TRAVEL NOTEBOOK
ANNOUSHKA DUCAS The jewellery designer on why she loves the French Alps
The jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas reveals her favourite
Alpine addresses
Three words that describe Saint Martin de Belleville ‘Luxurious, comfortable and family-orientated.’
Best place to stay
‘My husband and I bought Chalet Floralie in 2006 and would never stay anywhere else! The chalet sleeps up to 18 guests, which suits us perfectly as we have a large family. It is ideally positioned on the slopes, but if you’re less keen on skiing, we have a beautiful wellness suite, which is a lovely place to relax.
We take our food very seriously in the mountains, and we’re lucky to have incredible people working for us – Henry, our chef, has been with us for three years. – his predecessor, Chris Denney, left to start the highly successful Garage108 in Notting Hill. I am constantly changing the interiors – this year I have new works by the artist Emma Stibbon. My husband also loves adding to the library and art collection.’ www.skifloralie.com
Favourite restaurant
‘Sitting on the vast terrace for lunch at Face Ouest in Val Thorens is a treat when we are skiing the Belleville Valley. For dinner, little beats our own fantastic in-house chef, but when he has his night off we go to Lachenal, a cosy family-run restaurant and request a table by the open fire.’
Favourite view
‘Returning to Saint Martin de Belleville at the end of the day, skiing down the undulating Jerusalem piste.’
Best way to relax
‘I visit the Bela Vya spa at La
Bouitte, a luxurious mountain retreat that also has a fantastic Michelin star restaurant.’ www.la-bouitte.com
Best tip for adventure
‘Ski touring with a mountain guide who really knows the terrain, the weather patterns and where the best snow is. We use Elite Ski who are based in Méribel.’
www.eliteskiteam.com
What do you pack?
‘I keep a wardrobe of clothes in the chalet, so I usually travel very light, with my London Velvet rucksack, my Kindle, my Vampire’s Wife dress for a glamorous evening, and cashmere loungewear from the White Company. For the evenings, I bring some of my own Annoushka jewels. I have recently launched the Seeds collection, which I have not taken off!’
Beauty essentials
‘I take care not to damage my skin on the slopes, so I always wear a good SPF on my face, usually from Environ. Right now, I also like Votary’s Cleansing Oil and Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream. For make-up, By Terry is my go-to brand. I love its Baume de Rose for keeping my lips hydrated in the mountains. And I’m a huge fan of Bamford’s gorgeous body lotions, which smell completely delicious.’
Best holiday read
‘Putney by Sofka Zinovieff – it’s absolutely gripping.’
‘The chalet is on the slopes and has a beautiful wellness suite for relaxing in’