Arinsal holiday ski home rental with walking, log fire, balcony/terrace, rural retreat, TV, DVD

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Xalet Balcó (house)

Home description

Beautiful nine-bedroom holiday chalet in Arinsal in the tax haven principality of Andorra, the Monaco of the Pyrenées - perfect for groups of families, couples and sporting/activity holidays - enjoying spectacular views of the Pyrenées mountains.

Located close to the centre of the village (just 400 meters away), yet at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, the chalet offers the best of both worlds. The peaceful, quiet location means you are assured a good nights sleep without the noise of passing traffic and tourists, but the close proximity of the village centre means that the lifts, après ski and nightlife are right at hand. The chalet is 800m from the main gondola station and all of Arinsal's many bars, restaurants, clubs and shops are just a few minutes walk away.

Comfortably furnished with care to ensure your every need has been anticipated, the house is fully equipped for you to relax and enjoy the pleasures of life in one of the most exquisite places in the world in both winter and summer.

**News flash: Tour de France comes to Andorra on the 10th July 2009 (Barcelona, Spain to Arcalis, Ordino) and 11th July 2009 (Andorra La Vella, the capital city to Saint-Girons, France). Book the chalet now at discounted rates **

The beautiful Bordes d'Arinsal estate	Spacious and extremely comfortable Sitting Room
Family skiing in Arinsal, Vall Nord lift pass	Pal Village at dawn on a Snowy morning

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/31958

The La Massana region

--Andorra--
The tax haven of Andorra is a beautiful country set high in the mountains of the Pyrenées. It is well known for it’s ski resorts, spectacular scenery, and tax-free shopping. Embedded in the region of Catalunya the national language is Catalan; English, Spanish and French are widely spoken.

--La Massana--
The region of La Massana is a traditional rural area made up of the town of La Massana and several small villages. Arinsal is one of these villages, along with Anyos, Erts, L'Aldosa, Pal, Sispony and Xixeralla .

Arinsal area

--Arinsal--
Located in Arinsal the house is conveniently placed for exploring the Pyrenėes. It is minutes from the tranquillity of Ordino (in the next valley), the quality shopping and restaurants of La Massana (five minutes away by car) and Andorra La Vella (10 minutes by car), the Par 3 Golf courses at Xixerella (on the way to La Massana) and La Cortinada (on the way to Arcalis ski station just beyond Ordino), the Hotel Spa of Princesa Parc in Arinsal and Caldea in Andorra La Vella, one of the best Thermal Spa's in Europe, and of course the village centre of Arinsal with all the life and soul you would expect of Andorra's favourite English-speaking ski resort.

Arinsal is (in my opinion) one of the most beautiful places on the planet. And in addition to natural beauty, the people are wonderful too. Arinsal’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to holiday.

--For when you are feeling adventurous—
In the winter, you can ski the 707 skiable hectares that contain 42 pistes totalling 63km which are accessed using 30 different ski lifts of "Vall Nord" (the lift pass that combines the ski resorts of Arinsal, Pal and Arcalis) or perhaps if you have a car in resort you might consider trying the 193Kms of groomed terrain (more than 4000 acres) with108 marked runs together with vast areas of off-piste (weather permitting), 2 terrain parks and even a F.I.S. mogul stadium for the adventurous among you that forms "Grand Valira" (the lift pass that combines the ski resorts of Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, and Canillo). In addition there is the cross-country ski resort and snow camp for children of La Rabassa above Saint Julia. All resorts have excellent ski schools and nurseries for children who are too young to ski - Arinsal's having the highest number of English-speaking instructors. Locally you can also go husky-dog sledging, snow-trekking, paragliding, ice-skating, ice-karting, take a helicopter ride, hire a Skidoo or maybe even learn how to build an Igloo.

In the summer, there is much on offer locally, for example, walking for all abilities (hikers can even get a lift to the top of a mountain and then walk down hill!), Gorge climbing, fishing in the lakes at Arcalis, rafting in Sort, cycling (the roads in the summer are great for cyclists and not too busy except through the main towns), mountain biking (bikes can be hired at the top and cycled down some very extreme routes, not just hired in La Massana and pedalled up hill!) golf at Xixerella and La Cortinada, swimming at the local outdoor pools at Camping Xixerella and La Massana, karting in La Seu d’Urgell, play squash and tennis at Anyós Parc Club or Ordino Sports Centre, archery at Pal , and horse-riding at L’Aldosa and El Serrat.

--For the days when you want to relax--
You can visit the Thermal Spa of Caldea in Andorra La Vella, or Princesa Parc in Arinsal which has an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, fitness room, massage and beauty treatments. The facilities are open to non residents for a daily fee - a great place to rest and relax after a day skiing in winter or walking in summer and it has the advantage of being on the resort’s doorstep. Car buffs will find the National Motor Museum interesting as it exhibits cars dating from 1885 to vehicles of the 1970's, one of Europe's largest collections of motoring heritage. There are many other museums, monuments, churches and sculptures scattered across the principality that can be visited throughtout the year. And, last but not least, you can always shop ‘til you drop in tax-free Andorra La Vella.

--Eating and going out—
Famous for its nightlife, there are literally dozens of places to eat in Arinsal and La Massana region including sophisticated elegant dining, family-friendly restaurants (Mexican, Argentinian, Chinese, Thai, Indian) , bistros, fondue, pizzeria's, pubs, and cafes. There are lots of lively bars and family friendly pubs, many having outside space for children to run around, and a few night clubs and trendy lounge bars for those not yet exhausted by the days activities.

--Staying in—
Self-catering is a pleasure with several supermarkets in the village centre and more in La Massana which is only five minutes away by car, a delicatessen and a few liquor stores where you can buy your wine, spirits and beers. But if when you are truly on holiday you don’t cook at all, then there are also some good restaurants offering take-away services.

For more information please do contact the Andorran Government's Tourist Office - telephone 00376 820214, fax 00376 825823 or log on to www.andorra.ad and click on the Union Jack flag in the bottom right corner for the information to be displayed in English. To contact the British Embassy of the Principality of Andorra telephone 0208 874 4806 - please note visa's are not required for entry to Andorra and passports need only be valid for the period of your stay.

How to get there

--Flights--
By far the most common and quickest method of getting to Arinsal is to fly. Barcelona, Girona and Reus in Spain and Toulouse, Carcassonne and Perpignan in France are the closest airports to Andorra - all being within three hours onwards travel time. These routes are provided by, for example, easyjet, Ryanair, BMIBaby and ThomsonFly from your local airport in the UK.

--Driving--
Car hire is available with most of the major companies such as Avis and Budget at these airports and directions to your destination can be downloaded from websites such as www.theAA.com
As an alternative to flying you can of course drive across France to Andorra, it will take you a couple of relaxed days driving (one overnight stop) and cost you about £60 in tolls in each direction.
If in the winter you are travelling by or hiring a car please make sure that you have, or have rented, snow chains on any non 4x4 vehicles - the police in Andorra are strict on this and for your own safety will stop you travelling in certain snow conditions without these.

--Bus--
Buses are available from the major airports with Eurolines, Viatges Montmantell and Novatel (who will bring you directly to Arinsal itself) taking about three and a half hours in each direction, do have a look at www.andorrabybus.com, www.montmantell.com and/or www.autocarsnadal.com for bus timetables.

--Ferry / Channel Tunnel--
Various ferry ports in the north-west of Spain, the north-west, west and south-west of France serve the south coast of the UK and of course if you are driving across you always have the much quicker and infinitely less queasy alternative of the Channel tunnel at Dover / Folkestone, see www.eurotunnel.com for timetables and prices.

--Train--
Trains can be taken from all across Europe to arrive at the nearst station to Andorra, called L'Hospitalet-Prýs-L'Andorre in France at the foot of the Pyrennées, and then Hispano Andorrana buses are available to get you over the mountains and into Andorra, see www.andorrabus.com

Activities near Arinsal

Facilities

Further details indoors:
• The chalet was recently extensively improved and newly furnished
• Spacious and extremely comfortable sitting room with satellite plasma screen television and surround sound system, working open log fire and picture windows having spectacular 180° views of the Pyrenées
• Additional sitting / games mezzanine where smokers are encouraged to indulge for everyones comfort
• Dining area that comfortably seats 18 adults. The capacity of the chalet can be extended to 21 if the party includes at least 4 children. In addition, the dining tables separate so a smaller table for the children can be arranged provided that parents are happy for the children to eat dinner earlier than the adults
• There are nine guest bedrooms which can be used as doubles, twins, triples and singles to suit your requirements
• First floor: The Master Bedroom / Family Suite has a double bed with an optional child-size bed and/or space for a cot and four bunk beds in the neighbouring bedroom along with a bathroom with large shower; the second en-suite bedroom has a family bathroom, double bed and space for a cot.
• Second floor: One bedroom has a double bed and space for an additional child-size bed or cot. The other bedrrom has three single beds and together they share a family bathroom
• Third floor: Two bedrooms in the eaves have twin beds, one bedrrom has a double bed and the remaining bedroom has a bunk bed (suitable for up to and including teenage children) and together they share two shower rooms
• All bathrooms are fitted to a high standard
• All beds and linen are of a high standard to ensure a restful stay
• Large fully-equipped modern kitchen
• Fully-equipped utility with washer and dryer
• Additional cleaning/laundry maid services available on request as required

Further details outdoors:
• Private garden from which the spectacular Pyrenées mountains can be viewed
• Lawned terrace accessed via french doors in the Master Bedroom / Family Suite
• Four off-road parking spaces in the large automated garage (4 spaces in total)
• Large ski-locker accessed from the garage and from inside the chalet. Please note strictly no boots, boards and skis in the chalet.

Further details

A beautiful and comfortable home in a spectacular location in the tax haven principality of Andorra - the Monaco of the Pyrenées mountains - perfect for families and couples in both winter and summer.

Conditions

• Cleaning and linen change at the end of your holiday are included in the price
• Spa towels are provided
• Bookings will be facilitated through our agents – this ensures you receive immediate personal attention during your stay in our home

Rental rates

Prices for group size 21
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Spring 2009	21 May 09	4 Jul 09	500£ 500	7575	100100	Flexible
Tour de France in Andorra	4 Jul 09	11 Jul 09	750£ 750	0-	0-	1 Week
Early Summer 2009	11 Jul 09	25 Jul 09	500£ 500	7575	100100	Flexible
Summer Holidays 2009	25 Jul 09	29 Aug 09	750£ 750	110110	150150	Flexible
Late Summer 2009	29 Aug 09	13 Sep 09	500£ 500	7575	100100	Flexible
Autumn 2009	13 Sep 09	28 Nov 09	500£ 500	7575	100100	Flexible
December 2009	28 Nov 09	19 Dec 09	1800£ 1,800	0-	0-	1 Week
Christmas Week	19 Dec 09	26 Dec 09	3200£ 3,200	0-	0-	1 Week
New Year Week	26 Dec 09	2 Jan 10	3200£ 3,200	0-	0-	1 Week
January & February 2010	2 Jan 10	6 Feb 10	1800£ 1,800	0-	0-	1 Week
Half-term Holidays 2010	6 Feb 10	27 Feb 10	3200£ 3,200	0-	0-	1 Week
February & March 2010	27 Feb 10	27 Mar 10	1800£ 1,800	0-	0-	1 Week
Easter 2010	27 Mar 10	10 Apr 10	3200£ 3,200	0-	0-	1 Week
April & May 2010	10 Apr 10	8 May 10	1800£ 1,800	0-	0-	1 Week

Prices for group size 2
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Long let Spring 2009	21 May 09	3 Jul 09	300£ 300	0-	0-	1 Month
Long let Autumn 2009	12 Sep 09	28 Nov 09	300£ 300	0-	0-	1 Month

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

• Saturday's are the regular changeover days

• Shorter or longer stay rates are negotiable - minimum 3 days/2 nights, no maximum. Substantial discount for long-term lets of 1 month or longer.

• A deposit of 25% is required on booking and the balance payable 4 weeks prior to the start of your stay, or immediately if booking is made within 4 weeks of arrival date.

• A refundable security deposit of £250 is required against breakages and damage which will be refunded within 10 working days of the return of the chalet keys to our agent providing they have found everything to be in good order after checking the household contents inventory.

• Payment accepted in any major currency.

• Our agents can provide advice on the best deals for ski, board and boot hire as well as lift passes.

Guestbook for Xalet Balcó

“Thank you very much for a great holiday – it was great for the kids first ski-holiday – we’ll be back again!” Mrs SH, Leicestershire, UK

“What a beautiful chalet, so much more spacious and comfortable than you usually get when on a skiing holiday, thanks for everything, we had a truly wonderful time.” Mr RP, Berkshire, UK

“One of the best skiing holidays we’ve been on, something for beginners and experienced skiers alike - we all had a great holiday and have recommended you wholeheartedly to all our friends” Miss ED, Paris, France

“You said the views were spectacular and they were, the house was comfy and welcoming, the location of the house for aprės–ski bars and restaurants excellent. Thank you.” Mrs AW, Kalmar, Sweden

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/31958

Contact details for home 31958 Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:	Ian Moorcroft
Languages:
Contact Notes: Email
Advertiser joined: Jun 2007 This Property added: Oct 2007

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