First up …

Adelboden is a low key, authentic Alpine village in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. An easy train ride from Geneva or Zurich, the hotel’s intuitive service starts from the moment you are picked up from the station. From the outside the Brecon is a  traditional chalet style building and fits perfectly with its surroundings. Step inside to a design led cosy interior with earthy tones and retro vibes. No standard check in here, in fact there was nothing standard about this hotel at all. With a glass of champagne in hand and smiles all around I knew this was going to be something special.

The Vibe

With just 18 rooms and four suites, this is an adult only haven and feels like a chalet for grown ups. The personalised approach means that skiing is easy, just get ready in the spacious boot room and someone will whisk you down to the lift. The all inclusive concept makes it feel more like a home than a hotel, although not sure whose home has champagne on tap. Think I need to recreate this in my own home! The ground floor open kitchen, dining and living room creates a sociable atmosphere and we very much enjoyed the company of other guests. After a day on the slopes the spa is a great place to unwind, grab a drink and chill out in the sauna or pool admiring the spectacular mountain views.

As you would expect the food and drink are an absolute highlight. Breakfast and afternoon tea provide the usual array of hot, cold and sweet delights. The real pleasure is the surprise element every evening of the four course dinner with paired wines, the only guarantee being the variety and quality of food. A visit and chat with the chef to deliver the meal only adds to the occasion. A drink of choice is available at all times and is never too much trouble. The evening drinks trolley is a riot!

Room

We stayed in a Village Cosy room that had a delightful balcony with the aforesaid mountain views. Although small, it has everything you need and most importantly a great bed with the most gorgeous linen bedding. Easy to work lighting and full size Aesop amenities in the bathroom are a winner in my book. The lack of a television is a bonus as this is the kind of place where you put your phone down, relax and enjoy the lost art of conversation.

The X Factor

This has to be the staff. As ever it is the people that really elevate a stay and I can’t heap enough praise on the team here. It would be wrong to single any one out as every one of them is warm, welcoming and intent on making your stay as enjoyable as possible. The attention to detail is also a highlight, where else do you find a hotel where the owner’s wife hand makes all the tableware?

And finally …

We stayed in winter but this would be an equally enjoyable summer destination. Owner, Grant Maunder, who chatted warmly to guests, designed The Brecon to feel like home where you can relax without the formality of a hotel. I think he has achieved this and more, I could not recommend this hotel more highly.