After a $110 million renovation, the all-inclusive Club Med Alpe d’Huez resort has beome a new, trendy and multi-faceted hot spot to add to that must-visit list when planning a winter break. Studio MHNA, a Paris-based interior design firm, which also creates products, is behind the transformation of the traditional mountain retreat tucked into the mountainside of the Savoie ski area in the French Alps.
Now, as well as enjoying ski-in ski-out access to a 250km ski domain, plus activities like hiking, Nordic walking, cross-country skiing, skijoring and dog sledding, guests can come back to relax in the warm and contemporary interior dreamed up by the company that was founded by Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet.
The four-star resort is aptly named “Island in the Sun” and taking its exceptionally sunny location into consideration, Studio MHNA has brought the sunlight into open spaces, creating real visual fluidity and harmoniously connecting each area. Hertrich and Adnet come up with concepts based on the local culture, traces and traditions, as well as the amazing talent offered by artisans, so for this project, the designers incorporated tones like bright orange, blackcurrant, cranberry red and teal. These hues are inspired by the natural surrounding landscape and the idea of “chic camping.”
And with the combination of raw materials such as wood, leather and wool, Studio MHNA has created a hospitable and cosy atmosphere, which is very much the order of the day after a fun-filled time in the snow. In addition, the 441 mountain-inspired rooms in the reimagined ski resort are brightly coloured and feature patterns and prints for a modern, upmarket twist.
Whether on a family vacation, a romantic getaway or as a solo traveller, there is something for everyone in the resort that has two main restaurants. For adults, some of the best places to hang out in the resort include the stunning indoor pool, the Club Med Spa by PAYOT and the adults-only “La Bulle” lounge, with its calm music and comfy seating areas. Plus, there’s the option of enjoying a little après-ski in the gorgeous Le Névé lobby bar or taking in the incredible panoramic views of the valley and slopes from the balconies. And kids and kids-at-heart can make fun memories at the “Happy Lounge” play area and the resort's must-try virtual reality sledding experience.
Photo credit: Interior Designer – Studio MHNA (studio-mhna.com/en/)
