Column Kate Parkyn
Summer Holidays 2020 – Spotlight on Switzerland – Reaching Higher
Are you looking to make some amazing Swiss memories this Summer? This week we dream of staying above the clouds where the views are crystal, the stars are endless and the air is intoxicating.
Why not kick off with a stay at not only the highest altitude hotel in the Swiss Alps, but the highest hotel in Europe at 3,120 meters above sea level. The Kulm hotel Gornergrat is reached in 30 minutes from Zermatt via the Gornergrat railway. Dine on the outside terrace surrounded by 29 mountain peaks which soar over 4000 meters in height!
Kulm hotel Gornergrat Pixabay – Photography by Marinoman
You can of course hike and are very likely to encounter ibex, jackdaws, marmots, mountain hares and eagles! Another huge reason to consider staying here is that the Gornergrat is an incredible place for stargazing. A combination of the dry air and lack of light pollution mean that the Milky Way and planets are visible to the naked eye.
After making the decision to visit this iconic spot it would be a huge shame to miss out on experiencing sunrise from such a privileged location, so set your alarm bright and early and just marvel at the natural beauty of this planet. Another ultimate highlight would be to try and visit when there is a full moon which will surely stay a long time in the memory.
Marmot credit photo public domain
From the highest hotel in Europe to the first Plus Energy hotel in the Alps. The Romantic Hotel Muottas Muragl which brilliantly produces more energy than it uses per annum, is situated at 2,546m above sea level in the Engadin. Apart from the indescribable view looking down onto the lake district, this hotel also caters very well for families. There is a fun, creative and educational little hike called the Ibex paradise, where your little ones can call in at mountain huts, solve riddles, get their passes stamped along the way and may even get a prize. The 1km trail is suitable for prams and has entertaining information about, yes you guessed it, Ibex (same singular and plural so just to be clear, they provide info about many of the species and not just the one!) There is also a fabulous playground at the back of the hotel open Summer and Winter.
The hotel, which is included in the room rate, can be reached by cable car from Punt Muragl where there is convenient free parking at the bottom. Other cable cars and local Mountain railways are also included for stays over 2 nights in this and many other hotels in the area.
Finally… a magical, eco-friendly experience for the whole family at 1,400m sleeping in a pod! Proving that tourism and conservation can coexist is the aim of this fabulous property which is located in the canton of Valais just a 45-minute drive from Montreux. Motorized transport is limited, the use of energy and water is controlled, waste recycled, and everything is as local as possible including the food you eat and the staff who work there, meaning they live locally and walk to work.
Each of these amazing pods has a floor to ceiling window facing the valley. There are different units to choose from including the Family Pod, Deluxe pod (complete with Nespresso machine, satellite TV and mini bar, a Swiss pod and even an 007 Pod Suite where you can live out your secret agent dreams.
Image use granted by Whitepod Eco Luxury Hotel
You can have breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in the main Pod House or order “Pod-Service” (self-explanatory) or a picnic to go.
There are a huge array of activities including, amongst many others, a forest escape game, described as a real treasure hunt in the middle of nature, e-mountain bike rental and a walking with dogs experience. By this I mean really walking WITH dogs, as in you will be harnessed with a large belt and pulled along by a huskie, non-slippery shoes are advised!
Image use granted by Whitepod Eco Luxury Hotel
In the local area it is also possible to do a hiking, cooking trail where you gather plants with your mountain guide who upon the completion of your hike, (which is adapted to your fitness level) will put a chef hat on and teach you how to prepare and cook your bounty.
With such marvellous and inventive choices, it might be difficult to choose how to spend your days outside the pod. Isn’t this what Summers are meant to be like?
Kate Parkyn runs a bespoke travel business with her husband Dave. Working to be an inspiration to her 2 children and passionate about family time, travel, adventure and all things outdoors, especially cycling, golf and yoga. She is an avid cook who loves to experiment and see how she can up the nutritional content of things we love to eat! Excited about providing her clients with first class customer service and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that everything is being taken care of. Contact her at 079 638 9752 CH and in UK: 01962 454 480 Email: go.supreme@notjusttravel.com, website https://gosupreme.notjusttravel.com
