Hotel Koh-I Nor

Koh I Nor is the highest hotel in Val Thorens, which makes it the perfect location when wanting to make the most of early and late season skiing. Not only does it have a great ski in ski out location, but it is perfect for all the family to enjoy. It has a beautiful spa with two swimming pools, and a stunning terrace with panoramic views over Val Thorens - is perfect for sunny days! There are lots of little details that make this hotel special from the homemade tiny sweets we were served with coffee to the quirky art pieces. It is also very family friendly, little people are well catered for here where guests or nannies can use their snow buggies and request a 'baby pack' complete with sleepbag, children also have their own menus - there's even a kids cocktail menu.

Val Thorens, is Anti-Bling Luxury or so the tourist board says; they have a point.

Even though the newest hotel on the block is named after a 105.6 carat diamond,

the feeling is still of do what you like, as you like, when you like. Pretension dissipates and that in itself is a promising start to your stay.

The Koh I Nor in historical terms was once the largest most spectacular diamond

in the world. It is currently set in the Queen of Englands crown. In Persian the name translates into mountain of light summing up its architecture perfectly. It majestically stands on the Plein Sud ski slope. Built from wood with swathes of glass facades, its design floods light through every pore, illuminating and glistening every facet just like its namesake.

The entrance is even more impressive. A glass dome is lit up in purple hues by large bauble like chandeliers. Steel handrails wind around the dome leading the way to the main reception area. A lift is also available for those who find their legs a little shaky after skiing or climbing the hill from the village; so is a minivan - if the walk from the village is too daunting, just call reception.

The reception is two floors from the ground level, there are stunning panoramic

views over the village and the mountains. A south facing open air terrace is spectacular for watching the sunsets in the highest hotel in Europe.

Built in wood with unusual stone cladding and rich dark colours flowing throughout, opulence is obvious without losing the comfort and cosiness craved by the skiing fraternity. The diamond logo is imprinted on various surfaces, including your bed, just to remind you, lest you forget, that this is the jewel in the Val Tho crown.

The ski room and shop are filled with the latest technologies to make your experience a little easier even if your pocket ends up a little lighter. There are heated boot dryers and secure lockers in the ski room. You can ski straight onto the piste from the hotel; imagine a slip road onto the motorway. Joining the crowd hurtling down hill needs to be timed to perfection. One second either way and you could find yourself at the bottom of the slope quicker than anticipated and in rather a lot of pain.

Each of the 63 rooms has a balcony, ideal for filling the lungs with fresh morning

mountain air or star gazing wrapped in a fur lined rug in the evening. The rustic theme runs throughout. Wooden panels frame the bed, minimalist white and steel furniture creates a modern feel, and your feet sink into the thick carpet pile like marshmallows melting into hot chocolate. Fur throws and cushions adorn the bed; if you feel like relaxing in your room, movies and wifi are available.

Snow gastronomy is the new buzz word and at the Koh I Nor this is offered by

Yoann Conte, a two star Michelin chef in his restaurant in Annecy. He has taken

over the reins of the hotel restaurant and brasserie. It is never easy to follow in the footsteps of another two star Michelin chef Jean Sulpice; harder still is cooking

at altitude, defying the laws of physics. An egg boils at 92 degrees 2,300 metres

up taking two minutes longer and breads and cheese dry out three times faster than normal. Even contending with this, he delivers exceptional food in exceptional

surroundings, staying true to his aim of showcasing local produce.

Cosy fireplaces and sumptuous large chaise longs and armchairs feature in

the bar area, perfect for that digestif hot toddy after dinner.

The Prestige Spa offers Valmont treatments and there are two swimming pools, a hammam, a sauna and a solarium just in case the hotel doesnt offer enough luxury. Speaking of luxury, champagne bubbles are smaller due to the lower atmospheric pressure up here, why not come toast what is arguably one of Europes most beautiful sunsets in one of Europes most beautiful hotels. To quote

the overtly bling, Rhianna it shines bright like a diamond.

The Koh-I Nor is Europe's highest hotel and sits beautifully overlooking Val Thorens and the peaks of the Rhone Alps. This hotel is chic and glamorous and would even give some of the 5* hotels in Courchevel 1850 a run for their money - it's certainly better value. As a resort, Val Thorens is evolving its own new style of cool, gastronomy and luxury alpine properties and the Koh-Nor adds a luxurious, indulgent and unique experience in Europe's highest ski resort.

The highest hotel in Val Thorens with the most picturesque views. Your skis wait for you on the snow in the morning and skiing in is easy on a blue run (the Folie Douce is just situated above the property - very handy!).

Lunch on the terrace overlooking the town and surrounding mountains doesnt get much better try their home made burgers with very chunky potato chips, delicious!

Any room you stay in will have a fabulous view, whether it is of the pistes or resort and valley, both give sights of the spectacular alps.