Les Sources des Alpes ★★★★★

Switzerland has been the poster country for the good life to me. Remote farming villages to become beacons of luxury, such is the story of Valais. Surrounded by jaw-dropping mountainous peaks and elemental landscapes, the natural thermal springs at altitudes like the ones found here have rare therapeutic properties. Les Sources des Alpes has its own private connection to the prized waters of this region, and as we discovered, they know how to make the most of them.

There's a plethora of therapies and wellness facilities at Les Sources des Alpes. The whole experience of staying at this five-star establishment is based around healing and relaxation. The invitation is there for you to tailor your stay to suit any health goals you have. From bespoke therapy sessions to exercise plans worked out with a personal trainer, all that's left is to have total faith that the scrumptious food you're dining on has been created with nutrition as one of the focus points, not just gastronomy. The spa spaces themselves were oases of tranquillity, and the views from both the indoor and outdoor thermal baths felt as much a part of the therapy as the water.

The quality of the ingredients at Les Sources des Alpes shone through in all the dishes. Breakfast was creatively and elegantly displayed, and the ambience of the dining rooms was always peaceful and elegant, whatever time of day.

We loved our room too, as we had chosen a Superior South, for its views over the village and its terrace looking out over the Alps. Like the rest of the hotel, the décor facilitated healing with calm, neutral colours, delicate fabrics, and pleasing soft shapes for the eyes to rest on. The chocolate box image I had in my head of Switzerland came to life at Les Sources des Alpes.