The original, imposing private house belonged to a couple called the Underwoods who, after the war, reinvented it as a luxurious hotel. On his trips to St Moritz, Richard Underwood found a commitment matching his for haute cuisine, excellent service and attention to detail, and named the hotel after the Swiss town.

The St Moritz became truly international. Its chefs learned their trade in Switzerland and the excellence they brought back – and on which the Underwoods insisted throughout – saw its reputation soar. Politicians, film stars, business leaders and writers were drawn to the spectacular coast but, most of all, to the hotel’s celebrated levels of service. The Underwoods might no longer be with us, but the new St Moritz is a fitting tribute to their vision.