Grand Hotel du Lac ★★★★★

If I tell you this one thing about Vevey, you will appreciate how much of a special a place it is: Charlie Chaplin chose to live here for the last twenty-five years of his life. There's a statue of him gazing out across the vast tranquil waters of Lake Geneva, with the silent Alpine peaks gazing back. This is what they call the 'Swiss Riviera', a place of such outstanding natural beauty that it has attracted artists, writers and comedians for generations. There's a mild micro-climate governing this area too, and vineyards are a beloved and incongruous feature of the region. The quaint streets are populated by pastel-coloured houses, and are a model of chocolate-box perfection. The Grand Hotel Du Lac has been wowing guests ever since opening in 1868. While its façade still exudes that old time grandeur, and the original heritage features have been lovingly preserved, the hotel has been renovated to keep up with the best that modernity has to offer. This is contemporary, classic and five-star accommodation at its best. My husband and I had unwittingly left the best till last.

There's a timeless charm and air of a prestigious history present in the hotel. Everything is of the highest quality. You are transported back in time to a world of aristocratic splendour. Yet there's a minimalism and casualness that brings an element of homeliness. Combined with the warmth of the staff, we both realised quickly that this hotel has that elusive magical quality which makes you feel comfortable, inspired, appreciated and full of appreciation all at the same time.

Sky-blue decorated the grand hall leading to our room. It was the colour of the winter sky and the watery expanse outside, making it the perfect choice. Our room was bright and cosy, spacious and elegant and classically chic. The vivid blue combined with white flowers in a delicate pattern on the bedspread and curtains. There were a few alcoves decorated with William Morris-style wallpaper and a tender painting of women in Victorian dress in our room, which all reflected the blue of the lake. There were soft cream sofas and a solid mahogany table. A vase full of cheerful flowers was just one of the five-star touches. The view from the wrought-iron balcony was the kind of view that makes poets out of men, and puts the joie de vivre into your heart.

There are enough bars and lounges, each exquisitely and lavishly decorated, to keep you happy for at least a week. We didn't have so much time, but we did our best to sample each venue's unique atmosphere. I loved the Oriental Lounge, with its Arabian Nights feel, but there was not one corner of the hotel that did not exude the ultimate in elegance. The food was perfect, as you'd expect from a Michelin-starred chef.

We were totally swept off our feet by Vevey and the Grand Hotel Du Lac. As we left, we could really imagine how someone could conclude they had found a Shangri-La in the Alps, and return there as soon as humanly possible.