As Sophie Power returns from a family holiday in the Alps, she discovers the perfect spot for an escape for all the family, at any time of year.
After what felt like the one millionth “are we there yet?”, we pulled up outside of the Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Leogang, Austria, and immediately knew we had arrived somewhere very special.
This is an Alpine retreat like no other – think considered japandi-cool architecture meets effortlessly plush 5 star luxury with a dollop of von Trapp family charm.
A quick glance at the “pinch me” smiles spreading across all ten of our faces, ranging from oldest grandparent to youngest toddler, confirmed we were all thinking the same thing – we were in the right place.
MULTI-GENERATIONAL MAGIC
As a multi-generational group made up of grandparents, parents, four young children and a baby bump, it can be hard to find a holiday that will appeal to everyone, but appeal it did, and then some! For those that baulk at the idea of a Disney, Centreparcs, Club Med or Butlins, fear not.
This new wave of family hotel, or kinderhotel as they say in Austria, is quickly gaining momentum on Instagram (and leading the charge is this very hotel as evidenced by its almost 1M followers), and in WhatsApp friend groups worldwide for offering what all millennials with young families want: an aspirational escape that is as much a feast for the senses for adults as it is for the accompanying kids.
Add to this some complimentary 9am-9pm childcare thrown in so we can really switch off and we will sign on the dotted line.
FAMILY SUITES & MEALS
On arrival, the dirndl-clad welcome committee swooped in to check us in, presenting each child with their very own reindeer “Rocky” teddy and special reindeer lanyards which serve as room keys for kids, much to their delight. Next, we were ushered upstairs to our family room, complete with a master bedroom-living area combo, a bunk bed room to fit all three kids (and spark a few rows about top bunk) and a vast balcony overlooking the outdoor pool.
Thoughtful finishing touches such as slippers and robes sized for each person in the family, from two years to 37, were the icing on the cake. The hotel operates on an almost full-board basis where you are given a set table and waiter for the entirety of your stay, and from which you can pick from an ever-changing delectable menu of fresh locally sourced alpine food, rainbow salads, every type of cheese you can think of and more.
They also have a full vegan menu available as well as catering for a healthy spin on kids’ favourites. The hotel also offers fine dining restaurants, from Mizumi for impressive sushi rolls or steaming bowls of ramen to Michelin-level food inspired by Austrian cuisine in Restaurant 1617.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
But what really sets Naturhotel Forsthofgut apart, besides the incredible eye for design, the meticulous attention to detail, the vast spa amenities, the drop-in 9am-9pm childcare, and mouth-watering breakfast buffets (acai bowl with a side of shakshuka anyone?) is the action-packed daily menu of activities. They range from adult-only – think sauna rituals, morning stretching, outdoor yoga, clothes-free pools (not for the faint-hearted), hot stone massages and evening wine tastings or sake pairings – to the friendliest of kid-friendly.
Little ones will love mermaid swimming classes, daily feeding of the resident farm animals, pony riding, parkour room, indoor soft play, while there is also a teens room and cinema as well as daily art classes in the incredible art studio. The showstopper for us was the entirely separate family-friendly 21 metre heated pool, spa and waterplay area that boasts the most exhilarating water slide I have ever been on, and which kept our twins occupied for hours every day.
What this hotel truly does so well, is managing to serve always-on luxury in a calming environment, with every detail pre-thought out to make things easier for their guests while still creating an atmosphere that is family friendly to its core.
A VISIT FOR EVERY SEASON
We visited in winter and were able to take advantage of the incredible ski-in ski-out adjacencies to the slopes of Leogang, Salbach and beyond as well as to the on-site sledding, which was a huge hit for all generations, as was the après ski.
More popular again is their spring/summer season, where the alpine resort comes to life with greenery, offering serene hikes, adventurous biking trails, mountain yoga and outdoor water play. We have already been asked countless times by our children why we can’t just live in the hotel full time or move to Austria, so we will just have to do the next best thing and plan a way to get back here as quickly as possible.
You would be hard-pressed to find a better place to visit with your family this year but don’t say I didn’t warn you, once will not be enough.
Spring stays start from €240 per person per day, including breakfast, afternoon snack and dinner. forsthofgut.at
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