Oasis in the heart of Flims
“You go to the Adula Flims? Oh, that’s super, super, super!”
Said my guest – the CEO of a well known fashion brand – while he was having dinner at our house, the evening before our weekend in Flims.
If this guy likes it so much, it can’t be that bad, I thought, pleased with my choice. I had high expectations. The morning after, off we went: myself, my husband, and our dog Simba.
I arrived pretty stressed, because Simba is a very reactive dog, and he’s not comfortable with new people, so I am always afraid he might snap and bark or pull like crazy. The lady at reception was sweet and attentive, and understood immediately I just wanted to be left alone. She checked me in swiftly, and promptly disappeared.
Simba calmed down in the room, and smelled a fruit tartine, with a chocolate decoration saying “welcome”. He didn’t bite it, and left it to its right owner – me!
My husband and I got changed for a hike . We walked to Caumasee, a turquoise lake that is so famous, that on a good summer day is busier than the Colosseum. Therefore we just stopped quickly, and preferred the calm woods around it. Luckily, one can find all sort of spots and activities, in Flims – from a lake with techno music, to the peaceful fields with cows and goats. We stopped at every fountain to refresh, and walked for 2 more hours.
Back to the hotel, a massage was waiting for us. The Adula Spa is ideal to wind down after an intense day of hiking or biking along mountain trails, and we relaxed so well that we almost fell asleep. It was time for dinner.
80s TV
Restaurant La Muña didn’t disappoint.
Our table had been prepared outdoors, literally in the middle of the hotel garden. I looked at the beautiful setting in the sweet golden light, and a dj noticed my enthusiasm. He asked me to join him and grabbed a guitar. All of a sudden I was the dj, and he was serenading me. Then he picked a song from a TV series that was on air in the 80s, Knight Rider. I had totally forgotten it, I loved it. It was the perfect soundtrack to have a drink.
The best virgin cocktail of my life arrived, and came with a dry ice fog effect, and a pretty flower decoration. For dinner, I ordered a very savoury vegetarian tartar, and sea bass with caponata, juicy and deliciously tasty.
Having fun with the DJ
Barefoot in the grass
The morning after we woke up at sunrise, to be able to take some photos at the pool, without disturbing anyone. But on the way there, we saw the cosy gym, with wooden floor and frames that almost make it look like a little mountain hut, and open on one side so it can be basically used as an outdoor or indoor venue, depending on the weather. I walked barefoot in the grass, drank at the fountain, then did some exercises. I was already in the best mood when I arrived at the pool, that again features beautiful nature and mountain views on both sides. A quick swim, then we were ready for breakfast.
Needless to say, breakfast was top quality, decorated by lit candles, featuring a wide range of classics, a beehive of local honey on display, no-gluten options, and home made jams.
The crowd was also
very pleasant: a healthy mix of ages and nationalities, and of course some Swiss tourists too.
Every window has a view, even at the pool
Water symphony
We spent the rest of the day hiking again, exploring the Flims waterway hike.
From the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sardona, the new Trugt dil Flem trail follows the Flem stream of Segnesboden through Europe’s largest landslide to Flims. It runs from the lower Segnesboden, right in the centre of the village. At times, the hiking trails follow directly through the river through the narrow gorge landscapes, across audaciously designed bridges, past waterfalls, water mills and water slides. A feast for nature lover, an almost meditative route, and great fun for Simba too, of course.
Was is really super?
When we checked out, I thought about the initial comment my dinner guest did: Adula Flims is “super, super, super!”. He was spot on, and I would recommend the hotel to anybody. Perhaps is the Michel Reybier hospitality – basically a quality stamp, that never disappoints. Or perhaps it was the mountain energy, coming from all the windows and from the earth itself. Or it was the people working there, treating us like royalty, but being easy going and friendly too. Or, last but not least, the pretty decor and little quirky details that made me look at every room again and again. Or the calm pool, or the relaxing vibe.
Whatever the reason, this hotel is one of the best values you can get in Switzerland, and feels like a real home, just more luxurious.
Adula Flims, I think I’ll be back!
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