As far as French beauty brands go, it doesn’t get more luxurious than La Mer. At Spa La Mer at Les Airelles, a sanctuary tucked away under the prestigious Les Airelles, Courchevel hotel, “luxurious” is certainly the word of choice. But it’s far from being the only factor that makes it worth a visit.
As you’d expect from the iconic skincare brand, all the bells and whistles — from tailor-made La Mer face and body treatments to a hammam, a sauna and sensory showers — can be found here. There’s even a snow cave — should you need more powder than what’s already outside.
A glowing indoor swimming pool includes three water features. There’s also an indoor and outdoor hot tub designed to soothe muscles after a day on the slopes.
For harder-hitting treatments, go for a stint in the state-of-the-art cryotherapy chamber or book an hour in the fitness room with a dedicated sports coach. There’s also a salon for manicures and pedicures, hairdressing and makeup application.
- The setting is serene while still maintaining a sense of place with a delightful Alpine chalet feel (wooden lockers and low ceilings, festooned with timber beams).
- The sheer variety and scale of the treatments on offer is impressive. Bespoke services are specifically designed to tackle the punishing mountain air and target the muscles used in skiing.
- An onsite certified physiotherapist and osteopath are available for custom therapies. You’ll find orthopraxy, reflex and lymphatic drainage massages on the menu as well.
- There are plenty of coaching sessions available to book, including personal training; pre- and post-ski prep sessions; swimming and aqua-gym/aqua-biking sessions; Pilates; yoga; boxing; and nutritional training.
- The salon can provide everything from an old-fashioned shave to a 45-minute Tokio Inkarami treatment, a replenishing hair remedy that lasts several weeks.
- In-room and after-hours treatments are available at a 20 and 50 percent surcharge, respectively.
- The swimming pool and facilities are only for hotel guests, so crowds should never be an issue. (Non-guests may book spa and salon appointments, though.)
- You may want to arrive even earlier than the customary 15 minutes prior to your treatment so you can properly explore everything the spa has available.
- There’s a small spa menu for children under 12, which consists of a 25-minute body or hand massage and a 30-minute facial.
- Beat jet lag with just one session in the whole-body Cryoness cryotherapy chamber, where the temperature ranges from -166 to -274 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Exclusive to Spa La Mer, the 90-minute La Mer Miracle Broth is the crème de la crème of options. The facial ends with an ice sequence to seal the concentrated, cell-renewing Miracle Broth elixir into the skin.
- Administered via non-invasive hyperbaric oxygen nozzle, an Intraceuticals Oxygen Infusion treatment will reverse the damage of the cold, dry Alpine air.
- Even if you’re not getting a treatment, hotel guests are always welcome to pop into the spa to use the main facilities: a generously sized pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and a well-appointed gym.
- The compact salon adds another level of luxury with unisex hair treatments (haircuts, color, styling), makeup via French brand By Terry and nail care.
- With day beds and herbal teas, wind down after your massage in the comfortable relaxation room.
Indoor pool
Meals
Salon
Spa shop
