Introducing Airelles

February 3, 2025 by Hidden Doorways


From an intimate palace within the grounds of Versailles to a 16th-century bastide perched above the Luberon Valley, from sun-soaked summer retreats in Saint-Tropez to legendary winter havens in the French Alps, Airelles creates extraordinary homes away from home that defy imagination. We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional collection to our portfolio this month.

The Airelles collection stretches across France’s most iconic destinations, where warm hospitality and stylish comfort await at every turn and across every season. 2025 will mark an exciting expansion with the launch of Airelles Venezia, the collection’s ninth property and first outside France.

Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle

Beginning with a property as prestigious as they come – Le Grand Contrôle, where guests get to stay in the only hotel in the grounds of the Château de Versailles, stepping into the heart of French history and its gilded past. Built in 1681 and reimagined in 2021 into the meticulously restored house that it is today, the building is an ode to the grandeur and elegance of its 18th-century zenith. More than a hotel, it’s an immersive experience where those staying in one of its 13 rooms and suites can roam the palace after hours when the renowned Hall of Mirrors glitters only for them. Morning begins with the “Royal Awakening,” where a butler arrives by lantern light to the sound of 18th-century music, drawing back the curtains and preparing a beautiful morning bath. After breakfast, guests enjoy a private tour of the Domaine de Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s bucolic hideaway. Days unfold with exclusive experiences that blur the line between fantasy and reality: private access to spaces normally closed to the public, privileged performances at the Royal Opera House, sunrise horseback rides through the great park, or boat rowing on the Grand Canal. Each room and suite is decorated in the finest Pierre Frey fabrics and decorative furniture of old, making staying here an intimate affair and anybody a recipient of complete and utter royal treatment. The culinary experience is equally extraordinary, with Michelin-starred Chef Alain Ducasse reimagining the gourmet traditions of the 17th-century in unforgettable feasts and once-in-a-lifetime banquets.

Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de La Messardière

Moving next to Saint-Tropez’s grandest address, Château de La Messardière stands as a testament to timeless romance and aristocratic grandeur. Originally built in the 19th century as a wedding gift and later transformed into a legendary gathering place during the Roaring Twenties, this magnificent palace achieved coveted Palace status following its extensive renovation and grand reopening in 2021. Perched majestically in the hills above Saint-Tropez and surrounded by the Ramatuelle vineyards, the Château is a haven of umbrella pines, cypress trees and jasmine with 32 idyllic acres to call its own. In its 86 rooms and suites, soothing natural tones create an instant sense of calm, while its collection of pools offers different perspectives on paradise – from the panoramic terrace pool overlooking Pampelonne Bay to the serene lap pool nestled in peaceful gardens. The resort’s sophisticated beach club, Jardin Tropezina, extends the Château’s elegance to the shores of Pampelonne Bay, while an extraordinary collection of dining venues, from Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez by renowned Chef Nobu to Mediterranean delicacies crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-François Piège, makes this a culinary destination in its own right.

Airelles Saint-Tropez, Pan Deï Palais

Just steps from Saint-Tropez’s legendary Place des Lices lies its intimate sister property, Airelles Saint-Tropez, Pan Deï Palais, where tranquil gardens and sumptuous Indo-French décor await behind a discreet ochre facade. Built in 1835 as a testament to love, this historic villa was a gift from General Jean-François Allard to his beloved wife, Indian Princess Bannu Pan Deï. Their romance lives on in the property’s distinctive blend of French and Indian aesthetics, from intricate dark woodwork and Indian carpets to rich fabrics and 19th-century artworks. With just twelve exquisite rooms and suites, it offers the increasingly rare combination of historic charm and privileged access. Mornings unfold by the stunning mosaic pool, afternoons at the exclusive beach club, and evenings enjoying inventive Pan-Asian cuisine at Les Délices du Pan Deï beneath the stars, while guests also enjoy full access to all the facilities of the nearby Château de La Messardière.

Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles

Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles reigns over France’s Courchevel 1850 as an iconic 19th-century Austro-Hungarian castle. With its hand-painted facade and snow-capped turrets, this majestic Palace hotel stands at the heart of the Jardin Alpin with privileged access to over 370 miles of pristine slopes in the acclaimed Trois Vallées. Days here are spent exploring the magnificent terrain, but that’s just the beginning of what awaits both body and spirit. Horse-drawn Hermès carriage rides through snow-dusted village streets, moonlit sledding adventures, heliskiing to untouched terrain offering magnificent views across both the French and Italian Alps, and gourmet picnics at altitude create an atmosphere where the extraordinary becomes effortless. Under Executive Chef Adrien Trouilloud’s masterful direction, the Palace offers seven exceptional dining experiences, while the La Mer spa – complete with its unique snow cave – provides the perfect counterpoint to days spent on the mountain. The forty-four rooms and suites, including seventeen luxurious suites, each artfully blend traditional woodcarving, paintings, and stained glass, while beyond the Palace walls, guests can choose between two exceptional chalet experiences, including the nine-bedroom Chalet Ormello with its panoramic views of the Tarentaise peaks.

Airelles Val d’Isère

From one ski spot to another, this time to the renowned Airelles Val d’Isère where you’ll find a mountain lover’s paradise nestled in the heart of the legendary Tarentaise mountains near the Italian border. This enchanting five-star retreat combines the authentic charm of a traditional Savoyard village with the refined sophistication of a world-class ski-in/ski-out resort, offering more than 186 miles of immaculate terrain for every skill level. The hotel’s expert concierge team curates extraordinary experiences ranging from paragliding flights off the Solaise summit and ice diving in Tignes’ natural lake to Moonbiking and enchanting husky sled rides through the pristine Manchet Valley. Six distinctive restaurants offer a variety of flavors, from the legendary La Grande Ourse with its Savoyard specialties to Matsuhisa’s contemporary Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, while the 13,000-square-foot Guerlain Spa (the largest in the entire ski resort) provides a sanctuary of wellness. Whether seeking outdoor adventure or indoor indulgence, guests find themselves in a mountain haven where exceptional experiences unfold naturally.

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide

Now traveling to the hilltop village of Gordes in Provence, Airelles Gordes, La Bastide rises from the Luberon Valley like a masterpiece carved in stone. This 16th-century bastide captures both the grandeur and intimacy of authentic Provençal life, where an unassuming façade along the rue de la Combe belies a hidden world of terrace gardens, historic interiors, and seemingly endless views of the Luberon Massif. Five distinct restaurants showcase the diversity of Mediterranean gastronomy, including L’Orangerie, where refined Provençal cuisine is served beneath shade-giving mulberry trees, and multi-Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Piège’s Clover Gordes. Beyond the palace walls, days unfold at a leisurely Provençal pace – think hot air balloon rides over ochre cliffs, vintage Citroën 2CV adventures through lavender fields, yoga sessions in the gardens, or evening stargazing with an expert astronomer. The property’s 40 rooms and suites, created by interior designer Christophe Tollemer with the artistry of more than 150 craftspeople, blend period elegance with modern comfort, while the 17,000-square-foot Airelles Spa, inspired by the historic abbeys of Provence, provides a haven of serenity.

Château d’Estoublon

Immersed in the quiet majesty of the Alpilles mountains, Château d’Estoublon has been a cornerstone of Provençal heritage since 1489. This exclusive 17th-century estate, available only for private buyouts, offers an unparalleled opportunity to claim a slice of Provençal history as your own. Nestled among 500 acres of lush vineyards and picturesque olive groves, the property’s commitment to exceptional taste and sustainability runs deep. The estate’s organic wines have been cultivated for over two decades, while its olive oil legacy spans three centuries, with more than forty varieties of olive trees nurturing alongside traditional grape varieties. At its heart lies La Table d’Estoublon, where culinary excellence celebrates the bounty of Provence, with chefs crafting extraordinary seasonal menus inspired by their 2,500-square-meter organic kitchen garden. Ten uniquely appointed rooms and suites showcase authentic Provençal elegance, while a vintage 2CV car stands ready for countryside explorations.

Villa Baulieu

Set among 750 acres inside the crater of Provence’s only volcano, Villa Baulieu embodies the essence of French art de vivre. This 17th-century Tuscan-inspired estate benefits from a remarkable terroir that has supported exceptional winemaking for over 2,000 years, dating back to Roman times. The property’s agricultural richness extends beyond its vineyards to include an almond grove, a truffle grove with specially trained Border Collies for hunting, and a hundred beehives producing honey with notes of thyme, rosemary, and lavender. From its perch, the estate commands breathtaking views of the Alpilles and Sainte-Victoire mountains. Its 12 elegant rooms, spread across 15,000 square feet of living space, provide a perfect blend of historic character and modern comfort, while activities range from tennis and bocce to mountain biking through the estate’s grounds, complemented by massage treatments in the rose garden and a 70-foot UV-filtered swimming pool.

Airelles Venezia

And finally, the ninth jewel in the Airelles crown, Airelles Venezia, is set to open later in 2025. Its first international opening marks an exciting expansion beyond France into the spellbinding city of Venice. Perched on the serene shores of Giudecca island, with uninterrupted views of Piazza San Marco across the lagoon, this historic estate encompasses three magnificent buildings and 2.5 acres of private gardens – a rare find in the floating city. The property spans three distinct buildings – the historic Palladio, Casa Frollo (once a residence for Italian nobility and an elite set of artists), and Conventino – offering 45 keys decorated with French linens and classic Italian accents, from marble and terrazzo floors to custom Fortuny chandeliers and Murano glassware. At its heart lies the meticulously restored Santa Maria della Presentazione church with its twin bell towers, a protected heritage site available for intimate ceremonies and celebrations. With its three restaurants, exclusive jazz club, 18,000-square-foot spa, and three swimming pools, Airelles Venezia promises not just a place to stay in Venice but a new way to experience one of the world’s most beloved cities.