Banyan Tree Yangshuo

Yangshuo is famous for its dramatic scenery, and it’s not hard to see why at Banyan Tree. Huge karst limestone formations rise into the sky covered in forests, while the mountains and hillsides are criss-crossed with winding rivers and dotted with underground caverns. In the midst of it all is the hotel, a stately palace-like property whose traditional exterior masks a contemporary luxury hotel.

The beautiful collection of suites and villas here exhibit a modern design which blends the traditional with the modern, and the Oriental with the Western. Extremely luxurious, they feature modern bathrooms and furnishings alongside carved wooden screens, and wall art depicting natural scenes and Chinese landscapes. Pagoda Lake Suites, set over two floors, overlook both the lake and the rooftops of an ancient village; Karst Discovery Suites afford views over a majestic karst mountain. For the ultimate privacy, opt for a villa – beautiful spaces set in their own private bamboo gardens.

Banyan Tree Yangshuo offers a range of dining options, whether you’re looking to sample traditional Chinese cuisine or are longing for a taste of home. At the Baiyun Restaurant, beautifully presented Guangxi and Canton recipes are served in a stylish dining room, while the more informal Ming Yue is the place to go to fill your boots with wide-ranging buffet offerings. Light snacks, cocktails, and, at the weekend, a seafood buffet are available at the Pool Bar, while coffees, teas and alcoholic drinks are available at the elegant Lobby Bar. For a truly magical dining experience, meals can be arranged in special locations, such as on a clifftop or aboard the hotel’s own bamboo raft on the Li River.

Banyan Tree’s beautiful spa offers a range of traditional and modern therapies, drawing on wellness traditions from across the world and using organic products made from natural ingredients. A massage is just the thing to soothe your muscles after a workout in the hotel’s gym and yoga centre, or a few laps of the stunning outdoor pool.

Exploring the beautiful countryside should be high on the agenda for any trip to Yangshuo, and the hotel affords myriad opportunities to do so. Hop on the hotel’s bamboo raft to experience the Li River in traditional style, or immerse yourself in ancient culture at Fuli Village, where you can undertake a painting class. Other activities include kayaking to the centuries-old Liugong Village, hiking to the beautiful Mazu Temple and discovering hidden karst caverns, or enjoying the peaceful spectacle of traditional cormorant fishing at dusk.