Banyan Tree Ringha

Ten thousand feet up in the mountains of China’s southwestern Yunnan province, Banyan Tree Ringha is a bit of a departure for the Singapore-based hotel company. Though the coastal outposts of the franchise share a Balinese style, the Ringha version leaves that behind in favor of a Tibetan lodge style — this corner of Yunnan is largely Tibetan, ethnically and culturally.

Space, you’d imagine, is in no short supply out here — each of the 32 two-level suites is appropriately palatial. The Spa Suites come with their own mini-spa treatment rooms on the lower floor, and the Tibetan Suites and Tibetan Lodges positively sprawl, under high ceilings held up by timbers from authentic Tibetan farmhouses.

Despite the ruggedness of the locale, no comfort is spared; though rustic in style the bathrooms are ultra-modern, as are the entertainment centers, and rooms come with terraces and astonishing views of the mountain landscape. The spa, naturally, is a big draw, and an especially welcome respite in the freezing winter months. As for local flavor, you’re in luck — the restaurants serve local specialties in addition to Chinese and international favorites, and tours are available at all levels of difficulty, by foot, horseback, or four-wheel drive.

Travel advisory: Passport and visa requirements differ from country to country. Please check with your local authority before booking.

How to get there: From Kunming International Airport, Banyan Tree Ringha is a 40-minute flight to Diqing Airport in Shangri-La. The hotel is then a 30 min. drive from Diqing Airport.