Where to Find the Best Fondue in the Alps

Few dishes are so associated with a destination as fondue is with the Alps. After a cool day on the slopes there’s nothing that warms you up better than a toasty fondue. Whether it’s a cheesy Savoyarde or meaty Bourguignonne, these piping hot pot dishes will please the bellies of the entire family. Get your two-pronged fork ready to dip in at these best fondue restaurants of the Alps, including some great recommendations from our local luxury chalet experts.

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The snow-capped peaks of the Alps offer some of the world’s best skiing. Nestled in its scenic valleys are dozens of resorts featuring well-groomed slopes, high octane off-piste terrains and plenty of après-ski entertainment from fine dining to luxury shopping. Our local experts James Palmer-Tomkinson of PT Ski and Andy Castle of Ultimate Luxury Chalets reveal where to go for the ultimate luxury ski experience.

Zermatt, Switzerland

In the heart of the Alps, elegant Switzerland is home to many of the most luxurious ski resorts on the continent. One of the best is Zermatt, which could also be considered one of the most beautiful ski destinations in the whole world. Situated at the upper end of the Mattertal, it is surrounded by some of the most spectacular peaks in Europe, with the majestic Matterhorn offering an astounding backdrop to your ski holiday.

“The town oozes charm and opulence and has arguably the best restaurants in any European ski resort – a taste sensation!” says Andy Castle of Ultimate Luxury Chalets. “As well as pure Swiss charm and beauty, Zermatt is also home to the awesome Zermatt Unplugged festival which sees amazing European bands and musicians descend on the resort every April.”

In addition to the exquisite restaurants (there are over 100 in town), there is a great variety of luxury boutiques (perhaps the perfect place to pick out a Swiss watch?), classy bars and nightlife venues that could turn your après-ski into a night of dancing till dawn. 

Where to Stay in Zermatt

To truly appreciate Zermatt at its best, Ultimate Luxury Chalets recommends their gorgeous Chalet Grace which still has some availability for New Year. The refined chalet with rustic charm features floor to ceiling windows on all three levels and a dramatic vaulted interior. South facing balconies showcase breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. We can’t imagine a better base in Zermatt.

The five en-suite double or twin bedrooms are spacious and decorated in beautiful textiles, plush rugs and carpets. Savor amazing meals in the raised dining room that seats 14. The stylish and comfortable open-plan lounge includes a French stone open fireplace and adjoining bar area, opening up to a large outside living space with loungers, tables and chairs. The sweeping views of Zermatt town below and the Matterhorn at the end of the valley are spectacular from the picture windows.

If that weren’t enough, the chalet is home to a luxuriously-seated cinema, a games room with a pool table, a spacious glass fronted wellness centre including a sauna, shower room, massage room, a large pilates/yoga space with ambient lighting and music and an outdoor hot tub.

Enjoy the ultimate skiing holiday in Zermatt with Ultimate Luxury Chalets here.

Klosters, Switzerland

Tucked away in the heart of the beautiful Prattigau Valley, Klosters is a hidden gem which has maintained its authentic charm, it’s no wonder that it won the heart of the family of James Palmer-Tomkinson who founded his luxury skiing holiday company PT Ski in this Swiss resort. James shares why this is one of the best destinations in the Swiss Alps:

“It is the genuine article; an Alpine mountain village, with chalets built in the traditional style blending happily with local farmhouses creating all the atmosphere and beauty that this suggests,” describes James. “In days gone by it was the resort of choice for Hollywood movie stars and although the film set have moved on the cache of Klosters persists.

“Patrons now prefer it for its discreet and low key feel, a complete contrast to the more ostentatious resorts such as St Moritz and Gstaad. There are no designer shops or fur coats and its glamourous visitors love it for its understated chic.

“The other reason why they love it is for its world class skiing! Indeed, the skiing in Klosters is stunning and combined with Davos is one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland. The pistes are kept in immaculate condition and there are plenty of lovely wooden restaurants for coffee stops or sunny lunches on terraces. The 12 km run from the Weissfluh Gipfel down to Kublis is one of the longest runs in the world and a classic milestone for any skier.”

Where to Stay in Klosters

PT Ski has a range of luxury accommodation in Klosters including the fabulous Casa Chimera. Built in 2005 as a luxury family home, it is within easy reach of the lifts and centre of Klosters village. The Chalet has a wonderful spacious feel and exudes Alpine charm.

The chalet can sleep up to 10 guests in five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom or shower room. The main entrance to the chalet is on the first floor which opens into a large lobby. This then leads into a generous open-plan living room divided into three sections. At one end is the dining area with a table that sits 14. The central part is double heighted with comfortable sofas, a welcoming place to relax after a day’s skiing, or for a drink before dinner. Adjacent to this and separated by a large double sided fireplace is a cosy games area, ideal for a round of backgammon or a rubber of bridge. Just off the hallway is a fully equipped TV/audio room with widescreen TV. The kitchen is also on the first floor and is a separate room near the dining area.

On the second floor are the chalet’s two master bedrooms, each with its own fireplace and en-suite bathroom. There is also a further double bedroom with an en-suite shower room. The last two bedrooms are on the ground floor, both twins with en-suite bathrooms. There is also a sauna on the ground floor and separate power shower. As would be expected of a chalet of this calibre, the ski boot racks in the ski room are heated.

The chalet has a dedicated staff of two who live in and take care of guests impeccably. They prepare breakfast and have tea waiting for you for when you get back from skiing at the end of the day. In the evening they serve a four courses, preceded by canapés.

The beautiful Casa Chimera is ideal for both groups of friends or families. PT Ski’s expert staff will also help you take care of every detail you need for an exceptional ski holiday in Klosters. Contact them at this link to start planning today.

Courchevel, France

Over on the French side of the Alps, Andy Castle of Ultimate Luxury Chalets tempts us to glamorous Courchevel, a destination attracting those seeking phenomenal skiing, fine-dining or simply to be seen.

“Courchevel is arguably the most exclusive and most desirable ski resort in the world and part of the record-breaking Les Trois Vallées,” reveals Andy. “With Michelin-starred restaurants, high end shopping boutiques, perfectly groomed pistes, and an extensive and varied ski area Courchevel is the seen as the jewel in the crown of European skiing and après ski.”

The skiing is virtually unparalleled with 650km of piste and over 170 lifts across the Three Valleys, plus no resort can match the number and opulence of Courchevel’s luxury ski in/ski out chalets, offering discretion and ease to your ski holiday. When not feasting on your private chef’s fantastic creations at your luxury chalet, enjoy a succulent two Michelin-starred meal at Pierre Gagnaire in Hotel Les Airelles or at Le 1947 in the Hotel Cheval Blanc (be sure to reserve well in advance). Keep your night going at the glitzy, star-studded Les Caves de Courchevel night club.

Where to Stay in Courchevel

Ultimate Luxury Chalets has a wide selection of chalets in the Courchevel resorts, however, one of their favorites is picturesque Le Petit Palais. Since it can sleep 15, it’s perfect for gatherings of family or friends and it’s still available for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Extending over an impressive six floors, the “Little Palace” has been designed by a world class designer who has succeeded at creating the ultimate palatial chalet with decadent detailing and luxury finishes. The second floor of the chalet provides a comfortable and stylish space to entertain your guests, and includes the main dining and lounge areas.

Le Petit Palais master suite is selectively located on its very own dedicated floor, the six other bedrooms can accommodate up to 12 adults and two children in exquisite luxury. This exclusive retreat features a luxurious private spa and wellness centre which includes a swimming pool and indulgent spa experiences. It has a professionally-equipped kitchen managed by your own private chef. In addition, it has own nightclub and cinema room, providing fabulous entertainment options without even having to leave the chalet.

Learn more about this opulent Alpine getaway through Ultimate Luxury Chalets at this link.

Val d’Isere, France

Another luxurious French resort recommended by Andy Castle of Ultimate Luxury Chalets is the Val d’Isère. Once a traditional farming village, over the 20th century it was gradually transformed into one of the world’s biggest and best ski resorts. With fantastic skiing for all levels, The Espace Killy ski resort also incorporates the neighbouring high altitude station of Tignes. These have 300km of piste with heights of over 3500m. The area’s off-piste terrain is some of the most challenging and easily lift-accessed of any in Europe.

“It’s one of the world’s most recognisable resorts with an impeccable snow record and incredible glacial ski area,” adds on Andy. “Plus, the resort boasts awesome après ski bars and a good variety of restaurants which offer much better value for luxury than some other high end resorts.”

One of these is La Table de l’Ours, the one-michelin starred restaurant of the Hotel Les Barmes de l’Ours. It features an excellent gourmet menu and charming dining room with wooden beams, toasty fireplace and mountain decor.

The Valley also boosts a variety of shopping opportunities, ranging from high quality ski wear from brands like Moncler and Bognor to traditional Savoyard home decorations.

Where to Stay in Val d’Isère

To enjoy the social side of Val d’Isère to the fullest, Ultimate Luxury Chalets suggests their Domaine Toit Du Monde which has indoor and outdoor pools as well as ski in and out facilities. The chalet can also be split into two independent chalets – Himalaya and Toit Du Monde.

Sleeping 16, both chalets are protected by fortress-like stone walls, offering you perfect seclusion and exclusivity. The chalets are located on the piste in the area above La Daille which allows easy access to the Domaine de Espace Killy.

The chalets have been designed to feature the best of the alps and include massive fireplaces, breath-taking window stone seats, modern decor and state of the art facilities such as movie screens which appear at the touch of a button. Guests will marvel at the swimming pools cleverly set between the dining areas and the outdoor terraces, complete with jet stream and corner jacuzzi jets. Each chalet includes relaxing massage rooms, wine cellars and ski room with boot warmers, among other comfortable amenities.

The combination of both chalets gives you eight bedroom suites, all of which have separate sleeping and relaxation areas. The vast, beautiful bathrooms are surrounded by marble walls adorned with delicately engraved snowflakes, while the floor is subtly heated. Each has a rain shower which converts into a steam room which easily seating up to four or more people.

Book one or both of these gorgeous chalets and design your dream ski holiday with Ultimate Luxury Chalets here.

With his Olympian blood and championship passion, James Palmer-Tomkinson takes us gliding down the spectacular Swiss slopes as he shares the wonderful story behind his business PT Ski, one of the top luxury accommodation and skiing holiday specialists in the beautiful resort of Klosters.

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The best way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city is retreating to nature. Spending the day (or several) hiking in the countryside or the mountains gives us the chance to forget about work, our busy schedules and our worries while we connect with the natural wonders of the world. There may be hundreds, if not thousands of gorgeous places to hike across the globe, however, it’s hard to beat the following phenomenal trails where you can take in jaw-dropping views of mountain peaks, cross through lush forests and marvel at crystal clear lakes, accompanied only by your thoughts, the chirping birds and the rustling leaves.

Kalalau Trail – Hawaii

Hawaii boasts some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and one of the best places to admire this is the Kalalau trail on Kauai Island. The 18km trail travels from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the Na Pali Coast, an unspoilt stretch of cliffs and green valleys rising from the Pacific Ocean. Our local experts at Hawaii Hideaways provided these useful tips for hiking the trail:

• The trail requires good physical condition, especially because it can often be muddy and slippery from rainfall. Be sure to bring good and sturdy hiking shoes
• Don’t take this trail if you have knee injuries or anything that may be affected by the sometimes steep inclines and more than 240m of elevation gain
• The hike will take, on average, 6-8 hours to complete the 13km roundtrip. A lot of people stop to camp on Kalalau Beach—keep in mind this requires a permit
• You do not need a permit to hike to Hanakapi’ai Falls, but anything after that requires a permit, even if you don’t plan on camping
• Do not attempt to cross the Hanakapi’ai Stream during bad weather or if it is flooding.

An excellent place to stay in the area is at their Ka Hale Kaiola luxury beachfront home. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and air conditioning. The Tommy Bahama furnishings add to the great plantation style of the house. A large covered porch with Brown Jordan patio furniture looks out across the ocean. The beach is accessed by going down the staircase off the lanai and across the beautifully landscaped front yard. Then you’ll find yourself on the beach ready for a swim! For more information about this home or other properties located on the island, contact Hawaii Hideaways here and you can learn more about the archipelago in our Hawaii Pocket Guide.

Routeburn Trail, Glenorchy – New Zealand

New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise, so it was difficult to choose just one trail to recommend. However, our experts at Touch of Spice have won us over with the amazing Routeburn Trail.

“To those who have never walked the Routeburn Track, it’s hard to describe the feeling of purity that the environment injects you with,” says Touch of Spice founder Jacqui Spice. “There is an overwhelming amount of beauty in the trees, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife and the overall views that make the hike seem surreal. You will finish with an appreciation for New Zealand’s native elements and its preserved history.”

The 40km trail is well maintained which makes it achievable for all fitness level. Generally speaking, it is trekked over three days and two overnights, but this is flexible of course. You can take your time while you enjoy the exceptional mountain scenery, cross over rivers and past tumbling waterfalls on rope bridges, listen to the birds’ songs and see some of the locations where The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. Plus, on the way, there are information boards along the track that tell you stories of nature’s history and how New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Māori, thrived in this environment. Jacqui suggests that if you are walking without a guide, the overnight huts need to be booked well in advance due to their popularity.  A guided tour with transport, huts, all meals & snacks, backpacks, and raincoats starts from $1,375 NZD per person for three days/two nights.

Touch of Spice has the ideal base for exploring the area: Wyuna House. This four bedroom, five bathroom home can sleep up to eight trekkers. This luxurious lodge is clad in local schist and cedar with timber floors, walls, and ceilings, and sits harmoniously amongst its picturesque setting. Large bay windows take in the view throughout the property where you can look out to Mount Aspiring National Park which the Routeburn track crosses over.

You can learn more about this and other properties of Touch of Spice alongside all our New Zealand offerings at this link and prepare your trip with the help of our New Zealand Pocket Guide.

Zermatt Lakes Trail – Switzerland

It’s not surprising that there are some phenomenal hiking trails in the Swiss Alps. Andy Castle, our Switzerland expert at Ultimate Luxury Chalets, recommends a stunning hike from the resort of Zermatt to Blauherd (2571m), the perfect place for mountain lovers to venture during summertime in Europe. The relatively easy route, without major climbs and descents, takes about three hours and is accessible by taking the funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga. Once the train surfaces from the beginning passage underground, you are treated to exceptionally beautiful panoramic views.

You’ll walk through some of the most magnificent scenery of the Alps, passing Lake Stelli, Lake Grindji and Lake Grün as well as the moraine of the Findelen glacier, all the while with excellent views of the majestic Matterhorn. You won’t even feel the time passing and soon enough you’ll have reached the end at Riffelalp where you can take the Gornergrat Railway back to Zermatt.

If you would like to continue gazing at the breath-taking Matterhorn, then Ultimate Luxury Chalets‘ “Grace Chalet” is ideally positioned. This elegant, spacious chalet sleeps up to 12 and has floor to ceiling windows on all three levels, the south facing ones showcasing the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. The stylish and comfortable open-plan lounge features a French stone open fire-place and adjoining bar area, opening up to a large outside living space. It also has a luxuriously-seated cinema, a games room with a pool table, a spacious glass-fronted wellness centre including a sauna, massage room, a large pilates/yoga space and an outdoor hot tub. Read more about this and the other fabulous properties of Ultimate Luxury Chalet here, plus get inspired for your trip with our Switzerland Pocket Guide.

Hohe Tauern National Park – Austria

The Alps are not only about ascending to its highest peaks; the vast mountain range has many fantastic hiking options on its mid-levels, such as on the Austrian side in the Hohe Tauern National Park, a favorite of our experts at Schloss Klog Castle.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest nature sanctuary in all of the Alps, extending 1,856 km² over three Austrian provinces. Enjoy over 350km of marked hiking paths and alpine trails which crisscross through the beautiful Rauris Valley into Taxenbach and the SalzburgerLand region. A particular highlight is the Rauris Valley, dubbed the “Secret Jewel Hohe Tauern National Park.” Here you are truly lost in nature as you walk through deep green forests, past trickling streams and waterfalls, catch sight of powerful birds of prey in their nature environment and learn about the mineralogy and the gold-mine era. Most of the paths are suitable for inexperienced or casual hikers, whereas avid mountaineers and mountain-climbers can get their thrills on its higher peaks.

At the end of the day, you can take a well deserved break lounging on the grounds of Schloss Klog which showcase Austria’s beautiful nature. This refined Baroque castle has been owned and maintained with care by the Barons of Mayr-Melnhof since 1872. It offers a special window into Austrian Aristocratic life and is an idyllic place to stay in the heart of the country’s lake district. Learn more about this and our other Austrian experts here and learn more about this diverse country in our Austria Pocket Guide.

Gallatin National Forest – Montana

The diverse landscape of mainland United States has so many awe-inspiring places, but one of our prefered places to get away from it all is Montana, the “Big Sky State.” While one of the most famous parks in the US, or maybe even the world, is Yellowstone National Park in the neighboring state of Wyoming, Montana hiking is just as beautiful, but it attracts fewer fellow hikers – even more appealing. In fact as you amble on the wilderness trails of Gallatin National Forest, taking in exceptional views of the mountains, trickling streams and virgin forests, you might only pass fluttering birds, frisky foxes and meandering moose. But, beware of the grizzlies…

Despite the name, you shouldn’t have any dangerous close encounters with bears staying at the nearby gorgeous Grizzly Creek Ranch. A rustic yet very comfortable retreat, it can accommodate up to 30 guests. You’ll have exclusive use of the six different homes on the complex, including a wonderful dining and event hall, a recreation barn, yoga and massage cabin and more. Guided hiking can be arranged for Gallatin National Forest, Yellowstone, or you mightn’t even need to leave the property of the vast 2,000 acre ranch. For more information and to book see Mountain Homes’ profile here, discover more about what to do in the state in our Montana Pocket Guide.