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Beiruting.com was invited to a winter wonderland playground last month that is better known as Courchevel. The world-famous station is a located in the French Alpes attracting a steady elite social classes and influx of stars from Beyonce to Beckham. Can you imagine that there are 20 palaces and five-star hotels in Courchevel? So it's no wonder why Courchevel is perceived as such a luxurious place. Adding to the top hotels,the resort boasts 3 two Michelin-star restaurants as well, to which we can now add the recently-won very first three Michelin-star of Le Cheval Blanc.

Truly an Alpine paradise for skiers as well as for non-skiers, the tip of Courchevel at 1,850m is France's most upscale ski resort. With more palace hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the country (except for Paris and the Riviera), it's largely regarded as winter's answer to star-studded Saint Tropez on the French Riviera.

Skiers, snowboarders and other winter athletes can enjoy 150 km of snow trail and 52 lifts to take you to different altitudes. Because ski lifts have gotten so fast, skiers have more time to enjoy spas and other relaxing winter activities. There are so many wonderful spas at almost all the hotels, but one spa that attracted us most is the amazing spa known as Aquamotion Courchevel.

Aquamotion is the second indoor surf area in Europe. It is one of the largest aqua and sports center in the mountains.They specialize in wellness by having Hammams, saunas, salt caves, heated outdoor swimming pools, indoor swimming pools, steam baths and more. Therefore, it has different areas allowing everyone to enjoy moments of emotion, thrills and relaxation. Each at his own rhythm!

Those who enjoy sports: can swim; do body building, train and progress. Those who wish to relax can pamper themselves and enjoy a time out. Even children discover the joys of playing in water. Others will have fun on the wave for indoor surfing, the water flumes and canyons and get rid of their energy on the climbing wall or playing beach volley.

Most of the hotels have their own car or small van shuttles that lead you to anywhere in the station. The shuttles are extremely practical since they are there to transport you to wherever you wish to go (other hotels, restaurant shopping etc.. ). They truly make guests feel at ease for the easy transportation and availability. It is the perfect solution for those who wish to avoid wasting time waiting for taxis or other methods of transportation.

We stayed at the Carlina Hotel (5*), extremely friendly personnel, offering an indoor swimming pool and a spa and Wellness Centre. Wood is everywhere, specially in rooms; this gives the hotel a very cosy aspect. It also features ski-to-door access, a sun terrace and a restaurant. The location of this hotel is simply exceptional: Not only it is in the heart of Courchevel 1850, not very far from the shops (yes shopping is important isn't it ;)) but it is also on the Slopes. This gives it an amazing advantage for skiers.

Most of the top hotels we have visited have the Ski-In-Ski-out possibilities. As you know, Ski In Ski Out (or Ski to door access) is to leave your hotel on skis, and get back directly in skis... no need to remove them at any time!!

When we had lunch at the Annapurna (the highest hotel in altitude) we came straight with our skis, removed our boots at the Ski Room, were offered warm sleepers , and went straight into the restaurant. We really can't talk long enough how much it's practical to have these Ski-In-Ski-Out facilities.  By the way, the hotel is really cosy, and most of the rooms are spacious and mountain style. It is so relaxing to spend a couple of days in the mountain in touch with the landscape and the stunning mountains that surround this 5* hotel. It is perhaps the highest 5* hotel in the world. The staff that is extremely attentive to your every need, to ensure that your stay at this luxury hotel is a pure pleasure. The owner of Annapurna, is Claude Pinturault(Father of the Olympic champion Alexis Pinturault); you can't miss it, since the pictures of the champion are everywhere.

If you believe that elegance and pleasure go hand in hand like life and celebration and if you are devoted to everything gourmet and you like to share it with others, then you have the The Fouquet's spirit.  One, but this time situated at Hotel Barrière Les Neiges, luxurious and family friendly. Guests have direct access to the ski slopes, ski room, the spa, pool and private cinema room throughout the day.

L'Apogée is another one of the 5 star hotels that should be fun for every child out there or even adults since every room is equipped with a PS4. It includes the best Japanese restaurant called Koori. Sushi masters perform at Le Comptoir with a rigorous perfection, slicing and assembling delicate, infinitely fresh ingredients. We highly recommend that you visit it!

La Chabichou hotel at Courchevel 1850 has probably the most luxurious and best spas in all of Courchevel.It is named after the famous restaurant founded by the well-known chef Michel Rochedy. Le Chabichou was the first to introduce gastronomy to the mountain. It was extremely challenging when he got his first Michelin star back in the 80s. Michel Rochedy knows Lebanon quite well since he came here many times. If you ever go to his restaurant (and you should!) do not hesitate to tell him you're Lebanese. Everything in this restaurant is magical. Of course the food, but also the way it's brought to your table. We loved every moment from the extremely friendly and yet professional staff... to the biggest cheese and dessert buffet you're ever dream of.

With all of the hotels, restaurants and ski resorts, there is even a Courchevel Altiport. The airfield has a very short runway of only 537 metres (1,762 ft) with a gradient of 18.6%. There is no go-around procedure for landings at Courchevel, due to the surrounding mountainous terrain. The airport is considered dangerous, as it features a difficult approach, an up slope runway and ski runs in the adjacent area. Take-offs and landing require a special licence. But still it's quite impressive, and definitely a must see for whenever you get to Courchevel.

Another of our favorite boutique hotels is the "Saint Roch". It is subjective of course our taste. All of the places were beyond our expectations, but Le Saint Roche took a piece of our hearts due to the extreme cozy interior and beautiful exterior. A bath tub in the middle of the Bathroom with a "peau de vache" style? Wow... it felt like it was coming straight from the Viking series. It is amazingly cosy, mountain style, and perfect for a honeymoon or a proposal!

What about the non-skiers? What are they meant to do in an area like Courchevel? Is there no place for them? Surely yes! If you're a person who does not enjoy skiing or snowboarding, then Courchevel is still a destination to go. We've already mentioned the amazing and luxurious spas that you can relax in with their thermal waters. There are activities on snow like ski do, traditional looge, ice skating, snow shoeing, sleighing in areas that are solely dedicated to these activities away from the skiers. During our stay in courchevel, we were lucky to discover "Courchevel aventures" that offers all these activities. It has a special area (not very far from the Altiport), and offers a very nice packages for special events (Birthdays or Proposals under a Norwegian tent for ex.) Skidoo rides of course, but more traditional activities such as Luge etc..

You're probably wondering if it is a place for your kids to enjoy? Yes it is! Trust us. They have thought of everything. Some hotels have especially equipped rooms that are fun for kids to enjoy. Activities, games, sports and more.Fun for kids and adults alike. Most of the Courchevel guests are the same guests who are loyally coming back year after year to relive and enjoy the amazing experience they got the first time they visited. Certainly there is a strong loyal bond between the guests and Courchevel. If you've ever dreamed about the perfect ski vacation or the perfect relaxation escape then look no further, Courchevel in France is the perfect destination!