What it is

Built slopeside in 1850, with its original oak walls and charming hand-painted details, plus a La Mer Spa and restaurant by Michelin magnet chef Pierre Gagnaire.

What it isn't

Open year-round. The property is devoted to creating a wintry wonderland, and they have (yes, you can sign up for guided off-piste skiing, sledding by night and snowmobile tours).

What we think

Inspired by centuries-old Austro-Hungarian castles, Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles, is what Courchevel fever dreams are made of. Even the intimate Classic Rooms, at 200-square-feet, are a vision, thanks to their age-old oak panelled walls, stained glass windows and hand-painted doors. For a stay that feels like it could be a set from “Heidi,” request a storybook Deluxe Room—complete with an ornate Francophile-worthy sitting room in a rounded, turret-like shape, and a separate hammam shower in the bath for post-slalom steams. Or do as a ski bunny Beyoncé might and book The Apartment, tucked in the fourth floor penthouse with its own screening room, hot-tub equipped terrace and a private spa complete with a mosaic-walled spa, waterfall, ice fountain and sensory shower. Be sure to arrive hungry: each of the five restaurants here is worth the trip alone; don’t miss the legendary breakfast at La Table des Airelles, where the in-house boulangerie whips up light-as-air croissants.

You're here because

Children are doted upon and have a full run of The Children’s Kingdom—a kid’s club with everything from an ice rink to a medieval inspired fort.

The Moment

After plunging in the spa’s literal snow cave and steeped in the hammam, there’s only one thing left on your Courchevel bucket list: a volcanic hot stone massage and La Mer Miracle Broth facial that, like a black diamond run, leaves you positively glowing.

Restaurants & Bars

Piero TT - French and Italian gastronomy by chef Pierre Gagnaire

La Table des Airelles - refined French cuisine, enhanced by organic local ingredients

Le Coin Savoyard - focused on regional specialties with a menu including fondue, raclette, soufflés and Aravis salad

The Bar - offering cocktails and tapas

Location

At the foot of the slopes on tony Rue du Jardin Alpin in the ski mecca of Courchevel, France, about a two hour drive from Geneva through alpine idylls.