Flavia and Mario, what is your vision for Appenberg?
We want teams to accomplish more here than they would in the office, to eat well, sleep well, take a deep breath every now and then, and leave as a stronger community than when they arrived.

What does the Appenberg of the future stand for?
For us, Appenberg is a hotel village that naturally combines work and relaxation. We deliberately keep things simple and authentic; for example, there are no televisions in the rooms because quiet is good for you and because we consume media differently today. The historic buildings give the village its character, but we’ve updated the spaces, processes, and amenities to reflect modern tastes. In the kitchen, we focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, thereby boosting the local economy. We’re just as happy to welcome our neighbors as we are to welcome guests from all over Switzerland who simply want to spend a cozy evening with us.

What is the added value for your guests—why should a team come to you?
We want people to be able to focus on the content, not on the logistics. That’s why we work with all-inclusive packages that cover everything, and make sure that materials and equipment are simply there when you need them. Breaks happen when it’s convenient, not when the schedule dictates; lunch provides energy instead of making you tired, and if you want dessert later, you can just take it with you. Outside, paths invite you to take short walking meetings; inside, different seating heights and zones help get your thoughts moving. At the end of the day, what matters is that the group has made more progress than it did in the morning.

And what role do you play in this?
First, we listen to understand the group’s needs and goals. Then we provide the necessary framework to make things work, and we stay close by without imposing ourselves. We try to design everything so that it can be used intuitively.

How do you foster the sense of togetherness that you promise your guests within your own organization?
We prioritize clear responsibilities, trust, and mutual respect in our day-to-day work. We want our employees to be able to take on responsibility and contribute their ideas. Multifunctional roles—such as combining reception and customer service—make our workdays varied and keep communication lines short; we’re currently working on this with great care. We take good examples from our surroundings and adapt them to our business.

What makes the Appenberg special to you personally?
For us, the Appenberg is above all a place where people come together. The blend of Emmental architecture and nature right on our doorstep provides a soothing sense of calm and the perfect distance from everyday life. It’s exactly there that it becomes easier to slow down, gather your thoughts, and focus on what really matters. Technology supports us behind the scenes, but the core remains our sense of community. We create space for resilience, creative collaboration, and learning that extends beyond the day’s activities—whether in the morning during a seminar, in the afternoon on a walk, or in the evening around the long table. At the same time, we offer everything you’d expect from a great hotel. There’s authentic food, attentive service, and sleep that truly rejuvenates.

What has always annoyed you about hotels—and what won't you have at your place?
Confusing proposals that no one can make sense of. Whiteboard markers that don’t write. Endless waits at lunch or crowds at the buffet when everyone just wants to take a breather. We focus on transparent proposals, equipment that works, and processes that bring a sense of calm to the day.

What role do you play during the renovation?
We are part of the client’s core team and, together with specialist planners and architects, make decisions regarding the use of spaces, interior design, and communication during the construction phase. In addition, we handle the selection of furniture, tableware and cutlery, decor, signage, and concepts for the restaurant, seminars, and housekeeping. At the same time, we are expanding our network, refining our strategy, and defining our service offerings. We will be able to post our first job openings in early 2026.

It's a huge responsibility—and at the same time, the best job we've ever had!