What makes your Deltapark Vitalresort so unique?

RUDOLF RATH, what actually appeals to you about working as the assistant director at Deltapark Vitalresort? What makes this “job” special?

It is a very interesting and exciting opportunity to become part of the success story of this great and up-and-coming company.

If you had to explain to a layperson what a hotel assistant manager does, what would you say?

The word “Vize” primarily means “deputy,” and in that sense, I stand in for the director in his absence and am therefore responsible for all matters concerning the entire organization. However, I generally do not define my position in the company by the title itself, but rather by the associated responsibilities and competencies.

You’ve had deep roots in the Thun region for many years and even served as director of the Hotel Freienhof in Thun. What fascinates you about Thun and the Lake Thun region?

It’s things like the perfect blend of nature, culture, a regional scale that’s easy to grasp, and the central location in the heart of Switzerland. I’d also like to mention the people, with their open and natural charm.

If you had to describe the Deltapark Vitalresort in three sentences, what would your advertising slogan be?

Experience the breathtaking natural beauty, the soothing tranquility, and the culinary delights of this magical place, and leave your everyday life behind. “Arrive, breathe deeply, unwind—a stay that does you good.”

Well said! You’re the perfect copywriter. If I were to ask you now about the four or five top tourist attractions on Lake Thun, what would you say?

Well, if I had to limit myself to four or five, I’d mention the picturesque Lake Thun, the rolling hills stretching all the way to the world-famous mountain ranges, the impressive castles around the lake, the city of Thun as a cultural and culinary hub, and the wide variety of day trip options to the Bernese Oberland and the Jungfrau Region.

So you've just sold the whole region… Where do you actually live?

In Gwatt near Thun, of course! Together with my wife Alexandra and my daughter Selina. MIRCO PLOZZA, how long have you known Rudolf Rath? Since 2010. When I moved to Lake Thun, Ruedi Rath was already at the Freienhof. The hoteliers in the region maintain good relationships with one another, so we got to know each other quickly.

You worked as a hotel manager in Canada until 2009, moved to Thun—to what was then the Gwatt Center—and now run the Deltapark Resort. How do you like living on Lake Thun?

Home! I was already familiar with the region from my time at the Thun Hotel Management School and my work in Wengen and Bern. Being able to live here is a privilege—we have everything anyone could wish for in terms of a high quality of life. That’s true of almost all of Switzerland, by the way, but here on Lake Thun, the “paradisiacal” qualities are especially pronounced: peace and quiet, mountains, the lake, cities, safety, order, cleanliness… the list goes on and on.

Do you ever go out on the lake from time to time?

Sure! Most likely on a stand-up paddleboard or while swimming …

What makes the Deltapark Vitalresort so unique?

Deltapark is unique because, in this day and age, we’ve managed to preserve this exceptionally spacious site right on the lake and revitalize it with outstanding infrastructure. We’re surrounded by nature reserves, yet we’re close to the city and very easy to reach. Furthermore, the Deltapark concept has always been a step ahead of its time. We wanted to bring together the realms of work and recreation and combine them with a holistic approach to wellness and health. This project is still a “work in progress.” But we believe in the success of this concept.

There are quite a few wellness and medical wellness resorts and hotels, including some in the Bernese Oberland. Once again: What sets the Deltapark Vitalresort apart—aside from its natural surroundings and location?

Only a few are attempting to bridge the gap and bring the business segment on board as well. Furthermore, there are only a few resorts that have genuine in-house expertise in the health sector. With our parent company, Klinik Schönberg, and the expertise it brings, we are far ahead of many others in this regard.

One final question for you as well: What are the five highlights at Lake Thun that a visitor absolutely must experience or visit?

1. Jogging/walking route: Deltapark–Kanderdurchstich–Strättligburg, then find one of the many benches and enjoy the view …

2. The Stockhorn and the surrounding area (yes, you can hike up or down).

3. The lakeside path from Spiez to Faulensee and the one from Deltapark to Thun.

4. One of the suspension bridges on the panoramic loop trail.

5. The guided tour “Eerie Thun—The Night Watchman Tells All” (must be booked as a group).

I could easily go on and on with this list and add lots more tips! You're really spoiled for choice here. Rudolf Rath and Mirco Plozza, thank you so much for the interview!

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The Deltapark Vitalresort: This 4-star superior hotel is situated in a quiet location on a 70,000 m² property and captivates guests with its clean, nature-inspired design and direct access to Lake Thun, bordering a nature reserve. The resort features 106 rooms in the 4-star superior and 3-star categories. Since June 2017, three luxuriously appointed “yachting-style” lakeside villas have expanded the range of accommodations. Four restaurants with different culinary specialties, a 2,000 m² wellness, spa, and medical area, as well as 800 m² of seminar space in the main building and the Waldhaus, round out the offerings. www.deltapark.ch

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