Insider Travelling In Helsinki, Bavaria, Nairobi and St. Moritz

In the second edition of Original Experiences, Design Hotels™ brings you insider tips, exclusive tours and hidden hotspots in this year's design capital Helsinki, Bavaria's charming Lake Tegernsee region, exotic Nairobi and glitzy St. Moritz.
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Headin' Up to Helsinki
They say all good things begin with the opening of a book. For Marc Skvorc and Mia Cederberg-Skvorc, a Finnish literary classic and working in the world's top hotels has led them to dream up Klaus K, a hotel that's full of imagination, charm and luxury. The experience they have created is equally magical. Take up residence in the Envy Suite, get a private sightseeing tour by Marc, treatment in the spa, a four-course dinner, a fashion shoot with a local designer and even create your own custom-labeled CD with the house DJ at Ahjo Bar & Club. Not in that particular order. And it definitely beats the mixed tape fervor of days (or perhaps decades) gone by.

A Grand Traditional Bavarian Time at Lake Tegernsee
The idyllic region of Lake Tegernsee, an hour's drive from Munich, is all things you expect from this Bavarian region: a pristine lake surrounded by the foothills of the Alps and the best winter sports offerings mere minutes away. At Hotel Bachmair Weissach, this traditional Alpine charm is complemented with a fresh contemporary take in the interiors. Share owner Korbinian Kohler's love of the area where he grew up with a two-hour tour, enjoy delicious Bavarian meals at the restaurant, and for the adventurous at heart, a parachute jump is only a short gondola ride away!

More Than Just Safaris in Nairobi
Creating authentic spaces at the Tribe Hotel was a key consideration for Shamim Ehsani and his family. And with an unrivaled collection of African artifacts and crafts, and the spaces infused with the warm colors of the landscape, they have done just that. With Tribe Hotel as your starting point, explore the Maasai Market with a personal guide; get a helicopter tour of the Great Rift Valley and an indulgent Kenya Gold massage treatment at the hotel's own Kaya spa. Of course, the trip would not be complete without a visit to the Daphne Sheldrick elephant orphanage.

The Higher Path in Silvaplana
Located just five kilometers away from the popular resort town of St. Moritz, Nira Alpina with its ski-in, ski-out facility, is perfect for winter sports fans. This glass and timber mountain sanctuary is also a soothing, meditative space for travelers to enjoy the Swiss Alpine style. Reflective of this spirit, owner MPS Puri has designed an offthe- beaten-path experience: a trip to Nietzsche House in the beautiful Engadin village of Sils Maria and a funicular ride to Muottas Muragl, to go on the 'Philosopher's Path" hiking tour are sure to get anyone in a reflective mood. Top that with a picnic breakfast for two and some spa time and contemplative becomes great state of mind to be in.