Casually treading water in Astoria Resort’s heated outdoor infinity pool, face tilted skyward (eyes closed of course – it’s a very bright, sunny day, plus closing your eyes adds to that air of bliss one must fully adopt at spas), a rosy glow colours my cheeks. The skin-tingling winter air is probably about 80% responsible for this. The other 20%? Oh, that’ll be shameless smug delight.

When it’s out-and-out pampering you’re after, a spa break is the obvious answer. But this is 2019 – ‘obvious’ just won’t cut it.

Ah, the sights and sounds of the ski season. The wind rushing through your hair; the panoramic views of imperious mountain vistas; the exhilaration of nailing a tricky black run. And, of course, the terrified screams of an unwilling newbie crashing headlong into a snowdrift.

For enthusiasts, skiing feels incomparably liberating and comes almost as second nature, but for sceptics it runs counter to every human instinct they possess.