T IS no exaggeration to say that the St Regis Lhasa Resort will leave you breathless, and not entirely on account of the high altitude. Once acclimatised, visitors will appreciate this unique location on the beautiful and rugged Tibetan plateau in a storied city within a stone’s throw of the picture-postcard Potala palace. The St Regis Lhasa Resort offers a tranquil, modern, sanctuary with all luxury trimmings, a splendid base for forays to the Sera and Drepung Monasteries, Jokang Temple, Norbulingka and other UNESCO World Heritage sites. Set in historic surrounds, this is an essay in blend-in design, bold but not brash, weighing in among the best luxury resorts in China.

Put your walking feet up in one of the 162 rooms, suites and villas. Choose between lake or garden views and, sensibly, with oxygen at a premium, opt for a non-smoking room. In-room expect a 42-inch LCD plasma TV, DVD player, high speed Wireless Internet, data port, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, ironing board, and a butler on call. Why unpack when someone can manage the mundane for you?

While in Tibet casual rumpled wind-blown chic is de rigueur, you can of course get trousers sharply creased at the hotel or borrow a fax machine if work beckons. Guests can treat themselves to an in-room massage, or head to spa sanctuary, Iridium, for a special Tibetan zing and a range of holistic treatments designed to loosen weary well-travelled limbs. Top it off with a dip in the Iridium pool, or try further stretches with yoga and the Pilates studio.

For those intent on business, the four meeting rooms will handle a snug corporate meeting or CEO get-together. Up the volume to a grand conference (the largest meeting space covers a roomy 3,219sq ft ). But do save time for play. The resort offers three restaurants serving Tibetan, Chinese, and international cuisines, complemented by scenic views. Head to The Drawing Room for scrumptious bakes and dessert and, after hours, slip into the Decanter by Haut-Brisson for an aperitif or a serious dip into that wine menu. This is truly the height of hedonism and the St Regis is effortlessly setting the benchmark as the best Tibet luxury hotel since opening late 2010.