IJIANG Old Town is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site and it is from this ancient marvel that the Banyan Tree Lijiang draws its inspiration. Located just 15 minutes from the old town and 40 minutes from Lijiang Airport, with stunning views of multi-hued encircling peaks including the 5,500m Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this China luxury resort is as remarkably authentic as it is understated. The serene heritage-style resort plans to open mid-2006.

The 55 Banyan Tree Lijiang villas are spacious at 350sq m. Incorporating design motifs of the ancient Naxi Kingdom, the villas feature clay-tile roofs in traditional arcing pagoda style with awesome views – facing northeast – and spoiling heated outdoor jet pools or plunge pools. Local material is amply evident in the attractive pink stone and grey Naxi brick that lines compound walls and meditative walkways. In-room décor is russet-gold with lacquer highlights. Sheet-glass sliding doors draw in light and views.

While effortlessly transporting guests to a different era, this luxury resort will set new service benchmarks for China hotels – like sister property Banyan Tree Ringha in Yunnan. Amenities are uncompromisingly five-star with meeting facilities, tennis court, library, games room, and the Bai Yun Chinese restaurant that gives the impression of gracefully “floating” above the communal courtyard pool.

The main attraction at this heritage retreat is the Banyan Tree Spa Lijiang featuring treatments inspired by the four seasons. There are six heated spa treatment rooms, a tea lounge, a well-equipped gym, and a yoga pavilion. For the best in China spa holidays, this luxury resort aims to treat you like a king, literally. Numerous sites nearby offer interesting diversions, like Dayan, the 800-year-old canal town, with cobblestone streets. The hills offer opportunities for wildlife spotting (Yunnan golden monkey, lesser pandas and Alpine butterflies), horse-riding, skiing (in winter), river rafting and mountaineering.