Banyan Tree Hangzhou to Soft Open in October 2009

Banyan Tree has signed a management contract with Hangzhou Westbrook Investment for a new hotel in China.

The Banyan Tree Hangzhou, located in the historic Xixi National Wetland Park in southeast China, is scheduled to soft open this October.

It will be the group’s fourth resort to open in China since 2005, following the success of Banyan Tree Ringha, Banyan Tree Lijiang and Banyan Tree Sanya.

The Banyan Tree Hangzhou is part of an integrated complex comprising high-end hotels and conference centre, retail and entertainment, and residential facilities.

The development is within a 50-minute drive from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and 15-minute drive from downtown Hangzhou and the famed West Lake.

The Banyan Tree Hangzhou, which comprises 36 suites and 36 villas, is designed in Jiang Nan style, giving an authentic sense of place and priceless tranquility.

Starting from 122 square metres, each suite or villa reflects both the hallmarks of oriental design as well as contemporary amenities within a chic living space. The interiors are replete with dark wood floors, delicately carved furnishings and accented by splashes of vivid silk brocades, embroidered fabrics and detailed tapestries.

Each villa is also complemented by an outdoor heated jet pool, in a landscaped courtyard, to accentuate the peace and tranquility of the natural environment.

With a total area of 386 square metres, the Presidential Villa is the single most luxurious abode, with exclusive amenities such as separate kitchen, walk-in wardrobe, dedicated spa treatment room and sunken jet-pool.

The Banyan Tree Spa will feature 10 indoor treatment pavilions, complemented by wellness facilities such as beauty salon, gymnasium, swimming pool and yoga studio.

The spa therapists are specially trained at Banyan Tree Spa Academies in Lijiang, China and Phuket, Thailand to deliver Banyan Tree’s signature series of spa treatments that are inspired by traditional Asian remedies. In addition, the Spa will introduce Japanese-inspired Onsen treatments which also aim to replenish body, mind and soul.

Small meeting groups are also well catered for at Banyan Tree Hangzhou. Divisible meeting rooms allow for multiple meetings to take place, and are specially suited for brainstorm sessions and corporate meetings.

The resort also features three signature food and beverage venues, which include international favourites at the all day dining restaurant, and authentic Cantonese cuisine at Bai Yun located in a grand dining hall. A bar lounge, equipped with a glowing fireplace, is the place to meet friends and take in the views of the lake.

Hangzhou

With four seasons, Hangzhou offers a different experience for year-round visitors. As the capital of Zhejiang Province, it is also an important transportation hub and centre for economic development. Its prime location ensures its popularity as a choice for weekend retreats or short getaways, being less than two hours’ drive from Shanghai and easily accessible by rail and air as well. One of Hangzhou’s most popular sites is West Lake, which encompasses historical pagodas built into the sweeping environment of lakes and hills.

Within Xixi National Wetland Park, a ‘living water park’ has been preserved by recovery of wetland areas and restoration of ecological systems, paving the way for the establishment of fish ponds and reedbeds, and reintroduction of 270 biological specie such as persimmon, mulberry, bamboo, willow and camphor trees.

Guests can visit various attractions, including the Plum Villa, Autumn Snow Temple, Yanshui Fishing Villa, and Xixi Family House, which are located within the reserve, which provide the historical and cultural stories of the Hangzhou region.

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