Family Pariente: The New Savoir-Vivre

Just over ten years ago, an ultra-luxurious retreat quietly and unpretentiously joined the ranks of the high-end alpine ski resort of Courchevel: L'Apogée is located directly on the slopes, has a breathtaking view of the valley, two first-class restaurants and a spa for tired muscles. The hotel is one of the few in France to be awarded the prestigious Palace distinction. It's run by the Oetker Collection, which means it belongs to a family of heavyweights such as Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes or Le Bristol in Paris. But hardly anyone knew the man behind the hotel: Patrick Pariente.