This year's autumn spoils us. September and October are warm and allow you to enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities. It's true that we may long for longer days, but the shorter ones also bring many sunny moments that are worth taking advantage of.
So I thought that for many of us, week-long holidays or those more distant in terms of distance, during which we spend many hours in the car or train, may no longer be the ideal solution for our days off. On the other hand, however, a thought comes to mind - do you have to go to the other end of the world to relax? I'm sure not. Therefore, I invite you, the inhabitants of the Tricity, for a short break on... Sobieszewska Island, located 15 km from the Old Town of Gdańsk, to GRANO HOTEL SOLMARINA.
Photo: GRANO HOTEL SOLMARINA, Sobieszewo
While writing this article, I remember a recent conversation during which my young parents told me about their first trip with a recently born child to... their city. I must admit, I felt intrigued and didn't fully understand the reason for this choice. However, their idea turned out to be very reasonable in my opinion.
Before the birth of their child, the couple was really active in traveling - they estimated that they spent more than half of their weekends "somewhere", closer or further, but always away from home. Of course, when they became parents, they realized that these habits might have to be put aside for a shorter or longer time in the waiting room. However, when they managed to overcome the first challenges related to the appearance of a young person in the world, they thought it would be good to return to at least some of the old traditions.
The only option was a really short car trip, as the toddler was not a fan of the car seat. At the same time, the less than half an hour from leaving home to checking into the hotel was nourishing for parents. The hotel room, which was a completely new space for the child, turned out to be fascinating, and the boy calmed down more than at home, which he had already gotten to know a little. And, most importantly, if it turned out otherwise, retreat and return home would not be a problem, as in the case of a long journey halfway across the country. Perfect for the first time.
Completely different factors were also important - calmer parents who did not have to worry about who of them would prepare breakfast or lunch today and who would unload the dishwasher after dinner. Besides, regardless of the age of the children, I have the impression that in many conversations with parents about holidays, there is the theme of not having to cook several dishes so that everyone gets what they want.
Photo: Solmarina Restaurant at GRANO HOTEL SOLMARINA
And the Solmarina restaurant really has a lot to choose from, especially if you are or plan to become a lover of cuisine full of fish and seafood. The wealth of flavors and aromas will delight gourmets, but will certainly be a break from everyday dishes cooked with the youngest in mind (although there will be something delicious for them too). If you need a bit of finesse and to stimulate your taste buds with more exquisite compositions, be sure to try the served oysters and grilled octopus.
Happy parents mean a happy child. Therefore, when spending at least one night in such new circumstances, it is worth thinking about what is not always possible in everyday life, often full of returning home in traffic jams, overtime, and running out of minutes - a breath for the body and spirit.
Photo: Wellness zone with a swimming pool at GRANO HOTEL SOLMARINA
The SPA & Wellness zone in Solmarina has beautiful, atmospheric interiors, designed to help you find solace. Comfort and well-being are certainly easier when we know that the "trip" to a massage, treatment, sauna or jacuzzi takes only a few seconds and that's all that separates us from the other parent or guardian taking care of the child in the room. I am convinced that happiness must be helped, and a weekend in a hotel designed for solace and harmonious relaxation is the first step to this.
However, if your children are a bit older or the idea of staying out all night is not yet within your family's reach, pay attention to the Solmarina Sundays offer - an excellent initiative combining delicious brunches with all-day access to the swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. Everything to relax and enjoy carefree autumn moments!
Photo: Swimming pool with a view of the marina at GRANO HOTEL SOLMARINA
You may be wondering why I suggest traveling to Sobieszewo Island and not simply to Gdańsk. Invariably, as in previous articles, I believe that Sobieszewo is a haven of peace, beautiful nature and a place where you can really breathe in silence interrupted by the rustle of trees and the sounds of birds. So what more do young parents need?!
If you have an older child on board or you are a child's curiosity, I encourage you to walk to the rhythm of the prepared field game - The Treasure of Sobieszewo Island. I think it's a really good idea for family interactions, some adventures and memories, and at the same time beautiful time spent in the fresh, iodine-filled air :)
Photo: Beach on Sobieszewo Island
The game was prepared by the City of Gdańsk and the Gdańsk Tourist Organization a few years ago, but it still works - I tested it two days ago :) It requires downloading the free "Quests VisitGdansk" application to your phone (in my case, it required more inventiveness, because it didn't work right away ) and constant access to the Internet.
The puzzle that needs to be solved refers to Ludwik Plenty, an explorer and traveler. Wandering between the points displayed on the smartphone screen, we learn about the beautiful corners of the Island and its history. Each task brings us closer to the final. Some of them are simple, others require thinking or looking for answers, but we can always count on hints from the application.
Photo: "Quests VisitGdansk" application
The game has three stages:
I admit that I started with stage 2 by mistake, but it didn't stop me from having fun and enjoying the walk in a different way ;) However, I will add that the distance between the last task in stage 2 and the task in stage 3 is considerable, which is important when children play with us. I would then recommend covering this section by bike, bus or car.
Is it worth it? In my opinion, yes - children see the world differently than adults and often a walk itself is too boring for them, they need additional tasks and to prove themselves. And this is the perfect way, requiring nothing from adults other than turning on the application and letting themselves be carried away by the shared adventure.
The treasure will be something different for each of us. Young parents will probably appreciate the opportunity to change their perspective, take a moment to breathe and recharge their batteries in the SPA, as well as taste something delicious. A new place, peace and quiet around may be soothing for your baby. Older children are unlikely to refuse to play in the pool and go on a trip with a map, even one on the phone, and time together with a relaxed mom and dad is always worth its weight in gold.
I hope this concept is also close to you and you will find autumn inspiration for yourself in it :)
Photo: Relaxation in the Wellness zone at GRANO HOTEL SOLMARINA
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