An oriental honeymoon of your dreams, with this twin-centre trip to China with Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts.

With stunning views over the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the highlands of Yunnan province, Banyan Tree Lijiang is a majestic luxury hotel with Eastern design and Naxi-inspired architecture. Offering a complete contrast, Banyan Tree Ringha is a secluded hideaway in Shangri-La, a remote paradise hidden in a Tibetan valley. Perched 3,300 metres above sea level and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the hotel is constructed from recycled material nestled within a fabled valley.

Banyan Tree Lijiang welcomes guests into an ethereal, romantic land of cobblestones and quaint bridges over flowing canals. It is based in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural centre of Lijiang, which is aptly known as ‘Venice of the Orient’ with a fascinating living history of musical performers, silk embroidery and carpentry. The resort itself is modelled on a traditional Chinese village and inspired by local Naxi culture with pink stone, red clay roof tiles and signature Naxi-styled curved roofs.

Set in mystic Shangri-La, Banyan Tree Ringha is made up of discarded, original Tibetan farmhouses, which Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts purchased from local families, relocated and reconstructed in the traditional style of meticulously piling the logs one on top of another. The interior is decorated with contemporary Tibetan art and crafts, featuring exquisitely woven rugs and drapes in bright and vibrant colours.

The traditionally designed Tibetan Farmhouse at Banyan Tree Ringha is set over two levels with views over the lush forest, raw stone steps leading to an expansive bedroom, a handcrafted wooden hot tub and the rustic feel of Shangri-La. Each dwelling is complete with intricate native woodcarvings, fireplaces and wooden balconies to provide couples with sweeping valley or river views.

Located in two of the most spectacular areas of China, both resorts offer memorable day trips to explore the surrounding scenery. With mountain peaks touched by the clouds, awe-inspiring ridges, deep canyons, torrential rivers, mystical plateaus, endless valleys, crystal-clear streams and the most tranquil of lakes, the options for romantic exploration are boundless.

In-resort, Banyan Tree Lijiang offers a state-of-the-art gym, outdoor tennis courts and a wealth of exquisite Chinese dining options whilst Banyan Tree Ringha boasts a peaceful library, a Tibetan space for sharing hotpots and steamboats and destination dining in a romantic Mongolian yurt.

Offering a tranquil sanctuary, couples can indulge in locally inspired spa treatments that are unique to the resorts and each can be enjoyed in specially designed couples’ treatment rooms. Local treatments include the rejuvenating Yunnan bounty which begins with a traditional pearl barley scrub to exfoliate the skin followed by a nourishing red rice and ginseng conditioner and a soothing green tea tonic mist. For a truly authentic treat, couples can try the blissfully warming Gui Shi Hot Stones massage where heated river stones are soothingly massaged over the body with sesame oil, exerting warmth and pressure on the key energy points specified in the ‘Gui Shi’ Tibetan medical text.

One lucky couple will win a luxurious twin-centre break in China with Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts.  This includes three nights in a luxurious Garden Suite at five-star Banyan Tree Lijiang with its ornate oriental architecture, lush king-sized bed and spread of private gardens, followed by two nights in a Tibetan Farmhouse at Banyan Tree Ringha. Also included will be a couples’ spa treatment at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, daily buffet breakfast and one divine set dinner experience at the resort of the couples’ choice.

THE PRIZE

Three nights in a luxurious Garden Suite at Banyan Tree Lijiang followed by two nights in a Tibetan Farmhouse at Banyan Tree Ringha in China for two people. Stay includes one couples’ spa treatment at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, daily buffet breakfast and one delicious set dinner for two at the resort of their choice. One transfer between Banyan Tree Lijiang and Banyan Tree Ringha is included in prize. Flights and transfers to and from the airport NOT included.

HOW TO ENTER

To enter this competition simply answer the following question:

How many metres above sea level is Banyan Tree Ringha?

1. 2,200
2. 3,100
3. 3,300

Send your answer to; info@affinitymag.co.uk

Competition closes 15^th April 2017

T&C’s              

 There is no cash alternative to the prize. Voucher valid for travel from March 2017 to April 2018. Stay must be booked a minimum of eight weeks prior to travel. Blackout dates when stay cannot be claimed are: 2-4  April 2017, 1-3 May 2017, 28-30 May 2017, 1-8 Oct 2017. All stays are subject to availability and additional blackout dates may apply. Prize winners must be over 18.