Villa Morelia ★★★★

Romance is in the Alpine mountain air, which I breathe in deeply from the open car windows as my love and I wind our way along the same route that sees cyclists from around the world riding through this heavenly landscape every year with the Tour De France. We have left ski resorts and villages behind and suddenly we happen upon our destination, rising tall and elegant at the end of a tree lined drive through black iron gates. It feels as though we are crossing the threshold into a fairytale and indeed, that sense never leaves me the entire time we are here. The Villa Morelia **** is a member of the Château & Hôtels Collection and I begin to think how its turreted roofs certainly seem to fit the bill, as we near its majestic façade with its tall, gilt framed windows and lacy balconies. Moments later we have been warmly welcomed, shown where to park and ushered inside to check in.

The interior is light and delicately modern, keeping its classical aesthetic alive yet within a fresh, present-day context of plush designer fabrics, clean lines and a breezy space. Our room is a unique boudoir using that same blend of contemporary antique chic with wooden floorboards underfoot, a large bed adorned with a plush throw and cosy atmosphere. The velvet armchairs have a slightly urban design and the glistening bathroom boasting a sleek bathtub belongs to a most up-to date hotel. So does the flat screen television discreetly set on a wooden writing desk with its satellite channels that remind us we are not entirely cut off from the outside world. Yet almost... I wander over to the tall windows that overlook the garden and mountains and all I see is unbroken, rolling natural park and beyond that the craggy peaks of the Alps all around us. We are immersed in a world of its own and the warmth of this supremely privileged place makes me feel a glow of sheer contentment, like a lucky cat who got the finest, most delicious cream.

Speaking of delicious I am starving, we have been driving for some time and I am eager to try the hotel's gourmet restaurant. My partner agrees with me whole heartedly and, freshening up quickly with the promise of a long soak in the tub later, we descend to lunch. In a light, traditionally decorated room we are taken on a journey of gastronomic delight. The local, seasonal produce seasoned with herbs grown in the hotel grounds to evoke the authentic tastes of the region are brought to new, artistic heights of mouth watering flavours and perfect textures. My man and I are both in raptures and despite the exquisite presentation, we both manage to obliterate and greedily devour every morsel on our plates. To honour such a wonderful meal we accompany it with a fine bottle of wine from their very comprehensive selection, and by the time cheese and dessert has vanished the way the rest of the dishes went, we are somewhat tipsy. Being supremely satisfied and more than a little merry, we venture outside for a refreshing walk before the light fades.

The glistening mantle of white drapes over every hill, adorns every branch and statue, stretching out into the distance, where glittering peaks promise marvellous skiing adventures and stunning hikes to view frozen lakes and magical valleys below. I imagine that it must be equally enthralling and enchanting any time of year and am already wondering whether we could perhaps sneak back here again in the late spring. An icy snowball brings me to my senses and soon fellow guests and staff who happen to peer through the windows could witness two grown adults ducking and diving and shrieking with laughter like a couple of overgrown children. Blame the mountain air, the heady wine, the joyful, innocent ambiance that makes one feel light hearted, free and happy just to be in this paradise. Not to mention the deluxe facilities such as the outdoor pool during the warmer months, jacuzzi and in room massages available, which make this a veritable utopia of relaxation and well being. We are in heaven at the magnificent Villa Morelia and I want this bubble to never burst!