Coming Back To Meribel!

I like discovering new places, and when I really enjoy one, I’m delighted to return, just like with Meribel! So, to combine discovery with a return to a resort I love, and to make the most of the time-consuming, tiring round trip from Belgium, I sometimes visit two or even more resorts during a single ski trip. Here is the first stop: Meriibel.

Let’s talk about the journey: we took the train, with a connection in Lyon, where we managed to get a whirlwind tour of the magnificent historic center in just two hours under an azure blue sky. The trains were heavily delayed, and on the way back, we had to switch stations in Paris and take the RER. In short, I highly recommend flying to Lyon or Geneva.

We arrived early in the evening at the elegant Hotel Le Kaila in Méribel (photo-montage below); what a delight to discover our spacious suite, where a delicious cake prepared by the pastry chef was waiting for us. The aroma was heavenly! With a nice bathroom, cozy bathrobes, impeccable bedding, and a small wooden terrace, it was pure bliss. And let’s not forget the breakfast, served in the Michelin-starred restaurant L’Ekrin and featuring top-quality products. I rank it among the top three breakfasts we’ve ever enjoyed at our favorite spots!

The next morning, we had a private yoga session near the Méribel altiport, in the woods, an area crisscrossed by Nordic ski trails (see the “Day 2” photo-montage). We began with a walk, focusing on our breathing. Moving from one exercise to the next, we gradually transitioned into yoga poses with increasing ease and agility. It was an innovative and effective approach that allowed for deep relaxation, all while connecting with the energy of the magnificent conifers. We had lunch at Le Clos Bernard restaurant, right in the heart of nature ; a delightful experience! Afterward, we headed up to the peaks for a coffee; the view was stunning. We wrapped up the afternoon at the 500-square-meter Nuxe spa and wellness center at Le Kaila (see the “The Hotel” photo-montage), which features an aquatic area I found very hard to tear myself away from.

The third and final day in Méribel: no skiing. Unfortunately, it’s a “whiteout” day with poor visibility. Instead, it turns into a morning of intense snowshoeing! I say “intense” because we spent the whole morning climbing, covering a significant elevation gain. The distance wasn’t huge, but the ascent was challenging. It was snowing heavily. It was a fantastic experience with a passionate guide who had endless stories to share about the surrounding nature. In the early afternoon, we set off for the next stop on our short ski trip: Pralognan-la-Vanoise—the small resort we’d been wanting to explore. Goodbye, Méribel; I hope that next time, I’ll be able to ski the area’s beautiful slopes again.

1. The Hotel

Day 2 : Yoga, Lunch & Coffee

Day 3 : Whiteout Day & Snowshoeing

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

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Meriibel, Le Kaila Hotel & Spa

Related articles : HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

Many thanks to the Tourism Board of Méribel et à l’hôtel Le Kaila fir this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions. This article was written without AI.

Méribel, le retour!

J’aime découvrir de nouveaux endroits et quand certains me plaisent beaucoup, je suis ravie d’y retourner, comme à Méribel! Donc pour concilier : découverte, retour dans une station que j’aime beaucoup et optimiser un A/R chronophage et fatiguant depuis la Belgique : j’associe parfois lors d’un voyage ski, deux stations voir plusieurs. Dont voici le premier arrêt : Méribel.

Parlons trajet : nous avons pris le train, avec un changement à Lyon dont nous avons découvert le superbe centre historique au pas de course en 2 heures, sous un ciel bleu azur. Les trains ont eu beaucoup de retard et au retour, nous avons dû changer de gare à Paris, prendre le RER. Bref, je vous recommande vivement l’avion jusqu’à Lyon ou Genève.

Nous arrivons en début de soirée dans l’élégant hôtel, Le Kaila à Méribel (photomontage ci-dessous): quel plaisir en découvrant notre grande suite, où un délicieux gâteau, préparé par le chef pâtissier nous attendait. L’odeur est à tomber! Une salle de bain et des peignoirs confortables, une literie impeccable et la petite terrasse en bois : que du bonheur! Sans oublier le petit déjeuner : parmi notre top 3 des meilleurs petits déjeuners de tous nos endroits préférés, avec des produits d’une grande qualité, servi dans le restaurant étoilé l’Ekrin!

Le lendemain matin, nous avons une séance privée de yoga près de l’altiport de Méribel, dans les bois, traversés par des pistes de ski nordique (photomontage “2. Jour 2”) . On commence par se promener en se concentrant sur sa respiration. Et d’exercice en exercice, on passe doucement aux postures de yoga, avec plus d’aisance et d’agilité. L’approche originale est efficace et permet de se détendre en profondeur. J’ajoute, connectés à l’énergie de superbes conifères. Déjeuner au Clos Bernard en pleine nature : très sympa! Puis, nous montons vers les sommets prendre un café. La vue est sublime. Nous finirons l’après-midi au spa Nuxe et bien-être du Kaila (photomontage “1.L’hôtel”) de 500 mètres carrés avec un espace aquatique que j’ai eu beaucoup de mal à quitter.

Le troisième jour et dernier à Méribel : pas de ski, malheureusement c’est un jour blanc avec peu de visibilité. Ce sera une matinée de raquettes intenses! Je dis : “intenses”, parce que toute la matinée, nous avons grimpé, avec un dénivelé assez important. La distance du parcours n’est pas énorme, mais le dénivelé est challengeant. Il neige beaucoup. Très chouette expérience avec un guide passionné et intarissable sur la nature environnante. En début d’après-midi, nous partons pour le prochain arrêt de notre court séjour au ski : Pralognan-la Vanoise. La petite station que nous voulions découvrir. Bye Bye Méribel et j’espère la prochaine fois, pouvoir à nouveau skier sur les belles pistes du domaine.

1. L’hôtel

Jour 2 : yoga, déjeuner et café au grand air

Jour 3 : raquettes et jour blanc

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

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Méribel, Le Kaila Hotel & Spa

Autres articles : HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

Un grand merci à l’Office du tourisme de Méribel et à l’hôtel Le Kaila pour cette superbe invitation. Comme toujours ce sont mes opinions. Et cet article est écrit à l’ancienne (sans IA).

Chic Cycling Weekend

It’s always a pleasure to take a break in the beautiful countryside of Limbourg in northeastern Belgium! To round off this sense of well-being, discover the elegant La Butte aux Bois hotel (a Small Luxury Hotels) which, true to its name, is situated at the edge of a wood. This setting instills a feeling of serenity after the long drive from home. The reception service is highly professional and efficient; after all, there is nothing more annoying than a long wait upon arrival with our luggage..

The view from our room, located in the modern wing of the property and facing a large park lined with slender trees, is soothing! We are lucky: the sky is blue, and the temperature is perfect for a bike ride. The hotel provides e-bikes. I really like the room’s décor : minimalist yet warm and inviting, with a distinctively Japanese feel, as well as the way the bed is positioned (see photos below). What a luxury to wake up to such a view! The garden and outdoor terrace also offer a peaceful spot to relax. From the spa, you can enjoy a view of giant floral sculptures (photo montage 3).

Another highlight of La Butte aux Bois is its restaurants. We dined at the fine-dining restaurant La Source: a delight for both the eyes and the palate! Set against a monochromatic white backdrop that contrasts with the hotel’s manor section, the space features a graphic opening in the wall, offering a view of the kitchen, where you can see the chef and his team work. The impeccable service is pleasant. e also had lunch at the bistro Le Ciel, where we enjoyed refined, flavorful dishes served in a more exuberant, maximalist setting. This is also where the breakfast is served each morning. The Papillon bar is another cozy spot to linger during quieter hours (see the final photo collage below).

Oops, I almost forgot the detail that makes this elegant hotel more unique: the collection of giant crystals belonging to the owner, the jewelry designer Jochen Leen, which are scattered throughout the common areas (pictured in photo montage 2). It is unusual and original.

1. A Room With A View

2. Fine Dinner at La Source & Lunch at Le Ciel Restaurants

3. The Garden

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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La Butte aux Bois

Many thanks to La Butte aux Bois for this superb invitation. As always, these are my opinions. Just so you know, I wrote this article myself (in the traditional, “old-school” way).