Banyan Tree Lijiang
"Imperial first impressions take full advantage of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at Banyan Tree Lijiang in China’s southwestern Yunnan province where all 55 individual villas face northeast for unobstructed views of the mythical beast. High stone walls flanked by bamboo encircle this compound of interconnected private courtyards where undulating roofs that rise in phoenix tipped curves emulate the style of local Naxi culture, best preserved at the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang Old Town, a Venice like village built along narrow canals that’s worth an evening walkabout. The extensive selection of other well crafted activities, from visits with Dongba shamans to serious summer treks on foot or horseback through the Himalayas to rhododendron blanketed valleys will make day trippers even of those inclined to soak the day away in the outdoor hot tub, a standard feature in these expansive guestrooms. Bath amenities are surprisingly unexceptional for this brand closely associated with the sybaritic spa experience but beds fit for pampered mandarins and powerful showers stand up to the winter chill at the resort’s elevation 7900 feet above sea level. Bai Yun, the refined Chinese restaurant popular with local dignitaries also offers healthy steamed options to accommodate their chic overseas clientele. An exquisite three-tier wooden pagoda, intricately carved under round Naxi tiles and surrounded by weeping willows hung with bold red lanterns creates dramatic public space though for intimate impressions, plenty of canopied daybeds do the trick. Preserve these scenic memories thanks to an easy to pack red lantern thoughtfully given to guests at evening’s turndown."
