ERCHED on the lip of the picture-postcard Yanqi Lake, a short drive from Beijing, the remarkable ‘jewel case’ Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing, casts its oval reflection upon the blue waters. This space-age orb is part of a destination complex, Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing & Yanqi Island, that offers 595 rooms spread through the manicured acres and including the luxe Yanqi Hotel, and 12 Boutique Hotelss (a villa escape). Also spot the mega MICE venue, Beijing Yanqi Lake International Conference Center..

APEC host Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing, is a spartan but stunning construct, its minimalism perfect for the needs of any busy corporate meetings diary. This is one of the top Beijing conference hotels, with 2,866sq m of event space including a grand ballroom and 12 function areas, 306 rooms, and an airy marble lobby with crystal shower ‘clouds’. This is a weekend family-friendly leisure resort as well as a resort weddings venue.

There's the added lure of that perfect backdrop for enduring photo memories. Rooms are visually open, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Expect pale pastel fabric walls, plump beds with swivel-out reading lights, marble foyer and carpeted bedroom, flat-screen TV, iron, iPod dock clock, top-loading laptop-friendly safe, desk with data-port and sliding doors leading to a clean all-white bathroom with tub and rain shower. Corner rooms serve up wraparound views, perfect for romance.

A heated pool awaits in the basement while an ample Kids’ Club and Gym are housed at B1. The Spa and the Tea House are perched at Level 3. Head here for a wellness workout or quick massage. The rooftop Views Bar is a 60’s throwback, and the Paulaner Brauhaus offers home brews on tap. This is a hotel that is simple yet strikingly different, its location proving perhaps its biggest asset, close to Beijing, yet far from the madding crowd. Just hop on a bicycle and explore.