Let us introduce the Gerstl family
The Gerstl Family
NEVER GROW UP
“Always keep that little bit of childhood”
Researchers have long since realised how important it is to keep that little spark of magic from our childhood days alive. That's why we, the Gerstl family, are all the more delighted to present DAS GERSTL Family Resort as the first family hotel directly on Lake Resia following intensive planning.
Our mission? In the words of host Marion Gerstl: "To create a unique place of power brimming with heartfelt encounters - an energy that puts the child, the person and the family at the very centre and allows us to grow together."
Lukas Gerstl
My mum always said that I was a wildly curious child. From an early age, I looked into my father's cooking pots in the kitchen and tasted the odd cream. So it was no surprise that I decided to do an apprenticeship as a chef. I completed my training at the Belvita Hotel Lindenhof in Naturns, where I learnt a lot for my future career. It was clear to me that I wanted to continue running my parents' business: that was in December 2009.
My life motto: I love professional challenges and so we are currently realising our dream: THE GERSTL Family Retreat directly on Lake Resia, 600 m as the crow flies from the Belpiano valley station.
My favourite place in the region: sailing around the tower on Lake Resia alongside my sailing companions and enjoying the Vinschgau mountain landscape.
I'm happy when: I take my wife Marion and our daughters Gioia Marie and Stella to show them the beautiful corners of the Vinschgau. In this spirit: "Life is a journey. Enjoy every single moment."
Where can you find me at our DAS GERSTL retreats: I love chatting to our guests at reception, planning with our architect in the marble bar, in the office where I love tidiness on my desk (this is where my wife differs from me...), at our r30 aperitif on the panorama terrace or at the GERSTL kitchen party or simply around the house doing an inspection tour - simply wherever I'm needed.
My insider tip for your family holiday at DAS GERSTL: the hike to the Reschner Alm is a true highlight and a small yet manageable challenge for our guests who love the mountains.
Marion Gerstl
Growing up in the Parc Hotel am See directly on Lake Kaltern, I ran the hotel together with my parents and my brother Marcus and, above all, managed the hotel reception. I have always been committed to the further development of the Kaltern am See tourist region and the hospitality culture of South Tyrol. Love then took me to the Venosta Valley: My husband Lukas and our two daughters Gioia Marie and Stella are my great personal happiness.
I feel very much welcome in my new home in the beautiful Vinschgau with my experience and warmth.
My life motto: it is what it is. But it becomes what you make of it! (from R. Arendt)
My favourite hike by Lake Resia: take the mountain lift up to the mountain station at 2,300 metres above sea level and enjoy the wonderful panoramic trail, passing old Swiss stone pines and with views overlooking the Langtaufers Valley and the Ortler massif. The Haider Alm is your destination for refreshments.
I'm happy when: I see how our distant dream about a family hotel has become reality and how the younger guests turn wide-eyed at the sight of the bunnies in our hotel bar.
Where I can be found in our DAS GERSTL Family Retreat: without a doubt at our r30 aperitif event on Monday evening and at our popular GERSTL's kitchen party on Friday evening. Things do tend to get quite interesting, because of course there are our princesses Gioia Marie and Stella. It's all about ensuring good time management, but I am confident and won't be easily flustered.
My insider tip for your feel-good holiday at DAS GERSTL: to finally enjoy time with your family. There's nothing better. When I asked our daughters after one of our family breaks what they liked the most, the answer was: “That we were all together and had time for each other.”
Sarah Gerstl
I grew up together with my siblings Jürgen, Marion and Lukas in the hotel - at that time still Gasthof Gerstl - and we always had contact with our hotel guests even as children. After graduating from the hotel management school in Merano, I worked in various hotels and did internships in South Tyrol and on the Adriatic coast. Afterwards I completed the training as a health trainer in exercise and nutrition in Innsbruck. Since 2012 I have managed the hotel reception at DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat - together with my brother Lukas and my parents. In the meantime I have become a mum for the 2nd time and our Felix (born 2020) is a big brother. Our Frieda (born 2023) perfectly complements our family happiness. I am now back at the hotel and am looking forward to seeing our guests and the staff and being present as your host.
My favourite place by Lake Resia is the Tiergartenspitze peak in the Langtaufers Valley. This is where you have the chance to see ibexes as well as enjoying great views.
My insider tip for your family holiday at Das Gerstl: the gourmet market is sure to entice visitors again and again, after all I have a sweet tooth!
Where I can be found in our DAS GERSTL Family Retreat: chatting with our younger guests at the hotel reception, clowning around because I have a talent for acting or, as I said, at the gourmet market - purely for quality control purposes.
The thing I love about my job is that there's nothing better than seeing so many happy children's faces.
My motto: The world belongs to the one who enjoys it. Giacomo Leopardi (1798 - 1837)
Susanne Gerstl
When I was young, I learned the tools of the hospitality trade in various Swiss hotels. There I also met my husband Martin and together we returned to South Tyrol. In May 1978 I moved from my hometown Planeil to the opposite side of the valley and we got married in 1984.
My favourite place in the family hotel: simply enjoying a homemade piece of cake out on the panoramic terrace while some of my darling grandchildren are visiting and we play UNO.
I'm happy when: my eight sweet grandchildren Gioia Marie and Stella, Sophie and Elias, Nina and Moritz as well as Felix and Frieda come to visit me and I can tell them stories.
Where I can be found in our DAS GERSTL Family Retreat: I'm not exactly sure. I don't have a driving licence but I'm sure I'll find someone from the family or the team to take me to Lake Resia. I'm already looking forward to seeing the astonished faces of the younger guests.
My insider tip on what you absolutely shouldn't miss on holiday at DAS GERSTL: I'm fascinated by children's yoga and I'll see if I can give it a go myself.
Martin Gerstl
My parents ran a simple tavern on the mountain, close to the Watles skiing and hiking area in the Upper Venosta Valley near Burgeis. Together with my 10 siblings, we grew up there between guests and haymaking. Even as a little boy, I was always in the kitchen with my mum, who fed our guests hearty meals. After working in various hotels in Switzerland and Austria, I learned how to cook and took over the growing Gasthof Gerstl together with my wife Susanne. With our children Jürgen, Marion, Lukas and Sarah, there was never a dull moment.
Since handing over the business to our son Lukas, I have been active as a hiking guide - in summer and in winter with the snowshoes - and enjoy the nature around the Upper Vinschgau.
Where can I be found at DAS GERSTL: I'm not exactly sure yet, but I'll certainly be keeping an eye on all the splendour of the plants around the establishment and supporting the gardeners.
My favourite place in the region: relaxing on the terrace of the Reschner Alm with a wheat beer after a ski tour, hike or bike tour.
My insider tip on what you absolutely shouldn't miss on holiday at DAS GERSTL Family Retreat: a hike to Piz Lad offers unique views overlooking Lake Resia, the Zugspitze and the Engadin.
I'm happy when: I'm riding my bike around Lake Resia and enjoying the expanse over the mountains.
