What could be better for your guests than a place to relax after an exhilarating day skiing or hiking in the mountains?
A hot tub, sauna, private swimming pool or massage room… we all know that equipping your chalet with wellness facilities adds real value to your property and is a major asset when it comes to letting it. So it’s in your interest to invest in these facilities.
But is it really profitable? What rental benefits do they bring? Where can you buy wellness equipment for your chalet?
OVO Network has the answers …
The purchase and installation of wellness equipment in your chalet is a major investment and may require extensive work. It’s therefore costly not just in financial terms, but also in terms of the time and energy required.
However, it is worth thinking about from a rental point of view: as well as enabling you to charge a higher rental than a chalet without these facilities, chalets equipped with one or more of these benefits enjoy constant rentals throughout the year, according to our statistics.
And of course, the more facilities your property offers, the more it will increase in value, so your investment should pay for itself fairly quickly.
Installing a hot tub at your Alpine chalet
A spa or hot tub is a warm bath with jets known for its relaxing properties. Whether it’s for sports relief, relaxing after a hard day at work, or just for pleasure, holiday guests are very fond of this giant bubble bath!
Price and models
The choice of your hot tub will depend on the space you have available, your needs and your tastes, as well as your budget.
There are many models to choose from, to fit both inside and outside the home.
The cost will depend on the criteria and options you wish to add. It will vary according to:
- The type of spa: swim spa, built-in spa, overflow spa, kit spa…
- The type of installation: above ground, semi-buried or completely in the ground
- The number of seats
- Options to choose from: number of jets, speeds, their positioning (lumbar, neck etc) and the pump capacity
- Materials used
- Additional equipment: a spa cover, lighting, audio system, cushions…
Expect to spend anywhere between €3,000 and €25,000 (prices given as an indication).
Methods of installation
Unlike a swimming pool or steam room, installing a hot tub at your property does not need a huge amount of intrusive work. You can install it in a chalet or integrate it into the construction plans if you are still building your property.
However, you need to consider several things when installing it:
- Its size – choose an area big enough to accommodate it
- Its weight – a full spa can weigh more than 1,300kg so the ground underneath it should be sufficiently stable and solid. You may need to add a foundation to reinforce the floor
- If you are installing your spa inside, remember to choose a room with an opening to the outside and a ventilation system to prevent moisture from settling in your room
- For an outdoor installation, we recommend that you choose a location with some privacy
Read this article for more information.
Installing a sauna in an Alpine chalet
A sauna is a wellness facility that offers users a dry heat “bath” in a wooden cabin where the temperature is between 70 and 100°.
Its numerous benefits include strengthening of the immune system, elimination of toxins, relief of pain and sports recovery, and it is all the more appreciated after a day enjoying mountain activities.
But as with any construction, installing a sauna at your property must be thought through and supervised by a professional to ensure that everything is done according to the rules.
Costs and models
First and foremost, you should consider which model suits your needs, and those of your guests.
There is a variety of models with different shapes, sizes and functions. This article outlines some of the models available, (it also includes some steam room examples, but we’ll cover that later in the article).
The cost will vary according to the model you choose.
For a “classic” sauna cabin you might need to pay €1,000 for an interior one and €4,000 for an exterior cabin (prices given as an indication).
Methods of installation
Once you have chosen a model, you will need to think about where to place it. You will need, amongst other things:
- A minimum ceiling height of 2m for a standard cabin. If this is not available you may need to consider a custom-made cabin;
- A nearby water supply to allow users to have a shower between sessions;
- A stable, solid and buildable ground if you decide to go for an outdoor sauna. Depending on the size and weight of the sauna, it may be necessary to reinforce the ground.
Ideally, you would anticipate the installation of your sauna and include it in the construction or renovation of your chalet, especially if it is an indoor one. This will allow you to create a wellness area large enough to accommodate it.
However, you can add a sauna to an existing building, especially if you plan to install it outside. In this case, you only need a large stable plot of land for the cabin.
Before you start your installation, you should consider submitting a declaration of works or a request for planning permission to your town hall if your outdoor installation is over 5m2.
Installing a steam room in your Alpine chalet
Just like a sauna, a steam room or ‘hammam’ has many benefits for the body and the mind: eliminating toxins, reducing stress, relieving joints, clearing the respiratory system and much more.
Unlike the sauna, the steam room diffuses humid heat at a temperature of between 40 and 50°. Synonymous with relaxation, your holiday guests will love it!
Models and prices
There are several models on the market, to meet all needs and budgets
A hammam cabin
In addition to being the least expensive model, the hammam cabin is also the easiest to install. Often delivered in flat-pack form, it looks like a shower cubicle once it is assembled.
The cost will vary according to the materials, its functionality (some can also work as a shower, for example) and its capacity. It can range from €900 to €8,000 for the largest and most luxurious models.
The masonry hammam
This is a more costly model, as it is made to measure – expect to pay between €10,000 and €15,000. But it is also the best in terms of durability, comfort and aesthetics.
If you want a hammam that is as close as possible to those found in a professional spa, then this is the one for you.
The only drawback is that it needs a fairly large location and the work to install it is also fairly substantial.
The ready-to-tile hammam
Less expensive than the masonry hammam, but better quality than a cabin hammam, this is a good alternative to the previous models.
As with the masonry hammam, it is made to measure, according to the size of your room and your needs. But it is much easier to install and the work is less intrusive.
You will need to budget for a minimum of €5,000 and allow for costs of installation and cladding (prices given as an indication).
Methods of installation
The conditions for installing a hammam in a chalet are more or less the same as for adding a sauna.
As with a sauna, a steam room can be installed indoors as well as outdoors. However, it is easier to add an outdoor hammam if your property is already built.
You’ll need adequate space to install a quality indoor steam room.
Install a swimming pool in your Alpine chalet
A swimming pool is a real asset to a holiday rental chalet, especially if it is a heated and covered indoor pool. This will allow you to extend your rental season and welcome guests all throughout the year.
Models and prices
Depending on whether you opt for an in-ground pool, above-ground pool, indoor pool or kit pool, the cost and extent of the work will vary greatly.
Consider the type of pool you want to install, its size and its lining. It’s a good idea to contact an expert to get a better idea of the costs and installation requirements of your project.
Methods of installation
Before diving head first into your pool project at your Alpine chalet, find out about the administrative steps you need to go through.
Depending on your project, you may need to apply to your local Mairie/Town Hall for planning permission or declaration of work. They will also be able to advise you about the standards and regulations that apply to your area.
There are also regulations about where you can build your pool, so make sure you familiarise yourself with these.
Here are some points you must consider:
- Choose a sunny location, sheltered from the wind and preferably out of the way of trees and shrubs with overhanging branches that could make the pool dirty;
- Check the quality and stability of the ground and the level of the land. You may need to reinforce the area;
- Make sure you respect the compulsory distance between your pool, neighbouring homes and rights of way.
Install a massage room in your Alpine chalet
A massage room is a good alternative to the wellness equipment mentioned above.
As well as being more affordable, it requires the least amount of space and work, so it’s perfect for chalets that are already built.
If you want to set up a massage room in your chalet, all you need is a small free space (living room, bedroom, bathroom or dedicated space) and add:
- Massage tables;
- Bathrobes and slippers;
- Candles;
- An essential oil diffuser;
- A speaker to play relaxing music;
- Any other small finishing touches such as massage oils, plants and subdued lighting.
That’s all you need to turn your property into a real space of relaxation and well-being.
Where can you buy wellness equipment for your chalet?
Are you planning to add one of these wellness facilities to your chalet, but you’re not sure where to start?
You’ll find a number of specialist shops and craftsmen offering a wide range of wellness equipment in the Alps.
By going directly to the business, you can compare the different models and find the one that suits your needs. You can also get advice and guidance from qualified professionals.
Here are some recommended vendors:
- Sundance Spa
- Nemeau
- Savoie Piscines et Spa
- Gonthier Piscines
- NSP Piscine
- Effervescence
- Wellness Spa Annecy
- Envid’O
- Blue 2.0 Piscines et Spas
Don’t hesitate to contact a professional for advice on your project. They will also be able to monitor the progress of the work and offer you a maintenance service, if necessary.
You can also contact our team for any advice on how to proceed.
