Le Melezin, Courchevel, France

Part of the Aman hotel chain, possibly the most fastidious and architecturally appealing hotel chain in the world, this darkly elegant, future-Alpine style hotel will attract a contemporary, aesthetically discerning guest. Discreet management - the reception desk is a table with nothing but a telephone on its stone surface - contributes to the low-key, understated style, offset by a soft industrial edge involving mirror windows and low coffee tables. Coolness is a factor throughout the hotel and especially in the sunken bar, with its large screen windows looking straight on to the white slopes. An inner courtyard made of bleached clapboard provides a quiet, external sanctuary. The number one hotel in town, it's perhaps too sleek and chic for a family, but the clientele is undoubtedly interesting. In the bar, 200-year old oak beams taken from chateaux in the area are used to panel the walls and create a stark fragmented effect, albeit in harmony with the parquet floor. The bathrooms are exquisite, some with window-side hot tubs looking out onto the mountain. The rooms are the absolute height of comfort mixed with style. The sangfroid of the management reinforcing its exclusive reputation is the only criticism, making it just a little too cool for families, say.
The Magic Mountain.com