© Le Lana
Longstanding aficionados of skiing may remember 1958, when Courchevel was still a little known resort, when Jo Tournier made the bold move to open the first 4 star establishment in the area. The boy from Chamonix had one firm goal: to attract an international clientele that knew what it wanted, and that was particularly keen to experience the famous French ‘art de vivre’.
A hotel that’s always a step ahead
He certainly pulled it off! A proudly planted sign in the snow boasted that this was a ‘top of the range hotel’, and over the course of the years, it has evolved into a stunning Alpine palace. Nicolas Tournier has picked up where his father left off, and his energetic enthusiasm has made Le Lana what it is today – a place where welcoming guests is an art in itself, as evidenced by the fifth star it has been awarded.
The spirit of Courchevel
© Le Lana
Le Lana’s watchwords are luxury, glamour and outstanding service, all of which is delivered with the authenticity accrued through its history, which makes all the difference. We were bowled over, of course, and not without good reason! Once you walk through the door, the only thing that would drag you out again would be a 5 metre snowfall of powder! The first room you come to is the lounge, with breathtaking views across the pine trees and the mountain. The furnishings and decor beneath the arched ceiling held up by Macassar ebony columns is a blend of contemporary and classical styles with matte finishes and iridescent tones. The felt, fur, nubuck and leather furnishings complement the contrasting fabrics against a lovely backdrop of warm tones. The bedrooms are delightfully cosy, spacious and comfy, and feature gentle colours and thick carpets. But nothing quite compares with the brand new Prestige suites, which are truly the last word in luxury that will melt even the most seasoned traveller. The suites are a blend of precious wood and soft fabrics, the perfect complement to dinner enjoyed beneath a chandelier. The bathrooms are the last word in comfort and designer and feature high tech fixtures, including a hydrojet shower unit that doubles up as a steam bath or a jet bath that maintains a constant temperature. The service provided is truly at the top of its game: quite simple really – nothing is too much trouble! Jacky the Head Concierge will sort it out for you straight away.
Peak Condition
Le Lana is located at the foot of the runs and is the ideal spot for exploring the Courchevel area, once the staff member in the ski room has helped you with your skis. At the end of the day, your aching muscles will thank you for the Clarins Lana Spa! Guests just love the enchanting colourful mosaics, sequinned decorations, baroque-style mirrors and walls with a leather and gold grain texture – not that the heated pool, saunas, perfumed steam baths and great range of relaxing treatments should be left out! We were rendered speechless – except to say that you’ll never want to leave Le Lana!
