Les Airelles
Courchevel, France
Vibe
Hand-painted alpine frescoes, staff in traditional Savoyard dress, and crackling wood fires conjure a 19th-century winter castle on the slopes.
“Fairytale alpine palace”
Dedicated ski butlers warm your boots, alongside chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce transfers and private horse-drawn carriage rides.
The subterranean spa features an indoor pool, outdoor Norwegian baths, a snow cave, cryotherapy, and an Iyashi Dome.
Slope-side ski access connects to a private ice rink, children's winter camp, cinema rooms, and dog-sledding excursions.
On the Jardin Alpin slopes in Courchevel 1850, surrounded by snowbound pines with direct ski access.
“Its rooms and suites, relatively few in number, are decorated in a remarkably authentic antique style, and are furnished with the full complement of comforts...”
Rooms
Carved wooden balconies, stained glass, and painted ceiling murals frame snow-dusted views across the Jardin Alpin forest.
“The traditional design and décor is a delight: Expect fairytale turrets, carved wood balconies and antique cuckoo clocks…”
Wellness
The subterranean La Mer spa pairs custom facial therapies and hammam rituals with sensorial showers, a snow cave, and an Iyashi Dome.
“Palatial splendor merges with chalet coziness… in the salons, where sofas and traditional rugs are illuminated by chandeliers and dim sconces.”
Backstory
Architect Christophe Tollemer shaped the property after 19th-century Austro-Hungarian retreats, featuring exterior murals that are repainted by hand each season.
“Les Airelles in Courchevel—with its liberal use of wood paneling, plush fabrics, and period uniforms sported by stafff—feels more like a 19th-century Prussian castle than a ski resort.”
Eat & drink
Feast on lavish buffets at La Table des Airelles, bubbling fondue at Le Coin Savoyard, and Japanese-Peruvian plates at Matsuhisa.
The neighborhood
Set directly on the Jardin Alpin piste, the grounds offer ski-in access connecting straight into the broader Trois Vallées network.
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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.