Huzhou
Where
The
Ma Yansong-designed Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort, which looks akin
to a giant slinky or horseshoe, has received a considerable amount of
international attention for its architecture, but its main attraction during
winter months is the 100-plus natural spring water pools, 39 of them as part of
a string of private villa complexes that runs between the main hotel and a
spectacular hot springs centre. The centre features a wide array of pools
(including one with red wine in) set among towering foliage –
it’s
like taking a dip in a botanical garden.
Price
Rooms
at the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Springs Resort start from 1,750RMB/night. Usage of
the hot springs for hotel guests starts from 198RMB/day.
Getting
there There
are two high-speed trains a day to Huzhou leaving Hongqiao station at 7.10am
and 6.05pm, taking around two hours and costing from 94.50RMB.
Sheraton
Huzhou Hot Springs Resort is at 5858 Taihu Lu, Huzhou,
Zhejiang (572 229 9999; www.starwoodhotels.com)
Lushan
Where
Located
amid the picturesque hills of Jiujiang in northern Jiangxi province, the
40,000sqm Lushan Resort has eight outdoor hot spring pools for guests to
relax in while soaking up the healing benefits of the spring water. For those
looking to get a little pampering, the resort also has a spa with a variety of
treatments to help rejuvenate the weary. When you’re
bored with sitting in the tub all day, there are several notable attractions
located near the resort, including a magnificent 48-metre high Dong Lin Buddha
statue, and the spectacular Lushan Waterfalls. If you’re
feeling a little adventurous, the Lushan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage
site since 1996, promises to leave you spellbound with its beauty. Just a
30-minute drive away from the resort, Mount Lushan is one of the most famous
mountains in China that is steeped in history and makes for a good trek.
Price
From
680RMB a night.
Getting
there China
Eastern flies from Shanghai to Nanchang International Airport with fares
starting from 700RMB on Ctrip. The resort is an 80-minute taxi drive (130RMB)
from the airport. Alternatively, you can also take a flight from Shanghai to
Jiujiang Airport. Flights depart every week, with fares starting from 500RMB.
The resort is about an hour’s
drive (about 100RMB) from Jiujiang Airport.
Lushan
Resort is at Wenquan
Zhen, Xingzi county, Jiujiang, Jiangxi province (792 266 8888;
info.lushan@dorsetthotels.com).
Liyang
Where
Nestled
in a bamboo forest near Changzhou, the sprawling Yushui Hot Spring has 52
outdoor pools and a spa that offers a variety of treatments such as Swedish
massages and detox health sessions. The pools are located less than 50 metres
from the (unaffiliated) Yushui Hot Spring Hotel. The hotel labels itself
as a five-star establishment but that’s
not quite the case, not in terms of service standards anyway. The rooms do not
come with hot spring access but they do have pretty good views of the
surroundings. Besides getting soaked in the mineral rich waters, you can also
take a stroll through the tranquil bamboo forest and around Tianmu Lake.
Price
Room
rates start from 700RMB a night. Entry to the hot springs costs 218RMB per
person.
Getting
there Buses
from the Shanghai South Bus Terminal (77RMB) depart for Liyang Bus Station at
either 6.30am or 8.30am, arriving in three hours. From the Liyang terminal,
take Bus 109 and alight at the Tianmu Lake stop.
Tianmu
Lake South Hill Bamboo Sea is at Liyang, Jiangsu (0519 8793
5999; www.spawor.com).
Rudong
Where
The
Links Hot Spring Resort in Rudong, about a two-hour road trip north of
Shanghai, offers travellers a quiet reprieve from winter chills with their nine
hot spring baths. In contrast to most hot spring resorts around China, this one
does not add gimmicky ingredients into the water, preferring natural hot spring
water of varying temperatures –
there are three main dip sites indoors, joined by a further six outside as well
as an outdoor swimming pool. Inside the hotel is a Turkish-style hammam
bathhouse and spa treatment rooms. The resort also has an expansive golf course
and is said to be popular with bird-watchers, so bring your clubs or
binoculars. The remote nature of the resort means you’re
rarely disturbed.
Price
Rates
for a deluxe twin room start from about 730RMB a night.
Getting
there Hop
onto the shuttle bus service from the Shanghai Caohejing Hotel to the resort,
which costs 250RMB per person for a round trip.
Links
Hot Spring Resort is at West
Side of Kuagang Bridge,Yangkou, Rudong county, Jiangsu province (0513 8086
9999; www.linkshotel.cn).
Tangshan
Where
If
you’re
looking to escape the cold in China for the sunny island of Bali but don’t
actually want to take the five-and-a-half-hour flight there, then you might
want to consider settling for an intimate and luxurious Balinese-style getaway
on the outskirts of Nanjing instead. The Kayumanis Nanjing Private Villa
& Spa, located just 90 minutes from Shanghai, provides guests with a
private villa experience that includes an attached hot spring bath drawing
thermal water from the famous Tangshan Mountains, said to have been used
exclusively by Chinese royalty during ancient times. Such luxury does not come
cheap, but it’s
an indulgent, high-class experience that really does transport you away from
the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, if not quite all the way to Bali. They also
organise a host of activities, including a tour of the Sun Yatsen Mausoleum and
cycling around the charming nearby farms.
Price
Rates
for a private villa start from 4,180RMB a night.
Getting
there There
are frequent trains departing from Shanghai South Station and Shanghai Hongqiao
Station to Nanjing South Station (with prices from 47RMB); the fastest gaotie
trains take just one hour. The resort provides free pick-up service from
the station.
Kayumanis
Nanjing Private Villas & Spa is at 12 Wenquan Lu, Sizhuang,
Tangshan, Jiangning district (25 8410 7777; www.kayumanis.com)
