When I first visited Gstaad, in summer last year, I dreamt of staying at Gstaad Palace. This historic hotel, which celebrates its 105th birthday this year, has always been family run, and over the years has welcomed some of the areas most prestigious visitors.

Last week I joined a gaggle of girls to escape to Gstaad Palace for a couple of magical, snow-filled days. We met at the airport bright and early, ready to embark on the long journey ahead. Located high in the mountains, the town of Gstaad is found in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. Its soaring mountains and charming chalet towns have made it a popular choice for glamorous skiers and designer fans.

After arriving in Geneva airport we took two trains – travelling for a few hours through spectacular views and magical landscapes – and finally reached the cute Gstaad train station at 6pm. There are 100 elegantly designed rooms and suites at Gstaad Palace, cosy but spacious, traditional but equipped with all modern necessities. I was staying in a Double Deluxe room facing the majestic mountains. I instantly felt at home, the bed was sumptuous and grand (in look and comfort) and the bathroom was completely indulgent with a large bathtub and Molton Brown toiletries.

Each year the Palace renovate and refresh several rooms, we had the chance to admire one of the top suites, decadent and regal in style with a large dining room and study. Though contemporary in look, the materials still very much evoke a feeling of the alpine destination. I can only imagine the guests that must have stayed here before…

Downstairs, the common places are relaxed in mood but strict in dress-code, a reminder that this is a heritage hotel that still follows some old-fashioned hospitality traditions. There is a comfortable cigar room for guests who wish to smoke and a lavish living room for enjoying a hot chocolate or glass of champagne by the fire.

Breakfast can be enjoyed in the main restaurant or from the comfort on your own room. We relished the opportunity to dine with a view… so ordered room service and feasted like kings on crepes and croissants, exotic fruits and eggs.

There are plenty of restaurants to try at Gstaad Palace. On our first night we tasted the accomplished Italian cuisine at Gildo’s Ristorante, named after the hotel’s Maître d’hôtel Gildo Bocchini, who has been one of the hosts at the Palace since the 1960s. The chefs pride themselves on using the finest and freshest ingredients and prepare classic and delicious dishes, from pastas to meats. I can particularly recommend the vanilla and chocolate souffles for dessert!

After a long day on the slopes there is nothing better than returning to the Palace for a few revitalising hours at the spa. Use the pools or the sauna, or book in for a treatment with one of the experienced therapists. I was treated to a signature massage using the Jardin des Monts products, from a beautiful garden not far from Gstaad. The unique treatment aims to connect the guest to the magic of the mountains by using 100 percent natural oils that are flavoured with fresh alpine scents.

During our two days as Gstaad Palace’s guests I was very impressed with the hospitality and thoughtful itinerary planning. They ensured we were truly immersed in the culture and traditions of this part of the world. Our final dinner was reached by horse-drawn carriage… an incredible hour-long journey took us through snowy forests until we arrived at a charming little fondue restaurant. Cold and hungry we were delighted to be inside and offered hot mulled wine and melted cheese!

The Palace also organised an interesting and edcucational paper-cutting class. This painstaking Swiss art is a delicate and difficult talent to learn, but the results are miraculous. We each managed to carefully cut out woodland animals while the masterful teacher observed our profiles and cut each of our silhouettes out free-style!

Before leaving to return to reality we spent an hour wandering round the picturesque town of Gstaad. Here you will find chocolate-box houses containing the most expensive designer brands and cafes offering wonderful hot chocolate and Swiss delicacies.

Gstaad is a fairytale destination to visit year-round. I loved it last year when I stayed in the warmth of summer, but there was something even more magical seeing this Swiss escape topped in snow. Thank you to Gstaad Palace for making our stay even more special than I imagined possible.

More information and book a stay at Gstaad Palace here.