I’ll admit that I may not be the world’s most avid “outdoor person” - but launching yourself down a mountain (either on skis or an enormous mountain bike) has an appeal that never gets old. That said, my favourite part of my alpine adventures is always traipsing in from the bracing mountain weather, peeling off the layers and sinking into a bath with far too many bubbles. It’s because of this love of home comforts that, no matter what time of year we go, I insist on the utmost luxury; enter the Résidence Pierre et Vacances Les Terraces d’Hélios *****, an irresistibly charming residence in the heart of the French Alps.
Where some Alpine retreats favour kitsch décor that feels more saccharine than stylish, the Résidence Pierre et Vacances Les Terraces d’Hélios ***** opted for a refreshingly paired back design that gives a much needed contemporary twist to the quintessential chalet warmth. While cushy sofas and blankets were in abundance giving an extra homely feel (a big plus on my list) the blonde wood panelling amplified the bright light coming from the Massif, creating a modern vibe that felt like a breath of fresh mountain air.
While we loved the self-catering aspect of the residence, giving us complete freedom to eat and explore as we saw fit, the residence made sure we were thoroughly pampered, too. After a day getting better acquainted with Mother Nature I always made sure to find time in my busy relaxation schedule for, well, more relaxation in the Deep Nature wellness centre. Likewise, when a day on the slopes left us too tired to consider cooking, the delightful culinary stylings of the on-site restaurant came to the rescue and warmed us up from the inside out. Even in our independent chalet, the Résidence Pierre et Vacances Les Terraces d’Hélios ***** always ensured we enjoyed our Alpine retreat in the lap of absolute luxury.