Chalet Pearl

Chalet Pearl is a ‘gem’ of a luxury ski chalet and possibly one of the largest I have ever stayed in. It is vast, with a knock-out double height central living space around a huge old fireplace, socking great views, and it has every possible creature comfort – as well as being located in charming Champagny. If the same three-floor chalet were over the valley in nearby Courchevel it would be unaffordable; as it is, it is incredibly well-priced.

Bond villainesque. Chalet Pearl was built just a few years ago using reclaimed timbers and old stone, but it has introduced dazzling modern features and furnishings such as underfloor heating which extends outside to the driveway, Bose surround sound, a lift, a bar and a gym. The bathrooms are slate and chrome, the kitchen gleams with stainless steel and granite and is very well-equipped, and there is fabulous lighting throughout. There are cosy corners with chocolate leather sofas and sheepskin throws as well as over-sized cow hides and statement designer chairs. The overall impression is of space — this chalet is 400 sq m — and style and general gorgeousness.

There are four large en suite double bedrooms in this luxury ski chalet, including a huge master bedroom (with desk, chaise longue and French windows). Two of the doubles also have extra single beds so can each sleep three, and there is a twin room too which is smaller than the other rooms and ideal for little ones.

The master bedroom’s bathroom has his and hers sinks and an enormous rain shower. Every en suite bedroom is spacious, with plenty of room for ski clobber and bags, and all have showers, sinks and dressing areas. The master has its own loo and two of the doubles do, with one sharing a loo in the corridor with the twin room. There is an additional loo also on the floor below.

The chalet is available as a self-catered chalet but catering can be organized and it can be totally flexible – you can have a chef for the week if you wish, or just hire one in for one night. The kitchen is, once again, huge and well appointed with state-of-the-art Miele appliances. It includes a spacious breakfast bar, which serves as a second dining area. A supermarket and bakery are within walking distance as is the excellent Le Bouquetin restaurant and others in the centre of Champagny.

Chalet Pearl has, on the ground floor, an enormous indoor Jacuzzi plus hammam and fully equipped, mirrored gym with weights machine, running machine and yoga mat.

This luxury ski chalet is totally child-friendly. There is a twin room, which lends itself to children, and there is heaps of space for little ones to play and be apart from the adults. The TV package includes all the main European channels. As well as the child-friendly skiing at Champagny and La Plagne, Le Haut is a short drive from Champagny and has a sledging track.

The spaciousness, gorgeous styling and lavish facilities.

The lack of en suite loos in two of the rooms, but this is a quibble given the size of the chalet and the general level of luxury elsewhere. And the shared loo is just a few feet away from each room, in the corridor.