PV Holidays Blog

In order to beat the credit crunch, more people are saving their well-earned pennies and are plumping for a self-catering ski break in the French Alps this winter.

Self-catering doesn’t mean you have to endure a basic stay, and after a day on the slopes it’s important to find a way to relax and unwind.

Indulging in a spa treatment is a great way to score some time out away from the kids, soothe tired limbs and prepare you for another day on the piste.

PV-Holidays offers comfortable self-catering ski holiday residences in all the leading resorts. Even better, many have fabulous French spas on-site.

Below is our pick of the best for the winter months:

1. Hotel Latitudes du Golf
Location: Situated in the Arc 1800 area, this resort has a great atmosphere perfect for those who like to indulge in some after-ski activities. On site are three restaurants, an American-style bar and a piano bar where a jazz band plays in the evenings. The resort has also been recently refurbished, and is now one of the area’s most renowned hotels.
Accommodation: Many of the rooms have recently been renovated, and have spacious living areas with a traditional wood décor.
Spa: Staying in this residence gives you free entry to the luxurious heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi and exercise room.
Our tip: Catch up on your post-ski gossip with friends in the on-site sauna.
Special offer: Spend 3 nights in a double room, from 20-27 December 2008 for just 179 euros per night. Find more information here.

2. Hotel Latitudes du Golf de Courchevel 1650
Location: Situated in the heart of the Courcheval 1650, this resort is perfect for those who seek accessibility when deciding on a ski break. It’s right next to the ski school and childcare centre, which makes it great for busy Mums and Dads too.
Accommodation: Most of the apartments have cosy, warmly decorated interiors and a guaranteed view as rooms face either the slopes or the rolling valley.
Spa: Enjoy free access to the on-site spa, which features a sauna and steam room plus an exercise room with cardio equipment. Or take it easy and unwind with a pampering spa treatment.
Our tip: Treat Mum to a relaxing massage in one of the two peaceful massage rooms.
Special offer:Double rooms are available from just 238 euros per night, for 3 nights from 20-27 December 2008. Click here for full details.

3. Residences MGM Les Alpages de Chantel
Location: Panoramic views are guaranteed in this charming residence set in woodland within the French alps in the Arc 1800 ski resort. There is also direct access to the ski area.
Accommodation: Many apartments have recently been renovated and have fully fitted kitchens. Within this self-catering apartment all beds are ready-made in preparation for you arrival. The residence is also home to a cosy restaurant and bar.
Spa: Algotherm Services have joined forces with Residences MGM to provide a harmonious blend of sea and mountain invigorating vitamins and minerals in their luxurious range of spa and beauty treatments.
Our tip: Take your pick from one of the deluxe massage treatments to really relax in this gorgeous setting.
Special offer:Spend 7 nights in a 2-bedroom apartment for just 990 euros from 17-31 January 2009. Find more information here

4. Pierre Vacances Residence Le Tikal
Location: Situated in Val Thorens this property was entirely renovated quite recently and offers great additional ski perks such as heated ski lockers and Wifi in all apartments.
Accommodation: Choose from a range of tastefully decorated apartments, which are within easy reach of the resort’s top leisure facilities. Apartments are relatively large compared to other rooms.
Spa:Customers staying at Le Tikal enjoy complimentary entry to the onsite fitness centre, which features a spa and beauty rooms and a sports centre.
Our tip:We recommend a visit to the hydro-massage bed where you can sample some rejuvenating balneotherapy – which involves bathing in healing minerals!
Special offer:A studio that sleeps up to 2 people is available for just 670 euros from 10-17 January 2009. Find more information here.

5. Hotel Latitudes Les Bruyeres
Location: Set in the charming resort of Les Menuires, this residence has direct access to the ski lifts.
Accommodation: The hotel features comfortable, contemporary rooms, and guests also enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant “Le Frontenac”, which serves delicious traditional dishes.
Spa:Residences MGM has a great Algotherm Spa on site offering a range of beauty treatments as well as a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
Our tip:We recommend a dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool, and enjoy a swim whilst still being able to take in some of the glorious mountain air!
Special offer:
Spend 7 nights in a twin or double room for just 980 euros from 13-20 December 2008. Find more information here .

Take a look at our spa page on the PV-Holidays website to find out about spa treatments all facilities in all of our top locations.

Find a list of our current ski offers here

Thanks for reading,
PV-Holidays.