This week's weekend tip comes from Sarah Auerbach of Aurora London:
“Balancing work with home life is always a challenge, so for us weekends with the kids are all about spending quality time as a family and doing fun things.
We love the babydaytripper blog, that is actually compiled by a great friend of mine. Every Friday, she sends out an email with all that is happening for families around London. We have discovered so many fabulous museums, galleries and workshops as a result."
Aurora London is a contemporary London-based fashion accessories brand that is focused on designing and creating innovative and qualitative leather goods at highly affordable prices.
This week's rainy day tip comes from Saul Eisenberg of The Junk Orchestra:
Recipe: The Mini Junk Orchestra
Makes: 4 instruments
Prep: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 each of tins, plastic bottles, yogurt pots (get creative!
Scissors
Elastic bands
Dried beans
Make your instruments:
Drum = Plastic tub + 2 tin cans + 2 elastic bands. Make sticks from pencils or park found twigs. Mount the tins on either side of the tub.
Trumpet = half a bottle ( cut in half ) and a cellophane tube inside the spout. Blow a raspberry into the tube with lips only and vary the tone according to the hard and soft pressure.
Shaker = metal or plastic or both. Dried beans are best and only a handful are needed.
Guitar = 1 elastic band round a pringles tin then a yogurt pit for a bridge at the side to make 3+ notes.
Happy Noise Making!
Share your images of your mini junk orchestra with us on Facebook or Twitter with hashtag #PetitePASS!
Visit The Junk Orchestra today to learn more about their workshops, shows, and installations around London!
PetitePASS Issue 007: Homemade Meals for Your Freezer
This week's tip comes from John Wordsworth of COOK:
At COOK we make remarkable food for your freezer, made at our kitchen in Kent using the same ingredients and techniques you would use at home. Each dish is prepared by hand and you’ll find the name of the chef who made it on the label. We’re a family-run business and remain proudly independent.
In our range you’ll find Great Taste Award-winners, lavish dinner party options, quick lunches, a delicious kid’s range (with hidden vegetables) and quality alternatives to a takeaway. Almost all of our dishes can go straight from the freezer into the oven.
"All the hearty dishes of a domestic goddess’s oven, without you having to chop, peel or even mix" - Vogue
Visit COOK today to learn more about their full range of offerings. You can collect from their shop in Maida Vale or choose home delivery. For new mums and dads, COOK offers 10% off until your baby is six months old!
PetitePASS Issue 006: The long term benefits of baby massage
This week's tip comes from Elena of Baby's First:
I am a mother of Maxim, who is nearly 2. After giving a birth to my beautiful son, I decided to retrain my career and help new parents. I co-founded Baby's First to teach baby massage as well as provide other solutions for better bonding between babies and their parents.
Baby massage may seem superfluous or silly to some people, but its popularity is growing in the U.K. and it has actually been practiced for centuries in many cultures around the world.
But does it have any significant health benefits? You might be surprised that touch is important to infant health. In fact, touch plays a much more important role in human development than scientists first imagined. Baby's First, as well as other baby massage providers, is trying to integrate that historic culture into English society.
Visit Baby's First today to learn more about baby massage and check out their offerings.
PetitePASS Issue 005: Getting your kids to do their homework
This week's tip comes from My Little Boarder's Juliet Golz:
Shhhhh! My secret to you is to get your child to do homework in the morning. They are more refreshed that in the afternoon when they have come back from school and it is a great start to your child’s day getting their brain in gear for the day ahead.
Visit My Little Boarders today to see why their kids' skateboarding club is so popular!
PetitePASS Issue 004: Making music at home with ordinary household items
This week's tip comes from Singing Sprouts founder Jenny:
No instruments? No problem! Just about anything can be used to make music, including our bodies, voices, and of course the kitchen cookery! The most important way to encourage young children to take interest in music is to make it FUN. Allow plenty of free play with voices and noisy objects around the home.
Respond to their musical expressions, however small, by mirroring what they are doing. This will let young children know that they have been heard and will encourage them to continue exploring musical sounds. This develops strong musical foundations for the future and creates fun bonding moments between you and your child.
Visit Singing Sprouts today and check out their upcoming drop-in sessions at Charing Cross Library
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PetitePASS 003: Science Experiments You Can Do At Home
Ever wonder why leaves change color? Or how it might feel to walk on the moon?
Introduce your kids to the amazing world of science through workshops offered by the Little House of Science.
With Easter just around the corner, Little House of Science is offering three fantastic holiday workshops for curious 4-9 year-olds: The Wonders of the Universe, Let's Learn About Liquids, and Anatomy of Plants and Cells.
Now, can you balance a brick on a stack of eggs? Check out the video below to see what happens when we try!
Visit Little House of Science today and check out their upcoming Easter workshops!
Subscribe to PetitePASS today to get our weekly tips and secrets for London families in your inbox every Tuesday!
PetitePASS 002: Successful soccer camp expands from the U.S. to the U.K.
Super Soccer Stars began life in New York 15 years ago as an after-school soccer club, run by Gustavo [Szulansky] for his son and friends. Its unique method of coaching with an emphasis on child development, individual attention and positive reinforcement quickly grew in popularity, spreading across the United States. As of this year, we are now up and running in London, bringing our fantastic curriculum to a whole new audience, with classes from ages 12 months and up!
We are proud to work with a number of Sure Start Children’s Centres, nurseries and schools thanks to the educational content of our curriculum, and we can’t wait to welcome you to a class soon! Thanks to our success in America, we have been able to give back in the form of our charity ‘Round Star Foundation’. All classes now help fund our great work in underprivileged communities across the world, as well maintaining our Shine special needs programme and allowing us to offer bursaries and scholarships to those in need.
Visit Super Soccer Stars today to learn more about their classes and camps.
Subscribe to PetitePASS today to get our weekly tips and secrets for London families in your inbox every Tuesday!
From co-founder Claudia Ladaria:
Bilingual Beats is the result of the vision that we had 2 years ago of creating a programme for children that combines learning with enjoyment. Almudena and I are both mums and have a passion for early childhood education and we realized that there was no programme in the UK that combined the learning of a second language with music.
Our classes are always delivered by two professionals (teacher and musician) with the support of live instruments, which is the best way to provide a unique learning experience for the children. Thanks to the support of our marvelous staff and the outstanding feedback that we have received from parents and educators, we:
expanded our services to more than 50 locations (nurseries and venues) in London
were awarded start up of the year by Virgin Start Up
launched our own Youtube channel
are working to develop an app with bilingual beats learning programme
Visit Bilingual Beats today to learn more about their innovative programming.
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The Most Talked about New Opening in the Most Talked about Country of the Year - Ikos Olivia
This resort has had the most talked about opening this year. Facebook groups from Travel-specific to Family have someone recommending or asking about it. More importantly, since opening in May, the Tripadvisor reviews have been glowing; not a small feat for such a sizeable resort. No wonder it's almost full this year.
There's a double whammy here because it's on mainland Greece. 'No way!' I hear you cry. 'No security, we will lose our money and even if we don't, we won't be able to get any when we are out there anyway because the cash machines have run out'. I hear you, I do, but my City background and my eye for a deal tells me that this is an opportunity.
Kratinos Socratous, the charming Head of Marketing for Ikos Resorts says they want to be the 'Four Seasons of all-inclusive'. A small holding by the Sani Group and the rest by a U.S. Investment fund - they are looking to expand the concept further afield; I'm sure with much applause if they pull it off. They are creating a new niche which had just been crying out to be filled. So, with serious money behind them, a track record and pricing that means you don't need to take a penny with you, this is an opportunity for the brave. If you're clever, you pay in a weakened Euro and you bag yourself a deal. (NB I'm not calling the bottom here, as they say in the business, 'only monkeys pick bottoms' but you get my drift).
45 minutes from Thessaloniki, Sani and Ikos Okivia are about 30 minutes apart on the same peninsula. Both on gorgeous sandy beaches, both with outstanding facilities but this is where the similarities end. At Ikos, once you arrive, you can truly relax in the knowledge that you will not be leaving with a hefty bill. Everything is included; all food and drink, non-motorised watersports and kids club for the over fours (extra cost for under 4's). I don't want to give an exhaustive list because it will start to sound like the usual all-inclusive patter which Ikos Olivia certainly isn't.
Greeted upon arrival by a gorgeous, brand new, modern but understated complex, set in lush, green, manicured gardens. Lots of thought has gone into the planning of this place. There's one large, bright, modern, sympathetically-designed hotel building housing reception, the Spa and one bar and restaurant, also the hotel's main pool and then in the grounds down to and surrounding the beach are two story bungalows, some with private pools, others with sizeable balconies or gardens - all big enough for a table, four chairs and two sunloungers. That's the real draw here- the accommodation is just fabulous. Whether you are in the grounds, directly on the beach or set around the pool of the deluxe area, the standard is high even for luxury.
The greatest appeal is for families. The bungalows are easily big enough. The sitting room has a sliding door connecting it to the bedroom so parents don't wake sleeping children, plus there are even two separate doors to the bathrooms; one from each room. Of course everything you would expect from a five star hotel is provided and a well-stocked mini-bar replenished daily. Room service is also included, not an exhaustive menu but a good choice, including breakfast if you can't drag yourself to the huge American buffet or one of the more sedate and relaxed breakfast offerings at the à la carte restaurants.
This is a place to truly relax. There is the space to do so; 4 beautifully designed free-form pools and a long stretch of wide sandy beach. They have teamed-up with the esteemed Worldwide Kids Company for the kids club - taking babies through to teens with Ofsted standard care so adults get a holiday too. A massive space has been dedicated with a huge shaded playground.
Apart from a lovely ride on a pedalo we really did take it easy but there are tennis courts a football camp and classes run throughout the day including access to a personal trainer - I really meant to go to pilates but the days just flew by! The Anne Semonin spa costs extra but it's brand new with state of the art gym and worth a visit.
I imagine that most all-inclusive resorts offer buffet, buffet and more buffet. I'm afraid I'm no authority as I have to admit I'm a huge hotel snob. Ikos Olivia breaks far from that mould with four à la carte restaurants all with menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs. You can have pizza or something more sophisticated at the Italian, a gorgeous mezze at Ouzo or head over to Provence for French or Anaya for some super-crunchy lemon chicken followed by banana fritters. Kids menus are offered too. There is a buffet restaurant, serving up the freshest and hugest selection from breakfast through to dinner and If you need to escape - which we didn't in the end - they have cleverly collaborated with a local restaurant so that you can dine- out too. There are local villages nearby if you want to explore and the larger port of Nea Moudania just 20 minutes down the road.
There's a huge amount going for Ikos Olivia. So far they really are carving that niche; luxury -all inclusive. In terms of service, staff are keen and with a strong and experienced management the future looks bright. Has Ikos Resorts succeeded in creating a true luxury all-inclusive experience? Time will tell. Ask me again next year, but in the meantime get booking or you will find that they will be full!
This week’s guest post comes to you from Caron Bluestone, ex-City trader turned Huffington Post blogger and mummy to two gorgeous little boys living in London. Connect with Caron on Twitter @pregcitygirl and on her website Pregnant City Girl.
To schedule or not to schedule – that is the parenting question!
Do your children have better social lives and a wider range of interests than you? Do you ever feel like an unpaid taxi driver or simply a chaperone? Are you all so tired when you get home that all you want to do is zone out in front of a screen? If so, then you could have the activity balance wrong in your family.
Classes and structured activities can bring so many incredible benefits to your children. These include developing exciting skills, making new friends and discovering a whole world of possibilities that many of us simply didn’t have access to when we were younger. Sponge-like, our children can soak up a new language effortlessly, or pick up skiing or the flute in moments.
Yet overschedule their lives and you risk producing a child who doesn’t know how to access their own creativity, or doesn’t have the time to simply mooch around, poking a stick under the nearest hedge. At worst, you will have a stressed out, whirlwind of a family life and any downtime will inevitably be screen orientated.
Clearly this is another of those parental balancing acts – some scheduling of activities is wonderful and life-enhancing, but too much and you are doing more harm than good. How do you get the balance right?
Here are my top tips for finding a gentle balance:
1. Choose classes that teach vital skills
Coordination, gross motor skills and fitness are some of the benefits that come from taking part in organised sports, particularly outdoors. I also think swimming lessons from as early as possible are great. Not many classes can save your little one’s life, but knowing how to get themselves to safety after a fall into water certainly could. The Scouting movement is also wonderful for teaching a range of real life skills. From encouraging cooking to bush craft, it will enhance confidence and provide a perfect antidote to screens. Don’t neglect vital skills for yourself either. All parents and ideally grandparents should go on a proper First Aid course so you can handle common issues such as choking as well as be prepared for other scary scenarios.
2. Be child-led
So what if you think a certain language or skill would benefit them in the future? If your child isn’t keen you are wasting time and money. Instead, it is far better to do just a couple of classes that they have chosen and love than have to cajole them to lots that you think they should do. Also, don’t be afraid to ‘drop-out’ of sessions if you all feel overloaded. You can always pick them up later or swap back in; aim for it feeling like a bag of pick and mix sweets rather than a treadmill!
3. Ignore that #FOMO
All your friends are raving about the new class on a Tuesday evening, the only trouble is, it’s your one free night. DON’T give into the Fear Of Missing Out – your child is so much more than a sum of the classes he or she attends. You need to respect their right to free time and teach them early on that they don’t get to do everything their friends do.
4. Make links with your community
Finding things to do in your local area brings a double benefit. Firstly it will reduce your travel time (better for your child than being stuck in a car, bus or buggy, and better for the environment). It will also lead to local friendships for you and your children, making you truly part of the place where you live.
5. Outside time is vital too
Unstructured free play outside is a magical ingredient in your child’s life. It has been shown to reduce stress, raise self-esteem and enhance academic performance. Not only that, but it is free. Build it into your lives, for example, when you visit the park, don’t just stay on the manicured area. Instead, have a look for minibeasts away from the play equipment.Encourage your children to listen for birdsong, and you could learn to identify trees together (there are great apps to help with nature discovery, I love this one).
6. Learn together
I don’t believe all classes should be a ‘dump your kid and run’ set-up. Of course, there is a place for independent learning but you also want to be a part of your child’s life, and not let them have all the fun while you sit on your bum twiddling with your phone. Family classes will enhance your relationship. Martial arts, dry ski slopes or climbing walls often offer family sessions – just be warned, they’ll learn quicker than you!
Our children are so lucky to have an incredible array of activities to choose from. Taking a laid-back, balanced approach will help them benefit most and leave vital space for family time and the great outdoors.
About the author: Kate Blincoe is the author of The No-Nonsense Guide to Green Parenting, a mother of two and a freelance writer for national and regional magazines and newspapers. The No-Nonsense Guide to Green Parenting helps busy families discover nature and take care of the planet, by having lots of fun and reducing guilt and stress.
Christmas is in the air! Check out some of the top events to check out this week and next:
Maida Vale
Thurs, 3 Dec: 6 - 8.30pm
Clifton Nurseries, Candlelight & Carols
Enjoy caroling by the St. Marks Hamilton Terrace Choir as you enjoy minced pie and mulled wine at this free event held at Clifton Nurseries. RSVP to [email protected].
Sat, 5 Dec: 3 - 6pm
Christmas Market 2015, Ark Atwood Primary
Ark Atwood’s annual Christmas Market will take place this weekend. Don’t miss out on unique gifts, kids activities, crafts, and more!
Hampstead
Sat, 5 Dec: 10 - 4pm
West Hampstead Christmas Market
Find local arts and crafts, jewellery, children’s activities, face painting, and much more at this annual Christmas Market. No booking necessary - just turn up!
Paddington
Sat, 12 Dec: 2 - 4pm
Christmas Fun Afternoon
Come hear the Westbourne Park Church Community Choir sing carols, listen to Christmas Literature Readings, and enjoy festive food and wine. No booking necessary - just turn up!
Childrens’ Hotels and Luxury Skiing - Can the Two Marry?
Well, we're off skiing. Whoopee!! I love skiing and have skied all my life. My parents went skiing on their honeymoon so I think it's in the blood. I started at five and given that Alexander has now reached the ripe of old age of two and nearly a half I thought that it was about time to get him used to the white stuff - they say; the earlier the better.
So, you want to take a toddler on a skiing holiday. That's pretty easy, I don't know many hotels that don't take them! But you want your toddler to have his own holiday experience and be catered for to the same high level that you as an adult expect on a luxury break? That, in my mind didn't exist until a German mother of a child in Alexander's class at school mentioned the name Kinderhotels to me and more specifically the Hotel Alpenrose in Lermoos, Austria. Okay, it's no St. Moritz but the skiing in St. Moritz isn't great for beginners anyway. There are also no chic shops, no hugely expensive tea rooms, no nightclubs and very little apres ski, BUT having done my research and heard glowing reviews from a family not dissimilar to our own in terms of needs and taste, a trip to the Austrian Tyrol, the Zugspitzarena and most precisely to Lermoos was planned.
The Zugspitzarena is a term used to cover the highest summit in Germany and the highest on the Austrian side too with its surrounding area. Its peak from which you can see four countries overlooks seven quaint, traditional Austrian villages all with their own ski areas, with Lermoos being the biggest. They are all however interconnected and when you buy your Top Snow Card you get access to the lifts and the buses and trains that connect them. You are also just twenty minutes down the road from Garmish, a cosmopolitan German ski resort that formed part of Munich's bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. So, if in need of a little action, you don't have far to go!
It's the day before we jet off from Heathrow to Munich ( Innsbruck is a similar 1.5hr transfer away). I am at home having my last -minute, pre-holiday beautification. The lovely people at Milk Beauty who come to you when it suits you, managed to fit me in for a gorgeous OPI pedicure and the obligatory waxing (the hotel has four pools if you count Pirate Land - more of which later!). A lot of last minute rushing around, packing far too much, then packing even more and we are ready. One word of warning. DO NOT TAKE NAPPIES!! The hotel provides them in every size including the swimming ones. Yes, you read right. And wipes and cream too. I couldn't believe it either but just one of the astonishing offerings at Kinderhotels.
For the newbies, here's a bit about my pick of the gear. You need goggles (UVEX are good), warm snow boots (we have some really cool, stylish Italian Olang ones), ski suits of course and do not forget the sun cream (Piz Buin has been a staple of mine since very young on the slopes). On the fashion side, if looking for a suit for a toddler then the creme de la creme is Mini a Ture - the Danish company makes lux suits for freezing weather conditions with clever little details like back fastening jackets. They also make gorgeous matching accessories. Lastly, for socks and undergarments the go-to brand is Falke (very important for in-boot comfort).
I also like to travel in style too so this year, replaced my old tired carry-on with two gorgeous new pieces - a Brics Life Holdal (in fact the very same Italian leather bag that Wills and Kate are often seen carrying) and a Tumi Voyageur International which is supposed to be perfect for a two day trip and fits as cabin baggage, or for a family with a child, you just cram in the one million little things that seem to need to be with you on the plane! Either way, at least you look the part even if you lose your cool struggling to keep your two year old in check! For check-in luggage, I swear by my Samsonite Cosmolite. They literally weigh nothing so that you can cram them full of clothes without worrying about weight allowance. At last, packed and ready to go we chose an unusual but refreshingly reasonable, easy and luxurious way to get to Terminal 5 a twenty minute black cab from Get Taxi away. They have an app of course - who doesn't! No more smelly minicabs for me!
Out safely at the other side, a scenic transfer to the hotel and we arrive in what I can safely say is children's heaven. Now, I am not one for lots of brightly coloured plastic and screaming kids, I am also not up for compromising and what met us upon arrival in the most picturesque valley and petite village was a luxury four star superior hotel with a huge difference - it's a Kinderhotel or a Childrens hotel . Be aware that Austrian standards are high, very high. So a 4 star will easily feel like 5 star and I am the biggest hotel snob going.
I'm not quite sure where to start because in some ways I don't want to let everyone in on this little secret. There was hardly an English family to be seen, not that we felt out of place because everyone speaks English, but this sort of place really didn't even exist in my dreams let alone in the British travel press so please don't tell everyone!
The hotel itself is a mix between modern eclectic and traditional Tyrolean warmth for that added winter coziness. The two marry well. The entrance hall is filled with a huge futuristic fish tank and hanging seating pods with brightly coloured pieces of child-friendly modern art and spotless granite floors that are forever being cleaned (I love the hygiene aspect!). Move further in and you come to a (safe) water feature which the little ones love. Then comes the Tyrolean warmth. The bar and lounge area with a plethora of different seating areas from sofas to cute wooly rocking horses and sheep to raised seating areas with tables and chairs all overlooking the outside space where you can eat lunch or tea or just grab a coffee and a cake. They even have a separate dining room just for kids where there are supervised meals each day if you so wish.
The hotel is pretty enormous with ninety rooms with the smallest catering to a family and the largest to a harem. It doesn't feel it though and despite occupancy being high, we always felt relaxed and not at all cramped for space, especially in public areas. They have Wellness Suites too which we nearly stayed in, Austria takes its wellness very seriously you know. When a hotel has a spa, you will see that it won't just be a couple of dowdy treatment rooms hidden in the back somewhere but a go-to destination in it's own right and at the Alpenrose is no different. Instead of our own wellness suite I opted for an authentic ayurvedic foot treatment. I won't bore you with the detail but a quick flick through this will give you an idea of what you can expect!
I digress. Let's get back to what is just so exceptional about this experience. So, we arrive. Our room is a small family room with south facing balcony. It has a separate kids bedroom with bunk beds. Not just any old bunk beds but ones with removable sides. This was the first time Alexander slept in a bed and he actually liked it crawling into bed on his own at night after a hard day at play. As I mentioned, everything that a family needs has been thought of and most importantly is provided at no extra cost. From baby wipes and shampoo through to a big box of Lego in the room which we had to hide at bedtime, to a step in the bathroom and children's toilet seat. They really have thought of everything. Also, in every public toilet (decked out with automatic self-cleaning seat -yay!) there is a changing station with nappies in each size, wipes and a bin.
I had never, ever seen this sort of thing before. Maybe in some plastic kids amusement park where everything is a bit old and smelly but not in a luxury hotel where the granite toilets are futuristic and cool. The amazing thing for me though is how the hotel manages to keep a balance between grown-up and child. No mean feat. Also, as a bordeline OCD for cleanliness, I have to mention that everything is spotlessly clean- something that is of the utmost importance in a hotel where there are so many babies and children around and they know it.
Once unpacked we were off to the ski shop downstairs. I was keen to get Alexander decked out for his first ski lesson the next day. This was my real reason for choosing the Alpenrose, part of the group of Kinderhotels. They offer 'baby ski school'. A completely unique offering; they have a snow garden complete with baby ski lift (a moving walkway up the very gentle slope), carousel, snow making machine and lessons every morning complete with Bobo the ski school penguin mascot who comes out to dance and sing midway through before snack break. I have to admit, Alexander was definitely the youngest although the age ranged from 2.5 upwards ( the older ones also had their own separate lessons on the mountain) and it wan't easy keeping his helmet, gloves and skis on all at once but it was fun, he loved the music and got a really good feel for skiing too.
Apart from skiing, there's the small area of babyclub, kids club and teen club to address. Childcare is free and they take babies from seven days old ( although who leaves a seven day old is beyond my comprehension!). I say small but I just don't know where to start.
There is a whole world dedicated to kids of all ages taking up one floor of the hotel. That's without counting the go-cart track in the underground car park. Everything in the hotel in all inclusive which means that from 9am until 9pm if you so wish you have childcare. The only way I can explain the kids club is to liken it to a school dedicated to play and fun. There's a full sized soft play with a five storey slide, bigger than in my local leisure centre, a baby room with cradles, baby playmats and all the paraphenalia needed. Then there is a baby club where Alexander went. Every toy he could wish for, eating and changing facilities ( they give them lunch each day if you want them too) and then other rooms with a climbing wall, a computer games room, a craft room, a lego room, a story telling corner.
It's jawdropping. Has to be seen to be believed. They even have a tagging system so that children can't escape through the very well manned reception and two door entry system. They took him to ski school for us plus for walks with the older ones ( age 3 and upwards is mini-club territory and the slightly younger ones can join in with most of their activities too if you want them too).
Apart from inside the kids club, there is a separate theatre, dressing up room with a theatre-sized wardrobe for the older ones to really put on shows, a teen room and of course all the obligatory pool and table tennis too. We also didn't need a pushchair because lo and behold the hotel has a room full of them in every conceivable shape and size! If this wasn't enough to keep Alexander happy, his eyes lit up when he saw the bouncy castle (discreetly placed outside - I can't believe that I am actually singing the praises of a hotel that has a bouncy castle let alone want to go back!), an outdoor area where mini cars and bikes can be ridden and two truly original features in an indoor Pirate Land which is basically a pirate ship water park sitting in very shallow water complete with water slides and sand area where you get to dig for treasure (that you exchange for go-cart tokens) and last but by no means least, outside on the hotel roof there is a wooden land of little houses and dragons where kids can run around and play too.
We took Alexander in his swimming costume and we couldn't drag him away. If I'm honest, I would never step foot in a children's pool (germs!! I know, irrational) but here, it felt so clen and it was never busy that I actually started to enjoy myself on the waterslides too.
So, despite this being a children's hotel, what I really wanted to highlight is the way that it doesn't feel like a zoo or like you are living in a school for a week. All meals are included and the food is of a really high standard with fresh salad buffets every day, amazing cheese(yumm!)buffets and a separate children's buffet for lunch and dinner along with plastic plates and cups. They even provided foil, plastic bags bottled water and mini juices for packed lunches at breakfast. No more stealing from the buffet!
You go down to eat and the place setting for Alexander had colours and a colouring-in menu every meal but despite the presence of children, It never seemed to be noisy in the dining room. Perhaps a function again of a huge space separated into more intimate dining areas. They also have a very serious wine cellar with wine tasting a regular feature and Riedel decanters and wine glasses of a quantity that would make an oenophile blush and made me want to stash one or two in our luggage! One word of warning, go on a diet before you go or be prepared for some serious exercise in the gym because we ate and ate and ate.
We took my mum with us, there were many grandparents around. And many an afternoon she sat quite happily in the lounge or on one of the terraces or in the garden in the sun reading.
I think why the hotel works so well is that the space that they have and the way they have used it means that the kids activities are not all right under your nose. There is ample outdoor leisure space for adults alike and the fact that things are set on many levels means that you get all around uninterrupted views of snowy peaks and comfortable sofas and outdoor furniture to laze out in the sun reading. If that's not enough there is of course the obligatory indoor to outdoor pool which is amazing to swim in with the steam coming off it and a huge jaccuzzi too. Again, never too full that even I ventured in.
You have to see this place to believe it. Luxury and family works. One word of warning, don't come here if you are just a couple. You won't get enough out of it. Wait until there are three or four or five or six of you and then see what we haven't managed to do in this country and to my knowledge has been done elsewhere either. I feel a business idea coming on! Pros: True 5* luxury with all the facilities that you could imagine. Superbly maintained. World class childcare and facilities. Great value for money. Cable car directly opposite hotel. Cons: Lots of children including babies (although well behaved!) - this is a family hotel. Skiing geared towards beginners and intermediates - advanced skiers may get bored. No nightlife or real shopping in the village.
Daily flights are available from London Gatwick and twice weekly from Bristol and Liverpool to Innsbruck with www.easyjet.com from £60 return. British Airways (www.ba.com) operates five times a week from Gatwick airport. Affordable resort transfers are available through www.transfer.tirol.at. Further information on the Tiroler Zugspitzarena visit www.zugspitzarena.com or about the Tirol region www.visittirol.co.uk. For more information on Austria visit www.austria.info.
This week's guest post comes to you from Caron Bluestone, ex-City trader turned Huffington Post blogger and mummy to two gorgeous little boys living in London. Connect with Caron on Twitter @pregcitygirl and on her website Pregnant City Girl.
We agree you should pass - PetitePass that is! We hear you - the noise, the hype, listings here, blogs there. Music, art, football, swimming - who can keep track of it all? What's good, what's bad, what's nearby and at convenient times? What are my friends' kids up to? And then booking? It's a full time job!
We know that being a parent in London is difficult enough without having to fight through all the clutter to figure out what's best for your family. We are both parents and professionals from the technology and concierge industries and we've come up with a new and different solution - one that will allow you to find the best classes for your children (and mums too!), book them, and track them all in one place. A super clean and friendly site combined with our high touch service will ensure you have a great experience every single time. And our rigorous provider vetting criteria and ratings system help guarantee a high and consistent standard of quality.
We also know that children's activity providers have more to manage than ever before - social media presence, listings across various sites, blogs and other partnerships - the list goes on and on. If you're feeling overwhelmed, PetitePass is the place for you! We will help you grow your business by finding the right long-term clients for you and helping you gain recognition for the great service you provide via our ratings system. You can also tap into one or all of our vendor-friendly tools (e.g. virtual storefront, bookings system, roster tracking, ratings etc.) for free.
We are 100% free and 100% set on developing the right solution for both parents and activity providers. It's that simple. So let's get started on your family's next adventure!
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