Abercrombie & Kent Villas Announce Best of the Best Chalet Awards 2013

A&K Villas announces that its Chalet of the Season award goes to...Chalet Trois Couronnes (pictured): Verbier's largest eco-friendly property that uses solar and geothermal power to heat the property. Brand new this season and with a vast vaulted art gallery and retractable swimming pool floor, covered with a stunningly detailed Italian mosaic, it is a hugely impressive chalet and this year’s overall winner!

And with so many fantastic chalets in A&K Villas portfolio, they have selected the following Best in Class categories:

Best … In Design

Brand New 2012/13: 600sqm of quirky designer glamour – including a Harley Davidson in the entrance – Chalet One Oak in Megéve is deemed to be ‘the coolest chalet’ in the Alps with interiors combining modern chic and traditional Alpine timbers and exceptional views over three mountain ranges. Sleeping up to 12 people, the six bedrooms all have state of the art technology… but the piece de resistance must be the superb master suite with its private balcony, fireplace, Jacuzzi and a black granite rain shower…

Built and owned by internationally acclaimed architect: Incredibly stylish and original, Heinz Julen Penthouse was designed by Zermatt's world famous, Heinz Julen. The double level 260m2 Penthouse is filled with original handmade furniture (including Julen's famous chandeliers and chairs) and unique design features… such as a fireplace nestling in the middle of the living room window.

Simply Traditional: Chalet Alaska in Courchevel 1850 is the epitome of cosy alpine design with stunning rustic rooms, beamed ceilings and sumptuous rugs… not to mention a characterful ‘treehouse’ sitting room with its wooden beams and ladder-like stairs.

Best…. For Spa

Grotto Style: Simple bare stone walls and wooden beams characterise the spa area at Chalet Anchorage, Courchevel 1850 offering a heavenly grotto-esque retreat for the end of the day. And with its colourfully lit Jacuzzi with waterfall and state of the art hammam, there is nowhere you’d rather be.

Largest Chalet Spa in the Alps: Goes to… Chalet Norte in Verbier with its 11m indoor pool with floor to ceiling windows, waterfall and spectacular views, outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, two massage rooms and fitness centre.

State of the Art: The beautiful old wooden exterior is traditionally Swiss, but deceptively Chalet Bella Coola is of the most ultra-modern chalets in design and full of surprises. Through giant, antique Indian gates lies a spectacular spa area: large tiled steam room with a fibre optic ceiling constellation and an indoor pool with its own underwater sound system and massage jets to soothe those aching muscles…

Best…For Party Lovers

House Parties: Follow in the footsteps of Robbie Williams and Elton John and party at Heinz Julen Loft, Zermatt a Manhattan-style loft apartment formerly Julen’s private home.

Superb Location: Right in the heart of the popular resort of Verbier, lies the stylish apartment, La Vallee Blanche. Aside from being within walking distance to the main Medran lift, shops and restaurants it is also a conveniently stumbling distance to the famous après ski bar, Fer A Cheval and so ideal for some late night partying.

Sophisticated Chill: Owned by Pamela Nicholson, the music TV-producing, professional piano-player and mother of rock violinist Vanessa Mae, Chalet Himalaya has everything needed for a relaxing evening in – from bespoke food with flowing house champagne of Perrier Jouet to a cigar room and massive cinema screen… oh and heated loo seats throughout!

Home Nightclub: The uber-luxurious Chalet Marco Polo in Val d’Isere not only has flowing house Perrier-Jouet champagne but there is also a bar area that can be transformed into a nightclub, complete with DJs from Val d’Isere’s premiere nightclub Doudoune.

Best… For Families

Best Bunk Room: Chalet Montana, Val D’Isere has arguably the prime spot in Les Carats, and while being one of the chicest chalets around, is also one of the most child friendly with stacks of children’s toys and books. It has six bedrooms, one of which doubles up as a brilliantly conceived wooden wonderland and bunkroom sleeping up to 6 children. Each bunk bed has its own pair of tartan curtains to make for an extra cosy night’s sleep…as well as a dreamy daytime den.

Best for Sledging: Modern family chalet yet with the charm of a Tyrolian home, Chalet Illimani in St Anton sleeps 8 adults and 4 children, with a further staff bedroom for a nanny. Aside from the games room, table tennis and draws full of toys, the chalet is surrounded by open spaces so fantastic for sledging or making snowmen.

Multi Family: Chalet Nyumba is split into 2 parts, the main chalet and a guest Mazot so perfect for two families. The Mazot is set out as a separate family suite with a small kitchenette and dining area, double bedroom on the first floor and large sleeping area in the eves. The main chalet comes with a children’s play room and fantastic cinema room ideal for entertaining children while parents enjoy a glass of champagne in the living room. Also has a swimming pool.

Best… For Romance

Rare Romantic Retreat for Two: Once a hay store, Chalet Petite Marmotte, is now a beautiful rustic and cosy retreat just for two – complete with wood burning stove to snuggle round. Idyllically positioned with breathtaking mountain scenery and ski in ski out luxury, the mini chalet is a rare romantic bolthole in the Alps.

Hot Tub on Balcony: Chic and stylish and in a great location, Max is the only apartment in Verbier which has a hot tub on its balcony…a perfect spot to unwind whilst enjoying the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

The Recipe for Love: After a day on the slopes pick a bottle from Chalet Jazzi, Zurs’ vast wine list and settle in to an evening of romance and splendidly spoiling cuisine. A purpose built temperature and humidity controlled cave, the wine cellar is home to over a thousand bottles of fine Old and New World wines and champagne, which can be paired with Michelin starred standard cuisine.

For more information please visit www.akvillas.com/ski

About: Abercrombie & Kent Villas - Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Cote d'Azur, Provence, Golf, Ski