Spread across three interconnecting wooden chalets a short way out of the pretty village of Megève, at first glance, Four Seasons Megève is pure Alpine tradition. Walking through the revolving door, however, it reveals itself as a smart, stylish and unashamedly exclusive ski retreat, welcoming guests all year round to discover the bountiful beauty of the French Alps.
Establishing itself quite easily as one of the resort’s leading hotels, Four Season Megève is compact but beautifully formed in its offering, with everything from a Michelin-starred restaurant and an outdoor smoking lounge to a huge kids’ area (with arcade games and a movie theater appealing to big kids too) and a sumptuous signature spa. You’d be hard-pressed to want for anything here.
Megève itself was developed as a luxurious ski destination by Baroness Noémie de Rothschild back in the 1920s when the family wanted a new alternative to nearby St Moritz. Since it first opened in 2017, the hotel has continued to be a collaboration between Four Seasons and the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage.
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The family’s presence can be felt in every corner of the hotel, from the extensive art collection, much of which is hand-picked by Ariane de Rothschild – Noémie’s granddaughter-in-law and president of the board of the Edmond de Rothschild Group – to the astronomical wine cellar which features some remarkable vintages from the family’s personal portfolio.
Stay
With a total of just 55 rooms and suites, Four Seasons Megève is wonderfully boutique in size. Even the most basic rooms are anything but, with subtle chocolate and cream-colored interiors, mesmerizing mountain views and irresistibly comfortable beds.
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For a more indulgent stay, however, book the Suite Mont Blanc. Occupying an entire floor, the suite is actually a combination of five separate accommodations that open out to offer a residential-style space for the entire family. The suite recently underwent a redesign courtesy of Pierre-Yves Rochon and emerged as a chic blend of traditional chalet style and modern luxe. There are no less than seven balconies, an entertainment room, a grand dining space and a cozy lounge.
New for the upcoming winter season is Suite Idéal – a unique accommodation concept up in the clouds. Accessed only via cable car, the suite is a vision of privacy with a sumptuous master bedroom, a dining area and a separate lounge, all of which offer unrivaled views of the snowy peak of Mont Blanc. The prime mountainside spot also means Suite Idéal guests have the rare opportunity to be the first to break the morning’s fresh powdery snow thanks to pre-opening slope access.
Dine
Food lovers are in for a treat at Four Seasons Megève. Despite its petite size, the hotel has an impressive three distinct dining destinations: Bar Edmond, which serves a bistro-style menu and a full array of signature cocktails; Kaito, where guests can indulge in creative Japanese fare; and La Dame de Pic – Le 1920.
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It is the latter that is the hotel’s real culinary star. Brandishing the signature cuisine of Anne-Sophie Pic, the Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic – Le 1920 is an unabashed celebration of French ingredients with a particular focus on local specialties such as Arctic char and Beaufort cheese.
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Each dish is singular in its flavor, with Pic’s love of experimentation littered throughout the menu, but the slab of Arctic Char, doused in whisky and served with grilled leeks, and the signature Le millefeuille blanc stand up as real highlights.
A photo album-sized wine menu featuring some very special vintages is presented to each table, too. It could intimidate even the most confident of oenophiles, but the skilled sommelier team is on hand to make excellent recommendations or compile a full pairing.
Although this is fine dining in its purest form, expect refreshingly friendly and informal service, as well as a stylish but un-stuffy setting. A visit to Megève is not complete without an evening at La Dame de Pic.
Relax
Kitted out in a swish monochrome style that is seemingly at odds with the rest of the hotel, the spa at Four Seasons Megève is an Art Deco marvel. Grand columns flank the heated swimming pool, with the swim-in, swim-out function inviting guests to take an outdoor dip all year round. Not much beats an alfresco swim while snow falls around you.
Back inside, the oversized lounge beds are good enough to spend the night on, while a menu of mini poolside spa treatments is a lovely touch.
Adjoining the pool area is a compact but well-equipped gym area. The spa also regularly hosts a guest yoga teacher, who offers both a regular class schedule and the option for private sessions in the hotel’s unique outdoor geodesic dome.
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The spa’s extensive main treatment menu draws on the notorious healing power of Alpine ingredients. The signature ‘A Stroll Through Megève’ is a rejuvenating experience that includes a full-body scrub, luscious massage and a mini facial, with each step harnessing the nourishing properties of the edelweiss flower. We can all but promise your skin will have never looked better by the end.
Explore
Proudly staking a claim as the resort’s first hotel with direct slope access, the main appeal at Four Seasons Megève is, naturally, the skiing. There are three main ski areas (Mont d’Arbois, Rochebrune and Le Jaillet), which cover a total of over 200 miles, but the nearest pistes can be found on Mont d’Arbois. A dedicated ski concierge team will arrange everything from your kit to ski passes. Warm up with a hot cocoa (or something stronger) when you’re finished for the day.
There’s plenty to explore for non-skiers and during the summer months too. Just a short way from the hotel is the 18-hole Mont d’Arbois Golf Course, to which hotel guests can enjoy preferential access. Designed by three-time British Open winner Sir Henry Cotton, the course is one of the best in the region.
For nature lovers, miles of pristine hiking trails surround the hotel, with views seemingly plucked from a scene out of the Sound of Music. There’s the option to hire e-bikes too. To really absorb those incredible Alpine views, don’t pass up the chance for a private helicopter ride over the peaks.
The adventures don’t stop there, with the concierge team also on hand to arrange the likes of fishing trips, paddleboarding, canyoning and quad biking, as well as trips into the upmarket village of Megève itself. A branded Four Seasons mini-van is on hand to whisk guests around or, for the full Alpine experience, there’s always the horse-drawn carriage.
Summer rates from €545 (approx. $545); winter from €1,650 (approx. $1,650), fourseasons.com
