Banyan Tree Lijiang to open April 2006

High in the heart of China, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has built a royal retreat befitting the legacy of the legendary Silk Road and the ancient capital of the Naxi kingdom. Banyan Tree Lijiang, the latest addition to the Singapore-based group's collection of luxury resorts, is slated to open in April 2006, following the group's successful launch of Banyan Tree Ringha in nearby Shangri-la.

Visitors seeking the cultural thrills of Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, as well as the sights of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dry Sea, and even the famed Stone Forest further afield can look forward to special opening promotions from the Banyan Tree Lijiang. From 1 April to 30 June 2006, guests are offered one complimentary night for every night booked at rack rates. This exclusive rate includes daily complimentary breakfast and is available for all corporate bookings and online reservations.

Encircled by dramatic mountain terrain, Banyan Tree Lijiang presents many architectural wonders to complement its lush landscape. Each of the stunning 55 Naxi-inspired villas are oriented Northeast, for inspirational views of the towering snow-capped peaks of the 5,600 metre Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, said to resemble a jade dragon lying in the clouds.

The liberty to admire nature's grandeur is given full rein in Banyan Tree Lijiang's spacious garden villas, each measuring at least 350 square metres and featuring private, heated outdoor Jet Pools or plunge pools. A total of 40 Deluxe Villas, 13 Pool Villas, one Two-Bedroom Pool Villa and one Presidential Villa have been constructed with local materials, such as pink stone and grey Naxi bricks. Traditional red clay roof tiles sourced from local kilns lend authenticity to the contemporary Naxi-styled curved roofs.

Banyan Tree Lijiang also offers extensive meeting facilities, tennis court, library and games room, as well as Bai Yun Chinese restaurant, which partially floats over a communal courtyard pond. The highlight, however, is Banyan Tree Spa Lijiang, with treatments inspired by the unique and rare mountain tea grown in the area.

The Banyan Tree Spa will feature six heated spa treatment rooms and one Traditional Chinese Medicine Hall, in addition to the gym, yoga room and Banyan Tree Gallery offering unique cultural souvenirs of Lijiang.

Dayan, the 800-year-old town of Lijiang, is a cobblestoned, canal criss-crossed Naxi village famed for its vivacious town folk. Equally entrancing is the landscape, with its misty peaks and ecological sanctuary for the Yunnan golden monkey, alpine butterflies, lesser pandas and sacred Himalayan bird.

Activities in the area include mountaineering, skiing, river rafting, gliding and horse racing.

Rates start from US$500 for a Deluxe Villa.

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