After highlighting some of the most iconic ski resorts in the Swiss Alps in the last issue I was now heading, just one week before the end of the winter season, to the most glamorous ski resort in the French Alps: Les Airelles in Courchevel. Among Alpine ski resorts, Courchevel is arguably the most fashionable address and the luxurious town of Courchevel 1850 is the jewel in its crown (1850 denotes the altitude). In 2007, businessman Stephane Courbit, a life-long fan of Courchevel, bought the now legendary Les Airelles Hotel, aiming to create an establishment that set new standards in luxury, glamour and style in the French Alps. Along with his team, he embarked on an ambitious architectural renovation overseen by renowned interior designer Christophe Tollemer. This proved to be a wise investment as Les Airelles was chosen in 2011 as one of seven hotels in the hugely respected ‘Distinction Palace’ category of the very fi nest fi ve-star establishments in France. This fairytale destination is set in an enviable position directly on the slopes of Courchevel 1850 and is styled as an Austro- Hungarian castle. It has 48 guest rooms including L’Appartement, which is the most sumptuous area of the hotel. Located on the top fl oor, and at over 500 square metres, it takes luxury to a whole new level. The moment Lino (my four-legged best friend) and I arrived, we were greeted warmly by the two young gentlemen in period costume who were to park my car. Following new French government covid restrictions, everything had been discretely modifi ed to perfection. A fi ne example: the ski lifts were not allowed to run and so the hotel said, “Sir, if you would like to ski, the Rolls Royce will take you up the mountain and when you have made your descent we can collect you and take you up again”. (The hotel owns three Rolls-Royce Cullinans.) So in fact everything was even more high-end and customised and I experienced a more than unique and unforgettable stay. When I entered my chic, welcoming and spacious 65 square metre Junior Suite Prestige with its beautifully incorporated gilded furniture, I was welcomed by sumptuous gifts including Champagne, the much-loved Airelles signature cakes, fragrance by Santa Maria Novella and last but not least a beautiful ski jacket (a collaboration between the luxurious brand Fusalp and Les Airelles). It was, of course, the right size. I enjoyed superb dinners and lunch, an unrivalled dog-sled tour, the magnifi cent spa with its pool and misty outdoor hot tub, ski butlers to warm your boots, and so much more. It is the place for the most discerning traveller. It will be no surprise that the discreet and refi ned Les Airelles Courchevel has hosted and still hosts many celebrities from the worlds of the arts, fi lm, politics and business. But what actually impressed me the most during my stay was the pleasure and passion with which the whole staff, under the guidance of the charismatic and charming General Manager Jean-Pierre Lerallu, fulfil their duties as a real team with a genuine smile on their face. For them, working at Les Airelles is not a job but a vocation. What a delight.