The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

Disputed territories rarely make for great high-end hospitality, but Lhasa’s hotel scene seems to be on the upswing lately — which might bespeak a burgeoning shift in sentiment. That a brand like St. Regis could exist here at all is proof positive. This may be a brand that benefits from a step or two outside of the comfort zone, and anyway no other view on Earth quite compares with the majesty of the Himalayas. At its core, though, the brand’s trademark neutral serenity reads as an act of succor to the resilient local, the harried traveler, and the road-weary pilgrim alike; something of a hospitality hat trick.

The exterior’s visual charm starts on the right note with a heady mix of floodlit umber, curved roofing, and a dense spread of candle-hued windows. Smart move, there, as they’d be fools to wall guests off from the mountains’ legendary clarity of light; everywhere you’ll find yourself transfixed by nature’s vanishing points. Indoors, burnished metal fixtures meet geometrically sound wall installations, offset predictably by Pinterest-ready shelf-and-tchotchke arrangements. The opulence reaches a harmonious, earth-toned crescendo in the dining spaces, of which there are three: visit Si Zi Kang for high-concept Tibetan plates, Yan Ting for a range of regional Chinese cuisines, and Social for the inevitable buffet, though it redeems itself by offering Tibetan cooking courses. A tearoom and a wine bar round out the gastronomic picture.

The rooms aim for clean minimalism, and may be too calm for some; warm lighting and stained woodcraft conspire to improve the mood considerably at dark. They’re saved from severity by plush cushions and woolen carpet underfoot, along with understated patterning in the lampshades and latticework. The usual iPod docks, free wi-fi, and flatscreens nod to contemporary needs, though even the framed art featuring Tibetan curlicue motifs can’t quite banish the hint of beigeness. You’re better off at the Iridium spa for massage and pilates, or the Golden Energy Pool, a study in mixing acid-yellow club lighting with perhaps Tibet’s only cabana-style seating. One of the more interesting surprises in store here, to be sure, though you should take measures to avoid altitude sickness (Lhasa’s worst surprise) before any strenuous exercise.