An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
From £9,000 exclusive chalet per week
Rock ‘n’ roll designer party
pad in the mountains
usp
Think grand pianos, distressed metal, pop art on the walls, inside (rather than outside) hot tub and even a revolving bed in the master bedroom: The Loft in Zermatt is the ultimate bachelor-style party pad, owned by local star interior designer Heinz Julen.
location
The two-floor apartment is tucked away in the back streets above the main thoroughfare through Zermatt – high enough to be private, but not so high and removed that it is terribly inconvenient for the slopes or the shops and bars of this swish Swiss resort.
style
Rock ‘n’ roll. The Loft is a vast 300m2 Manhattan style loft set in a wooden chalet in the Swiss Alps. Inside it sort of resembles the inside of a factory, all distressed metal and brushed concrete, but with numerous mad designer touches. The fireplace is housed in a box on the outside of the apartment; there are floor to ceiling windows, but if you want privacy there is a remote-controlled exterior curtain that wraps the entire apartment on the outside at the press of a button; there are designer chandeliers made of Julen’s signature reclaimed kitchen materials (jelly moulds, cutlery, even plug chains) and designer chairs that fold up into packing trunks. The Loft has, perhaps not surprisingly, played host to numerous rich and famous clients, including Robbie Williams who has stayed several times. As if by way of a thankyou, there is a big framed portrait of Robbie on the wall, painted by the multi-talented Heinz himself. ^
rooms
There are just three – two relatively small ones with rather tiny bathrooms (though they have great views down the valley) and the big master bedroom with the bed on the turntable and a centrally located bath. The floors are all covered with sewn-together cow skins and there are huge mirrors and designer fittings throughout, all very minimalist in style. The toiletries are Elemis. ^
food & drink
The Loft is self-catered, with an initial starter food pack supplied for guests, but a chef can be organised for as many days as you wish if you prefer to stay in rather than enjoy any of Zermatt’s famously fabulous restaurants. The chalet can lay on just breakfast or do the full catering, as you wish. ^
spa facilities
There is a wacky indoor hot tub – in the living area next to the big designer sofa, no less. The master bedroom has a slatted wooden cover on top of the bath which serves as a treatment bench for whichever pampering is required, and there is also a sauna. The chalet’s concierge team can arrange all kinds of massages and beauty treatments. ^
children
Mmm, it’s not really one for kids this. Too much distressed metal and brushed concrete. ^
extras
There is wifi throughout, a TV in every bedroom, a grand piano, a coffee/dining table which raises at the press of a remote control to create a giant party space beneath, and a superb collection of modern art and photography on all the walls. ^
for skiers
Everything can be arranged for skiers, from advance ski pass collection to 10% off ski rental, pre-booking of ski school (the chalet primarily uses Stoked, the leading independent school in Zermatt), helicopter drops, you name it. ^
for non skiers
Zermatt is perfect for non-skiers. There is everything from the Matterhorn Museum to the shops, snowshoe walking to ice skating, a cinema (designed by Julen again), paragliding, and even courses on cheese making. ^
best thing
The design. ^
worst thing
The walk up from resort. ^
getting there
The nearest airports are Geneva (quickest by car), Zurich (quickest by train) and Sion. Transfers can be arranged by the chalet. ^
bottom line
The chalet starts from £1000 pp per week, uncatered, based on six people (the maximum) staying. ^
bookings & enquiries
If you would like to make an enquiry or a booking, please email enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk. Remember, we have visited all the chalets we feature so can give you totally unbiased, independent advice on all of them. The prices we quote are also the list prices quoted by the chalets themselves, so there is no advantage in going to the chalets direct.
Chalet - 9
Service - N/A
Room - 9
Food & Drink - N/A
Luxury - 9
Pack your disco boots and brush up on your piano-playing to make the most of the shiny black grand piano in pride of place in the middle of the vast living space.
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