Why The Pioneering Ski and Wellness Resort In Courchevel Is The Epitome Of Luxury And Comfort
A new hybrid ski and wellness resort in Courchevel by Ultima Collection takes the home away from home concept to luxurious new heights
If you’ve never heard of ‘therapeutic shivering’ – standing on snow in sub-zero temperatures in your spa slippers, leggings and T-shirt, ‘ohm’-ing to the mountains – it’s one of the alpine-living highs you may get to experience at Ultima Courchevel Belvédère. This pioneering new ski and wellness resort is positioned in Courchevel Moriond, the second-highest village in the famed Courchevel ski station, better known as the St. Tropez of winter sports.
“It empties everything that needs to be cleaned, and gives you resilience,” explained yoga teacher-cummountain guide Loréleï Rodrigo during a session in the site’s spa, a bubble of zen-like calm and relaxation fronted by a large picture-postcard framed window. Outside, wisps of steam rise from a sapphire-blue outdoor pool, its sides piped with snow, and everywhere you turn are breathtaking panoramic views of the French Alps and the unlimited possibilities offered by 600 kilometers (370 miles) of interconnected ski runs networking across the surrounding Three Valleys ski region.
The first major luxury resort to settle in Courchevel Moriond, on the sunniest plateau of Courchevel’s six villages, this haven of discreet luxury – the latest addition to the award-winning Ultima Collection portfolio – takes the home-away-from-home concept to luxurious new heights. A cluster of 13 private chalets, their balconies frosted with golden fairy lights, is grouped into two neighbouring poles: Resort Nord, dedicated to five self-catering Grand Chalets, and Resort Sud, which counts eight fully serviced chalets, including four Prestige Chalets with direct ski-in/ski-out access onto the pristine Belvédère slopes.
The resort’s Narnian setting on the edge of the La Rosière forest, just a 15-minute drive through snowdusted firs from the scene at Courchevel 1850, makes the place feel even more exclusive, a winter wonderland unto itself heightened by personalised, seamless services designed to create ‘wow’ moments.
From the central lobby, guests access their chalets via bright wood-panelled corridors dotted with contemporary artwork. Along the way are little havens of well-being, dining and entertainment spaces: the Resort Nord features an indoor pool and an outdoor jacuzzi for unwinding after a day on the slopes, while Resort Sud is home to an outdoor pool as well as a spa, fitness room, cocktail bar and cozy screening room equipped with Fatboy Beanbags for kids. Facing the mountains, the Nikkei-themed restaurant specialises in a yin-yang fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, which may be paired, depending on how virtuous you feel, with local Savoyard grape or lemon water. Guests may also enjoy personalised ski fittings at Resort Nord’s in-house ski boutique.
Blending sleek style and rustic charm, the plush mountain chalets decorated with vintage wood panelling, bronze-embellished fireplaces, and marble accents are warmed by touches of contemporary design, from chandeliers to bespoke furniture and quilted leather headboards that channel the same aesthetic as Ultima Collection properties in Gstaad and Megève.
The service list is seemingly endless, from beauty and spa treatments in the comfort of your chalet to a private chef who can rustle up tantalising dishes in the residences’ soaring alpine-chic kitchen-dining spaces, allowing guests to stay in cocoon mode and make the most of time with friends and family while gazing over the pistes and peaks, the skyline dotted with eagles in flight (treatment rooms likewise enjoy a view on the Alps).
After a day on the slopes, slip into your bathrobe and faux-fur slippers and head to the ground floor to indulge in a deep-tissue massage or a facial based on antiaging and anti-antioxidant products by the ultra-niche skincare brand, Swiss Perfection. Massages can be high-touch or hi-tech, administered by hand or using a high-frequency ATS-1 machine developed by Philippe Simonin to enhance the positive effects of the wonder-creams.
While it may be tempting not to venture out, adventure-seekers need look no further than the resort’s concierge team for a first-on-slope experience before the lifts open, or activities ranging from snow biking, dog sledding, and paragliding to a helicopter drop-off for a day of wild, off-piste skiing. Upon special request, private shopping excursions may also be arranged in Courchevel 1850, where major luxury brands like Hermès, Gucci and Loro Piana have outposts, and which is also home to six out of Courchevel’s eight Michelin-starred restaurants.
In a world still reeling from FOGO (fear of going out), this timely concept offers the best of two worlds, blending the warmth and intimacy of a family home with the service and comfort of a 5-star hotel, all within one of the world’s most-prized ski resorts. Small wonder that, at the height of the season, A-listers, royals and jetsetters from Leonardo DiCaprio and David and Victoria Beckham to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge flock to this premium resort. While it’s ideal for ski bunnies, it’s also heaven for city-weary homebodies in need of some snow-dusted pampering and a room with a spectacular view.
Words by Katya Foreman
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia January 2022 Issue.