Skip to main content

Winter Vacation Goals: Makini Luxury Chalet in the Swiss Alps

Treat yo-self to a winter vacation for the books by renting out Luxury Retreats’ Makini ski-in/ski-out luxury chalet snowed into the middle of the Swiss Alps.

That is, if you and nine friends have $13-$25k to spare.

Recommended Videos

This newly constructed alpine home with five bedrooms and five ensuite bathrooms features direct access to the Le Rouge ski lift in Verbier, Switzerland, so be sure to pack a pair of the best 2017 ski goggles and skis.

Where? Verbier is a cosmopolitan holiday resort situated on a sun-filled plateau with crazy panoramic views of Mont Blanc (the highest mountain in the Alps).

After a day of skiing, skinning, and browsing Verbier village’s city center, you’ll be eager to return to the comfort of this luxury chalet, which come straight from the scene of a James Bond film. Construction elements blend natural stone with rich, exposed wooden beams, and polished oak flooring for a warm yet crisp atmosphere.

Rustic and refined, we can already imagine melting into a fur rug beside the grand stone fireplace, surrounded by modern art pieces and posh glass chandeliers. Yes, you may be traveling with buddies that way back when would shotgun beers in the backyard, but now you’ll be sipping cognac or Chateau Margaux in the private wine cellar (fully stocked).

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Not in the mood to cook? After all, it is vacation. Enlist the culinary help from Makini’s private chef for a dinner served around a 12-seat baronial table set.

In love yet? Well, take a look at these bedroom views.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

A mixing of lounge and seating areas are sprinkled around the floor-plan, with a jaw-dropping balcony that opens out to the snowy wonderland that is the iconic Swiss Alps. Dibs on the Master Suite (Jacuzzi tub in room).

And no true vacation home would be complete without a private pool. Makini takes this amenity a step further with access to a private sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam (a Turkish-bath style steam room), and massage room. Don’t mind if we do.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bring your work with you and extend the stay, making use of the study area. And if this spot is sounding like the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas getaway for the family, you’ll enjoy watching movies together in the cozy Media room.

Other perks we love: Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, fitness room, and antique red sled in the foyer.

So why go all-out for a lavish winter vacation retreat? Our thought is that if you’re going to go through the trouble of traveling during the hellish winter months, better make it worth it.

Spend a few days at Makini before moving on to the world’s first open-air hotel in the mountains of Switzerland. (We weren’t joking when we said this would be an epic trip.)

Jahla Seppanen
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Born and raised off-the-grid in New Mexico, Jahla Seppanen is currently a sports, fitness, spirits, and culture writer in…
Hawaii’s Diamond Head hike is quicker, easier, and more beautiful than expected
What to know before hiking this famous crater
Diamond Head Hawaii

Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head) is one of Hawaii's most recognized landmarks, formed nearly 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption. After the eruption, a saucer-shaped crater was formed as particles in the air settled and cemented together into tuff. Today, the Diamond Head Crater Summer Trail is one of Hawaii's most visited hiking trails.

Before I visited Lē‘ahi, I wondered just how challenging this hike would be and how long it would take to hike up and back down. To my surprise, the hike was much easier and shorter than expected. You only need a short window of time in your day to enjoy the incredible views from this volcano.

Read more
Mountains, black sand, and auroras await on this top European road trip
This Icelandic landscape was just ranked Europe's top drive
Iceland

Thinking about a European road trip? You might want to look beyond the usual suspects like the French Riviera or the Amalfi Coast. According to a new study by Saga Car Insurance, which analyzed over 73,000 Reddit comments, the top road trip destination in Europe isn’t on the mainland at all, it’s tucked away in eastern Iceland.

The Stokksnes Peninsula claimed the number one spot thanks to its mix of black sand beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and prime Northern Lights viewing. This dramatic landscape, about six hours from Reykjavík and just ten minutes off Iceland’s famed Ring Road, is home to some of the most stunning natural sights on the continent.

Read more
These 10 places have the world’s most breathtaking views — guess who’s No. 1
Ireland tops the list of the 10 most beautiful places to see in the world
Cliffs of Moher during a foggy day in Ireland

If you're planning your next scenic getaway, you might want to take a cue from international travelers. DiscoverCars.com surveyed 6,449 drivers from around the world, asking them to rate the views of destinations they visited on a scale from 1 to 10. The results? A top 10 list of the most breathtaking locations on Earth, and the number one spot may surprise you.

Coming in first place is Ireland, with an average score of 9.52 out of 10. Known for its green landscapes and dramatic cliffs, Ireland’s scenery leaves a lasting impression. Highlights include the iconic Cliffs of Moher, the remote Aran Islands, and the scenic Ring of Kerry, which winds through Killarney National Park and past ancient stone forts, waterfalls, and Atlantic viewpoints.

Read more