Simply Abu Dhabi XXIX

2 7 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Six Senses Residences Courchevel W hen you hear the two words “Six Senses” in the context of an upcoming trip—a getaway and an adventure—you know you’re going to be spoiled silly. Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is synonymous with luxury living—this global management company comprised of 11 resorts and 31 spas under the brand names Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spa, have mastered the art of delivering wow factor and lavish pampering on their guests. Just two years old now is the Six Senses’ first residential project in Europe and the first fully-serviced residential spa development in that most glamorous and elite of all resorts in the French Alps—Courchevel. Six Senses Residences Courchevel is located at the very heart of Courchevel 1850, which is perfectly positioned to get the best out of Les Trois Vallées—the largest ski area in the world with over 600km of pistes and 200 ski lifts. Like a St. Tropez of winter sports, 1850 is the place to be, not only for the world’s glitterati, but for anyone who wants access to the some of the best skiing on the planet, followed by access to the world’s most refined shopping, dining and hotel and spa experiences. 1850 boasts the highest concentration of luxury mountain hotels in the world, with two 6-star palaces and a dozen 5-star luxurious hotels. There are also more Michelin-starred restaurants here than you can shake a fork at—on the last count there were seven restaurants sharing 11 stars. Kerry McClinton-King, Business Development Director at Six Senses Residences Courchevel, says, “Courchevel 1850 is renowned as one of the best ski resorts in the world, so we are delighted to set a new benchmark with the opening of the spa, which completes this unique residential development. At The Residences, we’ve combined exclusive hotel-style amenities and service with the comfort and privacy of your own home. The result is a six-star ski experience like no other.” My chauffeur drops me off outside the traditional-style building, all grey stone and alpine-exposed wooden beams, and a concierge is instantly welcoming and efficiently taking care of my bags and room key. The lobby is quiet and soothing. Through a side door there is convenient access to the high-end ski rental store, where I will later be kitted out with top-quality gear in quick and friendly fashion. First, it is to the penthouse, which already has a reputation. The insider talk I’ve been privy to says it is something exceptional, even by Six Sense’s top-end standards. Walking into the huge, open-plan living space, with a modern kitchen, eye-catching glass wine cellar, designer furniture, contemporary pop art paintings and objet ‘d’art, it’s immediately obvious what all the talk is about—it really is stunning and I can hear my inner voice whisper, “I want to live here.” Exploring the penthouse takes a while but reveals a cosy kid’s room tucked away on a second floor, a personal sauna, a cinema room, modern kitchen and wine cellar, inviting reading areas, gorgeous bathrooms—the master suite having a freestanding bath and private terrace. There are three spacious balconies in total, giving triple aspect views of the majestic mountain scenery. There are 53 exclusive apartments in the entire complex, although half of these have sold; they range in size from 70 to 268 square metres. And whilst the penthouse is certainly a showcase, each residence is furnished with the same attention to detail and sophisticated sense of style and taste. The Residences’ interiors were curated by Alain Foeillet, who naturally allowed an alpine aesthetic to influence the feel of the place. There are antique skis smartly used as decoration and organic materials like stone, wood and clay contrast beautifully with an array of luscious soft furnishings. The furniture in the penthouse is designed by award-winning Morpheus London and the list of facilities is lengthy, but includes Naturalmat organic mattresses, Organic Pharmacy bathroom amenities, flat screen TVs with satellite channels, Apple TV, Wifi and iPad integrated music systems. By Nick Rice