Set high on the lofty peaks of the Swiss Alps, overlooking the vibrant town of Verbier, sits Sir Richard Branson’s luxury chalet,  The Lodge Verbier. As you might imagine, Richard Branson’s version of luxury is at the top of the charts.

This lodge accommodates 18 adults in 9 bedrooms & suites. Each lavish guestroom has it’s own living room and well appointed plush bathroom. I loved the bath products, a fun and quirky brand called Cowshed, which smelled divine.  Most guestrooms also have balconies with incredible views, and some have central fireplaces. The beds are of excellent quality; fluffy and comfortable.

For the kids, they’ll be totally jazzed to stay in the“Bunk Room” which contains 3 sets of bunk beds accommodating 6 children. The Bunk Room is also equipped with a plasma screen tv, dvd player, games console, and separate shower room. They’ll have a fun sleep-over party every night!

In addition to the bedrooms and suites, The Lodge also boasts a gorgeous heated indoor pool, steam room, fully equipped gym, spa with full spa services, party area, an indoor and an outdoor jacuzzi, a pool table which converts into a ping-pong table, a 24 hour self-service bar with extensive international wine list, large plasma screen tv and a dvd player with a nice selection of dvds. So even when you’re not on the slopes enjoying Verbier’s world class skiing, or hiking those scenic mountain trails, you’ll have plenty of options to keep you well occupied.

The Lodge is designed in a very minimalist  – yet very cozy, and modern style, featuring reclaimed lumber beam work and dark finished wooden walls. Its rustic charm will captivate you!

One of the things I liked best about my stay at The Lodge Verbier was the team of 14 attentive staff members, including a General Manager, a Spa Therapist and Michelin trained chefs. They take care of everything – from planning excursions, to setting up picnics, and even helping with childcare. The staff was so attentive that I didn’t want for anything. They even sewed buttons back on my dress!

When you’re not indulging your palate in a sumptuous 4 course meal that far exceeds your wildest culinary imagination, and when you’re not relaxing into your deep-tissue massage after a nice workout in the gym, The Lodge offers 24 hour car service to your destination of choice in the town of Verbier. The Lodge is also positioned with easy access to many spectacular Alpine trails, should you decide to set out on foot instead.

A word about the town of Verbier… first off, to get there, you’ll be driving up a tiny yet long and winding road that goes up and up and yet up some more. It’s one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever experience with log cabins and abundant flowers dotting the mountainside. Finally when you reach the top you’ll be amazed to find a town that high up. Verbier is one of the world’s premiere ski destinations, famous for it’s off-piste skiing. Also, at it’s highest point, there is a plateau where one can look down on a panoramic view of the Alps, including the Matterhorn. The Lodge Verbier is located in a quiet spot just a few minutes walk from the town.

During the winter, there’s world class skiing and snowboarding (including off-piste and heli-skiing) and for the novice, there are several ski schools in the area. During the summer, Verbier offers rock climbing, paragliding, bicycling and mountain biking. You can even go canyoneering or riding around on mountain scooters! If you like to golf there are 5 different golf courses near The Lodge. The concierge can make all the arrangements for you and even pack a backpack full of the supplies you’ll need for your day of adventure.

I feel the need to elaborate more on the food aspect of my visit to The Lodge because it was so above and beyond my expectations. They offer guests a seriously delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, cooked by the house’s private chef, and it is all included in your stay. Even alcoholic beverages are included in the room rate, so guests do not need to worry about accumulating various and sundry expenses. I have some dietary restrictions and the chef worked with my preferences to create some of the best dishes I’ve ever had. They used so many flavorful ingredients such as fresh local chantrelle mushrooms, and organic vegetables and herbs. But guests should also plan on having a few meals out in the town of Verbier as well, and definitely need to try Swiss Raclette and Fondue– which is made from cheese from happy free roaming cows in the local area.

Staying at The Lodge is an intimate experience where the entire staff knows your name. Being in a private chalet as opposed to a hotel really makes for an exclusive experience. Thank you Sir Richard, for creating this little slice of heaven!