Our reviewer enjoyed a signature massage and a dip in the pool at the charming five-star Bayerischer Hof hotel in Munich

This was my first visit to Munich – but won’t be my last! I was lucky enough to stay at the obscenely elegant Bayerischer Hof hotel – a favourite of numerous celebrities – which is home to several restaurants, a ballroom, a cinema and, best of all, the Blue Spa.

This little slice of heaven not only offers a fabulous pool, but has a rooftop balcony with a restaurant that’s set for all seasons. In winter, when I visited, the glass roof was firmly in place above the pool, allowing light to stream in, while there was a fire burning in the bar and lounge. Come summer, the roof is pulled back, and sun worshippers take in the city views from the balcony (with a cocktail or two!)

The reason for this seriously luxe design? Famous architect Andrée Putman (who had a hand in many elements of the hotel).

There’s also a gym, because if you’re going to hit the treadmill on holiday, it might as well come with gorgeous views!

Blue Spa Bar and Lounge itself serves a lovely mixture of naughty (elaborate cocktails and local beer, Thai green curry) and nice (fresh juices, salads, fish) so you can choose how much you want to indulge. I can vouch for the prawn wild herb salad, which was packed with flavour yet light enough to allow me to swim not long after.

You can also order snacks to enjoy while you prop up a sun lounger at the pool’s edge. It’s the most Instagram-friendly way to chill out!

While I was at the spa, I got to sample a signature full-body massage, which blended classic, aromatherapy, Shiatsu and Thai massage techniques (£168). My therapist took me through a few questions, before working out aeroplane-based knots from all over my body.

I pretty much slid off onto the floor afterwards – I was so relaxed – and was given some fruity water before sloping off to my room upstairs to nap it off, before a night exploring the city. Heaven.