China Holidays - Virgin Holidays + Hip Hotels

Banyan Tree Lijiang Hotel

Lijiang, China

A complex of traditional style Chinese villas nestled into the mountainous landscape of South Western China. Lijiang has to be one of the best preserved traditional Chinese towns and the Banyan Tree Lijiang is the closest one can get to experiencing the magic of old China.

Each guest is spoiled with a villa; your own walled complex which adds to the prevailing feeling of authenticity. Each has either a jet-pool or a private swimming pool, and each of the pools have a view of the spectacular 5,600 metre Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Set in a traditional pavilion along a reflecting pool, the bar is situated to take in the most spectacular view of the compound. A place to enjoy the magnificence of the surroundings.

‘House of Flying Daggers’ with room service and a fabulous wine list.

Photos of Banyan Tree Lijiang

Prices from:

£1,655 per person

Banyan Tree Ringha Hotel

Ringha, China

At an altitude of 3,200 metres, Banyan Tree Ringha is the part of Tibet known, appropriately enough, as Shangri La.

Ringha is an extraordinary story which started with the purchase of 20 old traditional Tibetan farmhouses and the subsequent deconstruction of each house supervised by the former owners, and the reconstruction of the same houses on an idyllic site by a river that snakes through a verdant mountainscape.

With a very large fireplace and a view of the surrounding wooded mountains, the bar is the perfect place to kick back after a day of trekking – very, very ‘A River Runs Through It’

Not a room, a house. Every guest gets their own Tibetan farmhouse – a funky Himalayan loft with a fireplace in the middle.

Photos of Banyan Tree Ringha

Prices from:

£1,809 per person

Buddha Zen

Chengdu, China

The décor is typically Chinese and, as you might expect from the name, elements of Buddhism are prevalent throughout the hotel. As you begin to explore you’ll find hidden pockets and nooks that are just right for contemplation and the interior courtyard is especially serene.

Other facilities include a well-being centre, complete sauna and spa, which will gently assist with any difficulties that you might have getting into the laid back swing of things. If you’re worried about losing your charming new aura over dinner then threat not, the Rong Zhai Restaurant serves wonderful vegetarian cuisine in keeping with the Buddhist doctrine.

Once you step outside of the hotel you’ll be thrown into the busy river of Chinese street life which quickly flows catching everything and everyone in its path. However, although you’re situated in the central business district this is a relatively calm area thanks to the proximity of the Wenshuyuan Buddhist Temple.

For discerning guests who believe in enjoying peace and tranquillity without compromising on style.

Photos of Buddha Zen

Prices from:

£1,145 per person

The Commune by the Great Wall

Beijing, China

The hotel offers 42 villas (236 rooms) designed by twelve different architects, scattered along the two-thousand acre property, culminating in a large pavilion that houses two restaurants, three bars, a swimming pool and a reception lobby.

The drive to the Great Wall takes under an hour from the centre of Beijing, but the total change in environment and ambience makes it feel like you’ve travelled for weeks.

The best words to describe the Commune by the Great Wall are fearless and experimental; fearless in its willingness to take risks and experimental in openly embracing the new. It is a creative showcase of Asian talent: a collection of houses, all inspiringly different, adjacent to one the Wonders of the World –
the Great Wall of China.

“…. the new revolution in the People’s Republic of China – a design revolution – one of the most compelling hotels in Asia.”

Photos of Commune by the Great Wall

Prices from:

£899 per person

Golden Flower

Xi'an, China

Ideally located for sight-seeing and exploring the ancient city of Xian, the Golden Flower hotel is a beautiful and luxurious example of contemporary living. A selection of suites and rooms, all with modern and stylish amenities, ensure your stay will be as relaxing as it will be memorable.

Foodies will be in for a treat as the hotel’s Shang Palace restaurant serves up the best in Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine all within a thoroughly pristine and super stylish setting. All-day dining can be found within the wonderful Coffee Garden restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets against the backdrop of an ever-popular open kitchen. In the evening the lobby lounge is the place to be if you want to relax and enjoy some live entertainment before retiring to your luxurious bed.

Xian is an ancient and extremely interesting city which is said to be the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism. Thanks to the location of the Golden Flower it’s extremely easy to visit some of the renowned world famous sites such as the Terracotta Warrior exhibition which is only some 30 minutes away.

A beautiful and luxurious example of contemporary living.

Photos of Golden Flower

Prices from:

£1,149 per person

JIA Hotel

Shanghai, China

Definitely the most cutting edge property to be added to the Shanghai hotel scene. JIA gives the city street cred in terms of overnight accommodation that it already has in spades in the art world. Set in a stunning 1920’s building in the heart of Shanghai, JIA offers a stylish yet informal environment for people who want to get away from convention and predictability.

A dark sexy affair, the bar is on the ground floor just off the lobby, a cocktail joint in the new spirit of Shanghai. More like lofts than rooms, each guest apartment features a proper living area complete with slouch couch and coffee table, and the bathrooms are havens of mosaic chic.

JIA offers contemporary China chic in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities

Photos of JIA Shanghai

Prices from:

£1,095 per person

The Opposite House

Beijing, China

The name derives from the ancient custom that the guest house is always situated on the opposite end of a traditional courtyard home. It is also a reference to the hotel’s fondness for contrast. Situated in the village of Sanlitun, a community based on traditional, low-build Beijing hutongs, The Opposite House stands out with its striking emerald glass exterior, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The colour is traditional but the design certainly is not.

With 98 studios, three restaurants, (including Mediterranean Sureno and North Asian Bei), two bars and a state-of-the-art fitness centre with the a unique stainless steel pool, The Opposite House does not lack for facilities, yet the approach is still very much that of a small, individually minded outsider.

Timeless tradition and a captivating, contemporary dynamic are the opposing ying and yang that successfully juxtapose to make this Beijing hotel.