“We don't build hotels. We build places that families become dependent on.”

Why family vacations in 2026 must be a source of love

ALEXANDRA GORSCHE: Mr. Riffeser, the new Cavallino Bianco Caorle is considered a flagship project. What is the one idea—the famous “why?”—that ties everything together?
RALPH A. RIFFESER: I've been in the business for over 40 years, took over the Cavallino Bianco at the age of 27, and completely rebuilt it between 2001 and 2002. At that time, I established something that didn't exist before: luxury vacations for families – but not at the expense of the parents.

I build hotels where mom and dad can basically go on their honeymoon – and just take the kids with them. It was a flying start. Many colleagues, including in Austria, copied this later, but we have created something that has worked for decades: regular guests who came as children and now return with their own children.

When did you realize that you wanted to bring this family philosophy to the Adriatic?
Our guests always asked us the same question: “Where would you recommend for a seaside vacation?” I always went to the seaside with my mother—that was my dream. So I set out on a search. I traveled all over Italy, saw Tuscany, Sicily, everything. Nothing was right. Then, in 2010, I came to Caorle. It was like an old love song: “Aren't you the girl I liked back in school?” Suddenly, you recognize something that has always been there. I did my homework—and this time I didn't repeat the same mistakes I made at Lake Garda, where a project got bogged down in politics.

Which elements from St. Ulrich were non-negotiable for Caorle – and what was rethought?
The foundation is the same: around 100 units, exclusively for families with children. Exclusively. Otherwise, this model doesn't work. The suites are designed so that parents and children can be together – but also separately. Children have their own rooms with bathrooms, parents have their own area. If mom and dad need time to themselves, that's possible. This is not a classic family vacation, but a well-thought-out temporary living model.

What does “exclusive family tourism” mean to you in 2026?
Exclusive does not mean elitist. It means uncompromisingly focused on the needs of families. For us, that starts with babies and continues through to around twelve years of age. Preschool and school age are the core. And the children who grew up with us are welcome to stay – they already come back with their own children. We accompany families across generations. That's not marketing, that's reality.

Which “hidden needs” of modern families do you address particularly strongly in Caorle?
Time. Togetherness. Relief. We have a beauty farm, sauna and spa areas, indoor pools, fitness areas – and at the same time professional childcare. The season runs from Easter to January 6, covering all the relevant holiday periods. And very importantly: an underground car park for all cars. It sounds trivial, but it's a real stress factor for families. These are the things you only see when you're a father yourself.

What is the resort's design concept, and what role does the Venice lagoon play?
I wanted a Venetian palazzo fairytale castle for families. A house that combines Italian elegance, lagoon, lightness, and imagination. Every corner bears my signature. I was told, “You can't do that, it's too opulent.” But the authorities went along with it – I was able to let my imagination run wild like never before.

What are you most proud of architecturally?
The beach. We have five hectares, 250 meters of seafront, no sun loungers, but 54 cabanas—small wooden beach houses, three by four meters in size, with sofas, a table, a cooler, their own photovoltaic system, and a safe. You can go into the sea and leave everything behind. It's like a detached house on the beach. There are also artificial dunes with grasses like on Sylt. We maintain the sand like others maintain their ski slopes – so fine that it feels like a pool floor.

What sustainability standards will you set in 2026?
Luxury remains luxury. It's like a Porsche: when I drive a car like that, it consumes energy. But we do everything that makes sense: heat recovery, photovoltaics, water treatment, pool recovery systems. And we're working on the biggest adjustment: food waste. Guests are actively encouraged not to take too much. Sustainability starts small.

Which detail carries the most “Riffeser DNA”?
The beach. Without a doubt. What is being created there does not exist anywhere else in Italy – and is very rare worldwide. That is my statement.

What was the most emotional moment for you on the way to Caorle?
When it became clear that my dream was really going to be built. That I would be able to realize something that does not yet exist.

Complete this sentence: “The perfect family vacation in 2026 is...”
...a place you become addicted to.
A filling station for love.
A place where mom and dad can reconnect.

And what do you hope every family will realize about themselves after spending a week with you?
That they are a family again.
That they have grown closer.
That the children cry on the way home—because they want to come back.
Not because of the sea, but because they saw that mom and dad were happy there. That's true togetherness. Nothing fake.