Chalet Aralia / St. Martin de Belleville

Beautiful on the inside and out, from sundeck to sauna, luxury Chalet Aralia is a wonderful 10-guest family chalet in a beautifully isolated location just outside St Martin de Belleville, the quietest of the resorts around the 3 Valleys, the world’s largest ski area. Aralia is in Villarabout, a little community above St Martin. St Martin itself is just a 2-minute chauffeured ride away, a beautiful village and a living mountain community complete with historic church. As Alpine resorts go, St Martin is relatively quiet, family-friendly, and very private.

Chalet Aralia really fits its setting. Its solid, elegant wood and stone structure reflects the world-famous surrounds of the Savoyard Alps and centuries of local building tradition. The interior is anything but rustic though, with a smart, modern design that is laid-back and relaxing, setting chic modern furnishings and art against a framework of blonde wood and square-cut stones. Comfort is always the priority, and, above all, Chalet Aralia feels like a beautiful home. The chalet rises from its road-side face, with parking underneath the building at the front. Balconies run around the building, with a large sun-terrace at the back, where sheep skins turn the seating into something fitting and very luxurious.

Inside, the living and dining area is the centerpiece. Double height ceilings make the space feel light, airy, and spacious, an effect that is enhanced with huge expanses of glass, opening onto wonderful mountain views. Just step through the door to the terrace to get even closer to the Alps. The 55’ Smart TV has UK satellite TV channels, DVD player, and an Xbox 360 games console – there is WiFi throughout the chalet – while huge wraparound sofas encourage you to share time together. Wood lines the walls above stone-tiled floors and a big wood-burning fireplace that helps to create the perfect cozy space for your family.  The imposing wooden dining table in this open-plan area can seat all of the chalet’s guests, and the room flows onto a beautifully equipped kitchen. Candle- and fire-light can light your meals, served with Villeroy & Boch table and glassware.

Open the door at the back of the dining room and you’re out onto the rear terrace, where a hot tub in the perfect place from which to enjoy the sun or the stars with a drink. There are more spa facilities inside, with a wood sauna on the ground floor, handy for your ski room – with heated boot racks – as you return from the slopes. The bedrooms are all individually styled with their own private bathrooms stocked with the finest Egyptian cotton linens and towels and superb luxury bath and beauty products. One bedroom shares a floor with the main living area. It is a super king-size twin/double with en-suite bathroom.

The rest of the sleeping accommodation is on the second floor. Two super king-size twin/double rooms enjoy en-suite facilities with walk-in showers. A final room forms a family suite with a bunk room and shared en-suite shower room. The rooms are all decorated in muted, tasteful colors, and all have Bluetooth speakers.

To cater larger groups Chalet Aralia can be combined with Chalet Aphylla sleeping up to 16-18 guests.