Le Chalet Saint-Philippe

Megève

Located in the heart of the Alps, on a pass which separates the Arly river basin to the southwest and the Arbon to the northeast, Megève enjoys a panoramic view of the Mont-Blanc mountain chain. Along with Saint-Gervais-les Bains, Combloux, La Giettaz, Cordon and Saint-Nicolas-de-Vérace, Megève forms a skiable domain with more than 450 kilometers of slopes and trails. Its reputation began in the early 20^th century when Baroness Noémie de Rothschild decided to create a vacation resort that would rival that of Saint Moritz in Switzerland. Megève very quickly became a favorite destination for the crowned heads of Europe. Today, it is known as a chic ski resort where the world’s rich and famous flock to, as soon as the first snowflakes begin to fall. The old farms have become elegant, authentic chalets, and the luxury hotels compete with each other without any outer signs of ostentation. Although renowned the world over, Megève has managed to conserve its identity and its rich local heritage. Visitors can discover magnificent monuments like the Saint Jean-Baptiste church whose oldest parts date back to the 13^th century. Boutiques bearing the greatest names in high fashion and jewelry are preset as well as a host of celebrities who vacation here throughout the year.

A family chalet

Nestled in the heart of the pine trees, on the slopes of Mont d’Arbois, Le Chalet Saint-Philippe is an architectural challenge. It stretches over several levels along the slope on which it is built. At first glance, it might mistakenly be thought of as a hundred year old chalet. In reality, the thousand-square meter woods on which it’s built were originally farms with mountain pastures. It was here that the hotel’s owner, Philippe Ginestet realized his dream of reproducing an old and traditional residence with the addition of every possible modern comfort. With a limited capacity of thirty guests, the chalet possesses seven residences and a presidential suite. The atmosphere throughout is typical alpine. Wood is present from the walls to the ceilings. Made to measure furniture by a local craftsman and old antique type objects give each room and each apartment a family like atmosphere. The bathrooms as well are made with old wood and have heated marble floors. From the seminar room to the high tech swimming pool, raw wood and stone are the order of the day, giving the chalet an exceptionally authentic charm. And for those who prefer more isolation, the Saint-Philippe hameau (hamlet) located down below, consists of three chalets also built with old wood. The Alpage, Refuge and Torrent offer the same exceptional facilities as their “older brother”, the Saint-Philippe, since each one has a private sauna and Jacuzzi.

In the 1920s, Baroness Maurice de Rothschild went to Saint-Moritz for a rest. On the advice of her ski monitor, Try Smith, she took a walk through the village of Megève, on the French side of the border. Totally charmed by the village, she decided to create a ski resort there, as trendy as Saint-Moritz.