Eco-domes in Switzerland
By Richard Hammond
First impressions count: particularly when you’re paying £230 a night to stay in a tent. When you first catch sight of these eco-domes – the new luxury eco-camp high above the Swiss ski resort of Villars – you’ll either want to run (or ski) a mile or you’ll be fabulously pleased you put your curiosity to the test.
The mountainside camp launched in December and comprises the restored 1820s Chalet Taillevent and five hard-cased cocoons of canvas, or 'eco-domes'. Each identical pod looks like the head of a Star Wars Stormtrooper, but once you’ve got to grips with the icy outer canvas zip, inside you’ll find the attention given to the plush interior, complete with i-pod, 14-tog duvet and log fire, provides about as comfortable a tent experience as you’ll find this side of the galaxy.
And they’re rock solid. The steel frames are built on a geodesic design, similar to that used by the domes of Eden Project, and are reputedly able to withstand winds of up to 190 miles per hour. On my second night at the eco-dome, it snowed over half a metre as the winds got up to 130 miles an hour, yet my dome hardly moved an inch.
The concept is the brainchild of Sophie de Meyer, who grew up in Villars and whose family own Chalet Taillevent, the focal point of the camp. She wanted to offer people who love the outdoors a hip, eco-friendly place that was in a more natural setting than resort hotels or other ski lodges. “It’s more than just a place to stay, the idea is that you are a bit more adventurous by getting a bit closer to nature” she says. Sophie originally thought of installing Tipis or Yurts, but decided in favour of the pods as they provided the right combination of security, comfort and spirituality.
Central to Sophie’s Philosophy is that the camp is run as a small-scale enterprise that has minimal impact on the environment and uses as much local organic produce as possible. The chalet, which is the focal point for all meals and washing, has a chemical-free filtration system and the generator can only be used for two hours each morning and evening. All meals are cooked by a local chef, Camille, who provides local specialties such as her own vegetarian lasagne, a nut and orange salad and cheese fondue. The eco-domes are heated by wood stoves and lit by petrol lamps, and the idea is at the end of the season the domes, which are built on raised wooden platforms, are dismantled without leaving a trace.
While the cost of staying at one of these eco-domes might seem steep at £230 a night, it does include all meals (and wine with evening meals), transfers to and from Geneva airport (an hour and a half away), lift passes, and two private mountain guides (mine was Celine Daetwyler, formerly the world's 23rd ranked female giant slalom skier). Furthermore, Sophie doesn’t operate seasonal, holiday or single supplements, so you can expect the same price per night throughout the year.
Verdict: It’s the holistic nature experience that sets the eco-domes aside for a unique short winter break. The innovative style of the pods, the hospitable comfort of the chalet and the ease with which you can ski in and out of the camp means that it offers far more than just isolated luxury camping. And not only can you access the 140 miles of pistes of Villars-Gryon, there are plenty of other activities available on your doorstep, such as snowshoeing, telemarking, skinning and paragliding. As for value for money, as long as you don't expect all the pampered trappings of a chic ski lodge (eg. you share the use of two bathrooms with the other guests and you’re limited to one shower a day), its eco and adventure credentials are worth every Euro penny. First (and lasting) impression: It’s Podacious!
First impressions count: particularly when you’re paying £230 a night to stay in a tent. When you first catch sight of these eco-domes – the new luxury eco-camp high above the Swiss ski resort of Villars – you’ll either want to run (or ski) a mile or you’ll be fabulously pleased you put your curiosity to the test. The mountainside camp launched in December and comprises the restored 1820s Chalet Taillevent and five hard-cased cocoons of canvas, or 'eco-domes'. Each identical pod looks like the head of a Star Wars Stormtrooper, but once you’ve got to grips with the icy outer canvas zip, inside you’ll find the attention given to the plush interior, complete with i-pod, 14-tog duvet and log fire, provides about as comfortable a tent experience as you’ll find this side of the galaxy.
And they’re rock solid. The steel frames are built on a geodesic design, similar to that used by the domes of Eden Project, and are reputedly able to withstand winds of up to 190 miles per hour. On my second night at the eco-dome, it snowed over half a metre as the winds got up to 130 miles an hour, yet my dome hardly moved an inch.
The concept is the brainchild of Sophie de Meyer, who grew up in Villars and whose family own Chalet Taillevent, the focal point of the camp. She wanted to offer people who love the outdoors a hip, eco-friendly place that was in a more natural setting than resort hotels or other ski lodges. “It’s more than just a place to stay, the idea is that you are a bit more adventurous by getting a bit closer to nature” she says. Sophie originally thought of installing Tipis or Yurts, but decided in favour of the pods as they provided the right combination of security, comfort and spirituality.
Central to Sophie’s Philosophy is that the camp is run as a small-scale enterprise that has minimal impact on the environment and uses as much local organic produce as possible. The chalet, which is the focal point for all meals and washing, has a chemical-free filtration system and the generator can only be used for two hours each morning and evening. All meals are cooked by a local chef, Camille, who provides local specialties such as her own vegetarian lasagne, a nut and orange salad and cheese fondue. The eco-domes are heated by wood stoves and lit by petrol lamps, and the idea is at the end of the season the domes, which are built on raised wooden platforms, are dismantled without leaving a trace.
While the cost of staying at one of these eco-domes might seem steep at £230 a night, it does include all meals (and wine with evening meals), transfers to and from Geneva airport (an hour and a half away), lift passes, and two private mountain guides (mine was Celine Daetwyler, formerly the world's 23rd ranked female giant slalom skier). Furthermore, Sophie doesn’t operate seasonal, holiday or single supplements, so you can expect the same price per night throughout the year.
Verdict: It’s the holistic nature experience that sets the eco-domes aside for a unique short winter break. The innovative style of the pods, the hospitable comfort of the chalet and the ease with which you can ski in and out of the camp means that it offers far more than just isolated luxury camping. And not only can you access the 140 miles of pistes of Villars-Gryon, there are plenty of other activities available on your doorstep, such as snowshoeing, telemarking, skinning and paragliding. As for value for money, as long as you don't expect all the pampered trappings of a chic ski lodge (eg. you share the use of two bathrooms with the other guests and you’re limited to one shower a day), its eco and adventure credentials are worth every Euro penny. First (and lasting) impression: It’s Podacious!
Interested? Why not stay at this accommodation yourself?