The Newest Ritz-Carlton Reserve Just Opened in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China — With Stunning Mountain Views and an Over-the-top Spa

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve's latest outpost invites travelers to the remote Jiuzhaigou Valley in China.

In a post-pandemic world, where overtourism is pervasive and privacy is a hot commodity, true luxury may lie among the unspoiled wilderness of remote and unexplored regions.

"It's rare to have the opportunity to visit destinations that truly feel untouched, where you can wholly absorb the local culture and take in pristine natural landscapes," Tina Edmundson, president of luxury at Marriott International, told Travel + Leisure.

So Edmundson and her team hope that travelers will make their way to China's Jiuzhaigou Valley in the southwestern province of Sichuan, where, on June 15, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve opened its sixth outpost.

Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is nestled in a fairy-tale-like area on the edges of the Tibet plateau, boasting snow-capped peaks soaring over lush forests and emerald lakes. The property joins the luxury brand's five more "rare estates, set apart from the world, where heartfelt care and craftsmanship is felt at every turn."

At Rissai Valley, the brand's philosophy dominates every aspect of the guest experience that immerses travelers in authentic Tibetan culture and local life from the moment they step on the property — from the traditional Zhaxi Dele blessing ceremony that guests are welcomed with to the decor and list of activities and spa treatments.

"Both the architecture and interior design of the resort lean on the resort's rural location, blending in the surrounding environment to create the feeling of an intimate village," Edmundson explained.

The property's 87 villas were designed by the late Indonesian interior designer Jaya Ibrahim, who took inspiration from the resort's jaw-dropping setting and selected a natural palette of greens, blues, and emeralds that he paired with many artisanal objects and décor items handcrafted by Tibetan artisans.

However, the main feature is the stunning panoramic vistas of dramatic mountain ranges towering over Tibetan villages that open from private balconies.

The resort's culinary offerings are another standout feature of the guest experience, according to Edmundson. She highlighted Cai Tin Xuan, Rissai Valley's Sichuan restaurant showcasing Jiuzaigou cuisine. A Mediterranean eatery, La Montagne, blends the flavors of the West and East using local ingredients.

Like the rest of the resort, the spa is also a place of utmost tranquility where you won't find high-tech cryotherapy booths or IV treatments. Instead, a selection of holistic treatments based on ancient Tibetan wellness practices, such as singing bowl sound therapy, yoga sessions, and an infinity swimming pool, seek to relax the mind and body.

Edmundson's favorite? "The Rissai Spa offers a breath flow ritual, leaning into the Tibetan belief that breathing is the most natural way to treat the body and mind," she said.

Even Rissai's youngest visitors will leave with a unique understanding of Tibetan culture and nature as the property's kids' club encourages children to explore Jiuzhaigou through guided hikes, animal feeding, treasure hunts, and stargazing.

Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is the first Reserve property in China and joins five more ultra-luxe estates in Puerto Rico, Japan, Thailand, Bali, and Mexico.

"We want to ensure that each property compliments and elevates the existing portfolio, introducing an experience that is new and exciting, while still being authentic and transformational," Edmundson said, noting that the company has two more properties opening in the near future — along the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia and in Costa Rica.

Nightly rates start at $1,200. You can book your stay at Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve at ritzcarlton.com.

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