10 tips for a meaningful Christmas gift

Figures for this year are not yet available. But: Last year, German-speaking Switzerland budgeted an average of CHF 346 for Christmas gifts. It was even 459 francs for those over 55, as a representative survey by advertising marketer Admeira showed.

According to a study by Swiss market research firm “Growth from Knowledge”, or GfK for short, nearly 40 percent of respondents gave experiences rather than material gifts. More than 50 percent of those under the age of 30 have done so. Conscious consumption and high quality were also important to them. This proves that giving responsibly is a concern for many.

Traveling responsibly is also very popular with more and more people – whether for a romantic weekend for two, a few days away from everyday life with the family, or for a real vacation. No wonder, then, that sustainable hotels are booming in Switzerland. Compared to 2019, they increased their sales by 10 percent. “It confirms that nature-based travel or eco-tourism is among the really big growth trends in tourism,” said Valentin Bot, its president. Responsible Hotels of Switzerland, the association of sustainability leaders in the Swiss hotel industry.

Tip 1: Offer coupons for sustainable hotels

Valentin Bot is an end-to-end sustainability expert and knows what guests want like no one else. He is a hotelier and deals with sustainability in the hotel industry on a daily basis. The sustainability expert advises anyone who still doesn’t have a bright idea for a Christmas gift to hand over coupons for one of Switzerland’s Responsible Hotels. It is important that quality, experience and sustainability come together. “This is what Switzerland’s Responsible Hotels mean,” says Bot. Coupons can be used at more than 30 hotels of 3* to 5* superior category. They are not only a stopover for guests who want to have fun responsibly, but also the starting points for very special experiences. Below are nine key points handpicked by Valentin Bot that you can inspire the buyer to.

9 tips on how to use coupons

1. Explore the Giessbach Nature Park with the Ranger

The longing for nature is increasing. Real experiences in the nature park of the Grandhotel Giessbach are possible at any time of the year. The energy of the waterfall, trees and rock formations is always amazing. The Giessbach Foundation protects the 22-hectare park with great devotion. Ranger Tom Herren takes you on a tour through the eventful history of this place and explains the features of the unique protected area. You get to know plants, animals and culture in all their aspects and watch the beekeeper at work. He takes care of 20 bee colonies and uses them to extract around 700 kilos of honey from the Giessbach Domaine. Honey is also for sale.

2. Seclusion in the Valais mountains

Get away from the daily life, the traffic and noise of the big city and enter the serenity of the Valais mountains. Just turn it off and go to the unknown wilderness and nature of Switzerland. Fafleralp at the head of Lötschental offers just that – and much more. In the middle of a small larch forest at an altitude of 1789 m above sea level. M. is a hidden paradise for those seeking peace and quiet, adventurers, hikers and gourmets. Be it snowshoe hikes, dog sleds, guided mountain tours or a summer bath in an alpine lake – here all guests will find their own individual hiding place from everyday life.

3. Immerse yourself in the historical castle baths

Located in Rorschacherberg on Lake Constance, the organic hotel Schloss Wartegg offers plenty of peace and quiet and lots of history to literally immerse yourself in. The noble bathing pleasure in the historical complex dating from 1928 can be experienced privately for two and completed with a sauna session. Afterwards, a delicacy prepared with 100 percent organic ingredients is served in the hotel’s own restaurant.

4. Sleeping in the Observatory

st. You can follow in the footsteps of Galileo Galilei and become an astronomer at Hotel Randolins in Moritz. So you sleep in the historical observatory of 1924, which has been converted into a very special hotel room. When the weather is good there is a stunning view of the Engadin mountains, Lake Champfère and Lake Silvaplana. At night the room is transformed into a very private observatory. An extraordinary experience that gives new meaning to the term “sleeping under the stars”.

5. Admire the art stars of tomorrow

The Teufelhof in Basel is a hotel and cultural centre. Rooms are designed and furnished by various artists and are regularly transformed into new worlds of experience. In the hotel’s own theater, actors who often create their own plays take to the stage. Who knows, maybe at the next world premiere you will discover the stars of the theater scene of tomorrow?

6. Listen to the birds in the Ticino bird sanctuary

Castello del Sole in Ascona is a popular vacation spot for people and animals alike. While donkeys, ducks and swans spend their days in harmony with the guests on the hotel grounds, there is a wonderful parallel world right next door. It cannot be seen by us humans, but heard – and how! Next to the Castello del Sole park, between the colorful planted fields of Terreni alla Maggia and the azure Lago Maggiore, lies one of the most valuable nature reserves on the southern side of the Swiss Alps. It is a nationally important water and migratory bird sanctuary. The bird sanctuary is not only a resting place for birds, but also an experience where guests can live with respect and distance from animals. Once a week, in the early morning, there is an opportunity to explore the surroundings of the bird area under the guidance of experts. This is possible from the end of March.

7. Homemade from Kartause Ittingen

One of the monastic traditions is self-sufficiency. This tradition is still practiced today in Kartause Ittingen. Charterhouse is located inside the former monastery complex and invites you to experience the silence and breath of nature. With its own farm, which includes agriculture, livestock, viticulture and fruit growing, its own garden, butcher, cheese dairy, fish farm and wood oven, the company produces over 200 products directly on site. From “Fortunatus” sparkling wine to jam or our own nursery’s herbal tea, to hearty cheese with apple cider, apricot mustard and pear bread: the various options can be combined individually in gift baskets. This is how you can enjoy a piece of Eastern Swiss tradition.

8. An indulgent weekend for body and mind

Find new energy surrounded by the mystical mountains of Zermatt. Cervo Mountain Resort offers a break for body and mind and invites you to discover the majestic nature and find a piece of yourself. You can spend your days on the seemingly endless ski slopes at the foot of the Matterhorn, and in the evenings you can unwind in the baths of the hotel’s own spa. When it comes to gastronomy, whether at the vegetarian “Sunday” or one of the other restaurants, no wish is fulfilled – Cervos’ award-winning cuisine invites you to have fun. The hotel also offers activities such as yoga and meditation.

9. Legendary Graubünden specialties

st. Anyone who has ever visited the Hotel Hauser in Moritz knows that Swiss pine pine has its place as a Swiss mountain plant. The scent of the pine wood from which the hotel’s furniture is made is impeccable and ensures a good night’s sleep. During Advent, the hotel offers local crafts with Swiss pine cushions and festively decorated Swiss pine cones. And of course the nap visit is a must. The legendary Bündner hazelnut cake is known and loved across the country and possibly beyond. Only local Graubünden ingredients are used for this, the hazelnuts come from Malans GR and the flour from Graubünden.