A nest-like Meribel retreat that reinterprets Alpine traditions. It can be difficult to see where the mountain ends and the hotel begins at Le Coucou. This luxury lodge reinvents the traditional Alpine chalet- with a modern interpretation that brings the outside in - and lets the guests ski straight out. Strap on your skis in the boutique lounge- where the team will have your equipment ready and waiting each morning. Then take lunch on the mountain at the Beefbar terrace- with no need to take off your boots. Inside too there are dramatic views at every turn - from the wall-length windows to the rooms and suites complete with terraces. Even the indoor infinity pool in the spa seems to melt into the landscape-framed by glass walls for mountain vistas as you swim. There is a there is another infinity pool outside- too. Interiors echo the mountains and valleys outside- designed by visionary interior architect Pierre Yovanovitch. Expect geometric shapes and angled lines- icy frosted glass features and velvety soft furnishings. There are even cuckoo clocks - a tongue-in-cheek salute to Alpine tradition and the Le Coucou name - in one of the restaurants. Choose between Italian menus at Bianca Neve - the setting for the daily breakfast feasts - and cut-above steaks at Beefbar- followed by sharing eclairs for dessert. The Bar is the place for a relaxed drink with a mellow soundtrack- while the Fumoir is for connoisseurs of cigars and fine spirits. Le Coucou Meribel is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property. NEAR LE COUCOU Le Rond-Point des Pistes- Mission Black Forest- Roc de Fer- Trois Vallees.