Hôtel les Barmes de l'Ours
Val d'Isere, France
Vibe
Deep sofas surround an open hearth in the lounge, while a private two-lane bowling alley buzzes with post-ski games.
“Alpine slopeside lair”
A thousand-square-metre Sisley spa brings dual saunas, an authentic Turkish hammam, a starry indoor pool, and deep whirlpool baths.
Four themed floors range from pale Scandinavian minimalism to North American lodge styles with bespoke local woodwork.
Ski valets, tailored equipment fittings at the ProShop, and private shuttles navigating Val d’Isère village.
At the foot of the Olympic Face de Bellevarde slope, a short shuttle ride from the village centre.
“Though it dates back only to 2003, Les Barmes de l’Ours pays generous tribute to Alpine tradition; it’s only once you’re inside…”
Rooms
Floors follow distinct design themes, shifting from pale Scandinavian timber to North American lodge checks and wood-beamed Alpine lofts under the eaves.
Wellness
A fiber-optic starry ceiling shimmers above the heated indoor pool, flanked by twin saunas and a traditional Turkish hammam.
Backstory
Named after the Savoyard dialect for a winter bear den, the retreat was built in 2003 with bespoke alpine timber craftsmanship.
Eat & drink
Michelin-starred La Table de l'Ours serves refined Savoyard terroir by an open fireplace, alongside spit-roasted meats at La Rôtisserie.
The neighborhood
Ski directly out onto the Olympic Face de Bellevarde slope, connecting straight into three hundred kilometres of groomed Alpine terrain.
More like this
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Hôtel Le K2 Chogori
“Tibetan-inspired Alpine outpost”
Central
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.