – they make up ‘Amazonia’, and they are bookable altogether or can be booked separately.

The décor throughout is utterly sumptuous and designer – faux furs everywhere, lots of gorgeous wood, leather club chairs and antler chandeliers. A really fabulous chalet, with indoor and outdoor hot tub, sauna, and steam room.

I also particularly like the rugged Land Rover Defenders that are used to transport guests around the valley – a nice alternative to the more usual Volkswagen Caravelles!

Gorgeous, opulent, Alpine chic. Think skins and furs, designer chairs, lots of stained wood and leather, plus red rugs and cushions – red being the signature colour for all the Amazonia chalets.

This luxury ski chalet has five en-suite rooms. There are DVD players in each, plus individual controlled heating, while some have dual aspects or balconies and the master bedroom is huge. Each of the rooms is beautifully designed, continuing the Alpine chic theme, and properly spacious.

This fully catered ski chalet serves up gorgeously hearty food, including cooked breakfasts, fresh cakes and pastries in the afternoon, and a four-course meal in the evening, plus cheese. There are excellent house wines plus a small cellar of finer wines to upgrade to if you so wish, and unlike at other chalets there is no set working menu – all meals are bespoke, prearranged with the chef to suit guests’ needs and preferences. The chef is genuinely passionate too, which adds to the whole gourmet experience.

The chalet has two Jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor, a steam room and large sauna, big enough to fit six, plus a separate massage and treatment room.

Separate meals can be laid on for children, and the chalet works with a top nanny service so can arrange English-speaking nannies or even Russian-speaking if required. The chalet is also kitted out with children’s DVDs and toys, as well as kiddie paraphernalia such as high chairs, cots and even kids’ cutlery. There are also PlayStations in the chalet, and lots of lovely nooks and crannies in the eaves of the building for children to hide away and play in.

The wonderful sense of seclusion, being tucked away in your very own private mountain hideaway, and the fabulous spa facilities.

The lighting is rather atmospheric in the bedrooms ie a bit dim and not great for doing make-up by. Very flattering though!