Chalet Grace – The ultimate fairytale chalet
Chalet Grace is one of the most luxurious chalets in Zermatt and a favourite in the Ultimate Luxury Chalets Office. I was delighted to be invited on a short stay with them to mark the end of another successful ski season and I couldn’t wait to get out into resort!
We were collected by electro-taxi from the train station and taken up to the exclusive Petit Village area of Zermatt, a small suburb set high on the mountain as you enter resort and two minutes by taxi from the Sunnegga Express lift. It is three minutes drive from the village centre or a leisurely 15 minute stroll (downhill), however unless you are into your mountain climbing it may be preferable to get an electro-taxi back up to the chalet!
On arrival, I was greeted by Chalet Manager, Upton Clarke, a familiar face in Zermatt having been a part of Grace since it was first built. Alongside Upton as Manager, the chalet has it’s own concierge, Michelin trained chef and a team of experienced staff to help settle guests in.
I was advised that staff attend a bespoke finishing school each year in Zermatt, which includes teaching by Jane Urquhart of the London Academy, formally known as Greycoats Academy. This level of teaching really stood out for me during my stay as staff were so friendly and informative, yet professional and most noticeably discreet. The training also helps staff better understand characteristics and preferences for guests from all nationalities and cultures so a really in depth approach to hosting in my opinion.
My bags were whisked away, the morning tea and evening wine topped up regularly, my bed made, towels changed and special touches placed around my bedroom each day, without me even noticing!
Chalet Grace is a uniquely designed chalet that definitely has the wow factor. The split level living and dining area is especially breathtaking with floor to ceiling windows framing the village and Matterhorn in front. The scene was like something from a Hollywood blockbuster and I couldn’t tear my eyes away, even when my back was turned sat on one of the sofas, I had to keep turning around to steal a glance and pinch myself.
Antique decorations and quirky features such as the medieval door for a coffee table and giant wooden lamps, work beautifully alongside the feminine furnishing and candles laid out along the staircase and individual rooms.
Once settled I spent my first afternoon sunbathing on the balcony of Chalet Grace, a glass of Champagne in hand and beautiful afternoon tea laid out in the formal living area with a huge fresh salmon, fruit salad, home make chocolate orange cake and box of finely selected tea and coffee. On the second day we were treated to pastries, home make carrot cake, fruit and freshly squeezed lemonade. I was taken aback at just how beautifully everything was presented, even for afternoon tea.
The evening meals were equally as thought out and impressive. James, the Scottish chef for Chalet Grace, presented us with a superb 7 course taster menu which included a mushroom and truffle soup, tenderly cooked veal and fab miniature rhubarb and custard shots for dessert, that was before the chocolate tart and carefully selected cheese board complete with a bottle of port. We were even treated to fresh Oysters, something guests at Chalet Grace will no doubt become accustomed to! I was too scared to try them, but apparently they were delicious.
I was lucky enough to get a tour of neighbouring Chalet Maurice set slightly above Grace and Chalet Les Anges which is the biggest of the three luxury chalets. All share the same spectacular views of the village below and Matterhorn that Zermatt is famed for. Chalet Maurice even has its own private funicular transporting both you and your bags from street level directly into the chalet!
After a glorious days spring skiing and lunch in the well renowned Chez Vrony restaurant on the slopes, I returned only to be invited to a 30 mins back and neck massage in the chalet’s spa and treatment room. Now I have had my fair share of massages living in sunny Bournemouth which is only a short drive from the spa crazy New Forest. I was also treated by work (thanks Andy & Fran) to a massage at a neighbouring 5* Hotel in Zermatt before my arrival to Chalet Grace which was fantastic, however I can honestly say the massage received in Chalet Grace is probably the best I have ever had so a huge thank you to Jessica for her relaxation skills!
The small touches are what distinguishes a luxury chalet from the true top end ultimate chalet and Grace certainly achieves this fully. The ski room has sweet snacks, suntan lotion and lip balm for guests to grab on their way out, the spa and relaxation area has a minibar with bottled water and fresh fruit. On my last evening my bedside table even had menthol foot gel to apply after a hard day’s skiing! This sent me into a perfect slumber in the relaxing super king-sized bed I had all to myself.
For us here at Ultimate Luxury Chalets, these personal touches are certainly key when offering a luxury chalet to our guests and it was fantastic to be able to experience the chalet, staff and exceptional service first hand.
I am certainly envious of anyone lucky enough to stay in Chalet Grace!
