My favorites: A chalet in the French Alps

Les fermes de Marie

image:tablet hotels

I am indulging one of my great passions: skiing. I am in Whistler, B.C. which has been my favorite destination for years, great skiing, powder and steeps and when my knees can take it, throw in the most amazing tree runs and moguls... We are being pampered in the ultimate resort/hotel with ski concierge that carries your skis and dry your boots (that is the only privilege of being older). After all, I need to preserve my energy to race down the slopes with 20's something boarders and skiers. The hotel is absolutely perfect but lacks the European alpine atmosphere that makes a ski vacation such a memorable experience. Wished they would hire me to design the rooms! They do need a little creative help in the style and design department.

The ultimate refuge from the cold and real life can be experienced at the Megeve (France) hotel and chalets: Les Fermes de Marie.

Please have a seat in your favorite chair, coffee, tea or wine in hand and enjoy...

The perfect association of rough old materials and leather in subdued natural tones to create warmth and calm

The game room

The ultimate mountain dining experience

 Modest antique furnishings add to the cozy atmosphere

 Open kitchen

A spa with a view

And of course the skiing with the ultimate lunch stop...

All photos courtesy of Les Fermes de marie

Ready to start packing?

Tablet Hotels can take care of your reservation

http://www.tablethotels.com/Les-Fermes-de-Marie-Hotel/Megève-Hotels-Alps-France/2443

Langkawi, a jewel in the Andaman seas

I am constantly reading about new hotels, resorts, spas.... I have a great love for Asia and we have a family tradition of celebrating New Years Eve In Bangkok, watching the spectacular fireworks on the river. I fell upon an article on a new Four Seasons hotel just about to open in Langkawi, Malaysia. I was intrigued as I had in mind to visit Malaysia and especially to hike in the oldest rainforest in the world. Being very impulsive, I picked up the phone, called the Four Seasons Langkawi directly and booked a week for my family and I. They had just opened and had great introductory rates..... then booked malaysian airlines, all I had left to do was to organize the logistics of traveling throughout Malaysia.


Langkawi island is an enchanting archipelago of 104 islands in the NorthWest coast of Malaysia where the Straits of Malaca meets the Andaman Seas. The island is densely populated with tropical rainforest covered peaks, jungle clad hills, surrounded by stunning turquoise seas, powder fine sands and swaying coconut trees

I love monkeys and always have camera ready, this little guy saw us, swam to the boat, proceeded to climb, take our water bottle and started to drink...

red hawk-eagles in flight

It took seven years to build the resort and its spectacular pools and stone walls. The inspiration for the resort is one of my favorite spanish architectural marvel, the Alhambra Palace. The resort blends with its natural surroundings, with exotic woods, stone, neutral earth tones. The design team, Bill Bensley, Jeffrey Wilkes, Lek Bunnag, have captured the essence of a traditional Malay village setting with its pavillions, influenced by Asian, Indian and arabic architecture.

Reflecting pool

Details:Asia meets Morroco

The Morrocan bar

Life is tough for these two teenagers...

Parent's room

kids's room 

Marrakech meets Bali bathroom

My favorite spot. Up at 3AM (jetlag) i would read in the outdoor bath, then go for a run and impatiently wait for the Breakfast buffet to be ready

Main pool for adults and kids

The lap pool with its private cabana.I would swim my laps every morning and enjoy the peaceful view. no kids allowed....

Ready to go sailing...

I also need to mention, this magical week was not pure play, I did work extremely hard at my inspiration for our spring textile and furniture collection...