Scott Dunn: The Blog

This year we’re very excited to have our first guests in our three new, handpicked properties in Mallorca - La Font, Can Queneilles and Can Coloma. We are pleased to say the weather there is much warmer than here, the pools are sparkling and the terraces ready for a lot of al fresco dining. The chefs have got to know the local markets and where to source the best fresh food and the hosts are putting together the final touches. Lucie Scott, our resort manager in Mallorca has a few tips on what’s hot on the island.

Can Queneilles

What’s so special about Mallorca?

I absolutely love Mallorca – maybe that’s why this is my third summer here with Scott Dunn. For such a small island, Mallorca’s diversity means that there’s something to suit all tastes. History lovers will get their fix in Palma, Alcudía, Pollença, Valldemossa and Deia. Bird watchers can head to the Parque National de S’Albufera. You can indulge in a spot of retail therapy in Palma or at one of the weekly markets (Pollença’s is one of the best and takes place every Sunday morning). As far as I’m concerned, I love the rugged mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana that lead down to some beautiful coves and amazing turquoise waters.

The amazing turquoise waters

Do you have any tips for guests coming this summer?

If you’re feeling adventurous, try exploring some of the island on a bike. Mallorca is becoming an increasingly popular destination for cyclists with its relatively quiet roads and stunning scenery. There are lots of hills around if you want to test your fitness! If it’s not too hot, then a day in Palma is a real must. The city is steeped in history and there are a number of impressive sites to visit, including La Seu, the large cathedral on the water’s edge that took 15 generations of architects to complete. For a spot of retail therapy, there are designer boutiques on the Avinguida Jaume III whilst the area around the Passeig des Born is filled with little boutiques, art galleries and cafés.  

Where would you choose to spend your time on the island?

The Sunday market in Pollença is a must. Lovely fresh local produce and stalls with jewellery and art fill up the main square and the surrounding narrow side streets. For eating, 365 at the Hotel Son Brull, just outside Pollença is a really magical setting for drinks or dinner or both. It’s a former monastery that apparently had 365 windows. I love spending the day at the beautiful beaches at Formentor. The drive there is worthy of a day out in itself, although the road gets very busy in the height of the summer. The main beach is superb but there are other smaller coves in the area that are real gems and tend to be pretty quiet even in peak season, as access is only on foot or by sea.

One of the pretty Mallorcan streets

Do you have any favourite features in any of the villas?

Definitely. The views from La Font down to the bays of Pollença and Alcudía are breathtaking. I love watching a ferocious game of tennis early morning whilst having breakfast at Can Totxa. And the brilliant playroom at Can Queneilles – I think it’s going to be hard to keep adults out of there!

Have you got a favourite dish?

All the chefs have been working really hard on practicing their dishes for the summer – and we get to eat them. It’s great! I think it’s going to be hard to find anywhere on the island that can top the tapas that are served in our villas. And as for Sergio in Can Toxta, his suckling pig is amazing.

Are there any festivals or events this summer that are worth seeing?

The Fiesta de Patrona in Pollença at the beginning of August is unmissable. The highlight of the festival is the re-enactment of the battle between the Moors and the Christians. The story goes that the local Christians were almost caught unawares until their trusty lookout spotted the Moors approach in the dark of night. He roused the townspeople who ran out to defend themselves in their nightwear, be prepared to see a lot of people in their pyjamas!

“One of the brightest gems in the New England weather is the dazzling uncertainty of it. There is only one thing certain about it, you are certain there is going to be plenty of weather.” Mark Twain.

This is most certainly the case as Jules from our Loyalty team and Katie from our North America team found out recently, on a trip to discover some new hotels and retreats for our North American portfolio. Here is their guide to making the most of a few days in Boston…

Take a ferry to the Harbour Islands of Spectacle or Georges for a sunset clam bake or lunch at Jasper White’s Summer shacks.

Walk or take a Swan Boat through the Public Garden which is supposed to be the oldest botanical garden in the US.

Boston Public Gardens

Go and have a fabulous evening with the Boston Pops, Boston Ballet or the Boston Symphonic Orchestra or take in some local jazz or fresh oysters at the Union Oyster House or a delicious freshly made Cannoli at The Modern Pastry in Northend. 

Union Oyster House

Visit Paul Revere’s home and sites of the Freedom Trail after a plate of amazing pasta in the Northend’s Italian district.  For the more energetic, walk through the magnificent brownstones of Beacon Hill where the Freedom Trail starts and walk it all.

Freedom trail

Take in the fantastic shopping in Charles Street and Newbury’s golden street of designer shops is free just walk and dream…….Great restaurants and coffee shops when you tire of shopping.

Take a hub bike, ride around the city and visit the magnificent Public Library with its Chavannes murals and The Abbey Room and don’t forget the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum or Science Museum if you are feeling like a bit of culture and brain food. 

Go to Umi in the chic Elliot hotel after 11 from Thursday nights thru Saturday for late night ramen (noodles) and queue with the locals then try one of their ‘Mad Scientist’s’ special cocktails like the Bull’s Eye Gin & Tonic or a Kate & William. 

Walk around the Haymarket at the weekend and watch the Bostonians do their shopping from a selection of divinely fresh produce then drop into Cheers for a burger to see where the sitcom was shot. 

Finally try the hip bar at The Mandarin Oriental to people watch and dine against the wine wall at Asano afterwards……

Jules and Katie dine in the Asano at The Mandarin Oriental

An intimate land full of endless adventure and soulful self-discovery.

Vicky Hogg, a specialist in our Asia Pacific team, is currently away on a 3 week adventure in China. Here she shares some of her highlights from her time in the south-western province of Yunnan…

The colourful prayer flags that can be seen all over Yunnan

I’m not sure what I expected from my trip to China, but one thing is for sure, I didn’t think that I would fall in love with the country as much as I have with thanks to the beautiful countryside, welcoming people and fascinating culture of Yunnan. 

After having spent 3 hectic days (mainly eating and shopping!) in Hong Kong, my first stop in mainland China was the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang… and what a contrast! At an altitude of 2,400m above sea level, this historic town is set deep in the Yunnan province, which borders onto Tibet, and offers a fascinating insight into rural China. Surrounded by a magical mixture of mountains, wild scenery, and 22 ethnic minority groups (there are over 50 ethnic groups in the whole of Yunnan, making up over 90% of all ethnic groups in China) it is here that you can experience the true wonder of China’s diversity.

The best and only place to stay in this charming town is Banyan Tree Lijiang, which is nestled in a quiet corner of the beautiful countryside, with phenomenal views onto Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, snow-capped even in May! My first impression was totally mesmerizing as I walked through the entrance to be welcomed by the hotel’s own Pagoda with the backdrop of the Snow Mountain far in the distance.

The iconic Pagoda at Banyan Tree Lijiang

After spending my first night ‘acclimatising’ in the amazing surroundings of my Garden Jacuzzi Villa, I cherished the next few days hiking to colourful temples, taking part in a morning ceremony at the local Buddhist temple, biking across the Lijiang Basin to Yuhu village, indulging in a tasty lunch in Baisha Village (the old capital of Lijiang) and most enjoyably, taking part in a festive dinner party at a local Naxi courtyard home, where the local family lay on a delicious spread of traditional cuisine accompanied by live traditional Naxi music and dancing.

A local Naxi girl welcoming me into her home for a night of tasty local delicacies and traditional Naxi dancing

Next stop was Tacheng, a 4 hour drive from Lijiang, through some of the most beautiful countryside. Located between the Yangtze and the Mekong Rivers, Tacheng County is famed for its rich Tibetan and Lisu cultures, with traditional farmhouse style houses, it reminded me of being in the alps! Keeping with its surroundings, Songtsam Lodge in Tacheng is an absolute must for any traveller. With only 9 rooms, all with stunning views onto the beautiful terraced rice fields, this cosy little guesthouse really has a homely feel to it. The staff could not be more welcoming, and their English, or ‘Chinglish’ as they call it, is incredible considering they have taught themselves just from speaking to travellers. Nothing was too much trouble, and they even sung a traditional Naxi song after dinner to say goodnight.

Room with a view at Songtsam Tacheng

My final few nights in this beautiful province was spent in the chilly town of Shangri-La at an altitude of 3,600m, you will really feel the lack of oxygen, but oh it is worth it. Originally known as the city of Zhongdian, China renamed it Shangri-La, in an effort to promote tourism. Despite the tourists, mainly domestic travellers, it’s a beautiful place famed for its iconic Songzanlin Monastery; the largest Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in Yunnan.

A Tibetan monk at the Songzanlin Monastery

Spend your morning wandering through the gilded pillars and incense-filled rooms, whilst admiring the 700 monks that reside within the 30 hectares of land. In the afternoon stroll through the streets of the old town, admiring all the ladies in their traditional dress.

A naxi local in her traditional Tibetan head-dress

Nestled in a quiet corner of this spectacular countryside sits Banyan Tree Ringha – my home for the next few days. Reminiscent of a Tibetan village, this is THE place to stay if it is the traditional and authentic style accommodation you are after.

My Tibetan Suite

My “Tibetan Suite” as they called it, was the perfect hideaway with authentic rustic charm. Split into two levels, the first floor housed the spacious living area complete with your own fireplace, and the lower level is home to the bathroom; absolutely amazing!

So long Yunnan – I will be back!

Victoria Douglas, our Head of Loyalty, recently visited the south of France and the stunning Terre Blanche Golf and Spa Resort.

This was my second visit to the region and the property itself. However, Terre Blanche has only, just in the Autumn of last year, become an independently managed hotel after a long term partnership with the Four Seasons management group.

I know a few of my repeat guests were concerned about this change of management, so I spent the day at the hotel to see what has changed. Happily I can report that not a great deal has changed and in fact it appears that there is now a slightly more intimate and personal atmosphere.

A pretty house in the hilltop medieval town of Fayence

The location here never disappoints; the tranquility of the rolling hills and countryside of Provence is simply stunning. The south of France immediately conjures up glitzy images of St Tropez and super yachts, however this could not be further from what awaits at Terre Blanche.

This is rustic, provincial sophistication at its best. The suites and villas are all low level, set within winding pathways and surrounded by olive trees. The interiors, very understated luxury and wonderfully spacious so suitable for families too.

Much of my time was spent at the fabulous spa during my visit. It is my favourite hotel spa to date. With a brilliant indoor pool which is just the right temperature to cool off after relaxing in the outside areas and sunbathing, as well as an outside Jacuzzi. I experienced the Ivo Pitanguy facial, wonderfully relaxing and then the surprise of oxygen being pumped into my skin to maximise the benefits of the products! I left feeling a few years younger! Being an expectant mum, the spa was really appealing as you have the option to dip in and out of the sunshine and top up on wellness at the same time.

Main pool at Terre Blanche

The main pool here is also divine. Beautifully orchestrated to accentuate the views of the area and the sumptuous white linen canopy areas can be rented for ultimate privacy. It is never too busy in as the resort is such a vast space and guests could be playing golf, tennis, enjoying the spa or out exploring the French countryside.

I visited the children’s club and again was wowed. My 3 year old daughter would be very jealous of the array of toys, heated children’s pool where lessons are conducted, Mac computers and messy arts and craft area. This is a complimentary service for all guests for children over the age of 2 years and I would highly recommend it, as the nannies are well trained and the service is personalised and attentive.

 The children’s club at Terre Blanche

As a golf widow, I was reluctant to have a look around the golf course and training centre; however this was possibly the most jaw dropping facility I have seen in my 13 years in travel! But shhh we won’t tell my husband that or I may never see him again! The training centre has every modern technology golf offers including bio-mechanic swing technology, posture realignment machines and a number of pros to assist with improving your game.

New for this year is complimentary WiFi at the resort, a new semi open dining terrace for families and high hopes to reclaim that Michelin star at the main restaurant. As well as an extended activity programme to focus on the region and its offering, be that cycling, hiking and dining.

We hired a car during our time here and I highly recommend this so that you can explore the nearby medieval, hilltop towns of Fayence, Seillans, Callian and Mons with their winding narrow streets, medieval churches, local markets, cafes or gourmet restaurants. The food on offer at both Terre Blanche and the surrounding area is fabulous with such fresh ingredients and wonderful seafood from the nearby coast. In summary, wonderful wine and food, French hospitality and a sophisticated hidden gem of a resort. This is THE place to visit this summer!

The Medieval town of Fayence

Rob and Antonia Bolton have just got back from a week at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives. They are expecting their first baby in September and were looking for a final holiday of pure relaxation, lazy days and a bit of romance! Here they tell us about their very spoiling time away.

Pic: Rob sunning himself on our deck

Her

We arrived in Male and were met by some extremely friendly and efficient Gili staff. They walked us to the boat (literally 50 metres from the terminal!) and transferred us over to the island in about 20 minutes. From the very beginning the service was amazing; there were always willing members of staff on-hand to offer anything from drinks and towels to private cruises and Male excursions. Nothing was too much trouble and having your own “Man Friday” at your beck and call was particularly spoiling.

The villas are huge and extremely comfortable with everything you could need for the week. The emphasis really is very much on total relaxation, which is exactly what we were looking for, although there are various activities available for the more adventurous.

The aim of our holiday was to really unwind and switch-off for a week… which we most definitely did! The weather was perfect - not too hot and pretty windy but we had no rain at all. We spent our days reading, swimming and playing some very competitive back gammon with “matches” going up to best of 9! And then finally in a last ditch attempt to win - “winner takes all”! (My attempts to argue as I was pregnant I should be allowed to win didn’t work!)

The bikes and trikes that they provided for each villa were invaluable, not only for getting around the island but also to avoid burning your feet on the jetties which get very hot! We named our trike ‘Trudy’ and Rob’s bike ‘Bryan’. I got very attached to Trudy but at night Rob rode her and I stood in the basket at the back.

Pic: Rob riding ‘Bryan’!

The food was absolutely delicious and very fresh. I loved the breakfasts with endless smoothies and fruit to choose from. We had a special smoothie made every morning (orange, pineapple & banana) and by the end of the week the staff were bringing our ‘usual’ in giant tumblers! My husband loved all the local fish; they have various themed nights with buffet style meals but set out on the beach more like a food market. There’s a huge choice with food to suit everyone and, with me pregnant, they adapted things for me if I couldn’t eat a certain ingredient 

We also had an amazing and very romantic lantern lit 7 course supper on the other side of the island on a beach away from everyone else.

Pic: Rob enjoying the fabulous food

The sea swimming was fantastic but there’s also a pool if you prefer. Snorkelling was amazing with incredible coloured fish and coral … Rob was terrified and swam for shore when he spotted “a giant sea snake” (a small, docile eel - what a hero!). You can play tennis in the evenings and there’s movie night twice a week set up at the ‘Jungle Cinema’.

Gili Lankanfushi is the most wonderful escape and perfect place to relax – I only wish the week hadn’t gone so quickly! The staff were completely charming - when we left they gave us a little bronze key ring of a fish which was special for us as we refer to the baby as “the little fish”.

Antonia Bolton, April 2013

Him

From the moment we landed in Male we knew it was going to be a fantastic week. We boarded the boat to Gili with our freshly cut coconuts in our hands, cruising across the beautiful water with clear blue skies overhead. Our initial impressions once we landed were of a spread out desert island, with lovely palm trees and golden sand. We were greeted by the resort management who greet each arriving guest and our week in tropical paradise started!

Mr Friday (aka: Musto) was charming and interesting and made you feel he was always available, and the regular staff we came across (Zahir, Mustafa and Ali) were smiley and genuine. We saw Mustafa at most meals who quickly got used to Antonia’s smoothie addiction and her late breakfast times! I used this down time wisely by hitting the gym before breakfast, which was not Mustafa’s style who had a decent reputation as a footballer amongst the staff.

Going to the gym, in the morning and on holiday (!) sounds bizarre but the gym looks out onto a calm beach front and a small reef and is well kitted out and more or less empty…ideal! The gym also made having a beer or two in the evening worthwhile and you felt as if you’d earned it.

We were pretty self-contained throughout the week and spoke to very few people, other than those mentioned above, as you can be as isolated as you would like to be in the over water villas. This was not through our own design necessarily but we were very happy in and out of the water and on the sun decking around the villa and as we got more and more relaxed the later and later lunch got.

The decking walkways were a daily hazard as the temperatures soared and you simply couldn’t walk on it; but a great excuse to jump off into the gorgeous waters below. We tried to out-do each other by seeing who could walk the furthest of the hot jetties without wimping out… simple pleasures!

I became a little obsessed with the octopus in the main bar and went to check on it every day - it moves and changes colour, I am already missing that guy!

Gili is as secluded and as relaxed as you would like it to be, and there’s as much or as little to do as you want, there’s everything you could want for a babymoon (did Antonia make that word up?!).

Rob Bolton, April 2013

Pic: The jetty

Pic: Antonia swimming

Zermatt seduced us ten years ago, with its unbeatable restaurants; fabulous pistes (including that long, long run into Cervinia), and the views from every angle of that big, beautiful, pointy mountain. We skied there most years with a bunch of friends, stopping early afternoon for long lunches, followed by a little session at the Hennu Stall for one or two raspberry vodkas, or the Papperla for a beer, then home to a Scott Dunn dinner. And sometimes, we’d find the energy to go out after to Elsie’s.

Then we had children.

Skiing was missed for a couple of years, and as soon as we thought it was the right time, we tried “child friendly” resorts, with “child friendly” companies. But Zermatt kept calling. Our biggest concern was obviously the suitability of the resort for young children. Not many beginners start at the resort, since there are no nursery slopes in the village itself. All the slopes are accessed by either gondola, cable, funicular or the spectacular but gently paced Gornegrat train, so many people prefer to try ski in / ski out resorts. However, once up the mountain, there are some perfect slopes – wide and not too steep and next to good chair lifts.

We booked Chamois – a good family chalet right next to the Klein Matterhorn lift, and even better, exactly where Stoked Ski School meet every morning. We were two families, with children from 18 months to seven years old. Charmaine, our very helpful Scott Dunn nanny, looked after the youngest, whilst the four others had their lessons. The four year old was picked up by Charmaine at Schwarzee, where Stoked have a crèche, at noon each day, and the others had lunch at different spots around the resort and then skied further until 3.30. What was fantastic was that many parents picked their children up at lunch time, so the afternoons were more like private lessons for all ours. And being Easter, with longer days, we could pick them up at an agreed point and spend the rest of the afternoon skiing with them.

Stoked were incredibly efficient, and by far the best ski school we have encountered so far. The instructors were kind and patient, explaining things properly to children and giving parents good feedback at the end of the day. Our six year old gained the confidence she needed - there were tears on the last day when she didn’t want to take off her skis. And our seven year old just wanted to spend every moment jumping off piste, seeking out couloirs.

On the last day we took the girls to Chez Vrony for lunch. Now they know what skiing’s all about and will never be able to ski all day with just a bottle of water and a Mars Bar. So that will be Zermatt next year then – what have we done!

Maudie from our Americas team is currently travelling around Western America to uncover some gorgeous new hotels and retreats for our North American portfolio, as well as what the best experiences and surprises are, so she can pass on her first-hand knowledge to our guests. She has just gone through Las Vegas and here is her guide on making the most of a whistle-stop tour.

• Ride a Harley Davidson to Red Rock Canyon - get your rear into gear with the Eagle Riders. Hire your own bike or wait for the pillion ride experience that will launch this September

• Helicopter to the Grand Canyon - take a spin in the city of sin on board Maverick’s incredible ECO-Star Helicopters to experience a descent into the Canyon like no other
• Experience the Dream - La Reve. The most spectacular multi-million dollar show in Vegas.

• Dinner at Lake Side at Encore - The seafood probably has more air miles than you, flown in daily from around the world and looked after by marine biologists underneath this spectacular David Walzog restaurant with nightly shows
• Capture the moment - Located on the highway next to the Mandalay Bay Hotel is Las Vegas’s most iconic sign, get here before 10am to beat the crowds for a picture

•  An afternoon Via Ferrata Climbing at Amangiri and across their new epic suspension bridge

• And ‘driving a Ford Mustang through the desert crossing Nevada, Arizona and Utah in a day!

Our partnership with the Thanos Group hotels in Cyprus – the Anassa and Almyra - saw an exciting development this Easter with the opening of two new Explorers clubs. Judy Wong, our Childcare Projects Manager, has worked with her team all winter on setting the clubs up – making sure the facilities are spot on for children of all ages and researching local activities. Since joining Scott Dunn in 2005, Judy has worked as a nanny for several winter and summer seasons before taking on her current role, she’s seen our childcare offering grow and grow.

Pic: The Anassa in Polis, Cyprus

Tell us more about Cyprus and the hotels?

‘Cyprus has gorgeous weather from early Spring right through to late Autumn, which is great for families with under 5’s who don’t necessarily want to travel during school holidays. I know the hotels inside out and I really love them both. I nannied at the Anassa for a while and can vouch for the amazing service and superb food. The Almyra is more contemporary and has a great spot in Paphos – it’s perfect for wandering into town.’

What’s new about the kids’ club?

‘Thanos really wanted to work with us on their childcare offering. They had a good kid’s clubs already and we’ve spent the winter with them improving the facilities, making sure all the play areas have fabulous equipment and looking at a teens club for later in the summer. I had a huge amount of help from an experienced team of Explorers managers and they’ve done a brilliant job.’

Pic: The Explorers club at the Anassa

What can parents and children expect?

‘We know from feedback from last year’s guests what worked and we’ve looked at making sure it’s a great holiday experience for all. The clubs are run by Scott Dunn managers and all staff have childcare qualifications and loads of experience. We’ve only been open a few weeks and we’ve had some very happy children already!’

How will children spend their days?

‘They can spend a morning and afternoon or both with us. And if they’re with us all day, the hotel chefs will make them a delicious lunch. Depending on the age groups, we take them out on cultural trips – the mosaics on Paphos maybe or on a glass bottom boat tour. We’ll play some tennis and we’ll even teach them Cypriot dancing! We’re looking at digital workshops for the slightly older ones and when we run the teens club later in the summer, we’ll be doing some scuba training in the pool.’

Pic: The mosaics in Polis

Did the banking problems in Cyprus give you any trouble?

For a few days in March some of the locals were worried but it soon settled down and by the time I got home I couldn’t believe all the fuss in the UK press – you would have thought the problems were over here! All the guests were having a great time and the resorts were a little quieter than usual.

You must be exhausted?!

‘Yep! But I’m so pleased with how it’s all gone and the clubs really are amazing. I spent two and a half years with Scott Dunn at Anahita in Mauritius, setting up the kids’ club there and running it, and before that as a seasonnaire in our resorts, so I’m used to it all!’

Our Digital Manager Sarah spent Easter in Cyprus

I escaped the snow and freezing conditions in the UK last week for a delightful and much needed break to Scott Dunn favourites Anassa and Almyra on the sunny island of Cyprus. Easter is a lovely time to visit Cyprus with wildflowers in abundance, as evidenced by pics below.

View of Anassa with Akamas Peninsula behind

Wildflowers on the Akamas Peninsula

Scott Dunn has partnered with Thanos Hotels to run exciting new Explorers children’s clubs at both Anassa and Almyra. The clubs are open from Easter to October half term and offer a fun-filled days of on and off-site activities tailored around the age of your child. I timed my visit well to coincide with the first week of operation of the new Explorers children’s clubs. With a fresh fun feel, tempting beanbags and toys and activities aplenty, they are looking great and will be an amazing base the childcare programme.

Explorers club at Almyra

Explorers club at Anassa

These hotels aren’t just fantastic for younger family members – there is a lot to attract adult guests too. The restaurants and service are superb.  I enjoyed a very memorable fillet of beef at Anassa’s Helios fine dining restaurant, it was one of the best steaks I have ever had.  A terrace with a view and a fabulous spread of food to suit every taste - even breakfast feels like a bit of an occasion Thanos style.

I was most pleasantly surprised by Cypriot wine. I often approach the local wine with a degree of caution having been burnt in the past, but all those I sampled at both Anassa and Almyra were delicious. I was particularly taken with Maratheftiko, an ancient indigenious grape variety that was rediscovered in the 1980s. Don’t miss the Maratheftiko from the Kolios Winery on the wine list at the Almyra if you are a red wine enthusiast!

And the good news is… we have teamed up with Thanos Hotels to offer an amazing 7 night family holiday to either Anassa or Almyra (although not for Easter as the holiday must be taken this year!). Simply tell The Little Style Book about your favourite holiday before 30 April 2013 for a chance to win.

…It’s about babies, beauty and everything in between lashesandlittleones.blogspot.com

A couple of weeks ago, we nervously headed off on a skiing holiday, booked through family friendly travel company Scott Dunn. I’d heard good things about them, and having had so many disasters, decided to put my faith into the hands of a company who had experience of making family holidays a success. Included in our trip, were flights, transfers up to Courchevel, a private chalet, a nanny for 8 hours a day, a chef and a chalet host. It all sounded a bit too good to be true, but I was still nervous. We’ve tried holiday nannies before, and never been that impressed, and catered chalets can be a little hit and miss sometimes.

A week before we were due to fly out, I had a call from a resort manager and chef, who wanted to talk through what we needed to be organised for our arrival, from ski passes to nappies (brand, size, how many) and what sort of cots or beds we would want in each room. The chef wanted to discuss dietary requirements and preferences of Mr G. and I, and our kids. I finished the phone call slightly euphoric, I had never encountered such attentive service on a holiday, before I’d even packed.

We arrived after a long flight (it was only an hour, but with two over tired children, anything more than 5 minutes feels long to me), and were quickly ushered onto a smart coach, with my choice of car seats for the children already strapped in, a huge hamper of food for all of us and was offered a glass of wine, which I readily accepted. Although a long transfer, the children slept, Mr. G and I ate and drank, and actually started to relax. We arrived at our beautiful chalet, and were greeted by the lovely Ev (the chef) and Ellie (the host), who were so welcoming and friendly (freshly baked cake helped).

The cake was good!

Who needs Apres Ski when you can go on the carousel again and again and again……?

The week progressed in the same tone, amazing service, food and, snow. Our nanny, Denise, was so wonderful with the children. Arthur got a bit poorly, and she was so caring and kind, and had limitless enthusiam to keep Fifi entertained all week. Ev’s cooking was incredible, from chocolate fondants to fillet of beef, our food was mind blowing. And Ellie was the sweetest chalet host, helping with everything from playing with Fifi, to topping up my wine glass (and mopping up Arthur’s sick with a smile on her face, a miracle in my book!). Gabi, a resort manager made sure our lunches up the mountain were nothing short of sublime, and that we wanted for nothing.

Fifi at ski school

We arrived home from our trip, happy, relaxed and sadly missing the wonderful people who made our holiday so special. Scott Dunn holiday’s are definitely not the cheapest option, but with young children, sometimes you need more than a basic holiday to be able to relax and have fun. We had a wonderful trip, and have already requested their summer brochure!

lashesandlittleones.blogspot.com