Hotel Koh-I Nor, Val Thorens, France

· ski-in, ski-out · at the top of the resort · 10 minutes' walk downhill to the resort centre · free hotel shuttle bus on request (8am – 11pm) · 10 minutes' bus ride or 20 minutes' walk to the ski school meeting point

The stunning Koh-I Nor is quite literally the height of luxury in Val Thorens – at 2,364m, it’s the highest 5-star hotel in Europe. The hotel is named for the 105-carat diamond set into the crown of Queen Elizabeth, and means ‘Mountain of Light’ in Persian.

The architects certainly took this title to heart – huge windows are the common theme throughout the hotel, letting in streams of natural light and allowing for the most amazing mountain views. The hotel is completed to an exceptionally high standard, with the perfect balance between style, luxury and comfort. Each of the 63 rooms is beautifully cosy with modern touches like free WiFi and a Nespresso coffee maker – not to mention a spacious private balcony.

Mealtimes are a real highlight at the Koh-I Nor. You’ll have the choice of three top-class restaurants – enjoy a superb 5-course meal in L’Atelier d’Eric, or swap this for a credit towards a meal in the fantastic Le Diamant Noir restaurant, run by Michelin-starred chef Eric Samson, or La Cave restaurant. In the evenings, curl up in front of the fire in the bar, or sit out on the panoramic terrace and soak up the views.

If you’re after some proper pampering, spend some time in the beautiful spa. It’s got two swimming pools, a hot tub, sauna, hammam, salt wall, ice fountain, experience showers and relaxation zone, plus a full menu of treatments and massages.

Families are also well looked after at the Koh-I Nor. Kids will love the games rooms and can choose from dedicated menus in the restaurants and bar. For infants, there’s a pre-bookable Baby Pack with all the equipment you need.

If you do manage to tear yourself away from the comforts of the hotel, you’ll step right out onto the slopes – the Koh-I Nor is ski-in, ski-out.

· L'Atelier d'Eric restaurant · La Cave restaurant · Le Diamant Noir restaurant · bar and lounge with open fire and panoramic terrace · occasional live music · spa with two pools, sauna, hammam, hot tub, salt wall, ice fountain, relaxation zone and fitness room (under 15s not allowed after 5pm) · extra charge for massages and treatments · games room · ski shop · ski room with lockers · free WiFi · 63 rooms

All rooms have a flatscreen satellite TV, WiFi, hairdryer, coffee maker, minibar and safe.

Twin/double room (26m²) - sleeps 2: north-facing room with twin beds or double bed, private bath, WC and balcony.

Twin/double room (26m ²) - sleeps 2: south-facing room with twin beds or double bed, private bath, WC and balcony.

Superior twin/double room (29m ²) - sleeps 2-3: north-facing room with twin beds or double bed, single folding bed, private bath, WC and balcony.

Superior twin/double room (29m ²) - sleeps 2-3: south-facing room with twin beds or double bed, single folding bed, private bath, WC and balcony.

Superior family room - sleeps 4-5: one 26m² bedroom with twin beds or double bed, one 29m² bedroom with twin beds or double bed and an extra single folding bed when booked for 5 people, two bathrooms with private bath, WC and south-facing balcony.

Cots are available to hire for approx. €20 per night, payable locally. This also includes a sleeping bag, baby bath, bath thermometer, changing mat and bottle warmer.

Half Board

· breakfast · 3-course evening meal taken in L'Atelier d'Eric restaurant · evening meals can be swapped for a credit to use in Le Diamand Noir restaurant or La Cave (€35 per adult and €15 per child up to 12 years old) · Christmas and New Year's Eve gala dinners are included