Beer, pretzels, men in lederhosen and women in dirndls, and the backdrop of the majestic Alpine mountains.  This along with fairy-tale castles and Oktoberfest is what comes to mind when we think of Germany’s most iconic region, Bavaria.

Travel influencer couple Dave Bouskill and Deb Corbeil of The Planet D’s are known for taking their followers on vicarious adventures to exotic locales around the world. They have shared some of their favorite places about this beguiling destination which they described as having the ‘perfect combination of culture, scenery, food and adventure’. This balance makes Bavaria one of the best places to visit in Germany, and a destination offering luxury in all aspects.

Located in Germany’s south, it is the country’s largest state and is among Europe’s oldest states. Established in 600 AD, Bavaria was an independent kingdom between 1806 and 1918, ruled by six kings before becoming a Free State in 1918. Elements of Bavaria’s elaborate history remain in its modern culture, from King Ludwig II’s (1864-1886) castles to its high-end hotels.

WHERE TO STAY: BAVARIA

The Schloss Elmau

Bavaria is spoilt for choice with luxury hotels to choose from. Part of The Leading Hotels of the World, the Schloss Elmau has two hotels beside each other, the Schloss Elmau Retreat and the Schloss Elmau Hideaway. Both are ensconced within the Bavarian Alps near the ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, cloistered from the other towns and villages in Bavaria.

The Schloss Elmau Retreat has 47 ultra-modern rooms of red, yellow, and orange inspired by Italian and Asian design. The Schloss Elmau Hideaway is larger with 115 rooms and suites, similar to the Retreat’s Asian-influenced design.

The variety of activities at the Schloss Elmau set it apart from other German hotels, if not world hotels. The Retreat’s Jivamukti Yoga Center, a yoga pavilion with 360˚ valley views, offers various classes and retreats, and the Hideaway’s grand concert hall is perfect for relaxing evenings of jazz and classical music. The Schloss Elmau also hosts seven gourmet restaurants, three libraries and one of the world’s largest hotel bookstores with varying book genres for all ages. Between the Retreat and Hideaway is six adult and family spas, including a Hammam for adults and a 25-metre heated indoor lap pool for families. Esteemed guests such as Barack Obama and Angela Merkel are more telling of its five-star status and ability to provide unrivalled Alpine escapes.