After the day’s exertion, you deserve some me-time! Try the superb facilities of “Le Bachal” at the Hotel Hameau Albert Premier in Chamonix. Book in advance for wonderful massages, facials and more. Booking a treatment gives you access to all their facilities including a marvellous heated outdoor pool where you can luxuriate in warm water while taking in the stunning views. 20 minutes walk from the chalet.
The spa at the Albert Premier — Copyright Hameau Albert Premier
World champion snowboarder Eva now runs the superb Le Salon in central Chamonix for great haircuts and also offers lovely spa treatments.
Les Granges d’enHaut is a beautiful modern spa near Les Houches (car needed) with single or double treatment rooms available.
One of the best spas in the area is a 40 min drive away in Italy — the lovely baths of Pre-St-Didier are close to Courmayeur, and are a wonderful place to spend a day.
A drive of less than an hour through beautiful scenery takes you to the beautiful Swiss spa complex of Lavey-les-Bains. Kids also love the thermal baths here.
For simpler pleasures, swimming in a huge pool complete with giant waterslide, sauna and steam rooms, gym, ice rink, indoor climbing and tennis are among the facilities available at the Chamonix Centre Sportif.
Or arrange a visit to the chalet by a massage therapist, and luxuriate in your own private hot tub and sauna!
Shops open from 9am to 12 noon and then 2pm until 7 pm. Almost nothing opens 12–2, so settle in for a good lunch!
Hotel Morgane’s Midi Plat is one of the best value treats in Chamonix at 17 euros for two courses in the Michelin-starred Bistrot. Don’t be put off by the unremarkable exterior — the service is impeccable, the refurbished modern interior warm and elegant. Booking is advisable but not always necessary. The Morgane also has good spa facilities on offer.
For something lighter, the salads at Chambre Neuf, by the station, are really special — their toasted Chevre Chaud salad with apricots is the best in town.
Once you’ve sipped your irreproachable coffee, explore Chamonix’s shops — from upmarket boutiques like Chanel, Svarovski and (of course!) Mont Blanc to lovely interiors shops stocking exclusive French marques of homeware, such as the wonderful textures of Arpin, Othentiq, Rêves d’Hiver on the street leading up to the train station, and Le Chalet de Jules on the roundabout with the silver birches.
High rollers might like to swing by the casino for a spot of roulette.…or just finish off with a cocktail in the Clubhouse. This is the Chamonix sister bar of London’s Milk and Honey, with the same internationally acclaimed standard of imaginatively mixed drinks, good music and surprisingly unpretentious, laid-back atmosphere.
Seven days in Chamonix for non-skiers
Day 1: Getting your bearings
Day 2: Savoyarde Gastronomy
Day 3: Snow Safari
Day 4: Spa day and fabulousness
Day 5: Slow track to culture
Day 6: Explore the Alps
Day 7: Mont Blanc
