Author Archive for Jamie Rennie

6 reasons December beckons for the true skier

6 reasons December beckons for the true skier

By on Oct 23, 2014 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
With a pair of planks strapped to my feet at the age of three, little did I know this would be the shape of things to come – a passion that I would never outgrow. As an avid skier, I have experienced most snow conditions that the Alps have to offer and while of course
The luxury ski traveller's diary - why it pays to book ahead

The luxury ski traveller's diary - why it pays to book ahead

By on Oct 09, 2014 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
You make a fantastic plan to get all the family together from all corners of the globe for an extra special ski trip to celebrate your 60th birthday. Diaries are swopped. Emails are flying and before long, it’s patently clear that your options boil down to school holidays and half terms. Leave it too late
5 reasons why the Pays Basque still tops the exclusive Summer destination list

5 reasons why the Pays Basque still tops the exclusive Summer destination list

By on May 31, 2014 in Europe, France, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Pays Basque and ‘exclusive’ aren’t staple bed fellows. But mention Biarritz and more exotic images creep in. There’s a reason for this: it’s a lesser known land filled with culture, language and character. To miss it is to deprive yourself of one of life’s ‘richest’ destinations. Read on for five reasons why the Pays Basque
Private ski chalet or luxury hotel? The pros and cons in a nutshell

Private ski chalet or luxury hotel? The pros and cons in a nutshell

By on Mar 26, 2014 in Accommodation, Hotels, Vacation Rentals
On the face of it, let’s acknowledge that both options are rather good. Luxury status should afford you a high standard of accommodation, fine dining and excellent facilities at the very least. The differences start to show when it comes down to the service. The clue is in the title. A private ski chalet offers just
5 excellent alternatives to skiing in Val d'Isere this Spring

5 excellent alternatives to skiing in Val d'Isere this Spring

By on Feb 13, 2014 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Events, France, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
You may be surprised to hear that ski resorts aren’t all about skiing. I don’t mean in the summer months when there isn’t any snow to be had. I mean in the core months, when the snow is at its best and sunnier days prevail. Val d’Isere for example has five alternative events that make the
7 reasons to choose Val d'Isere for your luxury ski destination

7 reasons to choose Val d'Isere for your luxury ski destination

By on Jan 10, 2014 in Accommodation, Bars, Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Since the first ever Winter Olympics were hosted in Chamonix in 1924, glamourising ski-ing to the higher echelons of British society, the villages of Chamonix and Val d’Isere have become firm favourites. So what makes Val d’Isere such a luxury ski destination? Some will say the price of a Sauvignon Blanc on the mountain! To be
Top 10 perfect mountain spots for lunch in Espace Killy

Top 10 perfect mountain spots for lunch in Espace Killy

By on Jan 09, 2014 in Bars, Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
You’ve been pounding the pistes since the first lifts and you’re ready for a scrumptious lunch to replenish the reserves in time for the afternoon session. Meanwhile you need a spot that suits every member of your party, some of whom aren’t skiers. Where to choose? Having skied in Val d’Isere all my life and with
The definition of a luxury ski chalet - don't accept any less

The definition of a luxury ski chalet - don't accept any less

By on Nov 26, 2013 in Accommodation, Europe, France, Regions, Resorts, Vacation Rentals, Western Europe
In today’s digital day and age, one couldn’t dream of defining ‘luxury’ without referring to the great Wikipedia in the cloud. According to the online encyclopedia, ‘luxury’ is defined as: very wealthy and comfortable surroundings something desirable but expensive something very pleasant but not really needed in life A luxury ski chalet not really needed?