The snow drifts steadily in the blistering cold wind and all the trees around us are heavy with fallen snow. However, we are not bothered by anything: we are relaxing in the 36 degrees warm outdoor swimming pool. Next to me, however, our youngest daughter throws her leg over the edge of the tub, pulls herself up high and before we realize it, she is knee-deep in the snow, that is, in her bathing suit. She pauses for a second and then runs as best she can a few meters into the thickly snowy garden, falls on her back and makes a snow angel with her arms and legs while moving. While we watch her in amazement and admiringly, she runs back to the steaming bath like a hare and jumps back in with a big bow. “That was nice, you should try it too”, she says with a broad smile. We kindly say thanks. What an amazing outdoor pool, heated to such a lovely warm temperature with rotating jacuzzi and hydrotherapy facilities. But the adjoined indoor pool is just as nice. We agree this is one of the most amazing indoor pools we have ever seen. It is situated in a striking glass cube surrounded by the splendid panorama of the park. It makes us all so fully connected with nature that we fail a little silent. Although not for long as we laugh while the girls chase each other with hand full of snow which they took from outside.
Dare devil
This scene takes place on the first day of our visit to the Waldhaus Flims Wellness Resort. In the morning we receive a warm welcome from host Burkhard Wolter and his team. The amiable Wolter proudly talks about the special focus that the hotel has on families and which activities can be undertaken. He has every reason to be proud as this hotel is an absolute winner when it comes to a stylish holiday, but with children. The hotel has long been a household name in Flims and the surrounding area. For decades people have come from far and wide to enjoy pure luxury in peace here. That is why it is good that a major renovation has been carried out to adapt the hotel to the requirements of today. This was done carefully, so that the monumental old aspects have been preserved. The hotel consists of several buildings that are in a park and are connected underground. Several them date from the Art Nouveau period. The result is a mix of modern meets the traditional architecture and it works brilliantly. It sits a huge, wooded park atop a hill overlooking Flims and covers over 20,000 sqm park.
Stunning views
After the exceptionally friendly welcome we are taken to our Chalet room. It is quite a trip because the hotel consists of several buildings that are connected by underground corridors. This fact fascinates our daughters enormously as well as the dazzling trove of quartz crystals that originate from the collection of well-known local geologist, Paul Membrini. An additional advantage of the hallway system is that you do not have to go through wind and weather to get anywhere in the hotel.
Our Chalet room has a large balcony, perfect to sip your morning coffee and breath in the fresh Alpine air. The sitting area has a sofa bed that can accommodate our kids. Floor-to-ceiling window walls flood the room with natural light and the bathroom is well appointed. Like the public areas, the room is elegant and serene, with understated luxury.
A warm welcome
For us it is a great accommodation. If the sky is the limit, book the Presidential suite. The panoramic mountain views from the terrace must be seen to be believed. Inside, modern hi-tech luxuries abound, including even a private cinema room. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms provide more than enough space for everyone to spread out. A full gourmet kitchen with dining area for up to 10 provides the setting for relaxed gatherings. There are also some other suites available that are perfectly suitable for a family stay.
The Hotel Waldhaus Flims is rooted in the inviting charm of the Belle Époque but defined by its modernity. Wandering trough, the buildings we encounter have cozy corners and comfortable chairs to just sit back and relax. One thing we also adore is the Belle Époque Hotel Museum. Situated under the pavilion, you will find carefully curated artefacts.
As we stay here in winter, we are mainly focused on skiing in terms of activities. The village of Laax, together with the villages of Flims and Falera, is one of the largest interconnected ski areas with over 200 kilometers of slopes, with plenty of options for both beginners and well-experienced skiers. The ski area is very snow reliable, especially due to the location of the slopes between 1100 and 3000 meters. In addition, all valley runs of the ski area can be covered with artificial snow. The Vorab Glacier is located at an altitude of 3000 meters and it is sometimes possible to ski there from mid-October. Snowboarders can alternately spend their time in one of the two fun parks with a separate lift or on one of the three half pipes and monster pipes. There is even a mini boarder cross available for the children. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can head to the four snow parks around the Crap Sogn Gion for more than 90 obstacles including “The Big Beast”. The entire ski area is accessed by modern lifts and can be reached from all villages. Flims / Laax is a great resort with something for everyone, but do not go too early in the season though the snow can be patchy.
Just a small break during a day full of action
On request, the little ones can be picked up directly at the Hotel Waldhaus Flims by the instructors and brought safely to the ski school. Beginners under four years of age spend their day in the snow kindergarten, where they are gently introduced to skiing. As we ski together with the girls, we take full benefit from the complimentary Ski Shuttle, which is very efficient, taking you to and from the base station within 3-4 minutes. So, we do not use our own car during our stay. After a rewarding day of skiing we just drop our gear in the heated and spacious ski room, to pick them up nice and wear the next day.
Besides skiing and snowboarding there are many other family friendly activities on offer. For example: snowshoe hiking, sledding, ice skating, etc. In summer active families, friends and couples can challenge themselves to any number of adrenaline-packed activities, from hiking, rafting adventure on the Rhine river, and horseback riding to e-biking through winding trails in a dense fairy-tale forest. On warm days the hotel sometimes organizes a party in the park with live music, different stations of food and drinks, activities for children and a live cinema. The cold outdoor natural pool has koi fish, tadpoles, and other wildlife. The sunbathing lawn has plenty of room to relax and linger at the water’s edge. Throughout summer, cool drinks and refreshments are served at the pool bar.
For children from the age of two there is also a highly recommended complimentary kids club on offer operating daily from 8 am till 6.30 pm. What to think of a nice game room with PlayStation, heaps of toys and a creativity program with painting, mask making, singing, reading, etc. Adjoint to the kids club is a dedicated kid’s restaurant serving both lunch and diner to the little, hungry young ones. You will probably have to drag your children away from this all at the end of the day.
And with the kids having a blast why not enjoy an afternoon relaxing in the spa? This beautifully appointed facilities offer Indoor and outdoor (heated) pools, (aroma) saunas, Hammam steam rooms, a gym, etc. It is all very recent and clean. The brave can take a dip in an ice hole made in the frozen pond. And to top things of the fitness center has state of the art equipment which is easy to use safely.
After all these activities we take full opportunity of different restaurants on offer. Our first evening we meet the delightful Thai Chef Daorung Seeneha who heads the Siam restaurant. Expectations are high as this is named one of the best Thai restaurants in the country. To begin the setting is beautiful. If we do not look at the winterly décor outside, we could easily think we are in Bangkok. Chef Seeneha proudly guides us along a sumptuous buffet with incredible dishes from not only Thailand but from all over Asia. We enjoy a range of classic favorites from pad Thai noodles and grilled satays to her own signature interpretations of authentic traditional recipes including a mouthwatering Panang Beef Cheeks Curry. The small plates are perfect for sharing and tasting the multiple facets of this wide-ranging cuisine.
At the Epoca
The experience we have the next evening is completely different but no less exiting. The Epoca is the more formal dining option. We all are impressed with the modern glass-walled dining room perfectly blends the indoors and outdoors. The staff is delightful with the kids making for a friendly and low-key atmosphere. We enjoy the carefully crafted dishes which pay respect to regional specialties and traditional recipes with fresh new takes and first-class presentation.
If your children are somewhat fussy eaters then both the Pomodoro and the Il Tschale are excellent options. The Pomodore excels in wafer-thin pizzas straight from the stone oven, freshly made pastas, and regional Italian specialties. The Il Tschale is a typical, traditional Swiss fondue restaurant. Everything on the menu is of extremely high quality, but if we must choose, we recommend the cheese fondue with truffles and Champagne it is mouth watering.
And finally: each morning breakfast is plentiful with fresh bread, cheese, cold cuts, and some warm food. Our "spoiled for good breakfasts kids" are delighted.
WOW
# This charming luxury resort hotel in the middle of the Swiss Alps is the perfect location to spend a great family holiday.
# The staff is very friendly and will help you with anything you need, from reserving or choosing a restaurant to helping you pick out the perfect bike to rent.
# The rooms are spacious, very well appointed and the location in the middle of the nature is very relaxing.
