The focus for Easter breaks in the Engadine, Switzerland, is very much on families at the Kulm Hotel St Moritz (www.kulmhotel-stmoritz.ch) and its sister property the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina (www.kronenhof.com). Though Easter falls quite late in the season, there should still be plenty of fun to be had in the snow, thanks to the resorts’ locations at high altitude. And, if not, there is no need to worry as the hotels are laying on plenty of activities to keep the kids amused from dawn till dusk.
The Kulm Hotel’s Eggs-clusive Easter Offer includes either four nights’ (5 to 8 April) or seven nights’ (1 to 8 April) half-board accommodation, a three- or six-day ski pass, Easter activities in the hotel’s new Marmotta Kids Club with the Easter Clown, an Easter concert for the whole family on Saturday 7 April and either a 50-minute massage or a 50-minute facial for parents. Prices start from CHF1,710 (approx £1,175) per adult sharing a double room for the four-night package; children under the age of 12 stay free in their parents’ room.
To book, call the Kulm Hotel St Moritz on +41 81 836 8000 or email reservations@kulmhotel-stmoritz.ch.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof (www.kronenhof.com), located in nearby Pontresina, has a four-night Easter in the Engadine package valid any time between 1 and 8 April. This package includes half-board accommodation, a Champagne aperitif and gala dinner on Saturday 7 April, Easter brunch buffet on Sunday 8 April, a delightful Easter programme for younger guests (such as egg painting and an Easter egg hunt, all with a fully trained child minder), a 60-minute Carita facial for mums and a 50-minute full body massage for dads, as well as unlimited use of the Kronenhof Spa and a Fit & Fun sports programme that changes daily. Prices start from CHF1,330 (approx £915) per adult sharing a double room; a 30% discount is offered on a second adjoining room for the kids, but this does not include half-board.
For those wishing to enjoy an early spring ski holiday but not necessarily Easter, Grand Hotel Kronenhof offers an alternative Sunshine Days package from 11 March to 4 April. This includes a minimum of three nights’ half-board accommodation, a two-day ski pass or a Kronenhof Spa wellness pass worth CHF150 (for those not wishing to ski) and unlimited use of the Spa; prices start from CHF795 (approx £545) per person. Substantial discounts are available for children.
To book, call the Grand Hotel Kronenhof on +41 81 830 3030 or email reservations@kronenhof.com.
FACTFILE:
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz was the first hotel to be built in St Moritz. The Kulm Hotel opened its doors in 1856 and immediately became popular for summer spa and painting holidays, particularly among the British who comprised around 75% of the hotel guests.
The owner of the Kulm Hotel, Johannes Badrutt, initiated winter holidays to St Moritz from 1864, when he laid a bet with his last departing summer guests that the local weather was so good they could sun themselves on the hotel’s terrace even in deep December; if not, he would cover the cost of their vacation himself. He won the bet and within two years, the hotel was fully booked with guests staying for the entire winter season. The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz can, therefore, take credit for starting the trend for winter sports holidays.
Since the 19th century, the Kulm Hotel has changed considerably through expansion and renovation, but the fabulous location at the heart of St Moritz with views over the Lake remains the same. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the Kulm Hotel has 173 rooms, five restaurants (formal dining, French fine dining awarded 15 points by GaultMillau, Italian, local Engadine specialities and Japanese), the extensive Panorama SPA & Health Club (with 20m indoor pool, various saunas and steam room, a Jacuzzi, a fully-equipped gym and treatment rooms, all with stunning views over Lake St. Moritz) and six conference rooms, with capacities ranging from 50 to 500 people.
Entertainment and sports facilities include the 9-hole Kulm Golf Course St. Moritz, three tennis courts, a natural ice rink, a curling field and the “Marmotta Club” for children. The Kulm Hotel is inextricably linked to the Cresta Run through the Sunny Bar, where tobogganing pilots have congregated for decades; the walls are lined with trophies and images of famous people who have hurled themselves down the infamous ice track.
Recent awards for the Kulm Hotel St Moritz include Concierge of the Year and Maitre d’ of the Year, as awarded by Swiss economic journal Bilanz in 2010, 15 GaultMillau points for the hotel’s gourmet restaurant the K in 2009, and the best winter holiday hotel according to the publishing house MetroPool in 2008.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof, located in Pontresina, six miles from St. Moritz, offers the best of both worlds: the chance to enjoy the glitz of St. Moritz, while staying in a peaceful mountain village.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof has a rich and interesting history, having first opened its doors in the first half of the 19th century as a guesthouse. However, the main part of the current building, which is a registered historical landmark, was built at the very end of the 19th century in neo-Baroque style. The latest addition, completed in November 2007 and costing CHF 50 million (approximately £30 million), consists of 28 new guest rooms and a stunning spa complex covering more than 2000 square metres.
The spa is certainly one of the hotel’s highlights and has been named “the best Alpine spa”*. Facilities include a 20m indoor infinity pool with counter-current system, a flotation pool with underwater music, a wide range of saunas and steam rooms, a luxurious private suite for couples to enjoy wraps and massages together, and – for the perfect final touch – a crackling log fire in the relaxation room.
Gourmet cuisine is also a speciality at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof. Awarded the title of GaultMillau Hotel of the Year in 2009, it has four restaurants (the formal Grand dining room in an elegant neo-baroque vaulted room, Kronenstübli – awarded a Michelin star inNovember 2011 – serving local Engadine specialities, the traditional bowling lanes where Swiss raclette is served and an informal pavilion for light lunches).
Finally, Grand Hotel Kronenhof is renowned for its extensive children’s activities and facilities (a kids’ playroom and Rondelle, a restaurant just for younger members of the family).
Recent awards for the Grand Hotel Kronenhof include the HolidayCheck Award 2011 (99 most popular hotels of the world), first place in the Best Of Swiss Gastro (gourmet category), GaultMillau Hotel of the Year 2008, the `Bilanz‘ hoteliers of the year award presented to Heinz E. and Jenny Hunkeler in 2008, and 16 GaultMillau points for the à la carte restaurant ‘Kronenstübli’.
Both the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz and the Grand Hotel Kronenhof are owned by the Niarchos family.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Saturday, 17 December 2011
National Geographic Traveller - Family Spring 2012 OUT NOW
Maria Pieri, editor and editorial director, said: “This special issue of National Geographic Traveller - Family is designed to give travellers with families inspiration to get up and go; to take an adventure and to instil the love of travel our audience expects.
“We’ve been extremely excited by the positive response to this special issue and are pleased to welcome both National Geographic Kids and Mumsnet in this launch edition – as well as a whole series of family travel experts – giving their thoughts, views and ideas on travelling with kids.”
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Cover Story: 60 Great Summer Getaways – Beat the winter blues and dive into our top summer break suggestions for family holidays for all ages. Close to home, go cycling in Switzerland, hit the road in Morocco or sail the Spanish islands. Further afield, see Australia by camper van, try Kerala with kids, or live like a bushman in Namibia… and a whole lot more.
Destinations: Take the kids on Safari, how to survive Florida’s theme parks, teen trips to Thailand and Croatia, active breaks in Europe, paradors and rural retreats in Spain, Great UK Days Out, Scotland in film and pull out guides for Dubai, Paris and the Algarve.
Real Travel: Our young explorer discovers India, we ask parents and kids what they thought of their last holiday, managing expectations for a successful holiday and tips on having a great multi-generational trip.
Survival Guide: Travel experts answer your questions, how to tackle delays, the pros and cons of all-inclusives, managing infants and flying, car hire in Italy, and our travel clinic gives advice on travel health issues.
Interview: Supermum and superstar Angelina Jolie on travel, parenting and education.
Smarter travel: From our glamping top 10, to the best beaches in Sardinia, and how to keep the kids occupied when you’re on the move… our front section has it covered.
Competition: Don’t miss – a superb five-day trip to Morocco for a family of four with Families Worldwide. www.natgeotraveller.co.uk/competitions
Get a taster of this Spring 2012 special issue by viewing the 26-page digital sample: www.natgeotraveller.co.uk/familyspring12
National Geographic Traveller – Family will be published twice a year, with a cover price of GBP3.85, via subscription and on newsstands. www.natgeotraveller.co.uk/family
ALSO INSIDE
• Subscription gift: £12.90 for seven issues of National Geographic Traveller and two issues of Family – and a free gift (a rucksack/across the body bag) while stocks last. Don’t miss out.
Promo code: NGTFSPR12. Don’t forget to check the box to add the Family magazine to your subscription.
• www.natgeotraveller.co.uk/subscribe
• website: Competitions, subscriptions, blogs, features and more. www.natgeotraveller.co.uk
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Still Time For Families To Get Active This Summer On A Last-Minute Adventure
Still not sure where to take the family? Here are some cracking ideas!
SUITABLE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY (6 - 12 years)
ANDORRA: Active Pyrenees (8 days from £829pp)
- A great value action-packed, centre-based summer activity week set in Soldeu. Whilst suitable for kids aged six year upwards, the mix of cycling, walking and white-water rafting amidst the Pyrenean mountains makes it ideal for 10 - 12 year olds. Engolasters and Siscarro Lakes provide a great backdrop to the activity-filled week (tailored to suit abilities), while a 4WD adventure following an old smuggler's route off-road, stopping off to visit farming hamlets and take in the breathtaking views, gives legs - young and old - a welcome rest.
- Price from £829pp includes flights, 7 nights B&B accommodation, transport (minibus, mountain bike, raft and 4WD) and most meals (1 lunch & 6 dinners) and an experienced local group leader.
- Departures 31 July (teenage departure), 7, 14 (single parent departure) & 21 August
ITALY: Land of Volcanoes (8 days from £849pp) NEW
- Offering a great mix of culture and activity on Italy's most iconic island, this week-long adventure offers families the opportunity to keep active whilst taking in the local culture. Though one of several active volcanoes in Sicily, Mount Etna is the most famous and largest in Europe which provides extra kudos as you climb to the summit. Other natural highlights include the wild scenery of Alcantara Gorge and the awe-inspiring canyon of Cassibile while culture vultures will enjoy the rich Greek history of Siracusa, the necropolis of Pantalica, which contains over 5000 caves and temples and the chance to learn one of the world's oldest artistic techniques while taking a pottery lesson. Minimum age seven years.
- Price from £849pp includes flights, transport, half board accommodation and an experienced group leader.
- Departures 21 & 28 (single parent departure) August
TURKEY: Turquoise Coast (8 days from £969 adult / £949 child)
- With so many activities crammed into one trip, this trip is ideal for families aged eight and above. Adventures include a treasure hunt in the rural mountain retreat of Karaagac; a glass-bottomed boat trip to discover the sunken city of Kekova; a 4WD trip to the countryside and villages surrounding Kas; an overnight gulet trip and the opportunity to explore Dalyan and visit old Lycian tombs.
- Price from £969 adult / £949 child includes flights, transport (minibus, gulet, 4WD & boat), 7 nights B&B accommodation (2 nights farmhouse, 3 nights hotel & 2 nights gulet), some meals (4 lunches & 2 dinners) and an experienced local group leader
- Departures 20 August
DESIGNED FOR TEENS (12 years upwards)
EGYPT: Active in the Sinai (8 days from £899pp)
- With desert, mountains, canyons and the Red Sea all to be found in the Sinai and the laid-back resort of Dahab the perfect base to enjoy them from, families really can be as adventurous or relaxed as they want on this teenage adventure. For the more actively inclined there are plenty of options to enjoy both on land (sand-boarding, camel-riding and climbing up Mount Sinai for an unforgettable sunrise) and in the sea (wind-surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and diving) before making the most of the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters and camping out under the stars in a Bedouin tent in the heart of the desert. Minimum age 12 years.
- Price from £899pp includes flights, transport (minibus, camel, boat, 4WD, kayak), 7 nights B&B accommodation (incl. 1 night camping), some meals (3 lunches & 2 dinners) and an experienced local group leader.
- Departures 31 July & 7 August
FRANCE: Alpine Activity Week Teen Adventure (8 days from £789pp) NEW
- Covered with snow during the winter, the alpine resort of Alpe d'Huez is a great place for an action-packed summer activity week. Families with active teenagers can choose to enjoy leisurely mountain walks and take in the jagged peaks for spectacular views. Or alternatively try a few more exhilarating mountain pursuits in the form of white-water rafting down river valleys and mountain biking along the hundreds of kilometres of cycling routes in the area. Other activities such as horse-riding and summer luging can be arranged locally. Minimum age 12 years.
- Price from £789pp includes flights, transport, 7 nights B&B accommodation, most meals (1 lunch & 7 dinners) and an experienced local group leader.
- Departures 31 July & 7 August
TURKEY: Active Cappadocia Teen Adventure (8 days from £999pp)
- This week-long trip offers active teenagers an opportunity to discover this extraordinary area of Turkey on horseback, mountain bike and foot, with time to relax in beautiful rivers and waterfalls along the way. Highlights include the chance to get up close to the famous fairy chimneys, explore the underground city of Derinkuyu and take in the region's remoteness while wild camping. Minimum age 12 years.
- Price from £999pp includes flights, transport, 7 nights B&B accommodation (3 nights hotel, 2 nights wild camp & 2 nights riverside bungalow), most meals (6 lunches & 7 dinners) and an experienced local group leader.
- Departures 13 & 20 August
To find out more about The Adventure Company's family holidays call 0845 287 1198
or visit www.adventurecompany.co.uk/family
SUITABLE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY (6 - 12 years)
ANDORRA: Active Pyrenees (8 days from £829pp)
- A great value action-packed, centre-based summer activity week set in Soldeu. Whilst suitable for kids aged six year upwards, the mix of cycling, walking and white-water rafting amidst the Pyrenean mountains makes it ideal for 10 - 12 year olds. Engolasters and Siscarro Lakes provide a great backdrop to the activity-filled week (tailored to suit abilities), while a 4WD adventure following an old smuggler's route off-road, stopping off to visit farming hamlets and take in the breathtaking views, gives legs - young and old - a welcome rest.
- Price from £829pp includes flights, 7 nights B&B accommodation, transport (minibus, mountain bike, raft and 4WD) and most meals (1 lunch & 6 dinners) and an experienced local group leader.
- Departures 31 July (teenage departure), 7, 14 (single parent departure) & 21 August
ITALY: Land of Volcanoes (8 days from £849pp) NEW
- Offering a great mix of culture and activity on Italy's most iconic island, this week-long adventure offers families the opportunity to keep active whilst taking in the local culture. Though one of several active volcanoes in Sicily, Mount Etna is the most famous and largest in Europe which provides extra kudos as you climb to the summit. Other natural highlights include the wild scenery of Alcantara Gorge and the awe-inspiring canyon of Cassibile while culture vultures will enjoy the rich Greek history of Siracusa, the necropolis of Pantalica, which contains over 5000 caves and temples and the chance to learn one of the world's oldest artistic techniques while taking a pottery lesson. Minimum age seven years.
- Price from £849pp includes flights, transport, half board accommodation and an experienced group leader.
- Departures 21 & 28 (single parent departure) August
TURKEY: Turquoise Coast (8 days from £969 adult / £949 child)
- With so many activities crammed into one trip, this trip is ideal for families aged eight and above. Adventures include a treasure hunt in the rural mountain retreat of Karaagac; a glass-bottomed boat trip to discover the sunken city of Kekova; a 4WD trip to the countryside and villages surrounding Kas; an overnight gulet trip and the opportunity to explore Dalyan and visit old Lycian tombs.
- Price from £969 adult / £949 child includes flights, transport (minibus, gulet, 4WD & boat), 7 nights B&B accommodation (2 nights farmhouse, 3 nights hotel & 2 nights gulet), some meals (4 lunches & 2 dinners) and an experienced local group leader
- Departures 20 August
DESIGNED FOR TEENS (12 years upwards)
EGYPT: Active in the Sinai (8 days from £899pp)
- With desert, mountains, canyons and the Red Sea all to be found in the Sinai and the laid-back resort of Dahab the perfect base to enjoy them from, families really can be as adventurous or relaxed as they want on this teenage adventure. For the more actively inclined there are plenty of options to enjoy both on land (sand-boarding, camel-riding and climbing up Mount Sinai for an unforgettable sunrise) and in the sea (wind-surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and diving) before making the most of the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters and camping out under the stars in a Bedouin tent in the heart of the desert. Minimum age 12 years.
- Price from £899pp includes flights, transport (minibus, camel, boat, 4WD, kayak), 7 nights B&B accommodation (incl. 1 night camping), some meals (3 lunches & 2 dinners) and an experienced local group leader.
- Departures 31 July & 7 August
FRANCE: Alpine Activity Week Teen Adventure (8 days from £789pp) NEW
- Covered with snow during the winter, the alpine resort of Alpe d'Huez is a great place for an action-packed summer activity week. Families with active teenagers can choose to enjoy leisurely mountain walks and take in the jagged peaks for spectacular views. Or alternatively try a few more exhilarating mountain pursuits in the form of white-water rafting down river valleys and mountain biking along the hundreds of kilometres of cycling routes in the area. Other activities such as horse-riding and summer luging can be arranged locally. Minimum age 12 years.
- Price from £789pp includes flights, transport, 7 nights B&B accommodation, most meals (1 lunch & 7 dinners) and an experienced local group leader.
- Departures 31 July & 7 August
TURKEY: Active Cappadocia Teen Adventure (8 days from £999pp)
- This week-long trip offers active teenagers an opportunity to discover this extraordinary area of Turkey on horseback, mountain bike and foot, with time to relax in beautiful rivers and waterfalls along the way. Highlights include the chance to get up close to the famous fairy chimneys, explore the underground city of Derinkuyu and take in the region's remoteness while wild camping. Minimum age 12 years.
- Price from £999pp includes flights, transport, 7 nights B&B accommodation (3 nights hotel, 2 nights wild camp & 2 nights riverside bungalow), most meals (6 lunches & 7 dinners) and an experienced local group leader.
- Departures 13 & 20 August
To find out more about The Adventure Company's family holidays call 0845 287 1198
or visit www.adventurecompany.co.uk/family
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