Berlin, October 21, 2011 – This winter a new attraction will open on Switzerland’s spectacular slopes - Nira Alpina, a glass-and-timber-built mountain sanctuary from award-winning hotelier MPS Puri and the only one in the Engadin Valley to offer guests a true ski in, ski out experience. With spectacular views over Lake Silvaplana, just five kilometers from St. Moritz in the small hamlet of Surlej, the hotel’s enviable position is certain to make it a year-round destination for young couples, families, ski fanatics and outdoor adventurers.

Nestled into the mountainside, with a private, glassed-in covered walkway leading straight to the adjacent Corvatsch cable car, guests have quick and easy access to the mountain peaks, allowing them to reach virgin powder snow before the crowds. Inside, panoramic views illuminate a variety of intimate and cozy spaces that welcome guests to relax and unwind after a day exploring the pistes. Two restaurants treat diners to local Swiss favorites as well as international cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. Puri’s food and beverage expertise is evident throughout the hotel’s offerings at the two restaurants, from classic Engadin-style dishes at Stalla Veglia restaurant, to bread and pastries, baked fresh daily at the in-house Bakery. Several chill-out areas and a stylish bar, with cigar lounge, outdoor terrace for starlit dining and central open fireplace, offer stunning views of the surrounding valley. www.designhotels.com/nira_alpina

Spacious Rooms and High-Spec Design
Boasting 70 rooms, all with a balcony, terrace or garden space, guests can make the most of the surrounding nature and fresh mountain air. Throughout the layered wooden building, modern minimalism sits comfortably alongside traditional local materials such as wood and granite. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and offer an eclectic interior design with the latest technology such as iPod docks and HD TVs. Under the wood-paneled headboards, cotton sheets and pillows made by Swiss firm Schwob, pioneers of organically grown cotton, invite guests to snuggle up and relax. For families or larger groups there are 14 connecting rooms and 10 large junior suites, all decorated with local Swiss artifacts.

Genuine Hospitality in the Heart of the Mountains
Throughout the year the hotel offers a warm, personalized service that comes from the heart. During winter the hotel’s Bakery will serve gourmet sandwiches for skiers eager to spend the day on the slopes, while children on the nursery slopes enjoy homemade cupcakes. A well-stocked library, complete with a range of Taschen books, can be found on a mezzanine level. Decorated with cowhide rugs and decked out with deep leather armchairs this space is the perfect place to unwind.

For adults looking for some pampering, the Nira Spa promotes well-being through a range of innovative and authentic treatments such as a Swiss chocolate body wrap. The relaxation room, striking mosaic-lined whirlpool with underwater beds and large sauna guarantee a luxury spa haven. Treatment rooms are available for clay wraps, sports and hot stone massages, exfoliation treatments, pedicures and manicures year round. A gym fitted out with the latest technogym equipment is also available.

To ensure guests fully explore the area a shuttle service is on hand to run guests to Surlej, Silvaplana and nearby St. Moritz where the designer shops provide high end retail therapy. Underground parking is available for guests who can check in separately and benefit from direct access to the mountain.

A Place to Inspire
Nira Alpina is also a place for brainstorming, meeting with clients or for the ultimate incentive weekend away. The hotel’s conference room opens out onto a terrace and can accommodate up to 100 delegates.

Location
Sitting atop the village of Silvaplana, Nira Alpina is a gateway to some of Switzerland’s highest mountains. Surrounded by hills and lakes the location also has summer appeal, with hiking and biking trails, windsurfing, sailing and canoeing on offer.

ABOUT DESIGN HOTELS™
Design Hotels™ represents and markets a curated selection of more than 200 independent hotels in over 40 countries across the globe.
More than a collection of hotels, the company is a collection of stories. Each property reflects the ideas of a visionary hotelier, an "Original," someone with a passion for genuine hospitality, cultural authenticity, thoughtprovoking design and architecture. Each "Original" stands for the individual, aesthetic and service-driven experience that his or her hotel provides.

Founded by Claus Sendlinger in 1993, Design Hotels™ offers its members insightful travel industry knowledge, from feasibility studies and conceptual branding to market trend consultancy and international sales representation. The company has its headquarters in Berlin and branches in London, Barcelona, New York, Singapore and Perth.