Courchevel’s Best Kept Secret
Put La Sivolière, in the exclusive ski resort of Courchevel 1850, on your bucket list.
For five decades now, the wood and stone chalet has been encapsulating the Savoyard traditions in their purest form: nested in ‘Les Chenus’ just outside the bustling heart of Courchevel 1850, La Sivolière is a luxury address hidden in the pine trees.
Surrounded by private chalets (and initially built as one), La Sivolière has built an unrivalled reputation since Florence Carcassonne's arrival as general manager in 2006. An acclaimed hotel executive, Carcassonne worked in prestigious luxury hotels such as La Trémoille, le Vernet or Hotel George V in Paris, joined the Martinez in Cannes and the Royal Mansour in Casablanca before settling in the Alps.
Known across the region for her contagious friendliness, she handpicked over the years a loyal team that brings the large family home back to life every season with flair and discretion. Installed in front of the entrance, a giant red sculpture created by artist Caroline Corbeau sets the tone; an oversized red chair nods to La Sivolière's penchant for wit over protocol. Amongst insiders, the 23 rooms, 11 suites and 2 private apartments are referred to as Courchevel’s best kept secret.
La Sivolière can be summed up in a few words: luxury à-la-française, the art of entertaining and a natural flair for gastronomy. The combination of Alpine traditional and contemporary interiors designed by Sara Copeland using rich textiles, sanded wood, dark stone and old planks reinforce the hotel’s natural connection with nature.
For nature is on its doorsteps: a ski in and out property, La Sivolière is connected to the Three Valleys area - the largest interconnected ski domain in the world with over 600km of slopes. Warm boots and skis await in the ski lounge - a cozy boudoir with a sofa overseen by a dedicated ski valet. At the end of the day, the large fitness facilities open onto nature: a swimming pool with jetstream, hammam, sauna and massage rooms – for a physiotherapy or reflexology session - the offer is enhanced this year with the new ‘Temple of Beauty’ by Odicaté. Natural and ethical, the green tech brand founded by Frenchwoman Valérie Grandury in California is developed using the purest, organically certified ingredients and essential oils.
Also favoring nature over style, the restaurant equally capitalizes on wellness and organic principles. This winter, Restaurant 1850 welcomes young 28-year-old chef Vivien Weissenbacher: an advocate of French cuisine with a Scandinavian touch (he worked in Copenhagen for three years). He handpicks the ingredients he works with, forages and meets local producers to compose a seasonal menu, featuring the likes of local trout stewed with fresh mountain herbs, parsnip cream and pan-fried Chinese artichokes.
On Sunday evenings, the hotel hosts “La Table de Madame”: nothing is more natural for Florence Carcassonne than to receive guests 'at home' in the spirit of Sunday lunches around generous dishes (think simmered, braised pieces of meat or roasted poultry). All must be shared un-responsibly.
Superior double from 600€, breakfast included
www.hotel-la-sivoliere.com
