Andy Mossack dons his skis and joins the jet set staying in Chalet Teredo, a five-bedroom luxury lodge in Verbier.
The lounge logwood fire crackles while yacht rock tunes slip me gently into evening. Ancient giant timber frames support a lofty roof. Below me Verbier’s lights twinkle through the floor-to-ceiling glass as I lounge in the embrace of a deep leather couch sipping scotch. Just when I think this can’t get any better, Tia materialises from the kitchen carrying freshly made canapés.
“Salmon arancini and beef tartare” she whispers while offering me the plate and a delicate paper napkin. And then the kicker – “Jordan says dinner will be ready shortly.” That’s Jordan, my in-house chef.
I can’t deny it, up here in Verbier’s rarefied alpine air, I feel very special indeed.
This then is Chalet Teredo, a sumptuous five-bedroom luxury chalet perched on the exclusive Savoleyres hillside above Verbier, Switzerland’s famous ski resort, and minutes from the ski lift station.
Chalet Teredo is just one of a number of privately-owned high-end properties managed by Verbier Exclusive, itself a member of Eterniti a rental, property management and concierge services group offering high end property rentals across Europe’s affluent hot spots. Make no mistake, this is no simple rental. Don’t even think of the word Airbnb. This is in another dimension entirely.
With Verbier Exclusive the whole process of a seamless stay in this swish ski resort is taken care of. To be honest, if oxygen was in short supply, I have no doubt they would get it bottled and brought right up. It’s an impressive and no doubt daunting challenge, but frankly the type of discerning guests they deal with would expect no less.
Mind you, what’s on offer at Chalet Teredo is nothing short of spectacular to begin with. It’s an exquisite stage from where their brand of magic can be showcased.
This is a beautiful timbered Swiss-style mountain retreat across four floors, still a family home displaying the photos, eclectic art and memorabilia of its owners. A place that’s been built with love, not convenience, with stunning alpine views. Four spacious en-suite super king bedrooms all with access to an outside terrace, while the master bedroom takes up the entire top floor, has its own balcony and unobstructed mountain view (a panoramic picture window is directly in front of the bed) and a marble bathroom with jacuzzi bath.
One floor down is the main open plan living space. A huge area with a kitchen and larder (bigger than some bijou bistros I’ve eaten in) a long dining table, that spectacular lounge, a reception/study area and a visitor bathroom hidden behind a secret bookcase door. Of course, let’s not forget the south-facing wrap-around terrace for winter sun and summertime barbecues.
Stroll down two more levels on stone steps and you’ll uncover leisure facilities a hotel would be proud to have on site: a 12-metre indoor pool, panoramic windows, a hammam and spa, a small gym and, out in the garden, a sunken hot tub. There’s a piano down here too, a wine cellar and tasting room, a wet room for skis and boots, and to top it all off a home cinema furnished with large funky bean bags.
With the stage set for a grand performance, let’s cue the cast members, the team that really do make dreams come true. Chef Jordan, along with with team members Tia, Grace and Dora, and an army of private drivers, marshalled by Senior Guest Relations Manager Molly and Resort Manager Rachel. It’s a discreet service that works like a well-oiled machine.
I took the train from Geneva airport to Le Chable, the nearest train station to Verbier and there to meet me was Driver Matt, who chauffeured me up to Verbier and Chalet Teredo’s front door. And just like that, my case was taken to my room and all I had to do was take off my boots, breath a sigh of relief and kick back with a welcome coffee on the terrace absorbing the views.
This is still a family home remember, and the clues are all over the chalet. Family snaps, cool art and plenty of mementoes from foreign climes. But apart from a couple of locked cupboards, the place was mine to do as I pleased.
Molly’s on hand immediately to take me on a tour and press home the house rules. “Apart from leaving footwear at the door, there are no rules.” She says.
“Where can I get a lift pass, please?
“Here, I’ll just print you one off.”
I really like that.
There’s also an odd ritual with the team where they leave my room door slightly ajar, which at first baffles me. Molly again: “As there are no locks on the bedroom doors, we leave them slightly open just to let you know we’ve been in the room to clean it or leave something for you.”
I end up looking forward to seeing my door ajar as it heralds a treat, or a message, or just a spotlessly clean room. Talking of the rooms, mine is heavenly. Rustically chic. Top of the range linens on a king double, pillow mist spray, electric shutters on the window for night-time, and in the bathroom a range of Bamford Organic Toiletries, fluffy robe and slippers.
Back upstairs on the terrace with my coffee and Molly’s back. “What time would you like Jordan to make dinner Andy?”
“7.30 ok?”
“Of course, so let’s say 7pm for drinks and canapés?”
You know, this is the type of life I can very easily get used to.
So here we are in the lounge with my canapés and scotch after a heady afternoon of snow fun high up on the Savoleyres piste mixing with Verbier’ s skiing fraternity.
Dinner is called and I’m sat with a few colleagues listening to Jordan telling us what he’s whipped up from his book of culinary spells.
“To start with you have burrata with a pesto oil dressing, followed by chicken fricassee with potato fondant and broccoli. For dessert I have a freshly baked lemon tart and some delicious cheeses. Enjoy!”
And I most certainly do, washed down of course with some excellent wine from the cellar. In my head I also silently toast the owners who had this beautiful lodge built.
It’s another day and I wake to glorious winter sun after a silent night on the mountain, the chalet surrounded by glistening snow-capped trees and seductive birdsong. I take a morning swim and brave the cold to jump into the hot tub and then a quick steam before breakfast.
Climbing up to the main floor Jordan and the team are back in place preparing breakfast. I sit and a coffee materialises before me exactly the way I like it. It seems after my arrival first cup my preference is noted and is now on speed dial. And the table is already locked and loaded with breakfast goodies: freshly baked pastries, crusty bread, cheeses, smoked salmon, smashed avocado, mixed berries, yoghurts and of course Swiss Birchers muesli.
Tia announces, “the morning specials are eggs benedict and poached eggs with avocado, but omelettes of all types are available too”.
It’s a breakfast that sets me up for a morning exploring Verbier. I’ve been here a couple of times before but only in summer, when the cows are up on the mountain pastures, the sculpture park walk is a delight, the golf course is open, and the town is a lot quieter.
So, it’s an opportunity to see it during the busy ski season. I decide to walk down and visit the The Laiterie Centrale, a cheese dairy I fondly remember that has a raclette vending machine for anyone seeking raclette cheese and the required added condiments when the dairy is closed. It’s about a 45-minute walk down, but a tougher hike back up. Particularly when you’re weighed down with raclette cheese as I was. Despite the team offering a driver to pick me up, I take the hike up and enjoy a beautiful walk through the Savoleyres neighbourhood.
Verbier takes on a completely different look in winter, because, after all, skiing is what’s made it famous. Plenty of traffic on the slopes, while the restaurants and high end shops do big business.
But back up in the serene welcoming arms of Chalet Teredo time stands still. Well, at least it does until it’s time to be driven back down to Le Chable for the Geneva train home.
The Verbier Exclusive team are all out to bid me a fond farewell (or perhaps to make sure I leave) and my return train itinerary is prepared for me. It has been a tremendous few days for me and the ultimate way to enjoy skiing in Verbier.
Photos (c) Verbier Exclusive and Andy Mossack.
Tell me more about staying at Chalet Teredo with Verbier Exclusive
Chalet Teredo can be booked directly through Verbier Exclusive and can sleep up to 10 guests.
Verbier Exclusive has been offering luxury ski holidays in Verbier for 30 years, providing unparalleled expertise on the resort and everything it has to offer. Their collection includes a wide range of apartments, penthouses, and standalone chalets, ranging from 2 to 9 bedrooms, to meet every guest’s expectation. Chalet Teredo can sleep up to 10 people in five bedrooms.
Rental Prices: From €35,000 per week..
For more information on Verbier and the 4 Valleys in winter and summer please visit Verbier Tourist Office.
About ETERNITI
Founded in Switzerland in 2017 by Maxime Friess and Laurent Lacourt under the name Emerald Stay, ETERNITI is now the leading European group in the tourism management of prestigious villas, chalets, and apartments, both seaside and mountain locations. Its original expertise is based on three fundamental pillars—rental, property management, and concierge services—ensuring a seamless and reliable experience for both owners and travellers.
Bringing together three brands ranging from high-end properties to exceptional estates (Emerald Stay, Bo House, Verbier Exclusive), its portfolio includes over 600 properties in 15 of the most sought-after destinations.
Airport Parking
Airport Parking and Hotels offers a wide range of parking and overnight hotel stays at all major UK airports. One week of Meet & Greet airport parking at London Luton costs from just £69.99. For the latest prices and to book, call 01342 859442
