A skiing holiday in Zermatt, one of the best resorts in the Alps, surely merits staying at only the chicest of chalets. Chalet Zen, situated on the mountainside at the edge of the village and a stone's throw from the lifts, is one of the best you will find - a rare gem you may want to keep secret once you've discovered it for yourself. Since the chalet is privately owned, it has been carefully, and tastefully, designed so that it is not only luxurious and perfectly equipped for your every need, but also has a unique elegant ambience designed with a very personal touch.
Fine art collected from around the world adorns the walls, and open log fires burn in the grates. There is a library full of books for a quiet evening, a toy-chest full of games and films to entertain the children, and a massage room - vital after a hard day's skiing. The chalet manager, Steffi does everything possible to make your stay perfect, from serving champagne in the Jacuzzi to helping to fetch your ski boots from the heated boot room. In addition, as a brilliant source of knowledge on all things local, Steffi will become an invaluable part of your holiday.
The catering at the chalet is incomparable and uses delicious local ingredients and traditional recipes. Guests eat like kings under a chandelier of stags' antlers, and can also play a part in designing their own menu for the week.
Whether you want a party with excellent wines, or to curl up on a sofa in front of a roaring fire with a blanket, book and a hot chocolate, Chalet Zen can meet your needs. It is rare to be able to walk into someone else's house and immediately feel completely at home, but somehow Chalet Zen does exactly this - it can be your home from home in The Alps.
Chalet Zen sleeps 8 and weekly rates start from 20,000CHF and then the 2 additional beds are available at CHF 1,000 per guest
per week (based on stay 5th December 2010). Booking: +41 (0)27 967 17 27; www.chalet-zen.com
The winter booking price includes: Luxury accommodation for your chosen dates. Exclusive use of the chalet and its facilities. Champagne reception. Dedicated service from the chalet staff. Tea or coffee in bed, breakfast and afternoon tea daily. Champagne and canapés daily. Magnificent dinners prepared by the chef (6 nights). Carefully selected house wines. An open spirit bar and a range of soft drinks. Jo Malone bathroom products. Fresh flowers and daily newspapers.
Recommended to do in and around Zermatt
Zermatt Tourist Information: www.zermatt.ch/en
Ski School, lessons and VIP Guiding, snowboarding, telemark and children's snowflake club: Christian Meier, Stoked. +41 (0)27 967 70 20; www.stoked.ch/english
Mountain Restaurant: Zumsee +41 (0)27 967 20 45; www.zumsee.ch/index Located in a picturesque farming hamlet above Zermatt on the mountainside with panoramic views from the sun terrace and delicious winter gourmet food, especially seafood.
Mountain Bar: Henu Stall + 41 (0)79 213 36 69; www.hennustall.ch For après-ski gluhwein, live music and dancing (in your ski kit), on the piste.
Zermatt Massage Centre. +41 (0)79 607 69 61; www.zermattmassage.com They'll come to your chalet for an indulgent evening of relaxation.
Mountain Experience: Zermatt Iglu Bar and Hotel. +41 (0)41 612 27 28; www.iglu-dorf.com A unique, exciting, adventurous, romantic experience - spend a night high in the mountains in the beautifully-built, snow iglu with carved ice sculptures, then be the first down the piste in the morning. Luxury Limousine Transfers: Alphubel +41(0)27 967 15 50; www.alphubel.ch
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A well-connected rural playground with 23 acres on the edge of the South Downs National ParkOld House Farm is an impressive family home with a wealth of amenities that would inspire any rural passion.
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