NUMBER OF ROOMS: 3 cabins
CLOSED ANNUALLY: Open all year round
THE STORY: At the heart of the Aravis Estate, deep in a pine forest, Nicolas (a former joiner who has some training in the tourism industry) built three cabins: the luxurious “Nid” covered in braided branches, with a tiny rooftop terrace where you can stargaze; the “Mont-Blanc” modeled after a Savoyard chalet, with a slanted roof, a jaccuzi on the terrace and a view of the mountains; and the creekside small family-style duplex (that sleeps five), accessible via a 12-meter-long suspension bridge. These Nordi-cool refuges are all equipped with paneled walls, thick blankets, plump cushions and wood-burning stoves, so you can feel like you’re cocooning at the world’s edge. Starting at €280 a night for two people.
TOILETRIES: Damana soap, shower gel and body lotion.
INTERNET: No, but if you really need it, there’s 4G…
BREAKFAST: Included. Delivered in a basket outside your front door, with bread, viennoiseries, artisanal jams, local honey, freshly pressed orange juice, apple/pear juice and, upon request, local cheeses and charcuterie.
MINI-BAR: No, but there is an electric teapot with a selection of teas and infusions, and a Nespresso coffee machine in every cabin.
LITTLE LUXURY: Early on winter mornings, you can see the freshly made footprints from the chamois and goats in the snow.