Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles
Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles may be the best-kept secret in Courchevel 1850, the most unashamedly swanky resort of the four main villages that make up Courchevel in the French Alps.
With a magical Austro-Hungarian exterior evoking an Old World winter palace, the ski-in/ski-out Les Airelles manages to be impressive and inviting in equal measure. As Courchevel’s first hotel to gain palace status, the prestigious distinction awarded only to France’s most exceptional properties, Les Airelles lacks next to nothing in terms of amenities, service and style.
All 32 bedrooms and 15 suites enchant with plush garnet carpets, gingerbread-hued wood accents and hand-painted frescoes that bring to mind quaint Bavarian towns. Common areas, which include three onsite restaurants; a lounge filled with enormous sofas and wood-fed fires; a handy ski room; a chic boutique; and a cocooning La Mer spa, are all equally bewitching with a magical sort of storybook Tyrolean allure.
- Though not everyone comes to Courchevel to ski (some visit to show off their glam new outfits), Les Airelles has an enviable piste-side location that’s just steps away from the well-linked Jardin Alpin slope.
- Les Airelles is surprisingly kid-friendly. Adults will be jealous of the heated treehouse, ice-skating rink, arcade, movie theater and daily kids’ program that includes everything from dogsledding to cooking classes.
- With a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, plus a horse-drawn carriage with Hermès leather interiors in the resort’s arsenal, there’s no need to walk anywhere — not like anyone does in Courchevel.
- Les Airelles Courchevel will spoil you during your stay. Ski butlers carry your skis and put on and take off your boots. (They’ll also heat them and outfit you with a pair of slippers when it’s time to head inside for lunch.)
- The traditional design and décor is a delight: Expect fairytale turrets, carved wood balconies and antique cuckoo clocks — everything you’d want from an Alpine winter wonderland.
- All prices include half-board and there are six varied restaurant options.
- The mini-bar is complimentary and stocked with organic treats like maté infusion drinks by French brand Leamo.
- Les Airelles Courchevel is a seasonal property, open from December through spring.
- Rooms are intimate and luxurious with low, wood-beamed ceilings; authentic European antiques; and slippers so fluffy you’ll want to sneak them into your carry-on for the trip home.
- Bathrooms are outfitted with hammam shadows and full-size custom-made Les Airelles toiletries.
- The 5,920-square-foot penthouse, The Apartment, boasts four bedrooms, including a kids’ room with a toy-filled cubby; a spa; a movie theater; a terrace with a hot tub and panoramic mountain vistas. There’s also a butler serving caviar daily and champagne aperitif; a chauffeured Rolls-Royce; and a helicopter for airport transfers.
- For even more privacy, opt for the 5,920-square-foot Chalet Ormello, a gorgeous retreat with two suites, seven rooms and incredible living spaces. The chalet welcomes up to 15 guests throughout the winter season, and a dedicated team of 10 staff enhances the alpine luxury experience.
- Decked out in emerald velvet and gilded chandeliers, La Table des Airelles is the hotel’s main restaurant serving breakfast, dinner and “Le Festin,” an impossibly decadent lunch spread, resplendent with just about every seafood, roasted meat or Italian dish your heart desires.
Carrara brings authentic Italian cuisine to its wood-and-velvet Courchevel dining room. Nosh on everything from arancini starters to tiramisu for dessert.
- Le Coin Savoyard is an adorably old-fashioned Savoyard cubbyhole heaping out avalanches of melting hot raclette cheese and bubbling caldrons of fondue.
- In addition to the in-house restaurants, Les Airelles also manages several off-site restaurants, which are included in the half-board meal plan. These are Le Chalet de Pierres, located right on the slopes (though it’s also reachable on foot); the Japanese-influenced Le Nama in the Aman Le Mélézin hotel; and famed party spot La Folie Douce.
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