Hôtel Nînda

Nînda is the local dialect name for Nendaz, the heart of the 4 Vallées, the largest ski area in Switzerland. High above the village of Haute-Nendaz, at an altitude of 1600 meters, lies the hamlet of Les Clèves, the only ski-in/ski-out spot in Nendaz. This gives you an idea of just how sought-after the location is, both in summer and winter. It also explains the exclusive and rather luxurious nature of the chalets found there. But, unlike other ski resorts, discretion is valued here. It is here that Marie-Odile Derrider chose to open the Hotel Nînda, on the former site of the village grocery store. She had to start from scratch and build this beautiful chalet which, while retaining its traditional style, avoids the usual clichés of the Swiss mountains. The furniture, the lighting, the posters on the walls—everything is carefully chosen, in a contemporary and minimalist style that contributes to the serenity of the place. Maie-Odile was born and raised in Belgium, but it's in this magnificent mountain setting that she truly feels at home, and every morning, very early, she walks there with her dog. The seven years she spent as a ski instructor taught her not only the essence of the mountains but also the art of hospitality. Her vision for this 11-room hotel was very clear: no television, "here, the view is the TV!" Yoga classes in a beautiful room overlooking the landscape, and a café/restaurant, the Mountain Coffee Chalet, open to all, offering breakfasts, brunches, and all-day coffee shop classics, including vegetarian options. Each room is equipped with a kitchenette, allowing guests to prepare their own evening meal if they don't feel like going back down to the village. And of course, dogs are very welcome!