Silvaplana - Surlej in Winter.
DE STINATION OF TH E MONTH
A family holiday with style in the Swiss Alps Situated in the famous Swiss ski resort of St. Moritz and with direct access to the Corvatsch cableway, the four-star superior design hotel Nira Alpina offers ideal surroundings for family holidays. In winter, the ski slopes of the Engadin lie directly at its doorstep, while in summer, hiking and cycling trails invite visitors to explore the nature. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: NIRA ALPINA
The Corvatsch cableway next to the hotel offers direct access to the hiking and skiing areas around St. Moritz, and children will enjoy the nearby climbing park and swimming pool. But often enough, it’s the little things that provide the best experience: grab a sandwich in the hotel’s own bakery, pack a backpack and then hike around the lake. “The trail is never overcrowded and children can splash around in the water,” says hotel director Claudia Pronk, who often enjoys a run at the lake. In winter, children can go skiing directly next to the hotel while parents watch from the terrace. Next to downhill skiing, the region offers 88 | Issue 76 | July 2019
attractive cross-country skiing. A highlight is the night skiing at the Corvatsch every Friday from 7pm to 1am. Rooms at Nira Alpina are ideal for family holidays and the team focuses on personal service. The 50-square-metre suites are great for families with small children: they have a built-in murphy bed and a cot can be added. Children up to the age of 12 stay for free in their parents’ room. “In addition, we have rooms with connecting doors. Those are suitable for teenagers who want their own space and bathroom,” says Claudia Pronk. “In summer,
families get a discount of 50 per cent for the second room.” The restaurant also caters to families, but in a way that is attractive for adults as well: “We think it is important to set the table in a way that is welcoming for children.”They won’t get a wine glass, but a kids cup and paper and pencils instead. The kids club, with a lot of space to play and things to do, is the children’s favourite. They often ‘connect’ their parents as well, says the hotel director: “Many families are coming back the following year, because the children have already made plans.” In winter, children will be looked after from 4pm to 9pm, so that parents can use the spa, enjoy a cocktail in the Rooftop Bar or have dinner in the restaurant Stars, enjoying the unique view over lake and mountains. www.niraalpina.com