Snowflakes fell softly onto my face as I glided through the heated outdoor pool. I reached the other side and looked out onto the sea of pine trees dusted in frost with mountain ranges peeping through the crisp sky.
There it hit me. Overwhelmed with disbelief, I felt the need to pinch myself for that it seemed all too good to be true. But it really was.
My stay with Ultima Collection was the most luxurious and lavish stay I have ever experienced, and probably will ever experience.
With the most wealthy guests as regular residents, including the likes of the Qatar Royal Family, it would be no surprise to see a Manchester footballer or a local tycoon on the books - with an approximate £90,000 cheque at the ready to rent out one of their chalets for the week.
I was lucky enough to stay at two different locations just a two-hour drive a part; firstly Megève in France, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc, and then onto Crans-Montana in Switzerland.
But owners Byron Baciocchi and Max-Hervé George, who are only in their mid-thirties, have their aspirations set high as these aren't the only properties to their accolade.
The Ultima Collection encompasses another two chalets high up in the mountains in Gstaad, Switzerland, and Courchevel in France, with another in Geneva, Switzerland, on the way this year.
And set aside from their characterful chalets is a new extravagant resort opening for easter this year in Corfu, Greece - which will boast ocean views, two infinity pools joined by a waterfall, and of course, it comes with its very own private beach and boat.
The Ultima Collection ethos is that guests can be in complete comfort and privacy whilst holidaying, with everything to their individual tastes and needs, exactly how they like it.
It's a home from home where just about anything can be personalised - even down to choosing the flavour of Baobab scented candles in your room or the type of pillows you prefer.
Each boutique chalet comes with exceptional service; with your very own concierge, butlers, driver, and a top private chef - who will cook a gourmet menu tailored to your tastes and requests.
Megève
The picturesque drive up to the property in Megève from Geneva airport at first seems inconspicuous. There’s a village-like feel as you pass locals living remotely with horses in their back gardens. But we keep on climbing higher before pulling into a private driveway housing a pristine chalet with a sapphire glass wolf statue guarding the door.
This chalet is certainly set apart from its neighbours. Inside, the atmosphere is laid-back yet super stylish, which is enhanced with furniture in neutral and calming earth tones.
As you’d expect from an alpine chalet, wooden paneling is a main theme, but there’s a modern charm as the dark wood is mixed with sophisticated bronze tones, metal, leather, and marble touches.
It feels as though we've landed in James Bond’s hideaway.
The main living space is open plan and is cleverly designed in split levels, with eye-catching contemporary artwork on the walls - which is a theme throughout the Ultima properties.
While the large fireplace set away from the wall creates a dreamy focal point, windows and French patio doors open onto a balcony running along the back wall so that you can daze out onto the incredible mountainous scenery.
The 1,500sqm property hosts up to 18 people and each beautifully designed bedroom has connecting dressing rooms and bathrooms. The rooms are spread out around the chalet, but one master bedroom in particular has a bathroom and dressing area that would equate to the size of a Manchester city centre flat alone.
Aside from the immaculate bedrooms, this of course isn’t just any old chalet, as it comes with a wine cellar, its own underground nightclub and arcade game room, along with an indoor pool, gym, spa and aesthetics clinic.
While there’s plenty to do inside the chalet, our driver took us down to the cobbled town centre, where there were designer shops (ideal for filling your dressing room), restaurants, and a grand church of Saint Jean Baptiste to explore.
My trip was at the end of November, just before the ski season kickstarts, so the locals were busy preparing for the influx of tourists.
Crans-Montana
The Swiss stay in the Valais region was on another level; the property was even bigger and even more indulgent.
It was jaw-dropping opulence from the moment you were greeted by the faultless staff in the entrance hallway; where your attention was immediately drawn to the 15m sparkling chandelier dripping down from the top of the stairwell.
Consisting of two independent chalets sprawling across 4,500sqm that can be separately rented or hired together, we resided in the larger of the two, which would be ideal for a big reunion or family gathering.
It consisted of six large master suites, each with their own marbled bathroom and stylish dressing room, and each with enchanting, panoramic views of the mountains.
Crans-Montana houses the Ultima signature style, but heightened. There was a repeat of the classic mix of dark wood paneling with clean and cool furnishings, but with added glam.
While the chalet boasts silver metal furnishings, you’re met with a gigantic bronze fireplace in the double living room, which was even engraved with the brand’s sleek logo. Following an aperitif, you can head to the adjoining dining room that comes with a glass fridge filled with expensive wines spanning the whole length of the room.
Ideal for those wishing to work abroad, both chalets also come with offices, and there’s a billiards room and cigar lounge to relax in afterwards.
As a big promoter of wellbeing, the property houses fitness facilities including a gym and yoga studio - where you can request your own instructor, and an unmissable 1,000spm spa - the largest in the area - equipped with massage treatment rooms; a snow shower to cool yourself down after a session in the sauna; a hammam built with twinkling lights in the ceiling; and relaxing sunbeds looking out onto the outdoor heated pool. The larger chalet also has an outdoor jacuzzi pool, where you can unwind in the evening whilst sipping a cocktail of your choice.
Over in the smaller and more intimate chalet, there’s eight master bedrooms, along with two large adorable dorm rooms for up to eight children, and also a hi-tech cinema room with Apple TV and Netflix - perfect for a movie night.
More low-key than the others, this chalet also comes equipped with a kitchen if guests would prefer to cook for themselves instead of heading for a more formal dinner.
While you may want to hibernate in your chalet for the whole duration of your stay, there’s plenty to do in Valais including scenic walks, wine tasting, and of course, trying out warming fondant or raclette in the many eateries.
The Crans-Montana property is perfectly located right next to the slopes and comes with its own ski school, or if you’re residing there in the off-season, you can head out on a snow walk with a picnic to take in the fairytale-like views.
Ultima Collection is growing rapidly and rightly so. The entire hospitality experience ticks every box for a uniquely luxurious stay that can’t compare, nor can it be forgotten.
Megève
Summer prices: 60,000 EUR for a weekly rental. Winter prices: 75,000 – 160,000 EUR for a weekly rental.
Crans Montana Chalet 1
Summer prices: 65,000 CHF for a weekly rental. Winter prices: 75,000 – 145,000 CHF for a weekly rental.
Crans Montana Chalet 2
Summer Prices: 35,000 CHF for a weekly rental. Winter prices: 50,000 – 90,000 CHF for a weekly rental.
You can find out more information at https://www.ultimacollection.com/
