WEI Retreat Tianmu Lake debuts a distinctively family-friendly Chinese luxury resort concept focused on personal warmth, the tranquility of Chan Buddhism and reflective appreciation of tea and other aspects of China's rich cultural heritage including filial piety.
SHANGHAI – WEI Retreat has launched a new brand of classical Chinese boutique luxury resorts with the opening of its flagship hideaway WEI Retreat Tianmu Lake in an idyllic nature reserve in Jiangsu Province.
A three day-two night introductory package for two celebrates the brand’s debut on a lakeside peninsula resembling a timeless scene from a Chinese landscape painting.
The launch package includes daily breakfast and either Chinese or Western dinner for two, along with welcome drinks, fruit & snacks, and complimentary mini-bar. Also included are tickets for two to a choice of nearby tourist attractions – Yushui Hot Springs; Nanshan Bamboo Forest, including train and cable car; or Shan Shui Yuan attraction including boat ride to Longxin Island.
WEI Retreat Tianmu Lake debuts a distinctively family-friendly Chinese luxury resort concept focused on personal warmth, the tranquility of Chan Buddhism and reflective appreciation of tea and other aspects of China’s rich cultural heritage including filial piety.
In a cluster of traditional Chinese buildings against the backdrop of bamboo forest and gently sloping mountains, the concept promises discerning holidaymakers from Shanghai and the surrounding region a new escape from the daily urban grind – bringing succor and rejuvenation for body, mind and soul.
Just 2.5 hours from Shanghai by road or high-speed rail, and 25 or 45 minutes by train from Nanjing or Hangzhou, respectively, guests discover ‘Feng Shui in Five-Star Comfort’ besideTianmu Lake, a 300 sqkm nature reserve near Liyang-Changzhou immortalised by ancient poets, scholars and painters.
Exclusivity is assured with just 35 elegant guest rooms and suites from 47-230 sqm, all with breathtaking lake or mountains views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Dining overlooking the serene lake is contemporary, yet rooted in oriental tradition and elegance, using fresh Liyang farm products. Chinese restaurant Yu Wei Xuan specialises in delicate Huaiyang cuisine. All-day western restaurant TASTE showcases signature high quality Tasmanian grass fed beef from Cape Grim and Angus grain-fed beef from Queensland’s Cannondale Range in the Sunshine Coast. Tianmu Lounge features specialty cocktails influenced by Chinese herbs and tea from nearby plantations, afternoon tea inspired by Western & Chinese elements, and contemporary Tapas from around the globe.
Underlining the resort’s focus on spirituality and wellbeing, a Meditation & Tea Room adds a cultural dimension rarely found in a luxury hotel. Pampering at Five Elements Spa uses latest modern technologies along with ancient Chinese treatments inspired by the traditional concepts of ancient China’s five elements – metal, wood, water, fire and earth.
WEI Retreat is the brainchild of hospitality industry veteran Mr. Philip Wei, a former Banyan Tree, Sofitel, IHG and Shangri-La executive, now pioneering a “new style of experiential hospitality for discerning Chinese and international travelers seeking tranquility, rejuvenation and luxury”.
“China now has many great luxury resorts, but they are largely western in origin and character,” he said. “WEI Retreat is a luxury experience meeting the expectations of local and international luxury travelers, but distinctively Chinese, unlike any other luxury resort on the market.”
“We promise elegant luxury and boutique service inspired by the orient and the values of our heritage, providing an exquisite experience and overwhelming sense of welcome for a new form of hospitality that draws from our culture and tradition, offering a sense of peace, tranquility and rejuvenation.”
“The most important experience is a sense of belonging that gives a break; not just for physical self, but also mind and soul. It is elegant yet eloquent, traditional yet modern with quiet, subtle luxury, and friendly, down-to-earth and approachable.”
The brand is currently looking to expand to China, North America and Europe with hand-picked, inspiring locations. Properties in the pipeline include WEI Boutique New York, WEI Boutique Tbilisi, WEI Retreat Beijing & WEI Retreat Maldives.
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