The level of service is excellent, as you would expect, but Solmaï’s staff of six are predominantly local and their detailed knowledge makes your stay that extra bit special
Chalet Solmaï
Verbier, Switzerland[view map]
Chalet Solmaï is one of the largest private residences in the Swiss Alpine resort of Verbier, providing all the space and comfort you could wish for. Its central location, just a few minutes stroll from some excellent bars and restaurants is a real bonus in a town famous for its après-ski. But what makes Solmaï particularly special is that it was built for the owner’s family and retains the individual style, attention to detail and relaxed atmosphere you’d expect in an elegant family home.
The chalet can accommodate up to 18 guests in ten bedrooms but as Solmaï’s layout has two discreet halves, each with its own sitting room and dining room, there’s an extra degree of privacy. All the rooms are beautifully decorated with soft fabrics and individual details and most have their own sumptuous bathrooms, too. Some of the bedrooms have extra beds on mezzanine levels making them particularly ideal for families. Solmaï is the perfect base for a large group of friends or two extended families to enjoy.
The chalet’s versatility extends to the living rooms and dining rooms. The rooms on the ground floor are more informal and are normally used for breakfast or for watching your favourite DVD on the plasma screen. The living room and dining room on the first floor are more formal, decorated with the owner’s excellent private collection of art. It’s a fine setting for an evening dinner party. Directly outside is the large sun-trap terrace – an essential feature in the Swiss Alp’s sunniest resort.
Other facilities include two fully-equipped studies in case you need to keep in touch with the office. There’s a spacious boot room with heated boot rack where you can get ready in comfort on a snowy winter’s morning. In-chalet equipment fitting can be arranged by your chalet manager, as can lift passes, so you’ll be on the slopes in no time. There’s also a sauna and a hammam and guests may also use the exclusive spa a short distance away in the centre of the resort. The spa is the latest project of Chalet Solmaï’s owners.
The level of service is excellent, as you would expect, but Solmaï’s staff of six are predominantly local and their detailed knowledge makes your stay that extra bit special. The chef prepares breakfast and afternoon tea daily, as well a gourmet meal on six nights a week, complemented by Solmaï’s splendid wine cellar. There’s a wide choice of activities both in the resort itself, on the surrounding 200 miles of piste and on the seemingly limitless off-piste for which Verbier is famous. The chalet manager and their team are expert at arranging heli-skiing and the surrounding mountains offer the ideal setting. From spa treatments and restaurant to skidoos and paragliding, the chalet staff are focused on making all the necessary arrangements for the perfect Alpine experience.
This chalet in Verbier sleeping up to 18 guests was reviewed by Jim Whyte