Hotel d'Angleterre ★★★★★

Lake Geneva shivers blue and silver beneath a bright sun as I pull up at the grand façade of the Hotel D'Angleterre that looks out over the water. Cream coloured walls and slate roof stand tall and solid, creating already the sense of respectable majesty that is a hallmark of this five star, multi-award winning member of The Red Carnation Hotel Group and Leading Hotels of the World. A jogger wrapped in thermals jogs by, puffing clouds of steam and I inhale the crisp, cold air that smells fresh and clean, coming straight from the imposing Alps dusted white with snow. I have come to experience the Angleterre’s luxury for myself and have flown out for a delicious weekend of cosseting and calm for some much needed me time.

With a rising sense of anticipation I enter the lobby and am given one of the best welcomes I have ever received. A precise measure of effusive warmth, authentic friendliness and faultless politeness makes me feel at home yet somewhere special, just a tad exclusive and I'm feeling quite special too. I am kindly ushered to my room, which looks out onto the hushed courtyard. I look around me in appreciation of the sophisticated, delicate taste of the décor and the plush yet understated furnishings that are clearly of the highest quality. A cloud-like bed with rich, floral quilt and special choice of pillows and duvet and the sound proofed walls all promise hours of uninterrupted repose. The gentle natural light filtering through the embroidered curtains creates a cocoon of serenity and I am almost inclined to curl up in snug comfort right now.

Upon some reflection, however, I decide to save that pleasure for once I've explored a little further and run some of my many errands. I have shopping to do, treats to buy for the family, special requests for almond finger biscuits from Migro and homemade Swiss chocolate from the finest chocolatiers. Those mouth watering specialities that can only be found here and which I myself am rather looking forward to tucking into. I set about unpacking my bags and freshening up in the splendid bathroom with marble sink and wonderfully fluffy dressing gown with matching slippers to pad about in like a Duchess in her boudoir. I have 24-hour room service, a selection of magazines, tea and coffee facilities, Minibar, LED television with Satellite and the option to request a DVD to player should I want to curl up with a good movie. Truly, once I have most of my running around town out of the way, I am seriously considering retreating into my discreet boutique bedroom and giving myself up to the sheer indulgence of doing nothing all day but eat and sleep.

For the time being I am contented with a quick shower using the complimentary Penhaligon bath products and a nibble on a couple of the home made chocolates that were waiting for me in the room. I am decidedly hungry and as it's getting late so rather than hunt around for a late lunch I opt for a traditional Afternoon Tea at the hotel. It does seem slightly absurd coming from England to Switzerland only to take Afternoon Tea here, but it's a custom I love and never think to do usually and I am in Hotel D'Angelterre after all! As I enter the luminous Observatoire and take in the lofty windows looking directly out onto the lake, I already know I have made a good choice. I order the works, including a glass of Ruinart Champagne, and find that a little of Switzerland has made its mark after all as the standard Cornish clotted cream has been replaced by thick Gruyere cream. Delicious!

As I look out at the fabulous view I can think of nowhere better to feel so well looked after and abundantly provided for. I will go out this evening, take the boat into the old town and wander around and then perhaps wind up with a nightcap in the hotel's incredibly chic Leopard Bar.

Tomorrow I'll shop til I drop, devour a proper fondue lunch and then I shall return here. To this blissful, good old fashioned, sterling hotel where I can simply surrender to heavenly rest. I can ask for an in-room massage, watch my favourite films, gorge on chocolates and then occasionally step out for a stroll by the beautiful lake should I feel the need for a breath of that pure air. This is shaping up to be an idyllic weekend thanks to the remarkable Hotel D'Angleterre!