Ritz Carlton opens first all-villa resort in China

HONG KONG Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has signed an agreement with Sichuan Jiuzhai Luneng Eco-Tourism Investment Development Co Ltd to open its first all-villa property in one of China’s earliest UNESCO world heritage sites, Jiuzhaigou Valley.

The property is located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau in South West China.

Its signature features are the striking views close to multi-level waterfalls, lakes and forested mountains for which the 72,000-hectare nature reserve and national park is famed.

Juizhaigou Valley which translates as the Valley of the Nine Village Forts, is a land of Chinese legend and folklore, with stories of its creation embedded deeply in the customs of the local Qiang and Tibetan tribes.

Standing 2,300 metres above sea level, Ritz-Carlton, Jiuzhaigou, will feature 87 villas with panoramic views over the valley and the snow-capped Min Mountains.

Three restaurants and lounges will feature stone-paved terraces with fire pits. Facilities include a mountain spa a Kids Club and a media room.

The hotel is close to the Pearl Shoal Waterfalls with a 310 metres curtain of water, ancient primeval woodlands and a Swan Lake famed for visiting birdlife.