Happy New Year! Slightly stumped how to share one of the best weekends I have had in years, without sounding like a boastful txxxxr. Well, here goes! Within my usual style of sharing brilliant businesses and brands with you, it’s now time to turn my hand to a wonderful company, Fish&Pips who we went skiing with to Meribel Village before Christmas.
To get you up to speed, Fish&Pips are two lovely ladies, who out of a shared love of special places to stay, friendly service and delicious, freshly prepared food have become the luxury escape experts for both chalet and Summer holidays.
Otherwise known as Holly Chandler (the ‘Fish’!) and Philippa Hartley (the ‘Pips’!), they go back a long way and are life-long family friends.
After we’d finished university at Edinburgh and Brighton (respectively) it became clear that our visits to career advisers had told us nothing in comparison to what our next few seasons in the Alps would teach us. It’s what we love, and it’s what we do best. Through many years of working together in the Alps and holidaying with various chalet companies, we know what works, what doesn’t, what’s important and what isn’t.
MERIBEL VILLAGE
Alex and I were lucky enough to be invited to stay in one of their 13 different chalets in Meribel Village in the Three Valleys. (FYI, they have 6 catered chalets, 6 self-catered and 1 serviced)
I know, we couldn’t believe it either!
INFORMATIVE & FRIENDLY STAFF
We were met off the plane in Geneva (only 1.20hr flight from Gatwick) by one of the lovely Fish&Pips drivers who swiftly drove us up the mountain to our chalet.
Despite driving in the dark, his confident driving put me at ease on the winding roads, which I must say is a rarity driving through mountainous regions.
On arrival we were greeted by chalet girl Carla, who was very welcoming and smiley.
All of their team members are welcoming and friendly whilst remaining professional and attentive. They have a wealth of local knowledge about the resort so were able to ask lots questions about the conditions, the resort and the chalet.
Speaking of the Chalet – wow. Alex and I actually got the giggles at how luxurious it was. Chalet Baita , one of their catered chalets, has recently been designed to a very high spec.
The communal living area was cosy and inviting with beautiful views overlooking the pistes (and hot tub on the left!)
Our bedroom was very ‘alpine chic’. There was also a noticeable amount of storage – something that is usually lacking when unpacking bulky ski stuff!
NEVER GO HUNGRY
After we freshened up, it was time for some bubbles and canapés.
Handmade from scratch by brilliant Chef George, The Mini Croque Madams were a taste sensation!!! Everything is sourced locally so have failed trying to recreate them at home!
All of their catered chalets have professionally trained chefs working in them. They have a partnership with The Abinger Cookery School and Adam Byatt who owns the Michelin starred Trinity Restaurant in Clapham Old Town.
There’s no chance of going hungry, with a wide choice of breakfast options (7 breakfasts in total, of which 2 are continental) and each evening you have canapés followed by a 4 course meal for 6 of the nights that you stay.
That’s not forgetting the afternoon tea upon returning from skiing…
and a cheeseboard each evening…
and we were packed off with a home made energy bar each morning!
EXCELLENT SUPPLIERS & PARTNERS
Their pre-holiday care and concierge service is also what sets them apart. They work with an amazing bunch of suppliers and will recommended and help organize anything you might need during their stay from Ski School or childcare to transfers and massages.
I want to give a special mention to the guys at Marmalade Ski School After a few hours of private lessons with them, my style and confidence improved.
They are also wonderful with kids. Ok, my kids weren’t with us – I could just tell they would be great! They can turn their hands to expert skiers who want to go off piste to beginners straight out of nappies.
(and well versed with jokers – as above!)
Slide Candy were a brilliant boutique company that fitted our boots and ski’s in the comfort of our chalet. I have never had such a comfortable feet on the slopes!
TOP RESTAURANTS
It was lovely being in a resort with experts who knew where to go (and how to get there!)
I especially enjoyed our lunch on the piste and the fun company of the instructors and Fish&Pips ladies.
APRES SKI
It was especially spoiling to have a long lazy lunch with no responsibilities to deal with afterwards, like the usual picking the kids up from school… I ‘may’ have got a little carried away with the apres ski one or two nights on the Genepi but we were there for the opening nights of the Folie Douche and Lodge Du Village so needs must.
ECO PLEDGE
Another notable aspect of Fish&Pips is their pledge to reduce their environmental impact reduce consumption and waste, educate others and plant more trees. They have joined forces with the amazing team at ‘One Tree At a Time’ to do so to help make the chalet industry greener and we want to set a template for others to follow.
SUMMER TOO!
Fish&Pips can also look after you for your summer holiday too. Stay in one of their hand-picked hotels or beautiful villas in Cyprus, Portugal, Croatia, Menorca and Mallorca and let them look after every detail of your holiday so no detail of your trip is left untouched.
Now that would be something to look forward to!
For any information, pricing or just initial chat, contact the friendly team at Fish&Pips
Sales and Booking +44 (0) 1306 264005
