Nevaï Hotel ★★★★

I have been to Verbier in the winter and it never fails to enchant me with its glistening, pristine pistes, gorgeous chalets and that self­assured elegance synonymous with its long standing station as the best resort and a favourite playground for the rich and famous for decades. I have snuggled by log fires and thawed out with its rustic white wines and mouth watering moitie­moitie fondues. I have fallen more times than I can say, as swift six year olds glided effortlessly past me, and comforted my bruised bones and ego dancing the night away in the famous Farm Club. A legend for over forty years, it has seen the likes of David Bowie and Diana Ross tearing up the floor and now it is going to be right next door as I am staying at the ultra chic Nevaï Hotel.

In the heart of town it is notorious for its modern elegance and exquisite luxury. That it has to be incredible amid glittering drifts of snow in the height of the skiing season is a given, but I am putting Verbier and this exclusive hotel to the test by visiting in high summer! Once that crystalline mantle has thawed away, what remains beneath? Already I am quite overwhelmed with the sweetness of the air, those fresh, dulcet scents of the Swiss Alps and the lush, green beauty of my surroundings as my partner and I wind our way up the mountain in our rental car. I feel like a modern­day Heidi and yet as we pull into Verbier, perhaps just that little bit more sophisticated. It is as immaculate and pretty as when dressed in white and its valleys of sky­blue lakes andcarpets of flowers are a sight to behold!

NevaÏ awaits us in discreet glamour of natural woods, clean lines and a contemporary design that has made it part of the collection of international Design Hotels. Unable to resist, we have gone the whole hog and booked their 501 Penthouse Suite to experience that stylish Verbier luxury this hotel is renowned for, to the max! We are not disappointed. Every inch of its 55 square metres has us beaming with delight as we enumerate its sumptuous facilities – flat screen TV, DVD player and iPod dock, open fireplace and bathroom with a stunning bathtub under a vast skylightas well as complimentary Elemis products. We also have free use of the minibar and yet our favourite detail is the private jacuzzi overlooking those breathtaking views available from all three of our terraces!

If it weren't for the temptations of the spa with its hammam and sauna, as well as that delectable Nomad Sushi Restaurant serving mouth watering Japanese cuisine, we may be in danger ofnever leaving our room. As for leaving our spectacular hotel, it is only those panoramic views from everywhere we look that can entice us beyond our haven of stylish heaven to explore the natural wonders beyond! One thing is certain, winter or summer, Verbier remains a chic paradise and the Nevaï Hotel is the place to be.