Montana Lodge & Spa, La Thuile, Italian Alps - Explore & Book
"This might look like an unassuming, traditional wooden chalet from the outside, but you step inside to an oasis of cool: designer interiors with industrial-chic lighting, oversized leather sofas, quirky coffee-table books and signature resin stags' heads adorning the walls. A perfect antidote to Alpine chintz, Montana's 55 rooms are chic and spacious, with tree-trunk bedside tables, Cole & Son Woods wallpaper, glass paneling and contemporary Italian rocking chairs. Downstairs, waiters glide in the elegant Stars restaurant, and there's a sophisticated spa and heated indoor pool. Yet whilst it's an obvious choice for urbanites and couples, it's surprisingly good for style-conscious young families, too, who love the easy vibe, plus there's a playroom and kid-friendly menu in the restaurant. La Thuile itself is a pretty Alpine resort, lively in the winter but never as crowded as other, bigger resorts. The slopes are never busy so queues for lifts are rare, and the hotel is 10 mins on foot from the centre of town, so it’s very quiet: just you and the mountains. A great base for snowsports in winter and climbing, walking and pony-treks in the warmer months. Highs Skiing either side of the French and Italian borders, in the silent presence of Mont Blanc and Rutor glacier. There are 160km of slopes in the resort, a range of nursery, intermediate and advanced runs Staff are delightful, highly professional and genuinely charming; service is impeccable Inventive and elegantly presented food that blends the contemporary with the classics Swedish Haestens beds. Just dreamy Lows A hell of a drive over the Petit St Bernard Pass (closed in winter) to get here! Or go via the Montblanc tunnel. Book a transfer and let someone else worry about it Bathrooms are mostly shower-only (the Deluxe Suites have in-room tubs), but there are several Jacuzzis and a sauna down in the spa The colour scheme is quite monochrome and a little gloomy - taupes, beiges, chocolates and creams" - Belinda Archer
