Small Luxury Hotels of the World Expands in China

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has added four member hotels, including three new openings to its China portfolio. It now has 20 hotels in Greater China (including 15 in Mainland China). Here the latest...

Jangala Dunhuang (Gansu, Dunhuang)

Jangala Dunhuang, a 25-room property that opened September 15, is the first ultra-luxury hotel in Dunhuang along the ancient Southern Silk Road. Located near Mingsha Mountain’s Crescent Moon Spring in the town of Qili, the hotel makes environmental preservation  a key consideration. Guests can expect natural building materials, minimalist design, the use of natural lighting and renewable energy, and environmentally friendly amenities. The Living Room fuses minimalist marble décor with cozy sofas, and is also a boutique and art exhibition space, while, outside, the Water View Theatre puts on a range of shows all year round. The hotel also has a rooftop bar, Mirage Bar.

As for accommodations, the Courtyard Suite comes with a TV projection wall on its outdoor terrace, in addition to a stargazing telescope. Jangala Dunhuang also comes with its own vineyard and organic vegetable garden.

SLH Insider Tip: There is plenty to do for guests, from exploration tours and mural research expeditions to the Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha (Sighing Sand) Dunes and nearby Crescent Moon Spring. They can go desert camping, desert cycling or on camel rides, or opt for wine-brewing workshops, meditation sessions and private sunset dinners.

Qiushui Villa (Hangzhou

Qiushui Villa

Qiushui Villa, which opened August 6, is a century-old villa-turned-lakeside retreat on the shores of Hangzhou’s West Lake. Built by the founder of Shanghai News Shi Liangcai for his wife Shen Qiushui, the revitalized building fuses China’s history with contemporary comforts. The villa’s landscaping is inspired by ancient Jiangnan architecture, flanked by stone statues and flowers.

The arched cornices and wooden lattice windows on the original building are now protected as cultural relics. The rooms and suites continue this theme, with modern design touches and handpicked antique furniture. Each suite is named after historical personalities such as Feng Zikai (Chinese painter) and Zhang Ailing (novelist), each decorated in a different style. The garden deck is ideal for reading and a fitness suite is available for personal workouts. The French cuisine, butler service and infinity pool make it a luxurious escape.

SLH Insider Tip: Guests can watch mist rise from the waters of the West Lake’s Broken Bridge right from their room in the morning, step out and explore the winding causeways and bridges by bike or revel in the poetic charm of the mansion’s surroundings.

Vallie Hotel (Hangzhou)

Valllie Hotel

Vallie Hotel in Hangzhou is hidden in the lush forest by the South Yangtze River. Once a collection of homes for local tea farmers, the restored buildings have minimalist furnishings and white linens. Good to know: All rooms come with 24-hour heated private pools filled with water from the nearby Hupao Tiger Spring, while some also have private courtyards and living rooms for gatherings. The hotel is in close proximity of Liuhe Pagoda, which towers above the trees and offers views over the Qiantang River.

SLH Insider Tip: The hotel’s French gastro lounge SHIJIU serves afternoon tea by day and transforms into a fine-dining venue at night. Private dining set within the hotel’s French-style garden can be arranged for those celebrating special occasions.

With the addition of two new Hangzhou members, SLH now has a total of four hotels in this city. 

Yulongwan Lakeview Hotel (Kunming)

Yulongwan Lakeview Hotel

SLH’s first member hotel in the capital city of Yunnan province overlooks the Yulongwan River. The Yulongwan Lakeview Hotel is located in the valley of Kunming and is scheduled to open in early 2022. The hotel was designed by Norihiko Shinya, former vice-president of Japanese design company Super Potato. Guests can expect lake and mountain views from every room from floor-to-ceiling windows to terrace-style balconies. 

SLH Insider Tip: Home to over 30 horse breeds, Yulongwan Equestrian Club, complete with indoor equestrian venues, dressage pastures and outdoor competition venues, is the perfect place to learn a new skill or reignite a forgotten passion. Wildlife trails, water sports and the Yulongwan golf course are located nearby. The hotel is well placed to visit Kunming’s popular local attractions.

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