Bibi

A Dream Location

What do you imagine when conjuring up the most epic winter holiday? The one of your dreams? Perhaps, a bit like us, it goes something like this:

World class skiing probably seasoned with some backcountry when conditions are right. Feeling at one with a snowy landscape because you sleep in a picturesque alpine hut with above you only mountain. And yet (this is a dream remember) luxurious accommodation, exquisite dining ser off by well-chosen wines. Hanging around with beloved family and/or greatest ski buddies, or some combination of the two, in the seclusion of your mountain hideaway. The best ever (quite possibly) view from a hot tub where the magnificence of the night sky shines unpolluted by ambient light.

Meet Chalet Bibi: dreams can come true. A private home elevated above the resort of Verbier, away from the glitz and the bustle (and yet minutes’ drive from the Place Centrale), and accessible by a reasonably proficient skier across a bit of off piste. Its design is themed around primitive building styles and materials but this place is in no way primitive. Aged timber and natural stone create the feeling of an old alpine hut, but the space is large, bright and comfortable with deep-piled rugs and soft cushions. Unlike the confined rooms of an old hut, here large windows let that view speak for itself.

The spacious living, dining and entertaining areas are up the top floor, along with the kitchen. A large open fire, high, raftered ceilings, a wooden balcony and a fluffy rugged dining area with a long table, this is the castle in the sky (well, on a slope above Savoleyres) of mountain huts.

Unlike your mountain hut, all the bedrooms are peaceful and blessed with en-suite baths or showers. On the top floor the Master opens directly onto a terrace that leads to the hot tub and you will find a cosy little single. The other three bedrooms, two doubles and a room with bunkbeds, are downstairs on the first floor. As if all these bathrooms didn’t provide enough sybaritic pleasure, there is also a sauna, hammam, a massage room as well as that hot tub bubbling out there in the garden.

The dream is shining up nicely. Skis off and boots hanging on the boot warmers after a couple of nifty turns through interesting snow (although some might have opted for the in-resort driving service to get back to our haven); the steam of the hammam to warm through and deeply relax and then aperitif number one while stargazing in the hot tub. Dinner is almost ready, the evening just taking off. The laughter is getting louder, the stories sparkling with snow covered exploits, the wine might flow (just a little bit, of course!). Maybe a digestif by the log fire. Then a profoundly comfortable bed in which to sink, ready for another day of excitement tomorrow.