News & Specials–News

Dear guests,

It has been just under two weeks since we voluntarily closed our hotel. Since then, we have been pampering just two handfuls of rehabilitation patients in the courtyard. To ensure that they don't get lost in the large building, only the Flickflauder restaurant has remained open for them. I hope that the delicate orchids, which Hermann Knoblauch was able to order in time, will bloom long enough.

The friendly veranda has been transformed into a modest coffee shop. There, our lively Robert invites the few guests to tea and cake and accompanies them musically on his piano. Only a few employees are on duty. Our trainees in particular are working under expert supervision to ensure that their internships and apprenticeships can continue. The hotel lobby and bar, as well as the Schotte Sepp Stube, are closed. The hair salon remains dark, the water in the hotel pool has been drained, the beauty treatment rooms are cool, and the massage tables are covered with towels.

Today's afternoon in particular touches my heart

Normally, I rush home on Wednesday evenings to welcome our guests for an aperitif in traditional Appenzell costume. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Where the apple salad usually stands and where the "Schlorzifladen" has its place, everything remains empty. Even in the management office, where five of us usually work, there is no one to be seen. Roberto Wittwer is not sitting at his desk in his Appenzell shirt. He is at home helping his two primary school children with their homework on the computer. Christian Huber, who usually checks the evening menus, is also missing. He is probably walking with his little daughter Mia through the quiet streets of Appenzell. And I would much rather see my husband Christian Lienhard here – busy, planning and organizing. But he is at home cooking for us, for his family. Just like every other day during this time. Our daughters Lorena and Sofia are following a lecture online. One thing stands out. We have never had so much dad in the last 23 years. It's a wonderful experience. Even our dog Hira finds the long hikes very unusual.

A place for matters of the heart

Chief physician John Keel is taking good care of his patients and is ready to implement any further cantonal regulations. Prisca Peterer is taking the opportunity to reintegrate the planning for our spa and rehabilitation patients into the health center. In addition, there is also plenty of free time for both of them, as well as for all the other employees.

Marketing activities should not come to a standstill. Courageous foresight paired with flexibility are called for. What has changed during this time of emergency? To understand this, let's think back from the near future. This focus could show us: what was, what is, what can remain...

With this image in mind, I leave the hotel and discover the many daffodils blooming on our terrace lawn on my way home. If they were roses, I would inevitably think of Sleeping Beauty. Everything around the courtyard is quiet and almost deserted.

This is how we are being kept waiting, allowing our hotel to enjoy its slumber for a little while longer. We are eagerly awaiting the moment when the doors and gates open and guests and staff alike shine with joy and cheerfulness.

Fortunately, we are all healthy. Our dear farm team is doing well under the circumstances. We all miss the wonderful encounters with you and the pleasant conversations very much. After all, that is what makes our farm so special. A place where the heart is at home.

With this in mind, dear Hof Weissbad guests, I wish you the best of health and all the best. Please hang in there so that we can shake hands again very soon.

From the heart, from house to house.

Your host
Damaris Lienhard