JOAS for future
Because climate protection is not only important but should come naturally. Matthias and Tina talk about their philosophy – and provide an exciting insight into the unusual everyday life at JOAS.
You have realised a lifelong dream with JOAS. How did the idea arise?
Matthias: My parents, Leo and Helene, deserve a lot of thanks. They gave me and my own young family the opportunity, created the basis, so to speak, on which we could realise this lifelong dream. Together with Tina, we have created something of our own, something that inspires us and with which we can also make many other people, our guests, happy. It is a dream come true to be able to live and work within our own four walls. In what we consider the most beautiful place in the world.
How can we imagine running such a house? How do you combine your work with your family life?
Matthias: The heart and soul and the energy we put into our personal life project, the JOAS, are not enough on their own. Even a small, family-run house like ours needs more people to support it. We have a small, fine team of 4, 5 employees who work together fabulously, and we consider ourselves very lucky to have been able to count on these great, local employees for many years now.
Tina: Our children are also growing up with many guests. They experience the concept of hospitality first hand. It is normal for them. Since we also live in the house with our family, we are in the middle of it instead of just being there. Our children love to have a quick "Ratschale" (chat, short conversation) with our guests.
Sustainable tourism is on everyone's lips. How do you contribute to this at the JOAS, what is your idea of it?
Matthias: "Sustainability" has unfortunately become a bit of a buzzword. Everyone and anyone consider themselves sustainable – unfortunately, this is often just not the case. Nevertheless, the values for which this word stands have their raison d'être. The demands on us and our society have even grown. It is important for us to continue to be credible and to stand up for these values. We focus on local cycles and short distances in the procurement of our regional food. We also try to cultivate our roots: that’s what sustainability means to us.
Tina: We simply try to bring as much nature as possible into our house. Our landscape, nature, is our great asset. Appreciation of food, quality of products and, above all, regionality are very important to us.
What else distinguishes you from others?
Matthias: I believe that what's on the inside is what's on the outside. Often less is more, and we identify with this approach.
Tina: We are a very detailed, individual house, and due to our location and size, we are also very quiet. Our guests appreciate the informality and casualness that allows them to focus on the essentials. And it is nice when you feel comfortable and welcome during your holiday.
What is your heart beating for?
Matthias: First and foremost, for our family! Hoping we can be there for them for a long time to come.
Tina: For me, a conscious diet is the key to a happy, healthy life full of vitality. That's why I'm very concerned with the subject and have developed a great passion for good, regional cuisine. Most of the herbs we use come from our garden, where I nurture them with devotion. And because the eye also wants its part, I also live out my creative streak here – as in the decorative design in the house, among other things.
What do you think is the key to success for the JOAS?
Matthias & Tina: We want to consciously distance ourselves from "more and more and bigger" thinking and try to concentrate on the things that are important to us and implement them as well and authentically as possible.
