Banyan Tree Huangshan

The Banyan Tree Huangshan is nestled amidst the Huangshan mountain range, which has to be seen to be believed: an otherworldly set of serrated granite peaks dotted with greenery, this looks more like something from a movie or a video game than real life.  

The resort’s range of suites and villas share a modern, contemporary look, with a bright and breezy colour scheme and a wide open-plan design, with rooms separated by beautifully carved sliding wooden screens. Line drawings on the walls depict the natural beauty of the Huangshan mountains, and mirror the views outside your window, with each room promising mountain vistas.

Lucun Suites have their own balcony from which to take in the view, while the Hongcun Villa is a real home from home, with bedrooms spread across two floors. For the ultimate exclusivity, opt for the Lucun Villa, which houses four people within a grand, traditional Hui-style compound. Adding to the homely atmosphere, the villas feature fully equipped kitchens and dining areas, so you can enjoy meals in if you prefer.

The Banyan Tree’s main restaurant, Ming Yue, serves Anhui cuisine, traditional food native to the region around the hotel, which is considered one of the Eight Culinary Traditions of Chinese cuisine. Classic Anhui dishes include roasted duck, egg dumplings, and, for the adventurous, stinky tofu – so-named for its strong odour, brought about by months of fermentation. Ming Yue also offers Cantonese dishes, while Qing Feng, a stylish lounge with walls and pillars decked out in bamboo, is the place to go for afternoon tea and snacks – try the local Huangshan Maofeng green tea.

After a day spent exploring the wilderness of Huangshan, there’s nowhere more welcoming than the Banyan Tree Spa, where a range of therapies are on hand to help you relax. Treatments draw on South-east Asian traditions, with Thai and Balinese massages both on the menu. Rock star in the making? Head to KTV, the karaoke room on the first floor. The Banyan Tree Gallery, meanwhile, is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir, with handicrafts and luxury spa amenities among the products on offer.

In an area as beautiful as this, make sure you don’t miss the chance to go exploring. A hike up Huangshan Mountain is an invigorating way to spend a day; the hotel will happily pack a picnic lunch to reward you for your efforts. Whitewater rafting is another option in the area for thrill-seeking guests.

There’s also a treasure trove of cultural curiosities to visit in the area, with the ancient villages of Xidi and Hongcun nearby. To really take a piece of China home with you, take a class in the traditional art of calligraphy, where you’ll not only learn a new skill but also create some unique souvenirs.