No14

At No14; Dream Big

The jet touches down in Sion and you glimpse the white mountaintop’s twinkling before you. As you are driven from the tarmac in your sleek sedan anticipation hangs heavy in the air, as it does each time you arrive in the Alps for your annual skiing fix. Well all right, biannual. And the odd ski-weekend just isn’t the same, definitely doesn’t count. 

You’re eager to don your skis and head out for that first exhilarating run. You know you shan’t have to wait long; the team at Chalet No. 14 will have your skis and boots serviced and waiting for you. 

A stay at No. 14 should be a passage of rights for all Verbier enthusiasts; you’ve skied Verbier for years and there have been some spectacular chalets in the past; but this is the latest in ultra modern chalet chic. With its doors also open to couples and smaller groups, for weekends and full weeks, you have become a regular visitor- almost one of the family.

This is a particularly special trip, filling all thirteen of the rooms; it is your husband’s 60^th birthday celebration – so the master suite with its private cedar wood hot tub on the balcony has your name all over it. Friends and family can arrive through the day and fight each other for the remaining suite and rooms; you’ll already be skiing.

After a glorious, sunny afternoon spent on the south facing slopes you are picked up by Sean, one of your dedicated chauffeurs for the week, and return to No. 14 to be greeted by friends and family who are gathered on the vast Ibiza-style terrace. Some snuggled under the warm furs, where the fire cauldron is aflame, and others taking their first dip in the cedar wood hot tub; the party has clearly started and the Champagne is flowing freely. 

This is a stylish party pad and no mistaking, and the army of highly trained staff (16 of them) are there to take care of every detail, to impress with their local expertise, and make you feel every inch the VIP that you are. From the best tables reserved at the Farm club and Chez Danny, to incredible experiences – like the evening you all went husky sledding at dusk, followed by vin chaud and canapés on the snow. This is a special occasion, and a special place to share it with family and friends.

No. 14 gives space to party for sure – the huge terrace, private bar and open plan lounge area are great places to kick up your heels and really let loose. When you need some R&R though intimate spaces are offered too, so you can retreat for some ‘me’ time. Nowhere better than the spa with its heated pool, steam room – and the icy plunge pool to get all your senses tingling. 

There are multiple treatment rooms and your own in-house therapists are expert in massages and other rejuvenating tonics – a facial perhaps? Yoga on the deck before breakfast? No trouble, and there is even a stylist to do your hair ready for Harry’s gala birthday dinner. Well you are hosting after all, so you need to look at your best.

All glammed up you see the dining room has been dressed to impress too; dinners at No. 14 are always an event, with the Michelin trained chef impressing with his skill and prowess with the local ingredients. Tonight’s banquet blows you away; chef has prepared an exquisite 7 course tasting banquet incorporating all of Harry’s favourites, with wines expertly selected to match each dish. 

Later that evening Sean and his colleagues are lined up ready to chauffeur you into town for cocktails and dancing; no stumbling home for you under the cover of dark, they are there to drive you home again too of course, once you’ve danced till dawn and shown all of the youngsters you’ve still got it.