Highlights

Magical Alpine architecture

Splendid views up and down the valley

Historic interiors and antique furniture

State-of-the-art cinema

The best ski area in the Alps

Smith tip

It’s not a practical way to reach Chamonix from Geneva, but the Mont Blanc Express (www.tmrsa.ch) is a great excursion between the resort and Martigny, over the mountains in Switzerland. The route takes in some of the most dramatic scenery of peaks, waterfalls and glaciers in the Alps.

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Chalets Philippe

Chamonix, France[view map]

Style: Art in a cold climate
Setting: Fairytale hamlet

Set amid the dramatic Alpine scenery of the Chamonix valley, Chalets Philippe feel like another world. Twenty years in the making, this hamlet of ancient chalets has been created by owner Philippe Courtines with an attention to detail that verges on the obsessional. Sixteenth- and 17th-century details have been collected on tireless searches throughout the mountains, while other items, such as hand-made champagne flutes have been custom-made to the owner’s precise specifications. The effect is nothing short of magical.

Need to know

Rates

Chalet week’s stay for the whole hamlet ranges from £29,400–£41,340 on a fully catered basis. Three-night stays cost from £16,100 to £21,200, but are not available at peak times.

Sleeps

The hamlet sleeps a total of 20 guests plus six children and two infants. Chalets can be rented individually and the smallest sleep two guests. Grandes Jorasses is the largest and sleeps eight adults and two children; Chalet Clarines sleeps two.

Ideal for

Active ski holidays and family breaks, year-round getaways and total escapism.

Minimum hire

Three nights.

Booking process

Smith deposit taken when you book. A 30 per cent deposit is required on booking, with the balance due eight weeks before arrival. Cancellations less than 56 days before arrival receive a 50 per cent refund. There are no refunds if your cancellation is 36 days before arrival.

In the know

Eating and drinking

A chalet chef takes care of you throughout your stay. The chef prepares breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapés daily, as well as a four-course gourmet dinner with wine on six nights of the week. Guests also have an open bar and wine cellar. There’s a champagne reception upon arrival, too. The magnificent 17th-century dining room in Chalet Les Trolles and the dining area in Chalet Grandes Jorasses can each hold 14 diners. Chalets Philippe is almost always offered on a fully catered basis, though it’s worth enquiring whether self-catering is possible outside the main peak season. The usual package includes a chalet chef who prepares breakfast and afternoon tea daily, and gourmet dinner on six nights a week. You are consulted on your meal preferences before you arrive so that catering can be tailor-made to suit you. Children’s menus are also available. There’s a chauffeur at your disposal who also provides private transfers to and from Geneva airport.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping is included as standard for catered guests. Housekeeping is available by arrangement for self-catering guests.

Children

Welcome. Car seats, high chairs, buggies and children’s cutlery can all be provided. Kids’ menus can be arranged on request. Babysitters can be booked for you, too.

Entertainment

The living rooms of each of the large chalets have music centres. The hamlet has a state-of-the-art cinema room shared by the chalets.

Provided

Bed linen, towels, feather pillows, bathrobes and toiletries. Fresh flowers and fruit are delivered daily. A chauffeur-driven 4x4 is provided during your stay, and the price includes transfers to and from Geneva airport.

Packing tips

This is a magical hamlet in a fairytale setting; bring a copy of Lord of the Rings.

For a detailed description of all the rooms and grounds, click here

Smith card offer

Each adult will receive a half-hour Swedish massage

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

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