Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/meribel-touirms-chalets.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67286" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/meribel-touirms-chalets.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/meribel-touirms-chalets-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/meribel-touirms-chalets-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/meribel-touirms-chalets-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re tempted by the idea of world class skiing with a side-helping of the <a href="https://www.antares-wellness.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alps’ first luxury medi-spa</a>, may I suggest you book that flight for Geneva, check you can still get into salopettes (nope, me neither) and head for the <a href="https://www.antares-meribel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarès Residence</a> Méribel, 63 brand new luxury ski in-ski-out apartments in Bélvedère, perched handily with direct access to the slopes, and a five minute drive down into the main village. </p>



<p>Méribel is geographically centre of the seven ski resorts that make up the biggest ski area in the world &#8211; the 600kms of skiing across Les Trois Vallées. The resort was founded by a Scottish Colonel,&nbsp;Peter Lindsay, in the 1930s who was looking to establish a ski resort in France as Austria, and its close association with Germany, became less popular with the British. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-heart-Meribel-sign-Hero--750x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67227" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-heart-Meribel-sign-Hero--750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-heart-Meribel-sign-Hero--450x600.jpg 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-heart-Meribel-sign-Hero--394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-heart-Meribel-sign-Hero-.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><figcaption>Falling in love with Méribel</figcaption></figure>



<p>Even now Mèribel retains strong UK connections as the most popular Alps resort for UK skiers. But in case you’re imagining an Alpine version of Torremolinos, rest easy &#8211; Méribel has strict building laws that means there are no Tigne-style high rises, and the look and feel of the village remains attractive and coherent, with stone and wooden chalets. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1240" height="698" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-meribel-oxford-sk-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-67268" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-meribel-oxford-sk-1.jpeg 1240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-meribel-oxford-sk-1-600x338.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-meribel-oxford-sk-1-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-meribel-oxford-sk-1-900x507.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px" /><figcaption>Antarès Residence </figcaption></figure>



<p>Understated luxe. If the accommodation in Courchevel is all &#8216;look-at-me&#8217; bling, Antarès at Méribel is its elegant cousin, considerably better off, and with excellent taste, but not inclined to boast about it. Within the main building – where you’ll also find the 600m of spa &#8211; there’s a comfy, inviting large reception area, with some fantastic coffee table books (I spent hours with huge A2 Picasso tome), Scandi-chic furnishings, and a variety of apartments. </p>



<p>A second chalet just to its right across the road where I stayed is similarly high-end, with an attractive café-bar with retro-boucle seating, a small children’s play room, and a ski hire shop exclusively for guests which was something of an epiphany. Basically I’m never booking anywhere without an onsite hire facility again. I know I&#8217;m stated the flippin&#8217; obvious but skiing holidays are <em>so much more relaxing </em>when you meander into a private room, collect your equipment, then head straight off to the slopes. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE APARTMENT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="663" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-13-at-22.57.10-1000x663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67223" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-13-at-22.57.10-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-13-at-22.57.10-600x398.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-13-at-22.57.10-792x525.jpg 792w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-13-at-22.57.10.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A modern mash up between Alpine and mid-century aesthetics and frankly more tasteful than any home I’m likely to ever own. The four bedroom apartment was so airy we couldn’t find each other’s bedrooms at first. The master had its own little sitting room and those of us who lost at the rock-paper-scissors competition to rest our heads there had the consolation of our own floor to ceiling windows, balconies, wooden ceilings and tactile furnishings.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bedroom-Antares-Meribel--750x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67293" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bedroom-Antares-Meribel--750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bedroom-Antares-Meribel--450x600.jpg 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bedroom-Antares-Meribel--394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bedroom-Antares-Meribel-.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Room-Antares-Meribel-breakfast-bar--750x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67294" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Room-Antares-Meribel-breakfast-bar--750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Room-Antares-Meribel-breakfast-bar--450x600.jpg 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Room-Antares-Meribel-breakfast-bar--394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Room-Antares-Meribel-breakfast-bar-.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p>The communal sitting area had a huge balcony, and there was also a generous dining table for 10. Though the wood burner in the lounge threatened to be a bit smoky, and the kitchen was slightly smaller than a party of 8 might desire (though let’s face it, no-one will be cooking here, it’s a ‘dial the chef’ kind of place), the over-riding impression was luxury and home comfort.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE SPA</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1240" height="698" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-oxford-ski-pool.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-67222" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-oxford-ski-pool.jpeg 1240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-oxford-ski-pool-600x338.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-oxford-ski-pool-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-oxford-ski-pool-900x507.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px" /></figure>



<p>Antarès Wellness Méribel will have you at hello when you eye the 25m hotel pool, looking out over the snow in the day and reflecting its own beauty at night, but there’s plenty more than breast stroke and Insta fodder here, including a salt cave, private sleep pods, cryo-suite, hammam, an onsite aesthetic clinic, and a whole Antarès Wellness programme that incorporates a health check up, natural therapies (breathing techniques, reiki, sound bath, cupping, acupuncture, osteopathy, ceremonial cacao, reflexology), high-tech treatments (cryotherapy, radiofrequency and LEDs), and then active movement from pilates, yoga, PTs, exercise in water and gyrotonics.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-Meribel-relaxation-area-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67228" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-Meribel-relaxation-area-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-Meribel-relaxation-area--600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-Meribel-relaxation-area--700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Basically if you’re a skiing widow, left from 9am – 5pm while your partner pounds the slopes with legs like pistons, or you’re someone who enjoys half a day skiing with a long lunch, but are looking for a more holistic way to spend some of your downtime, this spa is a godsend. During my time at the spa i tried Wim Hof breathing along with a sound bath, neither of which particularly in my comfort zone, but I enjoyed both immensely. Wim Hof in particular is quite an out-there experience, where your whole body starts to tingle as you load up on oxygen. The massage that followed was sublime, and I spent the next hour and draping myself around the swimming pool, sauna and steamroom in a state of super-relaxation. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_7507.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67229" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_7507.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_7507-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_7507-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>The infra-red sauna</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE SKIING</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hero-Meribel-snowboard.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67297" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hero-Meribel-snowboard.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hero-Meribel-snowboard-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hero-Meribel-snowboard-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Muddy hits the Méribel pistes &#8211; fresh snow and blue skies! </figcaption></figure>



<p>As a long dormant snowboarder with two ACL knees and a bad back from two C-sections (thanks for nothing kids), I wasn’t sure how sensible it would be get on the slopes at all, but it was too tempting so I did it, and it was brilliant. The early January panic of no snow in the Alps had passed by the time I was in the resort, and I spent the morning pootling down the easy runs in fresh powder, with glorious sunshine  and an instructor from <a href="http://www.esf-meribel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESF Méribel</a> to pick me up off the snow from time to time. It’s very family friendly in Méribel and beginner/improver skiers are very welcome with a swathe of wide, easy runs (my natural territory) but more technical experienced skiers and snowboarders are more than catered for too, reflected in why Méribel&#8217;s the location for the 2023 World Ski Championships taking place at the mo.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>EAT! DRINK!</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-Meribel-mountain-restaurant-750x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67231" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-Meribel-mountain-restaurant-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-Meribel-mountain-restaurant-450x600.jpg 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-Meribel-mountain-restaurant-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Antares-Meribel-mountain-restaurant.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><figcaption>Maya Altitude &#8211; not your average gluvwein stop off </figcaption></figure>



<p>Those who haven’t visited Méribel for some time will have a pleasant gastro surprise on their return, with a swathe of chic places to dine. Up on the slopes at the top of the Tougnète chairlift with a 360 degree view of the Belleville Valley and Mont Blanc is <a href="http://www.maya-altitude.com/">Maya Altitude</a>, more stylish high-end brasserie than soggy gluvwein stop off (seriously you have to go, it’s awesome), whilst <a href="http://www.closbernard.com/en/">Le Clos Bernard</a> in Méribel Altiport is charmingly traditional Savoyard experience, a wooden chalet restaurant with a popular outdoor terrace, and accessible by ski, foot or horse-drawn carriage. The big draw here is the open kitchen and huge grill as well as the atmosphere – it was packed out on the day I ate here. </p>



<p>If you’re looking to eat out in the resort, <a href="https://www.lecoucoumeribel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Coucou </a>restaurant within this five star hotel is a delicious, if searingly expensive, option &#8211; but there, that’s what a Michelin star will do for you. Alternatively <a href="https://en.lilie-meribel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lilie</a>, a Méribel institution since 1964, could be mistaken for Soho House with velvet banquette seating, tiled floors, rustic wooden wall panelling and retro bar stools. I can recommend the steak, immense and fabulous.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="641" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lilie-Meribel-bistro.png" alt="" class="wp-image-67296" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lilie-Meribel-bistro.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lilie-Meribel-bistro-600x385.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lilie-Meribel-bistro-819x525.png 819w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Lilie bistro and bar</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OUT AND ABOUT</strong></h2>



<p>If you want to try something a bit different, <a href="http://www.raquettevasion.com/">snowshoeing</a> with Raquett’Evasion is a worthwhile diversion for a morning – and more knackering than I expected tough maybe I’m just very unfit. (€36 per person for a half day walk + €7 for the snowshoes hire). I also tried an outdoor <a href="https://naturalhighproject.com/">yoga and breathing workshop</a> in a forest clearing with Pauline Banzet which I admit sounds slightly woowoo but was actually rather joyful. (€30 for 1 hour and 30 minutes).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1240" height="698" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-meribel-oxford-sk-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-67268" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-meribel-oxford-sk-1.jpeg 1240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-meribel-oxford-sk-1-600x338.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-meribel-oxford-sk-1-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/luxury-ski-chalet-meribel-antares-meribel-oxford-sk-1-900x507.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> If you’re looking to combine luxury, brilliant skiing and some self-care, you’re in the right place. The transfer is 2 hours from Geneva and 1 hour 20 from Chambéry which is breeze for adults and doable for families. Good news if you&#8217;re staying elsewhere but want to treat yourself &#8211; you don&#8217;t need to be an Antarès resident to access the spa.</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>The price tag at Antarès Residence is chunky – a one week stay in a four-bedroom apartment starts at £16,789. This isn&#8217;t a holiday for those constrained by budget, but even those on tighter purse-strings can do the maths &#8211; split between four couples it&#8217;s starting to feel like a doable treat.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.antares-meribel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antares-meribel.com/</a></p>


Luxury in the Alps: Antarès Wellbeing Spa, Méribel

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