(15/06/23) The
latest resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio
has opened in Jiuzhaigou, a valley on the edges of the
Qinghai-Tibet plateau in China’s Southwestern Sichuan province.
The region is an area of exceptional natural beauty with
spectacular alpine mountains soaring above a fairyland of forests,
lakes and waterfalls, and has been inscribed by UNESCO as a World
Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve.
In this spellbinding
setting, Rissai Valley – its name a transliteration of the Tibetan
word for “village” – is an intimate luxury hideaway that offers
guests rare insights and immersive connections with the natural
surroundings and culture of traditional Tibetan village life.
Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
“We are thrilled to debut Rissai Valley, China’s first
Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Jiuzhaigou, one of the most stunningly
beautiful and culturally rich areas of the world,” said Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury, Marriott International. “Rissai
Valley is the sixth property in a rare portfolio of exclusive
estates worldwide, offering an intimate and transformative
experience rooted in heartfelt care and human connection. I cannot
wait for guests to enjoy the ancient indigenous culture and
traditions of Jiuzhaigou through a unique Ritz-Carlton Reserve
lens.”
The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic
Interest Area covers 72,000 hectares in northern Sichuan Province
and is protected as a national nature reserve.
The ancient forest
ecosystems of Jiuzhaigou National Park are home to China’s beloved
giant pandas and other rare species of plants, animals, and birds.
Visitors to the destination can hike in the national park, sample
traditional Tibetan cuisine, and enjoy colorful cultural
performances.
Jiuzhaigou is located about 430 kilometers north of
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, with daily connecting
flights from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport.
Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
is approximately 88 kilometers, or about a 75-minute drive from
the airport.
Rissai Valley’s intimate 87 villas offer
views of the snow-capped Minshan mountain range,
forests, and ancient Tibetan villages.
The US-based architectural
firm WATG paid homage to the natural surroundings and Tibetan
heritage with the use of traditional building forms and
locally-sourced materials.
The landscaping was led by John
Pettigrew, who created the immaculate gardens with indigenous
planting to reflect the extraordinary landscapes.
The elegant
interiors were designed by the late Indonesian interior design
legend Jaya Ibrahim, who curated palettes of forest greens,
emeralds, and icy blues to mirror the jewel-colored lakes and
waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou, while celebrating the culture and
heritage of the local villages with examples of artisanal Tibetan
craftsmanship throughout the property.
Guests
arriving at Rissai Valley are warmly welcomed with a Zhaxi Dele
Tibetan blessing ceremony, and every new day brings opportunities
to be immersed in experiences that provide insights into local
heritage and life.
Through a dedicated team of local Tibetan culturalist, artisans, chefs, and healers, guests are welcomed
into an ancient culture to gain transformative insights along with
genuine connections with the people of Jiuzhaigou and their
families.
Each villa enjoys the services of a dedicated personal
host, called a “Nieba” in the local language, who takes care of
every detail for guests, ensuring a seamless stay experience.
In
this idyllic setting, guests can discover the artistry of Tibetan
folk dance and classical music, as well as discover calm and
balance through the meditative practice of Thangka painting, a
unique Tibetan art form.
In the early morning, guests can also
join a leisurely hike into the pristine forests surrounding the
property.
Dining at Rissai Valley includes al fresco dinners in a picturesque garden setting
overlooking the forests, to memorable family picnics by
crystal-clear streams or elegant cocktail events against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Bo Ri Village offers all-day
dining in an idyllic ancient village situated opposite the
Reserve. Refined Sichuan restaurant Cai Lin Xuan highlights local
specialties, and at La Montagne, diners can select from a western
menu and enjoy al fresco barbecues with breathtaking views. The
Lobby Lounge offers a relaxing and intimate venue for afternoon
teas or evening cocktails.
A true sanctuary
dedicated to holistic wellness and peace of mind, the Rissai Spa
invites guests to unwind through ancient healing modalities and
treatments inspired by Tibetan philosophies.
The spa offers a
selection of healing practices and experiences based on
centuries-old Tibetan wisdom for guests who seek serenity and
balance, such as singing bowl sound therapy and yoga sessions by a
cascading waterfall.
An expansive infinity swimming pool invites
guests to take a dip in its clear blue waters, framed by a
breathtaking view of a Tibetan village against towering mountain
peaks.
At the Reserve Kids’
Club, Rissai Kids is an engaging and immersive program that
encourages children to discover the wonders of Jiuzhaigou,
focusing on connections to Tibetan culture through music and
dance, and exploration of the indigenous flora and fauna
surrounding the Reserve. Activities include fun guided outdoor
adventures, treasure hunts, animal feeding, kite flying, and
stargazing evenings.
“Rissai Valley is a truly
magical place, nestled in the landscapes and surroundings of one
of the most mythical natural wonders of the world,” said Marcel
Damen, General Manager, Rissai Valley. “As the first Ritz-Carlton
Reserve in China, we look forward to welcoming guests to a place
of marvelous beauty, and to experience the many curated
experiences that connect guests with the rich local culture. A
stay at Rissai Valley will inspire many memories that will last a
lifetime.”
