From the moment that we walked through the door, everything was instantly taken care of glass of champagne immediately in hand, bags already whisked up to our room. Hmmmm, that's a definite YES from me! The warm welcome that followed from the charismatic and delightfully eccentric team ensured our shoulders instantly dropped and we could settle into our few nights of freedom.
I had viewed The Lodge in Verbier on a couple of occasions in the past but it had been perhaps 6 years since my last visit. The Lodge still retains its wow factor as you walk through the door. Understated and not in your face, The Lodge is an elaborate home from home environment in the beauty of the mountains. Continued tweaks in the chalet, be it changes in the bedrooms, or soft furnishings throughout the living spaces, ensure that the chalet still firmly sits high and proud amongst the best luxury chalets in Verbier.
A team of 15 are responsible for ensuring that guests in The Lodge Verbier never need to lift a finger, other than perhaps to raise an arm into the air when asked whether they would like their glass topped up. The team dynamic in The Lodge is apparent, with everyone knowing one anothers role and strengths, working together to deliver the epitome of luxury chalet service.
The Lodge in the summer months is rented on a room by room, hotel style, basis. We were joined by six other couples for the time that we were there, only two of whom knew one another. It created a convivial atmosphere from the off, with everyone staying in the same mind-set. Lets make the most of the pampering and get this party started!
We settled into The Lodge by enjoying the fantastic spa and wellness facilities..well, mostly the hot tubs. Sipping on cold bubbles whilst sat in hot ones. An essential combination.
Our private dining table had been set beautifully in the window of our bedroom, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An epic sunset, ever changing in colour was an undisputed highlight of the few days. We were delivered the essentials of our meal..a bottle of bubbly, and a jug of water. A fabulous meal had, and we only needed to step across the room to then roll into bed for an early night and a much needed catch up on sleep.
Photo: Alps In Luxury
When we arrived to breakfast the following morning at 10am I was incredibly surprised to see only one other couple at the table. My thoughts were that everyone had disappeared up the hill already, making the most of the beautiful morning sunshine. However, as we sat and ate, we chatted with the team and planned our hikes for the day.
We opted for the highly recommended Bisse du Levron. We were set on our way with a lovingly prepared picnic backpack, with the obligatory bottle of champagne and plastic flutes. Is there anything they don't think of?!
Photo: Alps In Luxury
We headed up the Medran to Les Ruinettes, and from there dropped to the start of the Bisse du Levron, located above the arrival station of the gondola. This stunning walk follows the man made Bisse which acts as a natural irrigation system and also provides fresh mountain water to the villages down the valley. Arguably one of the most beautiful walks in the Alps that we have experienced, with continued views down into Verbier accompanied by the sound of the constant flow of the Bisse. It is mountain escapism at its finest.
Photo: Alps in luxury
We chose to stop for our champagne picnic on a bench positioned amongst the Sentier des Sculptures with numerous wooden carvings dotted amongst the trees, with a jaw dropping view down to Le Chable and Brusons. It was the perfect spot to once again cosy up and enjoy one anothers company. We reluctantly picked ourselves up from the bench and finished the walking route. The icing on the cake being the view of the Chute du Bisse at the end of the trail where the water tumbles from the rock face down.
Photo: Alps In Luxury
On our return to The Lodge we found all other guests already congregated in the living room, well more around the bar actually. A few too many cocktails had by all and before we knew it, it was time for dinner. A sumptuous affair with first class service. The after dinner party was taken down to the entertainment room, equipped with pool table, bar and a big screen TV area.
Photo: Alps In Luxury
Every guest was enjoying the stay and who could blame them? The Lodge offers a home from home environment where everyone comes together as friends. Nothing is too much trouble, just ask and it will be delivered. It is this incredible dedication to an ethos of exceptional but not in-your-face service that has built the reputation of The Lodge as one of the undisputed leaders in the luxury chalet rental market.
Photo: Alps In Luxury
With thanks to Andy Castle. To read the full blog, visit alpsinluxury.com/blog/the-v-factor