SCHEDA TECNICA
Owner: Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild
Developer: Edmond de Rothschild Heritage
Hotel operator: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Architect: Bruno Legrand Architecture (BLA)
Interiors: Pierre-Yves Rochon Inc. (PYR)
Contractors: T. Studio Design & Development; Bruno Legrand Architecture (BLA)
Furniture: Custom designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon and Philippe Hurel
Photo credits: Richard Waite Photography
The endeavour of the Rothschild family (the best known dynasty of bankers in the world) really seems to have been a mission, begun in 1920 when Baroness Noémie de Rothschild decided to create a winter resort in the French Alps. Megève was chosen because of its accessibility, the gentle hills and the sun that caresses the territory in every season. Since then, every generation of the family has made its own contribution to the prosperity and growth of the village.
With its 55 rooms (41 guest rooms and 14 suites), the resort lies at the highest point of Megève, surrounded by Monte d’Arbois, Val d’Arly and the Jaillet and Christommet chains. Very popular with directors and actors, Megève has been the setting for numerous films, including Roger Vadim’s Le relazioni pericolose with Jeanne Moreau and Gérard Philipe and a sequence of Charade, with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant in the swimming pool of the Hotel du Mont d’Arbois.
Baroness Ariane de Rothschild, a great art lover, collaborated from the outset in the interior design and the choice of the works of art, working with the architect Bruno Legrand and the interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon who, having known the family for some time, allowed the hotel to reflect its values and lifestyle. The result is a contemporary chalet, steeped in the warmth of the wood and the fireplaces, with the atmosphere of the nineteen thirties, made unique by the numerous works of art and ethnic touches that add character to the whole place.
All 55 rooms, featuring warm caramel tones, enjoy views of the valley and the mountain chains thanks to the terraces and balconies and are decorated with the works of the artist Thierry Bruet and Balinese Ikat tapestries, from the private collection of Ariane de Rothschild.
There are many details that make the Four Seasons Megève a unique destination, from the direct access for skiers to the slopes of Mont d’Arbois to the Ski Concierge and the expert team of gardeners who look after the 18,000 plants that were carefully selected for the park.
The hotel also has the largest spa in the French Alps, more than 900 square metres, in the Art Deco spirit. The gastronomic offer satisfies every palate, starting with the Edmond Bar, with glass bar counter made of LED-illuminated tubes, and warm honey and brown colours combined with tweed sofas, armchairs with leather cushions and ivory curtains with chocolate-coloured bands.
The modern and elegant ‘Le 1920’, with its more formal and hushed atmosphere, is decorated in lighter tones of caramel. The Alpine furnishings were designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. The private dining room, which can be closed with sliding doors, accommodates up to 14 diners. A wine cellar is separated from the main room by glass walls and offers a more exclusive gastronomic experience (for 4 or 6 people).
The Japanese restaurant Kaito stands out for its elegant oriental style, with walls and curtains in dark red flannel and a space marked by columns clad in intertwined red leather. The furnishings were specifically created by Philippe Hurel and the tables are by Pierre-Yves Rochon.
The monumental staircase in glass and metal leads to the cylindrical two-story cellar. The walls are clad with stone and wooden shelves for up to 12,000 bottles, kept at a controlled temperature.
