Nicolas GALVAO DE A.
Google
We visited Banyan Tree Lijiang in April and had an exceptional overall experience.
Upon arrival, we realized that our original room had been misadvertised — there was no hot tub as listed, and the spa did not have pools or Jacuzzis open for general guest use. When we raised this with the staff, they were very accommodating and promptly moved us to a villa with a private outdoor Jacuzzi.
Our villa was absolutely stunning — spacious, minimalistic, and designed with elegant traditional Chinese elements. The open layout, serene décor, and large outdoor area created a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The highlight was the panoramic mountain view, which made every morning and evening feel magical. The villa offered both privacy and comfort, making it perfect for a couple’s getaway or a peaceful retreat.
The restaurant was one of the highlights of our stay: it had a great vibe, and the food was consistently excellent. Breakfast was served as an all-you-can-eat buffet, with a wide selection of fresh and flavorful dishes. The overall resort design is minimalist yet traditional, with beautiful landscaping, serene courtyards, and incredible views that encourage relaxation.
The resort is conveniently located near a smaller, charming old town — just a 10-minute walk away. While it is not the main Lijiang Old Town, it is equally picturesque and much less crowded, making it perfect for peaceful strolls.
Service was attentive and warm, though there were some minor challenges. Room service orders could only be placed by phone, and some of the in-room programs were not functioning during our stay. Additionally, staff spoke limited English, which occasionally made ordering food or clarifying requests a bit difficult. Despite these small obstacles, the team was consistently kind and helpful, and we appreciated the small traditional Yuxi gifts we received every day — a thoughtful and memorable touch.
Banyan Tree Lijiang is a world-class resort and an excellent choice for those who want to splurge on a private villa experience surrounded by natural beauty and traditional design. Despite a few small service and communication challenges, our stay was near-perfect, and we cannot wait to return.