“Today, many hotels are pet-friendly. After all, holidays with dogs and other pets are all the rage.
I tried out just how well a workation works with my Doberman in Chiemgau.” Bianca Schmid-Bartosch
If you’re able to leave your (home) office because your employer allows 20 days of workation a year, then I think you should make the most of it. Tessa, my one-and-one-half year old Doberman, isn’t a small dog. So I don’t want to fly with her until she can sit in the cabin in the seat next to me – the Italians are already setting an example on short-haul flights. But for now, travelling by car suits us just fine: we’ve booked a few days in the Bavarian Chiemgau region, at the Relais & Châteaux Gut Steinbach in Reit im Winkl. The plan: work during the day and explore the surroundings with my dog before and after.
All dog owners know that a trip always has to be planned with the hotel, the dog, and yourself in mind. I always prefer a ground-floor room in case Tessa needs to go out during the night – and this time I’m particularly lucky. As well as the rooms, the estate has seven chalets set around a natural swimming lake and within sight of the main building. And since it’s the off-season, we’re lucky enough to have one of them.
We’re given a very warm welcome at check-in. Tessa – we’re kindly told – is allowed into some of the restaurant’s dining rooms and onto the terrace. She’s not a fan of the spa and the swimming pond isn’t really her thing either. Just as well that dogs aren’t allowed in there anyway.
Our chalet is the smallest: 150 sqm of Alpine-style comfort with a living room, kitchen and sauna plus a terrace downstairs and two bedrooms with a balcony upstairs. Tessa starts watching the robot lawnmower go by and greets the other dogs in the chalets with a bark. I have a quick go at the internet – after all, I’ve got work to do here. But there are no lags or delays; Wi-Fi is excellent in the other parts of the hotel too.
A productive Bavarian workation
It’s the first heatwave of the year, so we spend most of our time outdoors. It’s a short walk to dinner, but it takes a bit longer when the other human-dog pairs take the same route. On the terrace of the ‘Heimat’ restaurant, various dogs are lying under the tables, whilst the food – awarded a Green Star by the Michelin Guide – is served on the tables. 80 per cent of the products here come from within a proximity of 80 km. The staff take plenty of time for us – they’re interested, very friendly, and dog lovers. Tessa doesn’t know what to make of all the compliments and cuddles.
A little later, she’s fast asleep downstairs in the chalet on her own cushion; the hotel has provided a bowl and some treats. In the morning, we explore the woods and rivers around the estate – an Alpine dream.
At 8 o’clock sharp, I switch on my laptop. Breakfast, which is delivered to the chalet by request, is hot, fresh, and arrives right on time. I work on the terrace. Tessa is lying on a spot next to me. Every now and then, we both have a drink of spring water. A workation can be so Bavarian – and so productive.
Whilst Tessa is having her afternoon nap, I’m drawn to the 2,000-sqm spa: a 16-metre pool, saunas, and a facial. Even in winter, the view here must be a dream.
Conclusion: a slight grumble from Tessa as I pack the car after three days. As relaxed and focused as I was whilst working, I was still able to enjoy the new adventures with my dog.
Bianca Schmid-Bartosch …
… is Head of Group Compliance at a German lorry manufacturer and works from home four days a week. She is allowed to apply for a ‘workation’ in another European country for 20 days, subject to strict rules. While her dog sometimes gets a bit impatient at home, he was totally relaxed during their workation at Lake Chiemsee.
Photos: private, Gut Steinebach