Your official alpine residence 

All the best things come in small packages and we believe this is nowhere more true than Le Petit Palais in Courchevel 1850. Why would you want to stay in a palace so large that you run the risk of your butler, your masseuse and your chef losing you? As your friends in high places, trust us when we say that that would be truly and utterly terrible. 

We can reassure you though that Le Petit Palais does not fail to deliver on the wow factor. As our distinguished friends, we understand that you have stayed in some truly astonishing properties. We heard through the Camerons of your visit to St Barths this summer. It sounded like an absolute dream of a trip to paradise. However, now that the bikini and bermudas have been neatly stowed away in your summer walk in wardrobe, we’re hoping that we can tempt your cashmere to its own idea of paradise. 

Le Petit Palais is situated on the slopes of the Bellecote piste in Courchevel 1850 and ensures the true gratification of being able to ski to and from your opulent front door. We reckon that St Barth’s azure sea might just be turning a little greener with envy by the minute. As the days grow shorter and the nights draw in, we recommend swapping the plantation shutters and teak decking for sumptuous fabrics in seductive dark blues and greys. Le Petit Palais is the palace that you want to return home to when the sun starts to set over another day in your alpine paradise. Let the staff hang your skis up for you whilst you focus on losing yourself to the decadence of Le Petit Palais’ wellness suite on the lowest of the six floors. The staff seem to be able to sense your imminent arrival home, as the lights are lowered, the fire is flickering and the candles are lit. Alternate between the hammam, the sauna, the pool and the jacuzzi before completely unwinding under the expert touch of your in house masseuse. If kneading the knots out doesn’t transport you to Bedfordshire, the water feature will certainly lull you into a slumber.

I’m afraid that we might have to stir you, as we edge closer to canapé o’clock. We know that you want to look your most drop dead gorgeous for when the Matthews arrive. You have just heard from the staff that they are due to land imminently at Courchevel’s Altiport. However, that should still give ample time for your beautician and hairdresser to work a little magic in Le Petit Palais’ beauty salon. You wish that every week you could saunter to the beauticians in your fluffy bathrobe and slippers. What would the residents of Dorset think. 

Your husband is just perusing the bar of your master suite for a little tipple before he wanders downstairs to Le Petit Palais’ nightclub. He will always be a party animal. It’s a good job your children have grown up and left home with the shapes that he will be pulling on the dance floor later. You don’t think they would be seen on the Bellecote piste with him again. At least there are five other palatial bedrooms, including the VIP Suite that they could escape to. 

Just as you hear the pop of a champagne cork, your butler notices the Matthews arrival through the advanced security system. Tonight is about to commence in the way that only an alpine palace designed to provide the upmost in entrancing style, opulence and comfort knows. 

These will always be your favourite days of the year for a reason.