The Cambrian

Set within some of Switzerland’s finest landscape (and there’s a lot of competition out there), the Cambrian could impress visitors without even trying. But thankfully this lovely hotel puts a fair bit of effort in to match its beautiful surroundings. Sophisticated without being standoffish, it intends to be a home-from-home – if your home had a spa with infinity pool, a cocktail bar and wine-matching with dinner, that is. You could spend all day in the spa alone, with its Finnish sauna, treatment rooms and pools. The outside hot pool has rightly won awards for its beautiful view over the Bernese Oberland peaks and troughs. The building dates from the 19th century but was renovated a few years ago in a thoroughly contemporary style, while retaining nods to Swiss alpine tradition such as cow-print stools and red and white bed linen. It’s not your average family hotel but kids are happily accommodated with a children’s play area, dedicated pool time and childcare service. The hotel has several bar areas including the ground floor Scott’s Bar, great for an après-ski cocktail, and the winter terrace, which offers afternoon tea with a view. As for food, the cuisine is billed as ‘modern alpine’, meaning contemporary takes on classic Swiss dishes, and uses locally-sourced seasonal ingredients such as venison and lake fish. Choose to dine à la carte or pick the set menu with wine matched to each course.