'Abode' Family Suite

A national newspaper’s recent 'Top 10 Picture Postcard Ski Resorts' ranked charming St Martin de Belleville highly and, taking in the breathtaking view from Abode's panoramic balcony, it is not hard to see why. What is hard though, is not feeling more than a little bit smug about the cosseted luxury in which you find yourself in this truly exceptional 4-bedroom chalet, available by the room or for exclusive use during the snow-sure period from Mid December - Mid April.

For the past two years, chalet has been a labour of love for owners and expats Helen and Chris who have pooled their joint talents in architecture and hospitality to transform the traditional Savoyard home into a charming blend of original character and contemporary style, adding a heavy dose of boutique hotel luxury along the way. It's not just the interiors that make Abode special; it's the whole experience from pre-arrival concierge service to on call driver and the amazing meals created by the talented in-house (non-resident) chef, including dedicated kids suppers.

The spacious 2-bedroom family suite is perfect for Baby-Friendly Boltholes families since it combines style, space and luxury with practicality. Best of all, guests can relax in the knowledge that Helen will take care of everything from stocks of nappies, formula, wipes, etc. to pre-booking crèche, ski school, nannies and ad hoc requirements for restaurants, spas, babysitters etc. when in resort. All of which ensures that families with young children can be confident that everything will run as smoothly as the low-traffic slopes they'll be skiing on.

Abode is surprisingly good value for money too as, included within the £745-£1195pp (see prices tab for exact prices) rates are delicious breakfasts, afternoon teas crammed with freshly baked cakes, pre-dinner canapés and 5-course dinners, plus an on-demand driver service to and from the ski lifts (4mins drive) until 10pm nightly, and a complimentary bar stocked with soft drinks, mixers and medal-winning wines. Not to mention the invaluable concierge service.

Accommodation Overview:
The chalet is set about 10-15 mins walk (4mins by complimentary driver service) from the centre of St Martin de Belleville. The interior is split over four floors with an 'upside down' design to maximise the spectacular views.
The lower ground level is home to the cosy TV lounge/play room and boot room complete with boot warmers.
The ground houses two spacious king-sized double/twin (convertible) bedrooms each with walk-in wardrobe and luxury ensuite with bath and shower over. A cot/toddler bed can be supplied in either or both. The rooms are separated by an entrance hall, which gives them an additional level of privacy.
Upstairs, there's a third, slightly smaller double bedroom with king-size or twin convertible beds, walk-in wardrobe and luxury bathroom with bath and shower over. A cot/toddler bed would be a tighter fit here. On the opposite side of the hall is the entrance to the family suite which comprises a large walk-in wardrobe area, a spacious double bedroom with king-size/twin convertible beds and space for cot/toddler bed, a bunk room with a set of full sized bunks (two singles) and a luxury bathroom with bath and shower over. The family suit also boasts a private balcony off the double bedroom, offering lovely views.
The second floor houses the stunning communal living space with its contemporary fireplace, sociable lounge area, sophisticated dining zone and cosy reading corner. There's also a fully equipped contemporary kitchen, not that the guests see much of it with the chef and chalet host on had to cater to their every thirst or hunger.
All handy list of useful baby gear is available on request (see 'Fast Facts' column)


Please Note: The prices detailed in the price panle are based on 2 adults and 2 children aged 2-4 sharing the 2-bedroom Family Suite. The system will auto-apply discounts for smaller families i.e. two adults and a baby will pay around half the prices quoted. However, infants aged 2 and under are charged at £100 (includes baby gear and purees etc.). There's a supplement of £50 per child 5-12 and £100 for 3rd/4th guests aged 13+. Please add these in 'options & extras' when booking here (click 'prices' tab or 'reserve now' button).

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Abode is set in a hamlet of houses overlooking pretty St Martin De Belleville and 10-15 minutes walk, or 4 minutes by complimentary driver service, to the village centre. It's fair to say that those looking for all action nightlife, glitz and glamour, should probably head an hour or so (by skis) over the valley to Meribel, but for an equally snow-sure but less crowded experience, St Martin has a lot to offer. It has stunning scenery, three Michelin listed restaurants, including a 2-star winner regarded as the best in the Trois Vallee region, friendly bars and a well-run crèche and ski school.


Skiing Conditions: When at the top of the St Martin lifts, you are skiing at 2,434m, so it's snow sure from December to May. The village itself is 1450m high making it the same height as Meribel, but with the benefit of around a tenth of the ski traffic, but the same excellent piste management and snow-making on the home-runs, which is very effective at keeping them open. The Trois Vallees area has 600km of piste and 200 lifts. The village has an 8 person gondola, which is rarely busy and leads to a modern 4-person chair up to Tougnette (over 2400 feet).

Children: There's an excellent nursery slope in the village with a magic carpet lift, which is ideal for little ones. The crèche is regarded to be amongst the best in the region and popular with local residents, as well as visitors. Abode's concierge service can arrange places for BFB guests.

Activities/Spa: Abode's concierge service will effortlessly arrange activities from paragliding and snow mobiles to dog sleighs and in-house masseur therapist service. Not to be missed, 'La Bouiette' the 2-Michelin-starred restaurant has a newly opened spa with complimentary driver service. As well as a Jacuzzi and sauna, they offer specialist treatments including the unique 'Solant in the Hay' treatment which comprises a steam bath with hay cut from above 1,400 metres, and a 'Marie' bath with milk and mountain honey.

Nightlife: St Martin boasts around five bars and 10 restaurants. Dahlia, at the bottom of the lifts has a lovely sunny terrace for lunch or après ski drinks. The piano bar 'Porqui Pas' is a classic old bar in the prettiest part of town with an open fire, friendly staff and late hours. Le Billlig is a new bar and restaurant and L'Eterlou has a great location at the bottom of the poma. Whilst the chef-made meals at Abode are extremely tough to beat, for a change of scene or special lunch, there are three Michelin listed restaurants, including the 2-star La Bouiette, which is regarded as the best is the entire region. There are also a number of friendly pizzerias popular with younger guests.

Getting There: Abode is approx. 75mins drive from the airport at Chambery and 2-2.5hrs from Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon.

testimonial scores:5:::

What a wonderful little retreat. The photos on the site do no do it justice....

What a wonderful little retreat. The photos on the site do no do it justice.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%

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