LUX* Chongzuo, Guangxi
"Why book? If you are looking for a destination where you can experience accommodations with two different flavors mixed with both Chinese and foreign style, consider a trip to LUX* Chongzuo, located at the border of China and Vietnam, hidden in the karst landscape. Set the scene: Most people tend to associate the Guangxi region with big-city Guilin, but this hotel encourages tourists to get acquainted with a niche city: Chongzuo. This paradise of karst landscapes trades the hustle and bustle of tourists with idyllic scenery of the Mingshi River, the water reflecting the peaks and boundless rice fields. The backstory: The architecture is inspired by the traditional stilted Ganlan houses of the Zhuang minority, an architectural feature unique to China's tropical provinces. Surrounded by picture-perfect gardens and set on the banks of Mingshi River, LUX* is the definition of a tropical modernist refuge. The choice of building materials is understated, making use of wood, stone, and copper. The raw textures and natural color palette emphasize the original look of the materials: earthy, gray, and coarse. The thick tree trunks and giant rocks are preserved in their original form—a perfection of imperfection. The rooms: Each suite in the hotel has its own terrace, maximizing closeness to nature, though rooms facing the infinity pool are often more sought after. Six villas have unobstructed views of the Minshi River; families will love the three of them that come with their own pools. The rooms also feature a lot of local materials: You can see the original stone walls and the original wood and rattan furniture, plus a small amount of brass, which is wild and luxurious. Food and drink: It’s time to step out of the comfort zone of your palate and have a different kind of culinary experience. Gobble down a whole bowl of rice noodles, and learn to love stinky, sour bamboo shoots. The meal is available from early breakfast, and you'll see people eating it all day long. Later on, enjoy high tea on a bamboo raft along the river—definitely a different experience than you’d find in the metropolis. The spa: There is nothing more peaceful than immersing yourself in a massage. Traditional Vietnamese treatments infused with Chinese herbs are a must-try at LUX* Me Spa. The neighborhood/area: Home to tens of thousands of rare species—like the clouded leopard and the white-headed langur—this is the ideal place for adventure seekers. To get a full picture of the border life, be sure to visit the Detian Transnational Waterfall, Asia's largest waterfall spanning two countries (China and Vietnam). The service: Once you check in, forget about all the recommendations from travel guides or review lists. Instead, turn to the hotel staff, most of whom grew up in the area and know about almost everything in the neighborhood. (Pro tip: The restaurants without fancy decor often hide the best local flavors to try.) For families: The Kids Club is a paradise for children and frees up parents at the same time. Rock climbing, ocean ball, and children’s movies—it provides all sorts of entertainment for the little ones. Anything left to mention? The hotel offers a special treasure hunt every day. For example, the “find the floating bottle” adventure has guests follow photo hints to search in unexpected corners of the hotel. The winner is rewarded with a glass of wine or a voucher for handmade ice cream. Finally, in 100 words or less, what makes this hotel worthy of Hot List? Whether you take a bamboo raft tour of the river or have a drink in the mountains, LUX* Chongzuo is an antidote to the fast-paced modern life. The hotel’s location on the border of China and Vietnam also creates a unique narrative here, as various cultures collide and blend with each other." - Tong Yu
