Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet are Savoyards, born in Megève, the resort with the most chic of them all in the French Alps. They have had an unusual adventure. The young couple began learning the business in a hotel that was starting to age a bit, called Le Coin du Feu. They got it back on its feet without losing a moment, and at the same time, that did not prevent Jean-Louis, who has a passionate interest in Savoyard culture, from building up a fine collection of popular art furniture. He even went so far as to buy some abandoned farms and barns that nobody wanted any more.

Then the idea of the "Fermes de Marie" took shape, a bold concept. All of the chalets Jean-Louis had stored up for five years were quickly repaired, restored, fitted out and decorated with an unparalleled wealth of detail, to reconstitute an old-style village - a veritable chef d'oeuvre of comfort and charm.

"Jean-Louis", Jocelyne explains, "is the creator, the builder and the manager of our farms. On my part, I see to the decoration, the restaurants, the staff and customer relations".
Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet now manage seven establishments: Les Fermes de Marie, Le Mont-Blanc, Le Lodge Park, Le Coin du Feu, Les Fermes de Grand Champ, La Bastide de Marie and La Cour des Loges. A long process, but one that has resulted in total success - the success of a couple again proving that the spirit of independence and a certain freedom from fashions remain a major key to success.

Having restored eight properties, their latest resort cum spa is on the French Riviera near St. Tropez. Set among pine trees, Villa Marie has 39 guest rooms furnished with Florentine antiques.

© SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2004


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