Escape to the mountains this summer and discover a stay at one of luxury travel specialist Firefly Collection’s finest eco-luxury alpine chalets.
Located in popular summer mountain resorts including Chamonix, Meribel and Zermatt, these sustainable escapes are perfect for getting back to nature and embracing the best of outdoor pursuits – whether it be adrenaline-fuelled mountain biking or a beautiful hike.
There’s even rafting, glacier walking and climbing to try – plus golf for those that prefer life on the ground.
All of these stylish properties have undergone the extra mile to reduce their footprint on the environment. Some entirely emission-free, guests can still enjoy in-demand luxury features such as hot tubs, pools and cinemas – this is travel that’s just as suave as it is sustainable.
Ready to adventure? Here’s what’s awaiting:
1 The Eco Lodge, France, Chamonix
In terms of eco credentials, this self-sufficient lodge, which runs completely on renewable energy, tops the list.
Built to the ‘passiv haus’ standard and using green technology throughout, there’s minimum air leakage through the 60cm thick super-insulated walls. Geo-thermal and solar-thermal systems provide the heating whilst Photovoltaic solar panels produce enough energy to make the house net zero emissions.
Designed to blend in with the natural environment, the chalet certainly doesn’t compromise on luxury with stunning light and airy natural wood interiors throughout.
Admire floor to ceiling windows in the dining room, which perfectly frame the jagged snow-capped mountains outside like a real-life work of art.
On the outdoor terrace, guests can pay a visit to the ‘sauna pod’ or enjoy the mountain views from the large hot tub.
Sleeps 8-10 in five bedrooms. Price from £3,410 per week on a self-catered basis. Discover more here.
2 Chalet Serendipity, France, Meribel
Incorporating the latest sustainable design and construction standards and green technologies, this brand new chalet also has solar power to heat the hot water supply.
Feast your eyes upon stylish, contemporary interiors with plenty of open space, particularly in the lounge areas where families and groups of friends can gather together.
There’s also a cinema, TV Room and extensive wine cellar to enjoy. Outside, the large south-facing terrace with its swimming pool, sauna, games room and bar is the perfect spot for family meals and BBQs late into the evening.
The chalets location, at the heart of Meribel Village, makes it an ideal base from which to explore the stunning Three Valley’s region during the summer months.
For the adventure seekers, there are also a number of adrenalin fuelled activities available including popular Hydro-Speeding down the rapids and Via Ferrata climbing.
Seeps up to 12 in six bedrooms.From £2,561 per week in the summer. Discover more here.
3 Chalet Castor, Chalet Pullox and Chalet Gemini, Switzerland, Zermatt
These three unique chalet-style houses may look traditional in design but they are geo-thermal powered to reduce the chalet’s carbon footprint as much as possible.
Perched high above Zermatt, they offer sublime mountain views from the large wooden balconies and floor to ceiling sliding glass doors throughout – wake up with the horizon and drink in the mesmerising surroundings.
Located just minutes from the town centre and the Matterhorn Express lift, each self-contained three-storey house offers beautiful homely interiors with spacious open-plan living and dining areas designed for enjoyment.
The large dining table is the perfect place for long, leisurely meals prepared by the chalet’s very own chef. In the evening, wind down with your favourite tipple in the outdoor hot tub.
Each sleeps 8 in four bedrooms. From £2,588 per week. Discover more here.