Located a little over an hour drive from Geneva International Airport (and much less by helicopter), Megève is one of the most iconic resort towns in the Alps. Its reputation as an authentic and luxurious ski resort and golf destination started in the 1920s when the Baroness Noémie de Rothschild decided to vacation there instead of the Swiss Alps.
Still among the fanciest places to ski in the world, it is no wonder that Megève caught the attention of Four Seasons when searching to establish its first European mountain property – Whistler, Vail, and Jackson Hole being the brand’s other 3 ski resorts. Opening the hotel in December 2017, Four Seasons and the Rothschild family joined forces to offer luxury accommodations, elevated dining, an 18-hole golf course, and unparalleled intimacy.
Arrival and Lobby
Driving to the hotel is an immersion in a romantic and fairytale world made of elegant horse carriages, soaring pine trees covered in snow, and traditional chalets among the priciest in France. As we arrived, valet staff took care of the car and we quickly stepped into the chic lobby lounge. “Guarding” the door is Nemo, the 6-month old Bouvier Bernois adopted by the hotel. Designed as an intimate living room, the space offers comfortable and warm sitting areas by the fireplace, a separate cigar room, and balconies overlooking the valley. Rich and authentic, the décor perfectly blends modern elements with Art Deco features from the 1920s – when the elite started to shape the design of the Alpine town. Unique artifacts from the Baroness of Rothschild’s private collection convey a feeling of exclusivity, elegance, and discovery throughout the chalet. Drinks and finger foods at the “Après-Ski station” are complimentary and await guests as they come in from the slopes.
Cool Amenities for everyone
Visiting the property, a few noteworthy amenities make the Four Seasons Hotel Megève a unique destination for couples and families, young and old, winter and summer.
Wine Cellar: 14,000 prestigious bottles – dating as far back as 1869 – are carefully kept under the hotel in a by-appointment-only wine cellar and private dinner venue.
Outdoors: choose from a myriad of options like dog-sledding, snowmobiling, heli-skiing and much, much more to ensure your Four Seasons experience is complete.
Ski Room and Shop: Shop the latest fashion at Megève’s iconic BIG BOSS store without leaving the hotel. Test the newest ski equipment or store your own for the next season with the Ski Concierge. When ready, hop on the private horse carriage to reach the lifts.
Kids Kingdom: interactive games, stuffed animals, and sitters are available throughout the day to watch and stimulate your little ones.
Teen Zone: gaming, computers, and a screening room promise to keep your teenagers entertained while you enjoy the Spa.
One Bedroom Suite
The Four Seasons Hotel Megève offers 55 guestrooms including 14 suites; prices range from 800 to 15,000 euros per night. Despite the hotel being sold out, I was able to visit a gorgeous One-bedroom Suite before a guest check-in. Suites enjoy large outdoor patios perfect for resting after a day of skiing or golfing. Read on your lounger, then walk inside to the warm and cozy living area with fireplace. At about 90sqm, suites are large enough to accommodate a full-size sitting area, a dining alcove, and a desk area. Each suite features a spacious bathroom with heated floors, a deep-soaking tub, and an extra-large shower complete with Bulgari amenities – regular rooms receive CODAGE products. Select One-bedroom Suites also boast a guest bathroom for added convenience. Guests will also appreciate the generous storage and closet space, much needed at a mountain resort.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Megève
The Spa looks like a real snow palace: pure lines, white and shiny mosaics mimicking fresh sun-kissed snow, and ice sculpture-like light fixtures create an elegant and peaceful décor. The 900sqm facility boasts 6 treatment cabins, a hairdresser, barber, gym, and the inviting indoor-outdoor swimming pool. The water temperature is kept at 27 Celsius degrees and ambiance music is played underwater. The Spa is the ideal setting to relax with an after ski tonifying massage, regroup with a coach, or simply chill in the plush pool beds.
Kaito restaurant and Dining Options
Four Seasons now operates a large collection of restaurants in Megève, including classics like Prima, Ideal 1850, and Auberge de la Cote 2000. The 2-Michelin Star restaurant Le 1920 and Kaito are located within the main chalet and are accessible to outside guests via a separate lobby. Following the success of IZUMI – Four Seasons Geneva – Kaito offers Japanese fusion dishes with Alpine accents. Enjoy the Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, Black cod in caramelized miso sauce, or the Wagyu beef from Kagoshima while gazing at the nature surrounding the property. The presentation is visually appealing and dishes were rich in original flavors. Although not on the menu, the Chef is happy to prepare your favorite sushi. Tableware and glasses are a masterpiece of their own, especially the table pieces by glass blower Jeremy Maxwell found at Le 1920.
Final Thoughts
The Four Seasons Hotel Megève feels incredibly warm and sophisticated, yet understated: the true essence of luxury. Service is quick and smooth, performed by a team of young employees wearing trendy outfits inspired by Alpine traditions. Building on the undeniable appeal of both the town and the brand, the hotel welcomes a very international and refined clientele. The property succeeded in attracting a younger crowd and it seems many families are enjoying the property this winter. There is still time for you too! As for me, I already can’t wait to travel back to the Alps and experience the summer offering at Four Seasons Hotel Megève.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Megève
373 Chemin des Follières,
74120 Megève, France
Phone: +33 4 50 21 12 11
Geoffrey Ravoire
Founder of UNITIATE, Geoffrey is a Marketing Expert, Luxury Specialist and Hospitality Enthusiast. Wherever he goes, his early career and personal interests have always helped him nurture and cultivate a passion for the Travel and Leisure industries. French born, Geoffrey has accumulated an extensive experience abroad, thanks to regular visits to foreign countries but also thanks to years of expatriation. Currently based in Chicago, Geoffrey has already lived and worked in New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Monaco. You can meet Geoffrey on Twitter and Linkedin.
