A warm, chic chalet, a closet full of après-ski gear, and an abundance of slopes to explore… sounds idyllic, yes? Well after the year we’ve had, escaping to any of the luxurious Le K2 Hotels and Spas located in the French Alps ski-resort village of Courchevel – part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski areas in the world – will make for a refined yet relaxed holiday choice this winter.
The natural seclusion that comes with being high in the glistening snow-white mountains makes for a safe yet sumptuous stay.
With a breath-taking view, high up in the majestic Alps of Courchevel, Le K2 Palace seamlessly fuses sleek sophistication with snow-clad elegance, providing exclusive and luxurious accommodation, gourmet cuisine and altitude wellness at its finest.
The discreet 30 rooms and suites, along with the six suite-chalets, look to the Himalayas as inspiration and are decked out in Tibetan-inspired décor. All of which are arranged like a lavish hamlet on the mountainside, adjacent to the village of Courchevel and with direct access to the pistes, all ensuring the stunning view over the valley can be seen from every angle.
Of course, gorgeous surroundings aren’t enough: discover Le Black Pyramid and the two-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant Le Kintessence, where chefs Jean-Rémi Caillon and Sébastien Vauxion curate a menu filled with delectable dishes for every taste bud to enjoy. And if luxurious lounging is on your agenda, you can head to the elegant Le Winston Klub, an exclusive haven for spirit and cigar aficionados.
Situated 1,900m above the village of Courchevel 1850, the five-star hotel Le K2 Altitude is nestled amongst the magnificent mountain peaks. Its location is where the storied history of the hotel’s collection began, built where the Capezzone family’s adventure commenced 20 years ago, and has been the pinnacle of hospitality since 2016. It nods towards a unique Tibetan concept, where customer care is of the upmost importance and its 14 rooms and 18 suites offer optimal relaxation in the most intimate of settings.
The rooms and suites themselves are designed to cocoon their guests in plush velvet and thick, sumptuous carpet, as well as blackout curtains that not only keep out light when needed, but sound too. Although, the surrounding slopes and all the cuisines at your doorstep make staying in bed all day a difficult feat.
In terms of gastronomy, Le K2 Altitude has an abundance on offer. Its two Michelin-star gourmet restaurant, Le Montgomerie, is led by chef Pieter Riedijk who crafts dishes with vibrant flavours, techniques and magical combinations, taking inspiration from the Rhône-Alpes region. Or perhaps creative Peruvian cuisine is more your thing, if so, try the contemporary offerings at L’Altiplano, a new addition to the resort. Fine dining is served at La Cima in a large, cosy and elegant lounge, with softwood and comfortable chairs. It offers flavoursome food through its clever use of produce.
You can also unwind at a bistronomic restaurant, Le Base Kamp, at the edge of the Pralong piste, which overlooks the peaks. For a nightcap, we recommend Le 1856, the decadent bar enveloped with the gentle warmth of cosy furniture and a comforting fireplace.
When you’ve enjoyed the great outdoors and warmed up in the spa, why not spend an evening in Le KBaret, with its red chairs and velvet padded walls that transforms into a cinema or stage as you wish. The space is dedicated to entertainment, and can be rented on request for an experience with friends or to celebrate a festive event.
THE GOJI SPA
When it’s time to unwind after a day on the slopes, those staying at both Le K2 Altitude and Le K2 Palace can head to the Goji Spa by Valmont where self-care takes centre stage – it boasts 500sqm and 4 rooms over 2 floors, and is associated with the Swiss brand Valmont, a specialist in high-performance anti-ageing cosmetics, ensuring excellence and expertise in skin wellbeing.
Along with the swimming pool and gym, you can explore the beautifying treatments, hot stone massages, foot reflexology and scrubs, along with the unique blend of teas in the Tea Room make unwinding as effortless as possible.
For those who like their dream destinations with a side of contemporary chic, look to the boutique 4-star hotel in Courchevel 1850, Le K2 Djola. Found in the heart of the village, its 23 rooms and Djola Duplex, offer a more intimate and unique setting to enjoy the marvellous mountains.
Le K2 Djola is the latest addition to the collection and boasts a fine juxtaposition of both action and contemplation. In relation to its elder sibling hotels, it continues the trend of Tibetan-inspired design, seen throughout the space with mandalas, Sanskrit inscriptions, wooden furniture, ecru and carmine shades that reflect the exclusive atmosphere.
Both breakfast and tea time gatherings are designed to be enjoyed in a buffet setting, and sweets and desserts are not to be overlooked – elaborated by the pastry chef Sébastien Vauxion, you’ll discover a large choice of cakes, biscuits and sweet gourmet treats, all of which can be enjoyed by the fireplace.
No ski setting is complete without a modish and comforting spa to end the day. Le K2 Djola’s wooden wellness centre is can be found on the first floor and features a sauna, hammam and large private shower to envelop your body in a much-deserved warmth. The adjoining relaxation room is perfumed with tranquil inducing aromas that make for the ideal place to enjoy a soothing cup of tea.