SaiSon 2010 - 2011

Saison 2010 - 2011
You always return to a place
that has a history …
Presided over by the majestic peak of the Saulire, which towers 2,738 metres above a 20 kilometre descent into Bridesles-Bains and looks on Mont Blanc with a certain disdain, the Hôtel de charme Les Airelles with its sculpted wooden
balconies rises up within the series of 11 prestigious establishments, including Le Cheval Blanc and Le Kilimandjaro,
which comprise Courchevel 1850. In the Jardin Alpin, a quiet wooded setting at the heart of the resort lies Les Airelles,
a place imbued with the memory and history of a mythical international resort. Behind the tiny coloured panes of its
many windows, the story unfolds of the incredible character Raymonde Fenestraz, who, as a teenager, would sit in the
farm where she was born in the Moutiers valley, dreaming of another way of looking at the world. She would watch a
procession of cars with roofs covered in “planks” climbing up to the village of Courchevel, soon realising that it was
above all the British who were seduced by the appeal of climbing the peaks. Two cows were the only dowry she had from
her father. She sold one in order to travel to Paris to buy clothes and then go on to the United Kingdom, where she spent
two years learning the language and the perfect manners of a “Lady”. On her return, she settled in Courchevel 1650 and
worked in an estate agency. Two years later, she bought the agency… “Madame”, as everyone called her here, then met
her husband and together they created a construction company. They produced their first sloping-roofed buildings in the
1970s, followed by the sumptuous and renowned chalets in the hamlet of Bellecôte and the Hôtel de la Loze. In 1988,
when the whole world was looking towards the coming Olympic Games in Albertville, “Madame” decided to build a castle
in the snow in the Jardin Alpin, where she had acquired the remains of a building from the 1960s.
She transformed this soulless edifice into an imperial residence, host to the Olympic Committee in 1992 and holiday haunt of
Princess Anne of England and Prince Albert of Monaco. She called in the designer Richard Ferbach to turn her dreams into
Technicolor reality. He gave shape to her desires, interpreted her lyrical flights of fancy and turned the chalet into a veritable
mountain castle, complete with turrets, in the Austro-Hungarian style of the 19th century. For some, the décor might bring to
mind the Empress Sissi or Sleeping Beauty. Having become the greatest ambassador for the resort, “Madame” travelled the world
with her Louis Vuitton luggage, never forgetting to slip a piece of Beaufort cheese inside… With her long blonde tresses and
magnificent jewellery, she was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 2004, surrounded by 150 guests, who saluted her talent
for exporting idealized images of the resort. And so a legend was born.
After “Madame” came “Mademoiselle”:
a new legend begins
“Extraordinary encounters have woven the fabric of my career”, acknowledges Séverine Pétilaire-Bellet modestly. With a Masters
in hotel and restaurant management and the experience gained from many different work placements, often abroad, she began her
professional career and rose up very quickly through the ranks in the Hilton Group, finally becoming assistant restaurant manager
in London. A lover of luxury hotels since she was a teenager, she later had the task of studying the market in the luxury hotel
sector for MKG Consulting. This led her, barely aged 27, straight to the post of restaurant director at the Le Martinez on the
Croisette in Cannes, offered to her by Jean-Louis Bottigliero, at that time managing director of the luxury hotel. Three years later,
the sparkling Séverine Pétilaire-Bellet took off for Le Méridien in Brussels, where she stayed until she met Raymonde Fenestraz,
who handed the management of her hotel business over to her when she was 31. Standing at the right hand of “Madame”, she
became “Mademoiselle”, and now, at the age of 40, she still has all the freshness and enthusiasm of her sobriquet.
The myth continues
Stop time, or at least put it on hold, amongst the pine trees which form a natural crown up around the Les Airelles chalet,
snuggled between the sky and the mountains in the heart of the Tarentaise region. An enchanting sojourn in the centre of the
Jardin Alpin and the most glamorous of French ski resorts: Courchevel. A network of pistes crossing the famous Three Vallées,
(Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens) winds like 600 km of white ribbon at an altitude of 3,000 metres around this cosy refuge,
where the term luxury is simply redundant. The Les Airelles chalet is imposing in its architecture, location and palatial appearance,
where every detail has been carefully thought through, considered and executed. With its 37 rooms, 14 suites and 550m² private
apartment opening out onto the terrace overlooking the valley, the Les Airelles chalet is a comforting essence of the past, whilst
still gracefully reflecting its own era. This is a charming hotel, where every whim is catered for in
a fun, friendly environment. It is both rare and special. “I’ve worked
at Les Airelles for twenty years! Is it my main or second home?”
wonders maître d’hôtel Roger Boccia mischievously. “Les Airelles
has the style of today, but has kept that same spirit injected by
Madame and continued by Mademoiselle. It’s a place where you just
love to be. There’s a lot of happiness here. Everyone really works
together. You find goodness at every turn. We are not here to serve,
but to be pleasant to others”. The discreet luxury of happy days
spent in the mountains enjoying rare peace and grandiose decor.
Started in 2002 by “Madame”, who was inspired by the intrinsic
charm of the place, it is now “Mademoiselle” Séverine PétilaireBellet who rules over the snow kingdom.
Together with managing director François Arrighi, Mademoiselle is custodian of the soul of Les Airelles, cherished for nearly
two decades by regular visitors from around the world. In renovating this luxury hotel, (purchased in 2007 by Stéphane
Courbit) architect and interior designer Christophe Tollemer, a lover of fine things and beautiful interiors since childhood,
has listened to its history and come up with a successful and harmonious continuation. “I wanted to remain true to its ItaloTyrolian-Hungarian character, which was so dear to Madame Fenestraz, and express the soul of a grand residence, which is
now equipped with the latest technology, but still full of real memories, a wide selection of items brought back from imaginary
voyages, books, paintings and antique carpets. Everything has changed, but there is a feeling in the air that nothing has changed
at all”, says this architect and interior designer, whose CV lists the redesign of hotels and villas. Equally capable of creating
an ultra design-led piece or reinterpreting a classic wing-back chair, this individualist has surrounded himself with the best
craftsmen. At Les Airelles, display cases holding clothing by Harry
Winston and Lawrence Graff were custom designed, decorated
with the paintings of Louis-Daniel Jouve from Marseille and made
by three local cabinet makers. The painted wooden panels on the
ceiling and appliqué work bearing the Les Airelles emblem were
made in Florence. Since the renovation work, which cost as much
as 37 million Euros, the Les Airelles chalet has won its 5 stars.
Feted by The Leading Hotels of the World, it is indisputably one
of the most beautiful mountain hotels in the world. Conceived
as a true village within a village, everything is available to hand:
swimming pool, spa, private skating rink, restaurants, bar,
boutiques, gastronomic dining, merry-go-round and terrace. A
paradise within a paradise.
Attention to detail
Francois Arrighi: might a childhood spent in the Canadian
mountains have given him a taste for the snow-capped peaks of
the Savoie region? This passionate devotee of the culinary arts
qualified in hotel management at the reputed Institut Vatel in
Lyon. Having held posts ranging from assistant chief steward
to deputy director for Hilton hotels in Geneva, Orly and
Roissy, François Arrighi passed through all the world’s luxury
hotels, from Le Martinez in Cannes to the Intercontinental
Paris, Intercontinental Geneva and Le Méridien Tahiti,
finally arriving at the 4-star luxury Hotel Manali in
Courchevel in 2007. But his penchant for art - especially
sculpture - perfectionist nature and cheerful rigour
naturally brought him in the direction of Les Airelles,
where he is now in charge of 160 staff.
A nest among the stars
A 550m² golden cocoon with its own 150m² south-facing terrace: the pièce de
résistance of the new layout at Les Airelles! Perched on the top floor of the
Hôtel des Airelles, this gem is dedicated to excellence.
A truly private residence with its own access, four
bedrooms, sitting rooms – one used as a cinema –
dining room, private spa and Jacuzzi positioned on
the terrace overlooking the snow-covered pistes.
Everything about it is exceptional. Furniture created
by Christophe Tollemer, like the huge bench seat in
the cinema room, the bar and even the dining chairs,
others custom made and decorated in mountain flower
motifs hand-painted in the Ponziani studios in Florence.
Brocaded fabric from Rubelli and precious silks
collected from across Europe. Sofas covered in velour
from the Dedar Italian collection. Magnificent canvases
found on a Russian market and used as pictures. Appliqué work, and drop
chandeliers by Vaughan of London, as well as Cabriolet Louis XVI Medallion
chairs in the dressing rooms.
You will even find secretary desks from Florence in every bedroom. Nothing has been left to chance in this imagined story in
which everyone can take part. It is a real family home on the fourth floor of a Palace! Luxury is taken to the extreme in the
four bathrooms: marble mosaic floors with coloured lava stone borders, stone vanity cabinets, wooden furniture designed by
Christophe Tollemer and wet room showers. In the open-air private spa, there is an ice fountain, sensory shower, vast Jacuzzi
and a waterfall that starts flowing when you open the door. The magic continues through to the four mansard-roofed suites,
one of which has a fantastic children’s area. With hangings, curtains, cushions, antique porcelain and wing-backed chairs
you will appreciate all the glamour of intimate interiors. This is a place of true enchantment space
in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Whims and delights
Pierre Gagnaire, the great three star Michelin chef from Rue Balzac
in Paris has set up his flavour laboratory in Les Airelles and designed
a signature menu for his restaurant “Pierre Gagnaire pour les
Airelles”, winning two Michelin stars this year. Surrounded by several
grand cru wine cellars and covered in wooden panelling, this gastronomic
restaurant is as if suspended in time. In homage to the Empress Sissi, an
alcove reserved for intimate dining is home to an exact replica of a carriage
in which Elisabeth of Austria is said to have travelled. On the Louis-Philippe
side tables, you will find glassware designed by Hermès and from the ceiling
sculpted with wooden cupolas hangs a custom-made Saint Louis chandelier.
Around the tables, sit armchairs by designer Olivier Gagnère, also to be found
in the Pierre Gagnaire restaurant in Seoul. The floors are covered in carpet,
bearing 19th century motifs, and in front of a series of mirrors made of
concealed wooden panelling stands a magnificent dresser by Moissonnier.
This treasury of elegance and refinement offers a delicious communion
of the senses, serving only twenty people in the evening. A successful
alchemy of imperial decor and traditional cuisine revisited.
The magic of the drop chandeliers is complemented by a joyous ballet performed by 33 characters,
dedicated to delivering service and dancing between the three eating establishments: La Table du
Jardin Alpin, Le Coin Savoyard and the Bar des Airelles. In the grand room that opens out onto the
newly enlarged and embellished terrace, a fire crackles in the hearth of a Renaissance fireplace. The walls are
a joyful riot of silver plate and Giens faience. The ceiling is covered in huge frescoes. The sideboards have
received a makeover, giving La Table du Jardin Alpin a new sense of intimacy. A dining
room for around thirty people has been created behind the fireplace where traditional
cuisine bourgeoise is served in generous amounts. The breakfast buffet, straight out
of a Perrault fairytale, is a delight to behold: viennoiseries, including the famous Saint
Genix praline brioche, pancakes, waffles and eggs cooked to order, tarts, giant baskets
of fruit, hot chocolate made in the old-fashioned way… And lunch and dinner are
also served as a buffet, with deliciously tempting rotisseries served on finely worked
pedestal tables. In the Coin Savoyard located at the back of the chalet, all manner
of traditional Savoie cuisine is served for twenty or so lovers of fondues, gratin
dishes made with Beaufort cheese, tartiflettes and cuts of meat cooked over a
wood fire. The Bar des Airelles, consisting of a refined smoking room and a
whole series of cosy little salons, invites you to enjoy a gourmet supper or
intimate conversation to the pure notes of a grand piano that comes to life
every evening. The opulent bar, with its ornate coat of arms and champagne
buckets built into the wood, is surrounded by tall green stools, mirrors and
old paintings. Elegance and chic abound here, a place famous for serving
rare spirits, its unique ambiance and regular end-of-week concerts.
Children reign
Only in the novels of Anne Braillard (Bibliothèque Rose) and here at Les Airelles will you find that children
are treated like little princes. You will hear nothing but cries of wonder and delight when they arrive at Les
Airelles! On the terrace, a vintage carousel offers rides at Christmas and New Year. The private skating rink
will be open all winter, complete with its own chalet and two skating valets in period dress to watch over the
little ice dancers. Reality meets fairytale once again. When they arrive, children will find a mountain of welcome
presents under their pillows: a Kaloo gift box containing a cuddly toy and scent, Cattier organic toiletries,
a colouring book, colouring pencils, a collector’s edition Les Airelles puzzle and, new this year, the two Les
Airelles mascots - Loreleï and Jeff, in the form of 25 cm high dolls, brought to life thanks to the vivid
imagination of Annecy illustrator Geoffroy Gillespie. Hearts beat fast
when the children set eyes on the castle in the playroom, specially
built to their scale (6m x 3m). Enormous
crochet stag heads adorn the walls of
this 100m2 space dedicated to fun.
Nothing is meant to be serious here
– it’s simply a child’s dream come
true. The list of delights is long: a
multimedia area, latest generation
video games, Play Station consoles,
X Box and Wii, teddies, wooden
toys, dolls, cars, lorries…
A cinema room with cartoon-style over-sized sofas, pairs of slippers scattered about to make you feel
even more at home … Two marvellous nannies cluck over the children, organising games, painting,
pastry-making and craft workshops, the only interruption being bursts of laughter at the arrival of a
clown or magician. On the terrace of Le Jardin Alpin restaurant, presided over by gentle and willing
staff, there are child-sized buffet tables with matching mini crockery… In the spa swimming pool, an
area is set aside for swimming lessons, competitions and water polo matches organised by Guillaume the
swimming instructor. And of course, this permanent spectacle comes into its own at Christmas! A huge
fir tree stands in the reception hall next to the Prussian stove, and self-moving animals amuse visitors
great and small with their clever workings. On the morning of December 25th, children assemble for
the arrival of Father Christmas in his horse-drawn carriage,
containing a sack full of personalised presents for everyone!
When the time comes, children come from the schools in
Courchevel to a special Easter egg hunt tea or to wait for
Camembert the clown to arrive. “Les Airelles offers a hotel
service that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s even better
than a palace!” enthuses Giuseppe Pochintesta, the head
concierge who earned his stripes at the Paris Ritz. “People
can revisit their childhood here. Les Airelles has the unique
ability to surprise people who have seen everything, been
everywhere and stayed in the most beautiful luxury hotels on
the planet. It’s truly magical.”
The mountain spa experience:
an avalanche of well-being
Within this haven of relaxation carved into the wood, with its moulded ceilings, stone columns, bas-reliefs representing
a triptych by architect Christophe Tollemer, mosaics encrusted with tiny bilberries, Louis-Daniel
Jouve frescoes and vaulted ceilings echoing the exterior features of the
chalet, the Valmont pour les Airelles Spa is the true essence of sensual
pleasure and was named as one of the “Leading Spas of the world”
in 2009. Be amazed, then allow yourself to be transported by the
magical scenography, where the spirit of Les Airelles prevails, lending
a joyous dimension to the overall scene. Frolic in the waterfalls around
the giant swimming pool. Lie back in the indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis.
Go 3D in the sensory showers. Develop your athletic skills in the
fitness suite equipped with all the latest machines under the permanent
supervision of Eric the sports coach. Drift away in the steam room or
sauna after a mad dash through the first snow grotto in the world! Real
snowflakes refresh both body and mind at -10°!
In five totally sound-proofed treatment rooms, one of which boasts a solarium
and balneotherapy pool, Valmont beauticians offer marvellous treatments,
including the “Valmont well-being circuit” lasting as long as 3 hours 15
minutes… Always striving for perfection, haute couture beauty treatments
are provided using prestigious By Terry make-up products. To soothe aching
muscles, massages are given by the expert hands of an osteopath and two
masseurs. At Les Airelles, attention to detail is key, as evidenced by a charming
hair salon and even a barber, available to guests all day long.
Voyage into the land of luxury
Dedicated staff, horse and carriage rides and top quality skis. Who could imagine a hotel where the 160 members of staff
are dressed in the highest quality Austrian costumes made to measure in Salzburg? Female attendants and chambermaids
wear Dirndl, a fitted dress with white lace blouse; waiters appear in a mountain shirt with collar and cuffs embroidered
with a bunch of bilberries worn under a waistcoat with hunting designs. In the evening, the maître d’hôtel goes about his
business in a dinner jacket. The concierges work in traditional Bavarian dress. Wearing Alpine hunting uniform, ski valets
warm up guests’ gloves and boots and then take them to meet ski instructors from the Courchevel Ski School. The butler
service provides ski, waxing and skating valets, plus a groom, coachman and ski man…
At the bidding of “Mademoiselle”, a horse-drawn carriage designed by Hermès Intérieur et Design is reserved exclusively
for use by Les Airelles for enchanting rides through the village of Courchevel. This extremely rare vehicle, with water and
chill-proof Taurillon Clémence leather to cover the roof and cornered trunk, shows off the unique savoir-faire of the
artisans and leather craftsmen at Hermès. The carriage also delights children when it is carrying Father Christmas and his
sack. A dedicated ski shop offers an expert selection of clothing, as well as the holy grail of the snow, Les Airelles signature
skis from AZ Ateliers, the company run by Alain Zanco and specialising in designing skis that combine art and technology.
Skis totally made to measure, exuding authenticity through their smell of wood and varnish. And, last but not least, guests
will also find a Valentino haute couture boutique.
We know how to please
Ensuring a multitude of little details and spending the eight months before Christmas finding presents to delight
Les Airelles guests is one of the main tasks of Hélène Houllemare, head housekeeper at Les Airelles. When they arrive,
guests will find delicious treats, dried and fresh fruits, a selection of petits fours and a bottle of champagne in their
rooms. But these are not the only welcoming surprises they will find: there is also a linen or honeycomb wash bag, a
moleskin booklet of pretty watercolours by Christophe Tollemer, a Valmont gift box, presents specially designed for
Les Airelles by Hermès, such as a cufflink tray and paperweight, a bottle of L’eau d’Orange
by Hermès, a generous Okoon stole with sleeves knitted in sand-coloured cashmere
from Molenac… In every suite, guests will also find 200ml bottles of Kelly Calèche
or Terre by Hermès perfume, shower gel and body lotion. “Luxury is also expressed
through a distinctive olfactory experience throughout the hotel, which was specially
created for Les Airelles by perfume designer Blaise Mautin”, adds Hélène Houllemare,
always attentive to the smallest detail with her team of 32 staff. “Linen sheets,
towels decorated with the hotel crest, dozens of bouquets of fresh flowers and most
importantly, a pleasant smile from everyone…”, she says finally. The night before guests
leave, when staff come to turn down the beds, another gift is offered: the compilation
entitled “Pan Deï by Elona Kane” signed by the eponymous group who have been
playing at the Pan Deï in Saint-Tropez since 2008: 26 tracks from an album that came
out in June. And this year, when guests hand back their keys, there is an extra touch: a
snowball to keep the magic of Les Airelles alive in 3D…
After the invigorating crispness of the winter
comes the gentle warmth of the summer
A golden triangle in Courchevel and a luxury hotel in Saint-Tropez…
The charming 5 star hotel Les Airelles, the private Ormello chalet and the slopeside restaurant the Chalet de Pierres, along with
the le Pan Deï luxury hotel in Saint Tropez, form one of the most luxurious hotel groups around today. Owned by Stéphane
Courbit, the destinations have been acquired progressively since 2007. Forgoing any signs of ostentation, guests will enjoy
luxury facilities and dedicated staff catering to their every need. What magically links these four prestigious destinations?
The leitmotiv of excellence: know-how, high standards and hospitality combined with perfection, elegance and generosity.
Les Airelles
Courchevel 1850
Le Chalet Ormello
Courchevel 1850
Le Chalet de Pierres
Courchevel 1850
Le Pan Deï Palais
Saint-Tropez
PERSPECTIVE
19/06/2010
CHALET DE PIERRES
COURCHEVEL
PERS
06
Press contact
Andria Mitsakos Public Relations (AMPR)
Erika Vives
154 Grand Street
New York, NY 10013
T: 212 -767-9665
M: 917-859-7269
E: [email protected]
© 2010 / 2011 - Design by : agence FullColors for le Bureau de Presse Pascale Venot - Crédits photos : Bergoend
Le Jardin Alpin
73120 Courchevel 1850
Savoie - France
Tel : + 33 (0)4 79 00 38 38
www.airelles.fr
eMail : [email protected]