THE ÉTINCELLES GROUP'S NEW CHALETS MAKE A SPARK (France)
The small Savoyard collection has added three luxury chalets in its favourite resorts, plus a fourth, available from January 2024, before tackling the 'black slope' of Courchevel, where the group has invested in two chalets, currently being renovated in preparation for next season |
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THE ÉTINCELLES GROUP'S NEW CHALETS MAKE A SPARK (France)
The small Savoyard collection has added three luxury chalets in its favourite resorts, plus a fourth, available from January 2024, before tackling the 'black slope' of Courchevel, where the group has invested in two chalets, currently being renovated in preparation for next season |
Category: Europe - France - Industry economy
- Hotel opening
Article written by Guillaume Chollier on 2023-11-03
In life, as in business, Nicolas Chatillon and Guerlain Chicherit are used to going 'full speed ahead'! Since they founded Étincelles in September 2018, the ex-banker and former freeride world champion, later joined by Arnaud Viotte and Philippe Lutz, have seen exponential growth in their portfolio of properties, while combining lifestyle and sustainable mountains.
With 15 hotels, 10 residences and 25 chalets, the group is a leader in the high-end high-mountain hotel sector, in popular resorts such as Tignes, Val d'Isère and La Plagne. A position that Étincelles is determined to maintain. That's why it has strengthened its offering with chalets that boast a strong identity and services worthy of a palace, such as a concierge service available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but always with a sustainable vision of what leisure accommodation should become in the French Alps.
“It is unthinkable for us to conceive of economic development today without considering an essential factor: a sustainable vision for our mountain resorts. Respecting the environment that has given me so much means thinking and designing our projects with the mountains, not against them,” says Guerlain Chicherit, one of the two co-founders of Étincelles.
The Carte Blanche collection, the most prestigious part of the Étincelles group, now boasts 25 exceptional chalets in the resorts of Tignes, Val d'Isère, La Plagne and Val Thorens. These very exclusive addresses offer all the comforts and advantages of a hotel - sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool, butler, etc. - which customers can enjoy alone with their or family. Set in prime locations, the Carte Blanche chalets offer breathtaking panoramas, allowing guests to immerse themselves totally in this natural setting.
“Our collection of Carte Blanche chalets is unique and is positioned in the luxury segment,” explains Nicolas Chatillon, co-founder of the group, to Journal des Palaces. “Nevertheless, we have different categories, with very upmarket chalets offering tailor-made services with dedicated staff (chef, butler, chauffeur, housekeeper etc), but our customers can also choose à la carte services on certain chalets, and others are reserved for simple accommodation. All our chalets have a unique, authentic design and are built using local stone and wood,” he explains.
In Tignes, the Quézac chalet was voted “most beautiful chalet in the world” in 2014 by the World Ski Awards. In the Brévières district, this 600 m2 former barn blends the charm of the past and aged wood with contemporary lines, a semi-professional kitchen and several artists' pieces, including a painting by Franck Bouroullec. As for the superb indoor pool, it will delight lovers of the slow attitude, who are more interested in lazing around than spending days on the slopes of the Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area.
In the same part of Tignes, the Tango et Charlie chalet is distinguished by its spacious, open-plan layout and generous, light-filled rooms. With 13 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms spread over an area of 1,200 m2, it actually consists of two communicating chalets that can be rented independently of each other. The ideal compromise for families who want to share good memories together, while retaining a degree of privacy. Younger guests will love the coffee table, made from parts of a 1950s aircraft, the presence of the aircraft's cabin, engine or propellers in the chalet, and the secret games room.
In the neighbouring resort of Val d'Isère, in the heart of the village, Chalet Katmai, bathed in light thanks to its spectacular glass roof, covers 700 m2. Inside, the refined decor blends a cosy atmosphere with noble materials such as stone and wood. As for the sublime fireplace and spacious terrace, they add to the cachet of these premises, where everything has been planned to keep occupants entertained in the event of a snowstorm: a large indoor swimming pool and even an indoor shooting range and climbing wall!
From the foot of the slopes at La Plagne, Chalet Riva offers an exceptional panoramic view of the eternal snows of Mont Blanc. Sleeping up to 14 people, the charm of the stonework and aged wood on the outside contrasts with the warmth of the interior, featuring velvet, cotton and wool, and soft, subdued lighting. Chic and eco-responsible, Chalet Riva has a Swedish bath, and the green ceiling in the ski room adds to its green credentials.
“Our customers come to us to ski, and making sure they have a stay with snow is part of our DNA. All our chalets are located in high-altitude resorts to ensure good snow cover throughout the season, but they also have access to a host of activities outside skiing”, says Nicolas Chatillon, who has big ambitions for the Étincelles group.
For next season, new chalets will be joining the Carte Blanche collection. Two of them are currently being renovated in the prestigious resort of Courchevel 1850, which shelters no fewer than five establishments bearing the Palace label and offering accommodation in ultra-luxury individual chalets. “We know the mountains well and the group is now well established in Savoie. We have a real reputation and experience in several resorts,” explains Nicolas Chatillon.
The arrival of this new challenger is likely to cause a few sparks to fly in the very chic Savoyard resort. Nicolas Chatillon and Guerlain Chicherit, who have the spirit of competition firmly in their bodies, are already rubbing their hands together and have naturally waxed their skis before embarking on this perilous descent…
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