CHALET ALTA, FRANCE

Stylishly constructed with old stone columns, lofty wooden beams, and large glass windows, this modernday chalet sits at an iconic landmark: Chamonix, the renowned French ski paradise that first hosted the Winter Olympics in the 1920s. Nestled in between two alpine giants, Chalet Alta possesses a nostalgic charm that lures dreamy-eyed winter wanderers into the warmth of its stone walls. One is not to be deceived; the snow villa is woven with intelligent design and Smart Home technology, making this retreat secure as it is cosy. With five bedrooms and one four-bunkbed suite, the villa easily accommodates an entire family and more, with a group of sixteen all perfectly snug in their places. The great room--a grand den complete with a wood-burning fireplace--brings back the beauty of togetherness, a spirit that ripples through the rest of the communal spaces wrapped up with wood furnishing. A bright blue indoor pool glimmers at the ground floor, bursting with hydro jets that relieve the tension from the muscles after a long day enjoying the outdoors. Trudge to the lower ground floor and there is the cinema, surprisingly parallel to the chalet’s exclusive spa—a full range of sauna, steam room, and a gym that beats with high-energy tracks pulsing from its Sonos sound system. A private chef indulges with any desired cuisine, including a delectable four-course dinner served with a prime glass of wine. luxuryretreats.com