Selena JonesClub Med Val d’isere, France
Club Med have been around since 1950 and have constantly adapted and changed adding to their portfolios: from Ski to Caribbean to summer lakes and mountains. It’s good to note that Club Med have a zero plastics policy.
The Club Med Val D’Isere offers opulent accommodation, summer activities for the adventurous, as well as those seeking something different, fresh air and exercise.
Prepare to have your mind blow by the scenery, accommodation, food and activities!
The Experience
If you’re flying into either Geneva or Lyon, be prepared for around a 3-hour transfer. However, the scenery on your journey is simply breathtaking; passing waterfalls, lakes and quaint villages.
Your first view of the stunning Club Med is the awesome outdoor terrace used daily for pop up barbecue stations, oyster stations, canapés, and an outdoor bar serving every drink you desire.
The interior is natural themed with beautiful wooden walls and lots of red breakout areas with comfortable couches. The resort has 216 rooms consisting of deluxe rooms and suites for larger parties / families, all having balconies, huge beds luxurious, bathrooms with toiletries provided, as well as a coffee maker and fridge.
There are 2 restaurants: one which is gourmet buffet, and the other which is an a ’la carte (which you can visit once weekly). The food was incredible and made using local produce. There were a lot of different stations, from veggie to beautifully cooked meats, such as, chicken and beef to themed stations offering mouthwatering dim sums and stir-fried vegetables. And everything is made to order! There is an entire dessert station, and one with just cheese. Each evening is themed; for example, chic / white and everyone is totally onboard and makes a huge effort for this.
Every evening has live entertainment from DJs to dancers to singers and you can move to the night club later in the evening if you wish.
Activities
This resort caters for everyone with regards to activities. It also caters for families; from as young as 4 years * to 17 years. They have a fully kitted kids club. They also do stargazing outings and outdoor for children. The in-house team will advise what is best suited for the children.
* crèche/ babysitter can be prebooked before arrival for younger children
Activities range from walking, hiking (all different levels from the absolute beginner to extremist) biking, assisted E-biking and a full yoga programme. EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED in your holiday cost. All equipment is provided, and everything is fully explained, and at an additional cost you can also paraglide and climb. There is also a fully fitted gym, pool, jacuzzis, and of course the most amazing spa * to treat yourself (*chargeable)!
I participated in one of the medium level hikes that started in the most famous valley of Val D’Isere. It was absolutely stunning! I also did the village walk and yoga group. But by far the icing on the cake was paragliding! You drive around an hour away from the resort and make your way up to a grassed area above one of the villages in the valley. Once you have had your safety talk and been told what to expect, you are all kitted out, strapped in and you simply have to run off the side of the mountain ……. What a feeling! We went up to 2000 feet. I honestly felt like a bird, we were up for around 1/2 hour. It was brilliant!
Recommendation
I would say this experience would suit those looking for top notch accommodation, looking to experience the fresh air, to be spoilt with food, scenery, and activities. It is definitely suitable for families and couples alike. It is not cheap, but then again, it is 5*!! And EVERYTHING is included and what value for money.
Top tips:
– Definitely take proper walking boots / shoes
– Pack wisely as the weather changes quickly. You will need a light water proof and long sleeves / leggings etc if paragliding, hiking etc.
– Don’t forget to bring sun cream!
– Pack evening attire for themed nights – something not too casual
– A small backpack for the hikes / cycling is necessary
– A GoPro would be amazing if you have one
– And lastly, prepare to have the most amazing time!