Au Coeur du village ★★★★★

The hotel sends a car to fetch us at the Geneva airport and, as we wind up the mountain roads, I am, as usual, overcome by the majestic beauty of our Alpine surroundings. At the hotel we are shown to our spacious suite, with a luxurious bath and a balcony with a view! Fluffy white rugs adorn the oak hardwood flooring; whilst furry and inviting blankets adorn the beds, sofa and chair.

My afternoon in the spa is such a treat! I’ve been scrubbed, peeled, kneaded and rubbed. Sounds a bit like torture when you put it like that but, trust me, I feel so refreshed! The lovely girl who took care of me recommended I try their 3-day Everlasting Youth ritual. I might have taken that badly if I hadn’t been so incredibly relaxed at the time! I’ve heard a lot about the steam room which is described as a “veritable rock grotto with a starry sky”. I take a quick peek before leaving. It’s even more stunning than it’s made out to be. I decide to come back with my husband – that’s something we can do together.

In the evening, it’s down to the gourmet restaurant, Le Cinq, for a truly exquisite dinner. Fresh produce, refined flavours and innovative takes on local specialties are what makes the food here so good. Le Cinq is closed in the summer season, however – there’s no need to worry though, as the stylish Le Cœur Restaurant is always there to save the day. Serving fine dining and revisited brasserie-style dishes, its Market Menu brings varied and excellent local produce to the table. Our table here had a view of the hustle and bustle in the kitchens. Clouds of steam, flashing flames, puffs of flour and nimble-footed cooks provide entertainment throughout our meal. It’s better than Mardi Gras!