We know that you’ve summited Kili, explored Patagonia and been to remote islands in Indonesia. When you had the kiddos, you declared that life wouldn’t change. Well, a few years down the road, and it has changed. And in many ways, for the better. But there’s a practicality to traveling with children, and that’s where Kinderhotels comes into play.
About Kinderhotels
There is a particular kind of magic that happens when a hotel gets it right for both parents and children. When luxury is not diluted by the presence of little ones, but rather deepened by the joy they bring. When all of this takes place in a space designed with them in mind, and not as an afterthought. In the Alps, a collection of independently owned family hotels known as Kinderhotels has been quietly perfecting this balance for years. I recently explored three of the most exceptional Kinderhotels, and each one left me rethinking what a family holiday can look like.
SAN SONNEA Family Dolomites
Location: Lüsen, South Tyrol, Italy
Nestled in the heart of South Tyrol, San Sonnea is equal parts alpine warmth and modern elegance. Its interiors boast natural wood, soft linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing the Dolomites in every season.
What sets San Sonnea apart is its choreography of family life. Children are swept into a world of creative programming, such as forest adventures and farm visits. Parents, in turn, are left to linger over a glass of wine at the pool with panoramic views of the scenery. The cuisine here leans into the region’s bounty, with menus that celebrate local producers and an understanding that even the youngest guests deserve a beautiful plate.
Here, bedtime stories happen with surreal mountain views as a backdrop. No one has to choose between a candlelit dinner or being present for their children – you can have it all.
Familien Natur Resort Moar Gut
Location: Großarl, Salzburg region, Austria
Moar Gut is a grand statement. Set on a sprawling private estate in the Salzburg region of Austria, this property feels almost baronial in its scope, yet never intimidating. Stone, timber, and glass converge in architecture that honors the land it sits on. Every corner of the estate invites exploration.
The scale here is remarkable. Moar Gut offers an extraordinary range of experiences. We’re talking horseback riding through alpine meadows, swimming in heated outdoor pools that seem to spill into the mountains, and a thoughtfully designed children’s program. The spa, meanwhile, is a destination in itself. It boasts a sprawling retreat of saunas, treatment rooms, and quiet spaces that rival the best adult-only wellness hotels in the region.
Dining at Moar Gut is elevated yet unpretentious. The kitchen takes farm-to-table seriously. Much of what appears on your plate is sourced from the estate itself or neighboring farms. And the result is: food that tastes divine.
AKI Family Resort Plose
Location: Melluno, just outside Bressanone/Brixen, South Tyrol, Italy
Perched near the slopes of Plose mountain in South Tyrol, Aki Family Resort Plose is perhaps the most playful of the three, yet still highly polished. This hotel has a youthful energy that is infectious. Bold design choices, vibrant common spaces, and family hospitality that actually feels modern.
Aki Plose excels at activating the outdoors. In winter, the ski-in, ski-out access is a dream. In summer, the surrounding trails and mountain bike paths make it an adventurer’s basecamp. The children’s programming is imaginative and active. It leans into the natural landscape with hiking excursions, nature workshops, and outdoor play areas that feel more like curated installations than hotel amenities.
For parents, the rooftop wellness area is an unexpected gem. The food is fresh, seasonal, and served with the kind of warmth that makes you want to stay an extra night.
The Takeaway
What unites all three of these properties is a shared philosophy: that families deserve beauty, intention, and space. These are hotels built around the understanding that when children are truly happy, parents can exhale.
If you are planning a family trip to the Alps and want the kind of experience that leaves everyone (including your most discerning travel companion) genuinely enchanted, these three Kinderhotels belong at the top of your list.
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FAQs
Q: Does SAN SONNEA offer childcare for babies?
A: Yes. SAN SONNEA offers baby care for children from 0 to 3 years old, with qualified childcare professionals and a 24-hour baby kitchen. Baby equipment such as cots, changing tables, bottle warmers, strollers and baby carriers is also available.
Q: Can kids go horseback riding at Moar Gut?
A: Yes. Horse activities range from pony leading from age three and play-based riding lessons for children ages four to six to lunge lessons from age six. More experienced riders aged ten and up can also join trail rides, provided they meet the hotel’s riding requirements.
Q: What is there to do at AKI Family Resort Plose when the weather isn’t cooperating?
A: The AKI Kids World has extensive indoor facilities, including playhouses, craft areas, a wood workshop, painting studio, gym, theater and cinema. There is also an indoor water world, while the resort’s childcare program continues regardless of the weather.
