Set high above the ski village of Demi-Quartier, Ultima Megève is no ordinary ski hotel. It’s alpine living dialled all the way up. Two grand, interlinked chalets form a private, for-rent estate of their own, hosting up to 18 people in rooms where rough-hewn timber and stone meet cutting-edge design.
Every detail speaks the language of luxury: there’s a private cinema, basement nightclub and a spa that could hold its own against any five-star resort in the Alps. Step onto the terraces and the valley opens up beneath you – still and blanketed in snow. The place really does capture a balance between seclusion and utter indulgence.
The location is a big part of the magic. Just a few minutes from Megève’s centre, the chalet sits in peaceful meadows overlooking Mont Blanc – close enough to dip into the action when you want to, yet far enough to feel like your own pocket of the Alps. The ski lifts at Domaine Évasion Mont Blanc are just a seven-minute drive away, while the village’s cafés, boutiques and lively après-ski scene are also nearby. Geneva Airport is only an hour away, and if you prefer a grand entrance, it does have its very own helipad.
The combined chalets have been designed to complement one another: one comes alive around the bar and wraparound terrace; the other is slower – perfect for fondue by the fire or late-night films. But despite its size, Ultima somehow feels surprisingly warm and welcoming; in the day, sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighting the polished surfaces of timber, bronze and marble. The sofas? Absolutely sink-in worthy, the kind that makes you want to stay put with a book for hours.
But what truly sets Ultima apart is the way it’s run. The wonderful team – from the chalet manager and chef to the butlers, driver and spa therapist – ensure each stay is completely tailored to you. That means every single detail, from your morning beverage to the temperature of the jacuzzi, is personalised and handled with care.
Chef Alessandro Bergamo, whose culinary journey includes a position as sous chef at the two-Michelin-starred Maison Benoît Vidal, crafts each menu from scratch around your personal taste; creations range from exciting tasting menus to laid-back brunches with all the trimmings (dietary restrictions aren’t a problem). Even the dining room glass can be misted on demand, giving you the option to dine privately or watch the chefs at work.
Early evenings at Ultima Megève draw you instinctively toward the spa, where the indoor pool opens onto mountain views framed by the snow-dusted pines. After a slow swim, you can unwind further in the hammam or massage room, where therapists use Seed to Skin – a luxurious Italian skincare line known for its 100 per cent natural formulas and green molecular science. From the scent of essential oils to the lighting, everything is designed to help you unwind after a day on the slopes.
Close your eyes and picture the ultimate ski retreat, and this is what comes to mind. What stands out most to me is how it unites the polish of a world-class retreat paired with the ease of a private home so effortlessly. Add in its unbeatable access to some of France’s best skiing, and it’s tricky to imagine a more perfect winter escape.
Ultima Megève, 543 Rte de la Fouettaz, 74120 Demi-Quartier, France; ultimacollection.com
Scarlet Bailey Tait is based in London and specialises in writing about travel and culture
