Chalet Dulcis Casu

Courchevel is usually crazily expensive, but as soon as you come down the hill a little from eye-watering 1850 the prices begin to drop. This is the case with Le Praz, which is a lovely, proper village below 1850 that is fully linked in to all the fabulous skiing but is not overrun with Russians and VIPs. And Dulcis Casu is a truly knock-out, wow factor designer chalet, located right in the heart of the village, within walking distance of everything.

This luxury Courchevel ski chalet is seriously stylish and groovy, the creation of an award-winning interior designer. It’s a sort of combo of luxe Aspen ski lodge and eclectic Manhattan hideout, featuring lots of chunky reclaimed timber, giant metal bistro lights, distressed concrete and velvet designer chairs. There’s even a big bull’s head stuck on a wall in the living area.

The living room is spectacular and double-height, with squishy leather sofas, loft style lighting and central giant log fire, as well as fabulous views of the snow-clad peaks of the Grand Bec. Huge contemporary artworks adorn the walls, and there are even signed Matisse prints which add an injection of colour.

There are six en-suite bedrooms at this Courchevel ski chalet – two master doubles with free-standing bath and dressing area, two doubles with en-suite showers and double basins, a double with en-suite bathroom, and a 6-berth family room with a mezzanine with bunks. The rooms are all spacious and beautiful, featuring fabulous designer pieces such as chrome luggage-case chest of drawers, fur throws and sheepskin rugs.

The beds are dressed with crisp, quality bed linen, and fluffy towels and robes are provided, as well as slippers. There are also 100% natural botanical toiletries from Green & Spring as well as complimentary Albus & Flora lip balms.

Food and drink at this luxury catered ski chalet is five star. Champagne and canapés are served each evening, there is an open bar with house wines, prosecco, beers and soft drinks, and dinner wines are specially handpicked by the chalet’s sommelier. Breakfasts are healthy, hearty and varied, afternoon tea is served daily with delicious homemade bakes, and dinner consists of four delicious and imaginative courses – all with real wow factor. There are even Nespresso coffees on tap.

Sample menus might include pan fried red mullet with Thai green curry sauce, homemade vegetable dumpling and baby corn tempura, followed by slow-cooked pork belly with black olive and shiitake mushrooms, poached rhubarb and carrot puree, with mango and passionfruit mousse for pud. Or you might have smoked haddock soufflé followed by green tea-infused guinea fowl supreme with sautéed pak-choi and ginger lemongrass consommé.

Chalet Dulcis Casu has fantastic spa facilities. It comes with an indoor swimming pool with current flow, an outdoor hydrotherapy spa in the courtyard, a hammam and a private massage room.

Little ones are most welcome. Early children’s suppers are served on six nights, plus there is plenty to entertain them – from a separate TV room with full Sky package, Apple TV, and iPads with a wifi Sonos sound system. The chalet also comes with a media drive of 400 films and games, as well as an iPod docking system. Equipment for babies can also be provided on request: travel cots, highchairs, bed-guards, bottle sterilisers etc.

The knock-out designer interiors, the handy village location, and all the spa facilities.

The outdoor hydrotheraphy spa is so private, tucked away in the courtyard at the back of the chalet, that it doesn’t have any views. Still fabulous though!