Sir Richard Branson’s mountain retreat in Verbier, perched high in the Swiss Alps, is the perfect year-round escape. Complete with nine stunning bedrooms and suites, an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and a friendly team of experienced staff, including a spa therapist and Michelin-star trained chefs, The Lodge is a true alpine paradise, ideal for a luxury ski holiday or an active summer break.
From the moment I saw it I knew this beautiful chalet in the Swiss Alps was destined to become my favourite mountain hideaway. I chose Verbier because it’s an amazing year round destination and offers world-class skiing, fabulous après-ski and everything you could wish for in a summer escape! I hope you too will enjoy your experience at The Lodge as much as I always do.
—Sir Richard Branson
In celebration of its 10th winter season, The Lodge reveals 10 little-known facts about this private mountain retreat.
1. Sustainable refurbishment
The Lodge was refurbished using timber and oak which were reclaimed from local sources. The property was designed to offer guests a relaxing and hassle-free skiing experience. ‘Ski in’ at the end of the day to a boot room with heated boot warmers, and know you’re in safe hands with a 24-hour driver service within Verbier.
Play hide-and-seek between the master suites (Credit/The Lodge)
2. Secret passages
Can’t decide which bedroom to sleep in? There’s a hidden doorway that connects the two Master suites. You’d never know as it’s hidden in a bookcase.
3. It’s not just for grownups
The bunkroom sleeps six and has plenty of gadgets to keep little ones happy (Credit/The Lodge)
A specially created bunk room complete with plasma screen TV, DVD player, games console and bean bags is ready to welcome younger guests. Children can look forward to a week of sledging, snowman-building competitions, time on the mountain with ski instructors, and skating parties on The Lodge’s very own mini ice rink!
Want a bath but have lazy legs? Take the lift instead (Credit/The Lodge)
4. There’s an elevator
You may be tired after a day on the slopes. The interior lift whisks guests through the five floors of the 1,200 square metre chalet, offering the perfect antidote for legs that figure they’ve done enough exercise for the day.
The hills are alive with the sound of Lodge revellers (Credit/TheLodge)
5. Unrivalled location
The Lodge is as famous for its outstanding ski areas, which encompasses 40 kilometres of ski terrain and a variety of slopes on and off piste, as for its après-ski and exciting nightlife just a five-minute walk away. The team can recommend and book restaurants and even arrange access to exclusive night spots.
Heli skiing? Heli yes! (Credit/Virgin Ltd Edition)
6. A dedicated team of 15
You’ll have a whole team to look after you, ensuring a stay at The Lodge lives up to and even exceeds expectations. In addition, a team of skilled and professional ski instructors are on hand to provide a memorable week in the mountains, from heli-skiing to video analysis of performance.
7. It’s personal
Guests are invited to make themselves at home from the moment they arrive. The team will get to know sizes and requirements ahead of arrival and arrange for all ski gear to be delivered and fitted in the comfort of The Lodge, as well as returned at the end of the week. So forget busy queues in ski shops and just go beat the crowds.
8. Size does matter
Bigger the better, particularly when it comes to chocolate. Guests can look forward to a full-size Toblerone bar on their pillow at turn down.
9. The Lodge has its own spa room
The Lodge spa comes with a resident beauty therapist to offer relaxation and soothing treatments. It also has not one but two hot tubs, a steam room and a nine-metre heated indoor pool.
10. The food
Meals at The Lodge are always a highlight of your stay. The resident chefs are particularly passionate about using local and seasonal ingredients—from wine to cheese and meat, all will have a connection to the local area. Pay particular attention to the jam, which is made using harvested apricots in the summer months.
What’s included
- Accommodation at The Lodge as detailed
- Breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner. A light lunch is served at The Lodge for those guests not eating on the mountain. Please note these rates exclude one evening meal out where guests can sample the gourmet delights of Verbier
- All drinks as well as alcoholic drinks and house champagne
- 24-hour driver service within Verbier
- All local taxes
- A dedicated team of 15 staff
You burn a lot of calories skiing, so go for it! (Credit/TheLodge)
It’s in the details
The Lodge can accommodate up to 18 adults in nine bedrooms and up to six children and young adults in the bunk room. Rates during the winter season start from CHF 86,625 (US $89,700) and are quoted for seven nights’ exclusive hire, and include breakfast and afternoon tea, as well as dinner on all but one night during the week.
The nearest international airport is in Geneva, which is about a two-hour drive to The Lodge. Private planes are able to land at Sion Airport, which is only 45 minutes by car from The Lodge. Zurich Airport is about a three-hour drive to The Lodge. Staff can also arrange helicopter transfers on request from Geneva, Zurich and Sion Airports.
The Lodge staff will even put you to bed, if you’ve had too much to drink:
Written By: Adriane Rysz