Bavaria: Champagne Nights

Anyone who goes to Germany and skips Bavaria is really missing something. The Free State of Bavaria is what legends, folklore and tales of royal families are made of. It’s misty mountains, dark foliage and stunning countryside. While the Bavarian capital, Munich, provides the old-city charm, driving into the mountains is breathtaking. It’s also just across the Austrian border, easily accessible from Salzburg. Bavarian King Ludwig II’s royal castle Linderhof with beautiful parks and 19th century Romanesque-revival palace Neuschwanstein are splendid examples of the architecture and opulence of the era. The latter has appeared in many movies and was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty castle. With wonderful summer and ski resorts and spas dotting the Bavarian mountains, you are spoilt for choice. But for the easy proximity to Munich and the understated classiness of the resort, Bachmair Weissach is quite unparalleled. Much like the affluent Mumbaikars who would take off for the weekend to a luxe spot in the hills, the chic local set find themselves near Lake Tegernsee, enjoying the countryside and the untouched views.

Dashing wheels, sophisticated conversations and champagne murmurs add the ambience to the resort’s classy interiors and charming locale. Fifteen minutes from the beautiful lake, the property is chic rustic, with light wood interiors. The rooms, overlooking the mountains and near a bubbling brook, are spacious and plush, with a fine balance of muted pastel colours. From Etro bath accessories and clever tea bags with perforations to a Samsung tablet in the room for room service, the hotel serves up luxe in more ways than its fabulous fine dining restaurant (while the other restaurants are equally enjoyable and accommodating even to vegetarian requirements or children). The host and sommelier of Laulenzi is amiable and the five-course meal is ably wrapped up with a delicious dessert of strawberries floating in a bed of champagne teased with tempered white chocolate rolls. It’s easy to linger on and take in the well-dressed weekenders. Not to miss the many guests proudly turned out in the local dirndl (traditional dress).

The resort is designed to be child-friendly, with a monitored children’s activity centre and indoor sports. Nothing beats swimming in the temperature-controlled indoor pool and then dashing outside in the bracing cold to the steaming Jacuzzi. On the side of the Alps that suggests rain anytime, this is a perfect place to relax. On a fine day the watersports by the picturesque lake are not to be missed, along with the pebbled beaches, quaint town, boutiques and cafes. On Sundays you may be privy to a local music festival in the town square and a host of horse-driven carriages and vintage cars. Grabbing a local meal in one of Rottarch Egern’s cafes or restaurants, you may then stroll back through canopied trees and gardens to the welcoming resort.