Fireside in Méribel

Perched in the French Alps with valley views from the terrace, this Méribel apartment is the kind of ski base that makes the après as appealing as the slopes. The resort's wellness facilities are exceptional – a cedar sauna, hammam, salt grotto, cryo suite, and indoor pool mean there's recovery waiting at the end of every ski day. A lounge bar, seven-days-a-week concierge, valet parking, and private resort shuttle mean you can hand over the logistics entirely. Back in the apartment, a bunk room works well for younger guests, while the terrace is perfect for watching alpenglow fade over the peaks.

Home truths:
* While two of the bedrooms and one of the bathrooms aren't photographed, expect the style and quality to be consistent with the rest of the home.
* The third bedroom is a bunk bed nook designed for younger guests rather than a fully fitted double room — worth bearing in mind if you're booking for a group of six grown-ups.
* You'll have access to the on-site indoor pool and sauna here. They're shared with the resort's other guests.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair.
* As is common in France, in one of the bathrooms, the toilet is separate from the bathroom.