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Boutique French ski resort in hot demand as its reputation for excellence grows
Since its opening in 2009, Le Strato hotel in Courchevel 1850, arguably the world’s best ski resort, has gained a reputation for excellence and many return visitors eager for the upmarket family atmosphere and sense of skiing legacy in this elegant and modern Savoyard-style chalet.
Named after the million-selling Strato ski, created in 1965 by Laurent Boix-Vives when he was head of Rossignol, the legendary home of all things snow, the hotel is located on the Cospillot slope, five minutes from La Croisette yet hidden among the towering pines and offering privacy coupled with incredible views of the mountains. During his 50 years as CEO of Rossignol, Boix-Vives was responsible for building the first ski lifts in Courchevel in the French Alps so when wife Jeannine decided to open an hotel, the resort was the obvious choice.
With just two rooms and 23 suites, ranging in size from 28 to 100 sq m, Le Strato is a true boutique property with interiors which offer the height of luxury after a long day in the mountains, a particular feature being the imaginative use of iconic black and white ski photos taken from the Rossignol archives.
The history of the Boix-Vives family is also evident with a selection of paintings by Laurent’s father Anselme hanging in the bar.
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Jeannine Boix-Vives said: “The hotel has a very specific design, the decor is a daring mixture of sport, chic and total comfort, blending contempory creations and historic items. Bathed in light, each of the rooms and suites has its own balcony or terrace and, though all offer extreme elegance and luxury with state-of-the-art communications, each is subtly different remaining faithful to the idea of a charming residence.”
Service too is an individual matter with options for tailor-made packages such as VIP greetings bubbley and fruit on arrival and spa treatments.
The 800-sq-m spa includes a pool, saunas, steam room, Jacuzzi, gymnasium and four treatment rooms offering the very best Nuxe treatments, notably the ‘Sportif Le Strato’ sport modelling massage specially designed for the hotel and ideal for easing the muscles after a hard day on the slopes.
An osteopath, hairdresser and sport coach are also on hand to attend to guests’ needs.
For après ski there are two bars offering events every evening, from live music to magic performances, and the restaurant where two-Michelin-starred chef Sylvestre Wahid, of l’Oustau de Baumaniere, Baux de Provence, brings a Provencal touch to the traditional mountain food.
And, of course, there is the skiing. Le Strato has a ski-in-ski-out floor, a dedicated ski room where guests can not only store their skis but can also partake of vintage beverages and there’s even the opportunity to take a trip back in ski history and borrow a set of re-edition Le Stratos.
Boix-Vives comments: “The legendary Strato ski gave its name to the hotel bringing the atmosphere of this family-run business – sport and luxury! Luxury is about spending your time in a very unique place thinking of nothing except relaxing and enjoying! To help guests appreciate this luxury, the team at Le Strato is composed of more than 70 professionals all at their disposal.”