Moar Gut: the enchanting Austrian resort that can’t do enough for families

Moar Gut family resort in the Austrian Alps is a magical experience for kids, and parents. Rebecca McVeigh and her 5-year old daughter immerse in the enchantment.

Enchanting Moar Gut, Austria

Driving from Salzburg through the Großarl Valley towards the family nature resort of Moar Gut is a journey I’ll never forget. Snow-laden pines impossibly perched on sheer mountain sides, majestic peaks towering above. The landscape is movingly beautiful, truly breathtaking.

As the road winds deeper into the Austrian Alps, the family nature resort of Moar Gut appears, its chalet style rooftops blanketed with snow, the lights twinkling like Christmas morning. The doors swing open to warmth, the sound of music (it’s Austria after all) and welcoming smiles.

Inside, families relax with hot chocolates in the lounge, while little ones play on wooden rocking horses and song fills the air. Welcome to Moar Gut, an Alpine wonderland built around family joy.

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Rebecca and Lola, Moar Gut

What makes Moar Gut so magical for families?

The Austrian resort is run by the Kendlbacher Family, who across four generations have developed Moar Gut, from a small farm inn to a 5-star resort. The mission is to reconnect families to nature and to each other. Fun here is screen free (although there is a cinema of course for cosy evening films together) and a sustainable approach ensures that all aspects of the resort are considered from an eco-conscious perspective.

Everything from the 1000m² Kinderhof (children’s play world) to the gorgeous spa facilities is designed to give each member of the family the best possible time. Moar Gut’s version of luxury focuses on meaningful experiences rather than excess.

My five-year-old daughter and I spent 3 magical nights at Moar Gut. This is how we got on.

Simply cosy, family suite, Moar Gut

Rooms that feel like home, but also like a five-star resort

Our suite, a spacious yet cosy Alpine hideaway clad in warm natural materials, was designed with family functionality in mind: underfloor heating, super comfy beds, plenty of storage and a large bathroom with a deep tub perfect for post snow soaks. My daughter took great delight in the sweet little wooden rocking horse in the lounge.

Accommodation ranges in size from 25m² square doubles to 115m² loft-style suites accommodating up to 7 guests, ensuring families of every size can settle comfortably. With just 46 rooms and suites across the resort, nothing feels crowded or overwhelming. There is space for everyone.

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Nature Kinderhof, Moar Gut

Moar Gut family resort is a children’s paradise

Moar Gut’s children’s world, the Nature Kinderhof, must be seen to be believed. Forget everything you know about soft-play chaos. Here, thoughtful design ensures play is both joyful and engaging for kids and parents.

The 1,000m² indoor-outdoor facility is crafted from natural materials like virgin wool, linen and sustainably sourced wood. Soft lighting, climbing nooks, rope swings, scooters and slides, all arranged to inspire imagination rather than overstimulation. There is a dedicated space for babies and toddlers.

A big highlight is the gigantic “ball pool”: 40,000 golden spheres made not from plastic, but from an organic compound, into which children can slide, sink and swim about with glee.

There’s a separate parent-free childcare area, staffed by multilingual carers and available daily from 9am to 9pm. Activities range from baking and painting to nature walks, farm visits and seasonal crafts. Childcare is included in the price and, if you want, kids can also have their meals there.

My daughter and I also enjoyed a special private art studio session. We had free rein to paint, play and get creative. It was great, messy fun. Private sessions like these can be booked with reception.

Making new friends, Moar Gut family resort

First riding lessons for my captivated five year old

At 10am, it’s time to feed the animals. Moar Gut has a lovely little animal farm. Every morning, children are invited to help feed the residents; alpacas, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, a donkey, ponies and horses.

In Moar Gut’s covered riding centre, my daughter enjoyed her very first pony ride. Her horse, the irresistibly sweet Gimbal, was led by instructor Annalina, who was warm and encouraging.

By the end of 20 minutes, my little one was mastering the, ‘look mum, no hands’, move and even riding backwards! Pure delight.

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Outdoor pool, Moar Gut family resort

Pool time and spa time at Moar Gut family resort

Four pools offer up a splashing good time. Underneath the impressive glass dome the panorama pool has a sensational view of the Großarl mountains. Kids swimming lessons take place here. Then there is a baby and toddler area with a well-designed non-slip pool bottom, warm water, slides and cosy area for parents.

The showstopper is the 25m heated outdoor pool, where you can swim surrounded by snow and the majesty of the Austrian Alps. Finally, the natural bathing lake is the heart and soul of the action come summer.

The adult’s only spa is a luxurious haven in which to unwind, recharge and recalibrate the body. Outside, a 36°C hot tub lets you soak surrounded by snowflakes, while indoors you can move between the purifying heat of the Finnish sauna complete with sensational Alpine vistas, the ice fountain and the gentle restorative glow of the infrared cabins.

As a reformer Pilates fan I was keen to try a class. What I wasn’t prepared for was the spectacular mountain backdrop. It certainly took my mind off those challenging planks!

Lola and Rebecca, Mountain Advent, Großarl village

Enchanting Christmas traditions add to the adventure

The resort organised an excursion to nearby Großarl village to experience its enchanting Mountain Advent celebration; twinkling Christmas stalls, hot waffles, toasted marshmallows, children’s Kinderpunsch (Christmas punch) and carols sung in Austrian dialect around crackling fires. A fairytale evening far from the heaving crowds of Christmas markets in bigger cities.

Back at the resort, families revel in winter play: sledging, tubing and beginner-friendly skiing on a gentle slope right outside. Do you want to build a snowman? You certainly can here. Indoors there’s a climbing wall, sports and even an awesome trampoline hall.

Teenagers too have their own space and activities. Summer brings tennis, mountain biking, climbing the via ferrata, archery, Segway fun and more. They’ll also love the interactive gaming room designed to encourage movement balance, coordination and endurance.

Moar Gut is built for every age and every stage from newborns to teens. It was lovely to see multi-gen groups with everyone from grandparents to teeny tinies having a great time together.

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Deliciously easy dining with kids

Moar Gut makes dining with kids deliciously easy

All meals are included, making dining delightfully stress-free. Each family has their own table for breakfast and dinner, a nice touch that gives little ones comforting consistency.

Breakfast offers both a generous buffet and made-to-order options. There’s even a Baby Bar stocked with purees and essentials.

A daily favourite: the help-yourself ice-cream station. We were loyal customers.

Menus celebrate local produce and Austrian favourites like apple strudel. Service is wonderfully kind. The staff, all dressed in traditional Austrian attire, take the time to greet children with genuine warmth and make each parent feel supported.

Lola taking in the view, Moar Gut

A resort that’s designed to reflect real family life

Several main buildings – accommodation, spa, fitness and children’s facilities – form the resort. But the masterstroke? They’re connected underground, meaning no bundling up in coats to move between them.

Need a pushchair? Just borrow one from the “Bugaboo garage”. Need a quiet moment? There’s always a cosy nook. Need space? There is always space; in the spa, in the lounge, and even in the Kinderhof at peak times.

It’s family luxury without the fuss or pretence. Onesies and slipper socks are perfectly acceptable at breakfast time.

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Neighbouring Großarl village, Austria

Our verdict? A perfect resort for unforgettable family holidays

I have never experienced anywhere quite like Moar Gut. It offers families something incredibly precious: being looked after while you look after each other.

From newborns to grandparents, everyone is welcome. Guests we met had travelled from Texas, Dubai and beyond; some on their second visit that year alone. And it’s easy to see why. Luxury here is about the rare gift of precious, undistracted time together. We left with full hearts, rosy cheeks and memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re dreaming of a magical family holiday, then Moar Gut might well be the best luxury family resort in Europe.