What: A luxury boutique hotel

Where: Courchevel 1850's serene 'Jardin Alpin' area, leading straight onto the slopes.

Why: As if Courchevel wasn't already luxurious enough, Bernard Arnaud's recent piste-side palace brings added glamour to the elite Alpine playground. This 34-room boutique hotel has it all, from a penthouse suite and private apartments to the Givenchy "Snow Spa" for aprs-ski pampering, or better still, the chance to invite hairstylist to the stars, John Nollet up to your room for a quick cut and blow dry. No need to pack for the trip, the hotel's luxury boutiques offer LVMH's finest. Lacroix skis? Christian Dior goggles? Who needs skiing when there's shopping?