Friends of RG: Elisabeth
Friends of RG: Elisabeth
I met the wonderful Elisabeth when I was training future ski reps in Austria in my early twenties and it was love at first sight. Elisabeth is one of those people that has so much passion and compassion that I am sure she could move mountains if she wanted to. She has a horrible sense of humor and has an ability to always bring out my silly side. Elisabeth has her roots in Skåne in the south of Sweden but nowadays she resides in my old hometown of Gothenburg with her husband Martin (who’s sense of humor is even worse, believe it or not) and their two lovely daughters. And just like me, she is a hardcore hotel fanatic.
What hotel were you staying at when you first realised that you were a hotel-fanatic?
I think I was 10 or 11 when we were in the small village of Hopfgarten in Austria and we stayed at a wonderful hotel. It had a friendly welcoming, genuine Alpine atmosphere with a stunning view of the mountains. I can still recall the scent of wood and the fireplace, and I can see the smiling face of the hotel manager, personally welcoming us to his hotel, with pride. It was quite big, but still it felt very much like home. I do not recall specific details, or it the food was any good – but the stay at that hotel made a lasting impression and might be the reason why I am still drawn to hotels with a genuine soul and warmth rather than strict design and pure luxury.
What kind of hotels do you usually go for?
I look for hotels with personality and warmth. I love a genuine theme and architecture that suits the location. You feel when the hotel is indulged in care for details and quality in all aspects. An important aspect for me is also the care for the environment; that the processes for running the hotel are scrutinized and developed in line with solid ambitions to strive for a more sustainable future.
What has been your most memorable hotel stay thus far? And why?
My by far most memorable hotel – or resort – stay is at Kamalaya in Koh Samui. This is heaven on earth for me, a sanctuary in the greenery on an hillside that stretches all the way down to a wonderful beach on the beautiful island of Koh Samui. Clean food, the most amazing staff, beautiful scenery wherever you turn and a range of activities and spa treatments that will satisfy the most demanding guest!
Also, my stay in a yurt in the middle of nowhere in the mountains when ski touring in Kyrgyzstan was a wonderful memory! Not in terms of conventional luxury, but in terms of personal care. The efforts to make the best of the stay for the guests by the Kyrgyz-family hosting us, was world-class!
3 of your musts when staying at a hotel?
A solid theme in the design, interior, food, ambiance in line with the surroundings.
The breakfast! I love a buffet with personal assortment of granolas, eggs, fresh fruits, yoghurt and home baked bread - and cosy atmosphere in the breakfast room! Rather a smaller hotel, for that personal touch and calm start of the day..
Clean and care for the details. Personal commitment to quality from the management!
If you have stayed at any of the hotels featured on SbRG, which one is your favourite?
I have stayed at several of the featured hotels, mostly in the Nordics, were Talldungen in Skåne is my favourite! Personal, care for details, endless coziness and warmth in this beautiful place! The food and breakfast is amazing and the surroundings invite to excursions in the beautiful nature of Skåne.
Talldungen in South Sweden is one of Elisabeth’s favorite hotels.
Which of the featured hotels on Selected by RG are on the top of your wish list to stay at?
Trakt in Småland and Hotel Hirschen in Austria are both on my wish list (amongst many others). Design, genuine themes and wonderful surroundings – and great food! Need to book asap!
Elisabeth is dreaming of staying at Hotel Hirschen in Austria. And I understand her.
Are there any hotels you think should be featured on Selected by RG in the future?
Kamalaya, Koh Samui as mentioned before, a gem that should not be missed if you have the chance to go there!
