There’s

There’s
something deeply satisfying about returning to base
after a day spent racing down the slopes: herb-infused scents
wafting from the kitchen; distant crashes of some exotic cocktail
being shaken to perfection; sauna at the ready to nurse aching
muscles… Whatever it is that makes you feel comforted post-piste,
you’ll find it at the newly opened M Lodge & Spa.

Located in the sleepy French village of
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, this five-star pad makes a cosy, chic
abode for grown-up skiers with its dazzling destination restaurant,
trophy-worthy spa facilities and elegant guest rooms. The 25-key
stay marries traditional alpine interiors with contemporary
furnishings – picture timber-clad walls studded with (purchasable)
abstract artworks and sparkly, cutting-edge lighting.

On arrival, we’re struck by the way in which the property – a
mishmash of brick, glass panelling and timber – so seamlessly melts
into the snow-carpeted hillside. Stepping inside, we’re greeted by
a good-vibes soundtrack – the sort you’d expect at some boho beach
bar, but seriously works here. Moments later, bar-side, a spirited
concoction in hand, we decide that this just might be the address
that convinces us to swap a session at La Folie Douce for the more
sophisticated side of après.

The hotel’s snow-flanked exterior, left, and mountain views
seen from a bedroom.

Rooms

Bedrooms are cosy and contemporary. Ours, a junior suite, offers
sweeping views of the dramatic snow-capped mountains – vistas that
we can enjoy from the comfort of our king-size bed, freestanding
bathtub and spacious balcony. We love the comforting lighting, with
timber-clad walls, faux-fur headboards and stone floors all softly
lit by Milky Way light installations and warm downlights. A
walk-in-wardrobe is fitted with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and
enough hanging space to warrant a colour coordinated set-up.
Discreet, high-tech features abound: think a smart TV that emerges
from a marble-topped cabinet at the click of a button, and curtains
that close with the tap of a switch. The open-plan bathroom
showcases a twin vanity space and walk-in shower.

What’s for breakfast?

Enough to kick-start your day the right way: fruit salads, flaky
pastries, baskets of breads, granolas, oats, cold meats and
porridge so tasty it would be insulting to use a drop of honey.
However you like your eggs in the morning, the kitchen team can
cook them up on request – plus all the other traditional hot stuff,
too.

A sneak peek at a snug bedroom suite, alongside delicous
breakfast spread.

How about lunch and dinner?

Intimate and sophisticated yet supremely laid-back, La Table du
M Lodge restaurant is kitted out with upholstered chairs, round,
marble-topped tables and timber walls hung with purchasable
artworks by native artist and gallerist Amélie du Chalard.

Head chef Clément Hericotte is to thank for the menu, featuring
refined comfort-food classics such as rosemary focaccia, wild
mushroom risotto and a chicken caesar salad that’s crunchy and
creamy in all the right places. Dessert? The extra-zesty lemon pie
is not to be missed.

Is there a bar?

Yep, it’s in the same space as La Table du M Lodge and, in our
opinion, is the centrepiece of the entire property – all mirrored
ceilings, twinkly pendant lights, marble countertop and towering
shelves loaded with stellar spirits. Pull up a stool and sink a
classic margarita, settle into a plush armchair to savour a G&T
to the sweet sounds of the piano, or grab an Aperol and tune in to
the resident DJ.

Amenities

Aside from the ski school and shop, sun terrace,
supersonic-speed WiFi, cinema-sized smart TV, hairdryer,
complimentary tea, and coffee machine? The state-of-the-art spa is
what we think you’ll be most excited about. Blessed with
floor-to-ceiling windows offering undisturbed mountain views, the
pool is the best we’ve ever had the pleasure of swimming laps in.
There are also comfortable poolside loungers, a sauna, fitness
studio and a handful of treatment rooms where you can enjoy a
deep-tissue massage or bespoke facial.

How about their eco-credentials?

Decent. We didn’t catch a whiff of single-use plastic, the menus
are seasonal, toiletries are full-sized and the wood is
reclaimed.

What about accessibility?

All floors have step-free access and several rooms are suitable
for those with mobility issues. It’s worth noting, however, that
the hotel is situated on a steep incline, which should be
considered when planning outdoor explorations.

What’s the crowd like?

The kind you’d go to for life advice: mature, glamorous and on
the effortless side of cool. We’d bookmark this one for a baecation
with your après-hungry gang.

Things I should know

Whether you’re a pro looking to tear up Les Trois Vallées or a
beginner who doesn’t hasn’t quite grasped the concept of a snow
plough, the hotel’s M Snow academy will sort you out on the
slopes.

Within a short walk I can find…

Nearby ski-in, ski-out restaurant Le
Montagnard makes for an exceptional post-piste feast. Opt for
the mountain board, a fine selection of local bacon, pesto and
rillettes paired with cashew bread and fried potatoes. Then, it’s
all eyes on the fondue machine for the main course, best enjoyed
with a bottle of roussette de savoie. Interiors? All original
wooden beams, shelves showcasing ageing cheeses, chairs draped in
faux-fur blankets and branches that double as coat holders.