Four kids, four bags and far too many cuddly toys. And of course, it’s only when we’re loading the car that we realize Schweini is missing.
“Mum, I can’t find Schweini! But I can’t sleep without him!”
So off we all go to search for the beloved stuffed animal, who, once we arrive at the hotel, will be completely forgotten anyway.
“Mum, look! There’s Kasimir! We’re almost there!”
The moment I spot the enormous water buffalo statue in the car park, I switch into holiday mode. The kids get out, run straight over to the figures and, as they do every single time, immediately press the button. And there it is, the song that’s going to be stuck in our heads for the next few days.
“Kasimir, ich träum von dir …”
Less than five minutes later, we’re inside the hotel checking in. Two signatures and we have our room keys. We often take advantage of the early arrival option, so we’re usually at the hotel before noon.
Meanwhile, the children have already headed off to check the Kids Club schedule. After all, they need to work out who’s doing what and when!
I’m fairly certain I won’t be seeing much of my children.
Indiana Jones and the Water Buffalo
First, though, we gather everyone together and set off to explore. We pick up some animal feed at reception and head outside.
Our route takes us past what I always call the hammock park. Dozens of hammocks hang beneath apple trees, inviting you to settle down and do absolutely nothing.
Then we head to the Valo Arena, a mixed-reality arena where you become a character in a game projected onto a huge screen.
Before we even get there, our youngest daughter asks whether we can play “the falling game” again. Anyone who’s ever watched Indiana Jones can probably imagine what the game involves.
After an hour, everyone has fallen often enough. We get some water and continue towards the animals.
Things become a little calmer by the Lipizzaner horses. On our previous visit, we got to admire the foals and spend a little time cuddling them. Two of our four children, however, find horses incredibly boring and want to move on. After all, we’re still carrying that bag of animal feed.
One particularly hungry billy goat would quite happily have the entire bag to himself and comes running straight towards us.
This is where the children’s sense of fairness takes over. They position themselves to make sure the feed is distributed evenly among the goats.
We still have a little time before the water buffalo feeding session. Of course there are water buffalo. Kasimir is one, after all!
We stroll across the golf course towards the enclosure. The animal keeper is already there waiting for us.
I’m allowed to feed the buffalo some apples, but the poor fellow somehow mistakes my hand for the apple and covers me in slobber. Much to everyone’s amusement.
The keeper then offers to show the children the ponies and drives them ahead in the golf cart. We parents have to walk.
I suspect riding across the meadow in a golf cart is more fun than walking all the way around it.
Mary Poppins and the Wooden Ball
Our tour of the hotel grounds ends at the large playground, which has an enormous wooden marble run.
As it happens, I even have a suitable wooden ball in my handbag from a previous outing. Don’t ask me why.
If you don’t happen to own a Mary Poppins handbag, you can simply get a ball at the playground.
From there, it’s only a short walk back to reception. On the way, we can admire the enormous Kasimir once again and snack on the herbs and strawberries growing alongside the path.
After all that walking, the children have had quite enough of us parents and want to go to the Kids Club.
We quickly fill in the registration forms and they’re gone.
Incidentally, parents aren’t allowed inside the Kids Club. I know it only through my children’s stories. A mysterious place full of wonders, with caring and capable staff.
Our children are all different ages, yet each of them feels at home here. The Kids Club takes the different needs of each age group into account, and it shows. What works for younger children isn’t necessarily what older ones enjoy, and the activities reflect that.
A Hot Coffee, Please
And just like that, we’re without children, and the rest of the day belongs to us.
I consider what to do next.
Naturally, the first thing is to book my spa appointments and start looking forward to my massages. The Yin Yang treatment is a fixed part of my program. That’s not up for discussion.
Afterwards, my husband and I sit down in the lobby and enjoy a coffee. Hot. Without interruptions.
As a mum whose coffee at home is cold about 96% of the time, I particularly appreciate the fact that almost all drinks are included at the hotel.
I can have as much hot coffee as I like.
Hot!
I check which activities are available for adults that afternoon. I head to yoga, while my husband tries the introductory golf session.
Shortly before dinner, the children return. Their eyes are sparkling, and they have all sorts of stories to tell.
But those stories will have to wait a little longer, because first we have to join Lilli Mouse for the children’s disco.
And I have to admit, I regularly find myself secretly joining in.
Is Ulli Here?
The children were already asking when we arrived: “Is Ulli here today?”
And yes, our favourite member of the service team, Ulli, is waiting for us at dinner.
It’s always lovely to see how warmly the children in particular are welcomed. And every time, I get the impression that the pleasure is mutual.
We catch up on the latest news as we make our way to our table.
“The member of staff who remembers you. The chef who comes over to say hello. Those are exactly the moments that stay with me.”
Enjoying It Without a Second Thought
I study the dinner menus. There are three different options to choose from.
Tonight, the vegan menu immediately catches my eye.
It’s the same ritual every evening, with the same result: I’m never disappointed.
Head chef Patrick Moser and his team put a level of dedication into their cooking that you can genuinely taste.
I’m often quite critical of children’s menus. At Finest Family, however, I have little to complain about.
Some of the dishes may sound like the usual children’s menu fare, but they’re prepared with fresh ingredients and have nothing in common with the junk food so often served elsewhere.
Here, too, the chef’s commitment is obvious.
And if there’s nothing suitable on the menu, the kitchen is happy to prepare something else.
We have one child who’s often a picky eater.
But here I can relax, because we always find a solution. Even if that means ordering a separate plate of pasta with tomato sauce.
Baby Monitor, Aperol and Live Music
After dinner, we put the younger children to bed.
The older ones head off to Bulls Camp with a member of staff. Video games, table football, all the things older children tend to enjoy. Younger children aren’t allowed in.
Meanwhile, we parents settle down at the bar, armed with a baby monitor, sparkling wine in hand and live music playing in the background.
And this is exactly when I realize I’m on holiday.
No need to be constantly on call. No cries of “Mum!” No everyday routine.
The children are happy and well looked after. I can enjoy the food without a second thought because the quality is so consistently high that I don’t need to worry about it.
Anyone who knows me will understand what that means.
Kasimir is still standing in the car park when we leave. Unchanged and dependable.
Just like Ulli, Janine and Patrick.
A place that remembers you.
And one we keep coming back to.
