Centurion Middle East Winter 2018

BLACKBOOK MOUNTAIN VIEW

BLACKBOOK MOUNTAIN VIEW High Style Affiliated yet still isolated, this trio of hotel-owned chalets provides superlative Alpine accommodation in winter and summer, writes JOHN McNAMARA DIE SCHMIEDALM, SAALBACH, AUSTRIA Flawlessly fitting into the picture-perfect surrounds of the Kitzbühel Alps, this three-floor, ten-person chalet is replete with modern comforts, from the snug pair of bunk beds in the gallery to the spacious master bedroom, living area and beyond. A heated terrace provides access to the clear Alpine air and further wellness facilities include a pool and Finnish sauna. And while utter seclusion can be assured, the facilities of the parent hotel, Unterschwarzachhof, including its 1,500sq m Alpen Spa, remain within easy reach, and a team of chefs is on hand to cater for all culinary needs. unterschwarzach.at PHOTOS CHRISTOPH SCHÖCH 32 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM CONTACT CENTURION SERVICE FOR BOOKINGS

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: © ULTIMA CRANS MONTANA CHALETS (2), SANDRO BURKHALTER, © GSTAAD PALACE (2), YANNICK ANDREA ULTIMA CRANS-MONTANA CHALETS, SWITZERLAND In 2016 Byron Baciocchi and Max-Hervé George garnered praise – and awards – with their debut residence Ultima Gstaad, and this December they raise the level of intimate sophistication a notch higher still with a pair of independent chalets with cutting-edge amenities in another Swiss resort. The newly conceived Crans-Montana outpost of Ultima is a 3,850sq eyrie with ten suites and dedicated billiard and fitness rooms which, along with its cosy six-bedroom sister property, benefits from a concierge service, on-site chef and direct access to the Ultima Spa and Clinic. ultimacollection.com WALIG HUT, GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND Built in 1783, this rare example of a surviving summer abode for local cattle farmers has been subtly renovated by the Gstaad Palace to provide a similarly seasonal retreat for intrepid mountain lovers. At 1,700 metres above Gsteig, visitors can take in spectacular views over the Bernese Alps while savouring a three-course menu or combine a stay at the renowned hotel with a night or two enjoying the rustic charm of a chalet that – wifi coverage and solar panel-supplied electricity not withstanding – feels like a step back in time. palace.ch FOR THE LATEST ALPINE HAPPENINGS, GO TO: CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 33