Tuesday 19 December 2017

Why you should consider Merinanny ski nanny in the Alps






The childcare secret to a great family holiday in the snow

 A winter holiday in the Alps
The winter wonderlands of the Alps are breathtakingly beautiful and the ideal location for a winter break. Great weather, good quality snow, excellent resorts and great hospitality with classy après ski are just a few of the many reasons why you should choose a holiday here. A winter vacation is a great way to bond with your family. Just like the beach, snow is magical for kids. And they will be spending a lot of active hours outdoors in the fresh mountain air. It is also an ideal opportunity for your kids to learn how to ski. Young children are fearless and their small stature and adaptability makes the sport much easier to learn than for an adult. Many ski school classes in the Alps are setup to allow kids to learn with peers and parents can ski on their own in the meantime.

The challenges of a ski vacation with young kids


While the Alps offer the perfect setting for a family vacation, a ski holiday with kids does have its challenges. What if your children are younger than the recommended age of three, the ideal age for starting ski lessons? You certainly want to enjoy your winter holiday together with all the members of your family. You may be apprehensive at the idea of taking your toddlers to the mountains. And when you do bring them, it can be frustrating if you cannot fully enjoy the slopes or the well-deserved apres ski because your kids are waiting to be picked up from the kids club. You may not want to bring the grandparents to your chalet to help you with babysitting. And even if your children are old enough to go skiing, there are situations in which you may need some extra help. From the wrong skis to lost gloves, the need to use the loo after the kids are all dressed in their ski gear.


What can help you?


A Merinannies ski nanny in the Alps

The only way for parents to truly unwind and enjoy the holidays together, whether it’s skiing in the Alps or relaxing on a beach, is once they feel that their children are happy, safe and well looked after. A Merinanny ski nanny will solve your problems; you will have time for ski, après ski and personal time.
Fun Indoors

If your children are too young to hit the slopes, a Merinanny ski nanny will provide quality childcare in the day and private babysitting in the evening. She will come to your accommodation with bags of planned to age activities and games. The children will warmly play indoors if the weather is bad or snowy. They will enjoy puzzles, imaginative play, sing songs, dance around and have lots of laughs. There will be glitter and colour; arts and crafts, card making and snowflake drawings are a few of the creative ideas a Merinanny would provide.
Fun Outdoors
The Merinanny can also take the children outdoors to play areas or soft playgrounds. And what about a treasure hunt, building a snowman, snow painting, gondola rides, hot chocolates, swimming, ice skating, shopping?! The nanny can use the buggy or sledge to stroll to the villages and local events and meet other children to play together. Finally, she can just take some quiet time with your little ones by the fire reading a book and relax.
The nanny can help children practise putting their skis on and slide on the snow to gain confidence and have some fun. She can also help drop off and pick up your children from the ski school or meet them on the slopes for lunch.

All Merinannies are qualified and experienced first class private nannies with a first aid certificate, DBS and reference checked. There are special needs trained Merinannies too for individual needs, and multilingual nannies. 




Making Memories together

A Merinanny ski nanny in the Alps gives free time to parents. She will make sure that children will have a great time too. A Merinanny is confident to work with children of all ages and she has a great source of ideas and ways to help the children spent their time purposefully. The nanny will adjust to the needs of your children and create a tailor made program based on their interests. She will follow the children's routines and parents’ advice. A winter vacation with a Merinanny in the Alps will result in quality days for all members of the family. Enjoying the time spent together you will be making lots of new memories.



Would you like to see Merinannies in action? Follow them on the snowy Alpine slopes via  Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

 
By Celeste Tat. Celeste is a Dutch Family Travel Blogger. She is the creator of the Family Experiences Blog, a family travel blog focussed on luxury vacations and quality family time. Celeste is mother of two young girls.
















By Celeste Tat. Celeste is a Dutch Family Travel Blogger. She is the creator of the Family Experiences Blog, a family travel blog focussed on luxury vacations and quality family time. Celeste is mother of two young girls.

Friday 8 December 2017

Why a Merinanny?





We have asked one of our long standing, loyal families to give an opinion on the childcare service we provide and what makes them book with us.

“We have been booking Merinannies for the last ten seasons in Meribel, Chamonix and St Anton. Since their t-shirts were pink to purple and black. Every year when we plan our family ski trip in the Alps we ask Katia where she has placed nannies and then we decide where to go.

Here are the main reasons we book with Merinannies year after year:

They are personable and genuine. Katia is always available on the phone to give advice and she replies her emails promptly and thoroughly. She is a mother and an early years teacher so we can share the worries and anxieties.

Unlike other agencies, Merinannies professional nannies are respected and paid well, therefore they are happy and committed to work for Merinannies. Merinannies provide them with good living conditions in resort too, which is not normal for seasonnaires.

All their nannies come checked and referenced and most have worked with this agency for a few years. It is obvious they love what they are doing, and by not being employed by the agency, they have the freedom to enjoy their chosen resort.

They are flexible and understanding, and will go an extra mile to help.

The agency can provide special needs nannies so a parent with such requests can rely on their expertise and enjoy their holiday.

Finally they are the longest standing childcare agency in the Alps and have an excellent guestbook, so why look elsewhere?”

Happy smiles everywhere.


Tel     +44 7860925055

Thursday 7 December 2017


MERIBEL. The heart of the Three Valleys.


One of the most popular family ski resorts in the Alps.


As a town, you will never run out of things to do and see. The Olympic Centre alone (situated next to the Chaudanne, the main lift station) packs in activities like bowling, ice-skating and indoor swimming, with a spa & fitness centre also located inside. There are bars, restaurants, and ski shops aplenty in this remarkable town. Buzzing with life and energy, Meribel is an all-rounder when it comes to selecting ski resorts.

The slopes accommodate for skiers of all levels. Within the Meribel valley, there is an ample variety of pistes ranging from Green to Black. Snowparks, olympic slopes, and kids ski zones can all be found here. The ski resort is not only very family-friendly, but is also popular for many youngsters, couples, and retirees.

The Meribel resort is equipped with 53 lifts, 76 runs, and over 150km of piste. The highest peak reaches 2952m, with more than 85% of the resort situated at least 1800m above sea level, making for ideal conditions.

The latest snow reports reveal snow depths of 89cm in the upper part of the resort, with 30cm in the lower part. Forecasts show more snow to come this Friday (+19cm) and Saturday (+16cm), arriving just in time for the Opening Day of Meribel and the Three Valleys Ski Area.

If you are looking to book, or have booked, a family ski holiday to Meribel, it’s never too late to reserve a nanny. Merinannies provide qualified experienced nannies who are first aided and insured for peace of mind.

Call us today on:   +44 (0)7860925055  – or –  Email:   info@merinannies.com

Monday 4 December 2017

ST ANTON CHILDCARE


Image result for st anton am arlberg



If there is one resort that should be on your bucket list of places to ski, it’s ST ANTON AM ARLBERG. This exuberant Austrian resort is one where the sublime slopes can be enjoyed by families as well as the avid snow shredder. St Anton, one of the 7 ski resorts making up the Arlberg area, is well-known as a lavish, high-spirited town with lots to do in the small area it covers. There are always changes and additions made to the resort, keeping it on its toes with the latest trends and answering to the wants and needs of its visitors, making it the go-to place for many families, couples and other ski enthusiasts.

Snow has already fallen in St Anton, with a dump of 20cm just a few days ago, and more is expected starting this Friday. The latest snow report reveals the upper part of the resort to have a snow depth 125cm, giving the eager skiers a head-start into the season. The Arlberg area contains 305km of pistes and 88 lifts. Today, 161km of piste is open for skiing, along with 50 lifts, which means the ski area is already at an operational level.

Now if you have booked, or are thinking of booking, a ski holiday to St Anton with the family and you want time to experience the vast range of slopes and off-piste powder the resort has to offer, in addition to some of the best après ski bars in the Alps (like the legendary Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh), there is no reason for the kids to hold you back. Our qualified nannies are there to take care of the little ones so you can enjoy the resort from top to bottom.



0044 7860925055

Saturday 4 November 2017

Roxane's move to St Anton !

Roxane has been with us for two seasons in Megeve. She loved her time in this beautiful upmarket village busying herself with childcare and painting, but time has come for the move.

Roxane decided to taste the adventures of a new more lively resort and this season will be based in St Anton in Austria. Already bilingual with English and French it is time to practice some German too.
http://www.merinannies.com/index.php/resorts/st-anton

Roxane is particularly interested in drawing and painting with children, even the very young ones, and often our families comment on how long the children get engaged with enthusiasm in such activities. A lover of nature Roxane also enjoys taking the children out in the snow making snow sculptures.

We can't wait to welcome Roxane in St Anton in December!
http://www.merinannies.com/index.php/booking-price

Tuesday 24 October 2017

Another exciting return

Anna's return to the Alps brings excitement and new opportunities

Soon will be my second winter season with Merinannies, and I couldn't be more excited!
As an independent educator who loves travelling, being a nanny for Merinannies (and its summer-sister KidsInGreece) has been an incredible work opportunity! I spent last year's festive season in Megeve, a picturesque ski resort in the stunning French Alps, where work and play were perfectly combined! 
What I like most about Merrinannies is that I am treated with care and professionalism, and what they expect in return, is simply the same. Our agent makes sure everything runs smoothly before and during the work period, and I always feel confident and well supported. Exactly what I need in order to be happy and creative around young kids!

This winter season I will be travelling to France and Austria for some new nanny adventures! I can't wait!
Anna


Anna will be available on special request
www.merinannies.com
07860925055 



Wednesday 4 October 2017

Looking forward to winter


Jessica's return for winter 17.18 in Meribel

Jessica is a qualified level 7 Early Years Teacher, with a full paediatric first aid and a DBS check.   She has experience working and volunteering with children aged 0-14 over the past 7 years. Jessica especially loves working with babies and young children, and has had sole care of babies overnight for a 24 hour period. She has worked in range of settings from schools, nurseries, outdoor forest schools and two seasons nannying in Meribel. All of this experience has provided Jessica with the ability to adapt to each child's individual needs, providing fun, stimulating and safe activities specifically catered to your child's interests.  
Jessica knows the resort of Méribel well and knows where to find all the fun outdoor activities your child may want to partake in on a ski holiday, such as sledging, snow man building, and hot chocolate trips. She also has a box full of craft on those days when the weather is not permitting. 
Jessica is committed to working to your families needs, keeping your children safe and entertained so you can relax on your ski holiday, knowing your children are happy and cared for.'


We are looking forward to having this gem back!
www.merinannies.com

Saturday 9 September 2017

When something revitalises you never give it up

As summer is slowly drawing to an end, we get feedback not only from our families but from our nannies, who are the key to years of our success.

Here is a late one from one of our long term loyal nannies....

"Looking back in the past four years, I would like to warmly thank Katia for our wonderful time together... It is the 4th summer season of our cooperation and I have only beautiful memories to share! With Kidsingreece and Merinannies I have met wonderful people and travelled to several destinations gaining invaluable experiences. All this would not have happened without Katia's help. Katia takes genuine care of us individually, she advises and supports unconditionally by always being there in every step of each job at anytime of the day !Katia says "when something revitalises you never give it up, no matter of age or situation"....But most importantly Katia has huge knowledge in matters involving childcare, and customer and nanny satisfaction. Many thanks one more time, I hope we will continue to work together for many more years to come!"

How we do it....well, it's all about passion for caring. They say what you put in, you get back...

www.merinannies.com
www.kidsingreece.com







Friday 4 August 2017

NOT JUST FOR THE ISLANDS

Greece offers more than beautiful islands, sandy beaches and the sun...

This month we have one of our nannies working for the second season in Monemvasia, a town in Peloponese.

Monemvasia in Greece is one of the most impressive places in the country. Carved on the back side of a sea rock in the Medieval times, it was not visible from the mainland, so that the locals could avoid enemy attacks. The only way to reach the Rock was by boat, but now there is a paved pathway to join the Rock and the castle with the mainland, this is where the name Monemvasia comes from.

A "single passage" into history.

Today most of the old mansions have been converted into guesthouses and boutique hotels. Outside the Rock, there is a new modern town and the walks into the castle town are telling stories of the past.
Holidays in Monemvasia are different and very popular for families.
They can be combined with day trips to Gythio, Mystras, Neapolis and other regions of the south Peloponnese.

Arts and crafts for slightly older children below have kept them busy and creative, thanks to the nanny's artistic imagination and flair....




www.kidsingreece.com

Saturday 29 April 2017

Protomagya

What is Protomaya

May Day celebrations ( a reason to visit Greece this time of year) mean a celebration of Spring.
According to legend May was named after the Roman goddess Maia ( Greek word for midwife, mother and nurse). In the Ancient time this month was dedicated to Dimitra, the goddess of agriculture, and her daughter Persephone, who would return to her mother each May after spending her winter in the underworld with Adis ( Hades). One of the celebrations was Anthesteria, the first Greek flower festival as both Greeks and Romans believed that flowers represent the beauty of the gods and bring power, happiness, health and glory .
May Day is a bank holiday in Greece and families pick up flowers to make a Mayatiko Stefani/ May Day wreath. The process of making this brings people closer to nature. The wreaths are decorated by the whole family, especially with the help of children, singing and dancing, and they hang on the doors, balconies and walls.
What a great start of the season!


www.kidsingreece.com



Friday 6 January 2017

The delightful village of MEGEVE in the eyes of our nanny....






Megève is a very cute and authentic village in Haute-Savoie, Chamonix Valley, the French Alps. The little church Saint Paul rings it's bells every hour right in the centre, close to the famous ski design shop Allaard. On the main square, a huge Christmas tree is rising up and shines upon Megève. It is one of the most magical sight you can expect when you come to enjoy winter holidays. Indeed, the king of the village stays up till the end of the season ! Near by, on the ancient pavement, beautiful horse-carriages are waiting to take you on nice tours all around the city and country-side. Of course, the car free streets are perfect for shopping, and you can find either cosy or prestigious restaurants Michelin- stared. There are also a few bars and nightclubs, even an outdoor bar right in front of the Christmas tree, where it is typical to have a vin chaud or hot chocolate ! Art galeries are another attraction there.

For kids, Megève has everything, beside an easy and large variety of slopes (the cable connection is one of the most practical). A little ice-ring and an icy mini-quad circuit in the centre, a big outdoor playground, a sleighing area, a summer sleigh (kind of roller-coaster), many walks to discover following the littles bridges along the river… There is a big indoor structure as well : Le Palais des Sports. Further along, an Olympic ice ring with music, a 3 floor library with a very comfortable space for little kids, a swimming pool, an inflated castles gymnasium , a ping-pong table, a tennis court, a climbing wall, and for the parents, a brand new spa/sauna/hammam/balneo complex !

During the season, the city organises several events like the Polo Master and winter golf cup in January, and the famous Jazz Festival in March. To put it in a nutshell, Megève is not only a typical charming village, it has so many cultural and sporty attractions for every taste and age! So, even when the snow is not there, the whole family will always find something new to do every day !
By Roxane
www.megeve-nannies.com
www.merinannies.com