The first thing you notice when you enter Alila Wuzhen is its stunning central reflection pool. It hits with impact, beauty and a little bit of awe. It’s also the moment you realise that this modern retreat in the revered water town in the Chinese Mainland’s Zhejiang Province is very much one with the water. In short, this statement hotel is a sexy, design-forward love letter to its hometown.
What’s the deal?
Designed by Goa architects, the complex of 125 suites and villas is modelled around the layout of the villages of the Yangtze River Delta and built around its own series of canals and water features, which are both a maze and a delight. The property also flanks a beautiful, man-made wetland lake, where egrets dance and play throughout the day.
But that’s where the similarities to the ancient town of Wuzhen end. Because this hotel fully embraces the contemporary aesthetic – sleek, minimalist and visionary. Expansive windows adorn its public spaces, bringing the outside in, while white, concrete and light wood come together in a balance that highlights the water, the clouds and the sky.
Why stay?
Outside of your inevitable visit to the ancient town, Alila Wuzhen is the kind of property you don’t want to leave. And as a retreat, it’s all set up for this kind of stay. The rooms – all suites and villas – are spacious and curated for comfort, with the smallest accommodation coming in at a generous 592sq ft. The interiors are minimally luxurious, yet incredibly warm and peaceful. Every room has a private courtyard, and the village-like configuration of the complex provides an enhanced level of privacy.
Beyond the rooms, the rest of the retreat’s amenities invite you to linger, all centred around a reflection pool that anchors the property.
On one side is Cantonese fine dining restaurant, Si Shui, which updates its menu seasonally to focus on the freshest ingredients from the region. On the other side is San Bai Bar, where cocktails, whisky and nightly live music are the stars. Next door, a communal entertainment room is equipped with a lounge, a pool table and karaoke. There’s also Shui Shi Kou, which serves farm-to-table flavours with a globe-trotting selection of dishes.
The retreat’s serenity makes it an ideal place to slow down, and this is where Alila Spa comes into its own – offering locally inspired treatments that use ingredients from the area. And beyond these, there are also singing bowl meditation sessions that overlook the tranquil wetlands.
Cathay editors say…
“Don’t miss a morning boat ride exploring the adjoining wetlands, getting up close to the birdlife and soaking up the serenity on the water.”