The destination was the Grand Hotel Bellevue in the centre of Gstaad to experience the ‘out-of-season’ activities and then relax in the hotel’s spa, reputed to be one of the best in the country. The adventure began at The Rockwell – a funky boutique hotel on London’s Cromwell Road.

The actress Juliette Lewis had just been using its rather cool garden for a photo-shoot but I was only concerned with getting some z’s before my early start to the airport. The Rockwell is a little gem and is a place I would definitely return to. Comfortable, scrupulously clean and pleasing to the eye, this is one small but perfectly formed hotel.

At London City Airport Swiss carrier Darwin Airways flew me and a small group of journalists into Berne. It was a slightly longer journey than I had expected but this gave us more time to enjoy a few leisurely Proseccos as we inspected the itinerary. I was champing at the bit for the promised White Water Rafting although it was, apparently, dependent on weather conditions.

Berne Airport was the model of Swiss efficiency and, in no time, our waiting driver had us on the road to Gstaad. This was my first trip to Switzerland and I was left speechless by the impossible beauty of it all. This was clichéd chocolate box stuff – a veritable Swiss theme park. Sweeping lush green landscapes and gushing fjords were interrupted by the occasional fairytale Swiss house and cows sporting the obligatory large bell around their necks.

Gstaad came into view and despite the lack of snow, it was everything I’d hoped for. The Grand Hotel Bellevue was also suitably beautiful in picturesque Alpine surroundings. The hotel is a privately owned 5 star with 57 rooms and suites – one of which is affectionately known as the Roger Federer suite as he’s a regular guest. Adjoining the hotel is the uber-exclusive Gstaad Yacht Club – which is odd, considering it’s nowhere near the sea.

Champagne and canapés welcomed us to Switzerland as we discussed treatments in the Hotel’s famous Spa. I was eager to see what the fuss was about so, after checking into the luxurious rooms with views to die for, I made haste to the surprisingly large spa. What first struck me was the ambience. They really have got the lighting right and this immediately made it feel superior to anywhere I had experienced in the UK. It’s very subtle (perhaps too subtle for UK Health and Safety laws!) but instantly creates a relaxed and inspired mood.

Much thought had gone into the design and it appeared that no expense was spared. One steam room, in particular, would have looked at home in ancient Morocco. Outdoor and indoor saunas, steam rooms of different intensities, ice rooms, foot spas, sensation showers – you could see a day go by here quite easily.

Walking upstairs I discovered the swimming pool with the most jaw dropping view of the Swiss mountains. The outlook had a strangely invigorating effect and I must have swum faster and further than ever before. A colossal three and a half lengths later I was recovering in the nearby Jacuzzi contemplating the amazing scenery – this was the first of many special memories of Gstaad. Next up was a shiatsu massage which was much more intense than a normal massage and really gave a sense that it’s doing you some good, internally. Afterwards I was walking on air and felt a good decade younger – unfortunately I didn’t look it!

In the early evening, feeling totally relaxed and cleaner than I had felt in my life, we made our way down to the terrific and incredibly well-stocked wine cellar for a wine-tasting with the hotel’s French sommelier. We all confessed to having little or no experience of Swiss wines but were all amazed at their exquisite quality. Apparently the Swiss do not export much but I could taste why – they want it all for themselves. We then took our seats in one of the hotel’s two restaurants, one of which has an impressive 18 points in the French Gaullt Millau ratings. As everything else about the hotel had been perfect to that point, we would have been amazed if the food was anything less. We weren’t to be disappointed – the Michelin starred French chef had recently joined from ‘La Grande Cascade’ in Paris - and every dish was a delight.

Back to business, we were here to experience the Grand Hotel Bellevue and Gstaad in its quieter season to see what the area can offer. The hotel and spa is first class but what is there to do outside the hotel?