Résidence Koh I Nor ★★★★★

Presiding over the resort like a sparkling diamond, the opulent five-star Koh –I Nor is fronted by an imposing diamond glass-shaped structure which diffuses light in every direction. Behind this sits an iconic wooden ski chalet building – the ideal place for a ski break.

The name Koh-I Nor means ‘mountain of light’, and is the name of a Persian diamond mounted in a crown belonging to the British Monarchy, one of the largest ever found – a name befitting of an opulent gem of a hotel.

The plush reception area welcomes guests with lustrous lamps and hanging lights, glossy marble, regal oil painting and wine red walls. Inside the bedrooms and the public areas though, there’s less gloss and more cosy glamour with soft carpets, fur rugs and natural wood.

Atmospheric corridors, swathed in carpets mimicking the snowy slopes, lead you to your accommodation. There are rooms to suit all customers and needs, whether you’re here with your family or just as a couple, need a suite or even a disabled room. All are meticulously designed and decorated with wood-panelled walls, cut stone and leather, featuring warming colours of chocolate and beige and luxuriously soft bedding. Magical snowy mountain views can be seen from the large floor-to-ceiling French doors, which open out onto a private balcony, bringing the outdoors, indoors and creating that homey, snug feeling. Of course all mod cons are featured in the room too – en suite marble bathrooms with large tubs and showers, TVs, DVD players and Wi-Fi.

Skiing builds up an appetite and guests can choose between two excellent hotel restaurants. In an elegant dining room surrounded by picture windows and decorated with wood panels, slate and bright chandeliers, the Luxury Brasserie serves up locally-sourced dishes using mountain herbs and spices. The International Restaurant, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed setting with unbeatable panoramic views and a wide variety of dishes to choose from. It also offers a breakfast buffet each morning, featuring homemade jams, pastries, breads and fruit.

If you’re here with your family, have no fear as your children will be treated like little princes and princesses at Koh-I Nor. As well as babysitting, child care and activities offered, there are also special kids’ menus in the restaurants and even specialised non-alcoholic drinks for them at the bar. Babies too will be provided with everything from bottle warmers to bathtubs, cots and sleeping bags and parents can request for main meals to be blended up into customized baby food. Your little ones can even be treated to kid-friendly massages and spa packages.

Before hitting the slopes you can get into shape by using the hotel’s fitness centre, packed with the latest cardiovascular training equipment including treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines. There are also personal trainers available on request if you’re really serious about your regime. A well-stocked ski shop on site will also ensure all your needs are met to fully enjoy your ski holiday.

And after a busy day schussing down mountain trails, you’ll find nowhere better to relax and unwind than the hotel’s first-class spa and fitness facilities. The 800m² spa offers a calming and relaxing space incorporating natural elements of wood and stone. It comprises two pools, a sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi which help to eliminate toxins, muscle tension and fatigue and can also help improve skin quality and blood circulation. There are also experience showers, a salt wall, an ice fountain, a relaxation lounge and a sun lounge to help you ease into that Zen-like state.

Finally, end each day by chilling out in the Lounge Bar & Terrace - a calm, cosy and sophisticated environment in which guests can sample a range of cocktails, whiskies, liquors, spirits and other delicious non-alcoholic concoctions. The lounge can also be used in the daytime, when you can admire the picturesque views from the sunny terrace.

Residence Koh-I Nor is five-star Alpine living at its best.