Check In

A smooth pick up from Geneva airport and a comfortable 2 and half drive to Courchevel 1850. From the outside the hotel is beautiful a cross between a fortress and an Alpine lodge. 

We were welcomed on arrival by the general manager and taken straight up to our room. The welcome was very warm and check in swift but I was a little surprised not to offered welcome drinks.

Room

We booked the Chambre Junior through our Virtuoso agent and at 22 square metres, I had managed my expectations for a small room. But a huge surprise on arrival we'd been upgraded to the Suite Le Mélézin, the very top room!! 

The hotel has undergone a recent refurbishment so the decor is impeccable. It has an alpine feel with wood panelling whilst also being chic and elegant. 

A large living room has a fireplace, dining table, big screen TV, and several relaxation areas. The fridge is a little sparse - we didn't ask for it to be filled but I imagine nothing is a problem. A balcony over looks the piste. 

The bedroom is also sizeable and beautiful is design with a South Facing balcony. There is another big screen TV and automatic blinds. Turn down was excellent with a gift in the evening and evian water replenished. 

There are two bathrooms, one long with double sinks, bath and shower. The other a smaller shower room over looking the piste. There are multiple wardobes and dressing areas. 

Service

Nothing was too much trouble. Concierge booked us the best restaurants in town and changed the booking several times when we needed them. They were able to get me a hairdresser at very short notice. Concierge were also personal and personable. 

Staff in the bar and restaurant were also impeccable. 

As a ski in / ski out hotel, there's a dedicated ski room with ski butlers who will sort all your equipment for you. Concierge will sort out ski passes and acitvities. 

Dining

There is one restaurant Nama, which serve Japanese food. We enjoyed the food but have had better Japanese. Perhaps this is where the Cheval Blanc beats the Aman as they have an outstanding three Michelin star restaurant. 

However the intimate atmosphere, decor and service were excellent. 

Breakfast at Nama was wonderful with an excellent bakery basket, a pre breakfast nibble and an excellent a la carte. The restaurant overlooks the slopes. 

Note that the hotel is half board. Nama is included as a half board option as well as other local restaurants. 

The lounge and bar areas are also beautiful and perfect to enjoy and aperitif or snack but the most beautiful part is the terrace overlooking the slopes. 

Location

Unbeatable location. Ski in / ski out on the Bellecote piste. It's also only about ten minutes walk into Courchevel village and an easy drive to any of the restaurants that we visited. 

Overall

Though I didn't quite fall in love with skiing, I definitely fell in love with the hotel. It's only my second Aman but there are more on the horizon!

Ski

It was my first time skiing but my husband was very impressed withe facilities and equipment. 

Spa

The spa is new and across two floors. There are five brand new treatment rooms spread over two floors of the hotel as well as a sauna, steam room, plunge pool, full size pool, yoga and fitness facilities. 

Treatments are designed to restore after a day of skiing. If I redesigned this hotel the only thing I'd change about it would be to make the pool outdoor.