Spa in the News

Hotel de Charme les Airelles in Courchevel, France Completes Final Stage of $51 Million Dollar Renovation

Courchevel, France (September 17, 2008) - Situated in the heart of the Jardin Alpin, Hotel de Charme Les Airelles is one of the most exclusive ski destinations in the world and will complete a two year $51 million dollar renovation to coincide with the reopening of the winter season on December 12. The five-star ski resort has hosted royalty and the world's most illustrious guests and debuts the largest apartment suite in Courchevel. This luxurious 5,900 square-foot four-bedroom accommodation sits atop the fourth floor of the hotel, featuring a private Spa, sound proof screening room and a stunning terrace with a whirlpool bath overlooking the French Alps.

The extensive renovation brings Les Airelles' accommodations to a total of 37 guestrooms, 14 suites and a private apartment. All rooms and bathrooms have been upgraded with refined decorations inspired from Italian and Austrian chalets of the past, including hand-painted wooden panels, Frey and Rubelli materials, along with Dedar and Declerc soft furnishings and silks. Units are fitted with the latest hi-fi and video technologies and wireless high-speed Internet access. Bar and lounge area have all received a facelift, now including a roaring fireplace, cozy and intimate alcoves, a smoking parlor and lunch buffet restaurant with a sunlight drenched terrace.

Accommodations
This December, the new top fourth floor private apartment will make its debut with breathtaking views over the Courchevel ski resort.

Prestige Junior Suites on the hotel's south side offer 700 square-feet of space overlooking the ski slopes. All feature a bright, vast living areas and bathrooms equipped with hammam-shower and large dressing rooms. Some Prestige Junior suites are equipped with two bathrooms. On the west side at snow level are Les Airelles' Junior Suites. The 430 square-foot suites feature a separate lounge, guestroom and bathroom with hammam shower, plus balconies that peer over the Jardin Alpin.

Spa
Well-being and relaxation can be found at the Valmont for Les Airelles health spa. 7,000 square-feet of public space include soothing waterfalls, swimming pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpool bath, hammam and saunas. Physiotherapists-osteopaths, aesthetician, hairdressers and a barber for the men, are all on hand to serve guests needs.

Adding to the spa is an aromatic jet shower system, a fruit juice and herbal-tea bar, five sound proofed cubicles fitted with showers (one of which offers balnéo-therapy and a solarium) and a modern fitness room with the innovative “Kinesis Personal' system.

Emerge from the steaming sauna into the spa's one-of-a-kind snow cave. Covered with natural and pure powder snow, the cave creates and idyllic atmosphere in a crystal-clear glacier world. Guests experience the stimulating and cooling -10°C temperature in between two trips to the sauna, creating a truly purifying sauna experience.

By Terry, an exclusive upscale line of cosmetics catering to the world's social elite is also available at Valmont for Les Airelles spa. Founded by Terry Gunzburg, formerly of Yves Saint Laurent, these cosmetics are built on principles of fashion and luxury. The line emphasizes texture, quality, a staggering array of color choices, and presentation. The line is packaged in “Jewel Cases' reflecting the treasure inside.

Dining and Entertainment
The La Table du Jardin Alpin restaurant opens onto a sunny terrace with direct access from the ski slopes to the Gloriette and the Relais des Skieurs. A skier valet is available to help guests remove boots and ease into warm carpet slippers.

After skiing or in the evening, there is the Bar des Airelles, completely renovated for intimate gatherings. Refined sweets await, accompanied with the finest teas and the hotel's famous hot chocolate. Highlighted by soft piano or contemporary lounge music, the Bar des Airelles becomes the essential evening meeting place for the hotel's clientele. An elegant smoking room is available for those who love enjoying a cigar while sipping vintage spirits after a meal or relaxing after a day on the slopes.

At dinner time, Pierre Gagnaire for Les Airelles serves up sumptuous décor and the cuisine of famed chef Pierre Gagnaire. The restaurant pays tribute to Sissi of Bavaria, in a warm atmosphere of Austrian charm. In the center of the room hangs a majestic chandelier from the Cristallerie St Louis. The art de table is by the partner houses Hermès (crockery), Puiforcat (silverware) and Cristallerie St Louis (glassware), all punctuated with contemporary touches including Olivier Gagnière armchairs and modern artwork.

The La Table du Jardin Alpin restaurant features traditional Bourgeoise cuisine stamped with the seal of authenticity. At Le Coin Savoyard restaurant, guests will discover a genuine Carnotzet, a unique place to taste regional specialties prepared with the best local cheese products: Tartiflette, Raclette and Fondue, all in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Children
The Children's Kingdom is a new 1,076 square-foot transparent game room. A play castle invites the youngest ones and a second room with arcade video games, two Wii consoles and curling game, cater to older kids. Children also have the option to view films in a private cinema room. All activity is under the benevolent and capable watch of the hotel's "Super Nanny".

The family-friendly hotel also features an old-world wooden carrousel and children's entertainment for holidays including Christmas with Santa Claus and Easter activities such as an Easter egg hunt. Les Airelles is truly a children's paradise, paying attention to every need of younger guests as much as is paid to the hotel's adult guests.

Ski Boutique/ Skating Rink
On your way to the ski slopes, visitors will pass Placette Italienne with a new Valentino Haute Couture Boutique, and a little further, the Nouvel Espace Ski to rent or buy the latest innovative in ski equipment and accessories. A private ice-rink will delight the young and not so young alike, from the beginning of the season until mid-January. The hotel's famous Skier Valets are at guests' disposal, providing assistance and access to the biggest ski resort in the world, Les 3 Vallées. In addition, free transfers by barouche, a horse drawn carriage, are available to guests throughout their stay.

For more information about Les Airelles, please visit www.airelles.fr.

About Les Airelles
Les Airelles also features a business center, meeting space, children's program, fitness center, pool, ski in ski out facilities and WiFi access. The property is located five minutes from Courchevel Airport, thirty minutes from Moûtiers Rail Station and is a two-hour drive from Geneva and Lyon International Airport.