A Summer Day with Wayne Player & Family at Rasmushof in Kitzbuhel, Austria
The Rasmushof boutique style hotel at the foothills of the Austrian Alps is one of the Player family’s best kept secrets. While Kitzbuhel is renowned for the world famous skiing in the Hahnenkamm Races, it is without a doubt a real treat to visit in the summer. An overnight flight from the USA to Munich, Germany followed by a two hour drive on the autobahn finds you in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Our family’s appeal in the Rasmushof Hotel is the warm homelike feeling one receives on arrival. Signe Kramheller Reich, who manages the family run hotel, welcomes you with open arms. One instantly senses the ambiance of European style and perfection.
Our typical day starts with late wake-up calls as time change and jet lag have taken its course. We wake to the sound of cow bells and the local bell chimes echoing off of the mountains reminding us that breakfast ends at 10:30 AM!
We dress in athletic and comfortable attire and head down to the glass incased winter room that faces the summer golf course and mountain. A magnificent day awaits. We indulge in a traditional breakfast of fruits, muesli, healthy cereals, seeds of all kinds, prunes, and yogurts. Rasmushof has the most incredible hot crossaints with cheese, ham, and jellies, as well as all sorts of styles of eggs, bacon, fried tomatoes. What a way to start the day!
After breakfast we put on mountain climbing shoes and poles and begin our exercise for the day with rucksacks filled with waters and goodies. Three thousand feet of mountain awaits with incredible sceneries, waterfalls and lakes.
At the summit there is the most beautiful, clear mountain lake that rainbow trout swim in, unaffected by human presence. We dive head first into the most invigorating cool water one could ever experience. There is nothing even close to this overall sensation.
The Hahnenkamm offers a variety of options for a fantastic lunch experience each day. Traditional beers followed by the best salad I have ever had - and then all of the to die for dishes that get better and better each day. Trust me when I tell you that you need to climb the mountain each day to maintain your body weight.
The Hahnenkamm gondola is a lot easier descent that the 3000 foot climb. Our sons head down to the driving range for a little practice, as Shervon and myself are totally at peace as a family and know our three boys are totally safe from harm. We head to the pool and spa to enjoy a steam bath, sauna and the solarium. Total relaxation!
The sun sets over the mountain tops, and cool conditions embrace us which requires a light sweater. We enjoy dressing for the evening meal. Volks Music plays, we enjoy each others company with great Austrian red wine and cuisine once again.
Life is no better anywhere than at the Rasmushof. This is the simple life. Healthy, happy and the most incredible family vacation one could have.