A family weekend at the Akoya residence in Valmorel: Pearl happiness
All the unspoilt charm of the Savoyard Tarentaise valley brought together in the heart of the Valmorel resort, where a family weekend away in the mountains was like a daydream in the cosy alcove of the Akoya residence. Here's a closer glimpse of an exhilarating and rejuvenating experience.
Comforting, cocooning moments
Just as we stepped into the heart of the resort, and after a few mountain switchbacks to get us into the mood, we found ourselves in front of the Akoya residence. It is a distinctive development, boasting attractive volumes and colourful facades, yet blending harmoniously with the identity of la Belle. Undoubtedly, the pearl of Akoya has borrowed the codes of traditional architecture, with its gable roofs covered in lauze, stone cladding and solid wood, as well as the more original trompe-l'œil painted decorations that embellish most of the façades. Now that night has fallen, we'll have ample time to look around for them!
As soon as you enter the reception area of the hotel and residence, a wonderful welcoming atmosphere surrounds you. A crackling fire in the fireplace and a lovely melody played by a young woman at the piano. The warm tones of terracotta and copper, the plush sofas and colourful carpets give this place the atmosphere you'd expect from a top-class residence. The mountain chalet style, with its touches of wood, fabric and stone, is subtly reflected and is the signature feature of the residence. This feeling extends all the way into the apartment, where you'll find the same ambience. With solid wood flooring, doors and cladding, stone and granite in the kitchen and bathrooms, subtle colours and contemporary furniture, you'll find plenty of charm. A mountain spirit expressed in a modern, practical way, but also and above all an outstanding hotel service that offers a highly personalised welcome. Bathrobes and towels, slippers and a kit of kitchen essentials... These touches make all the difference when you arrive for a short break. The scene is set, we're in good hands!
The thrill of merging parentheses
A gentle awakening. While it's hard to leave the cosy cocoon of our ultra-comfortable beds, the views of the snow-capped peaks and the promise of a lavish breakfast shake us out of our sweet lethargy. As the Akoya complex is made up of a residence and a hotel, we're going to have the pleasure of enjoying breakfast in the breakfast room... And what a great one it is! The view of the mountain ranges is pure beauty. The tables are beautifully set and the continental buffet is a real eye-catcher. Especially for the two teenagers joining us on this voyage of discovery. A variety of breads, toast, croissants, crepes and jams make up the classic buffet, accompanied by a selection of fruit juices, yoghurts and fresh fruit. For something fuller, cereals, dried fruit, boiled or scrambled eggs and French toast, as well as a selection of local PDO cheeses, with Beaufort and Abondance at the top of the list, add a gastronomic and energising touch!
Outdoor getaway
Now that's a day with plenty of energy. Just what we needed, we're off for a skiing session. And what a joy it is! All our equipment had been taken care of and left in the dedicated ski locker, so all we had to do was put on our helmets and pairs of boots (temperature-controlled as our locals are, and that's a real bonus). A quick walk up the stairs and we're at the bottom of the Planchamp gondola. With our skis on, we avoided the early morning hassle of getting ready and only kept the best of it! A weekend of unlimited joy! Next door to Saint-François-de-Longchamp, Valmorel is part of the Grand Domaine, which offers 165 km of slopes set in a breathtaking natural cirque of mountains. The peaks surround us wherever we look, and the scenery is spectacular, between Tarentaise and Maurienne. The Pointe du Grand Niélard, the Cheval Noir rising 2,832 metres above us and, in the distance, the Aiguilles d'Arves silhouetted against the landscape, the ski area with its long, accessible runs opening up a whole world of possibilities. We take a well-deserved break on the terrace. While some of us set off again for more challenging slopes, others decided to put down their skis and explore the pedestrianised centre and its small shops, which we found very tempting.
The joy of unique moments
Staying at the Akoya residence means having everything within easy reach and being able to leave the car behind. The pedestrianised street, just a few metres away, is an ideal place for a relaxing stroll. Between the little stalls, charming shops and restaurants, you can take a break at any time. And that's the beauty of this charming resort: the ability to switch from one activity to another in the blink of an eye. What's more, our weekend was timed to coincide with one of Valmorel's star events, the Winter Spartan Race, a course punctuated by obstacles to overcome and tests to pass by running, jumping, crawling, climbing... Comfortably seated on the terraces, the show is on and the heart of the village comes alive.
Well-being at the summit
As we are really lucky, we are looking forward to returning to the comfort of the residence and exploring the relaxation area. With our bathrobes on, we were ready for the recovery phase of the day. After a short cycling session in the fitness room, it was time to choose a deckchair. Change of scenery. This is a time for rest and calm. Soothing tones and soft lighting, the pool area as well as the hot tub, sauna, hammam and Nordic bath are real pleasures to indulge in. And we savour every moment of it to the full. Time stands still, with the peaks on the horizon, and the setting is ideal for enjoying this gentle interlude. To further enhance the relaxation experience, the Spa Montagnes du Monde® spa centre offers a wide range of massages and body and facial treatments. For this special moment, we chose the duo package so that we could share it with our child. We thoroughly enjoyed this massage session, which was performed using products from the Pure Altitude© cosmetics range. Made of mountain plants grown in the Swiss Valais, the brand is committed to eco-responsibility and the protection of the environment, and packs in all the benefits of the mountains. An enchanting experience.
Pleasure moments
On our last evening, we booked in at one of the resort's many restaurants serving local cuisine, with fondues and cheese specialities on the menu. Another wonderful moment spent together just a stone's throw from the residence, in a resort that confirms its commitment to families, as guaranteed by the Famille Plus label. We're back at the apartement now, as we're off hiking tomorrow. We're up at the crack of dawn and lucky for us, a fresh fall of snow has covered the fir trees and blanketed the slopes. Ready for a stroll, it's in lovely fresh powder snow that we discover the domain from another angle, wilder and perfectly unspoilt, through valleys and fir trees. The view from the summit is majestic. Oxygenated and rejuvenated, with our minds full of images and our heads above the clouds, all we can think about is coming back. And this time why not discover the resort on its summer side, because with its 3,600 hectares of nature, 300 km of hiking trails, 365 km of mountain bike paths and its multitude of activities, we're convinced that the mountain still has plenty of secrets to reveal to us. There's no doubt about it, enjoying a pied à terre, here or in one of the 15 other destinations where MGM French Properties has established a presence, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Become the owner of your apartment in the Akoya residence
