This is the Kayumanis hotel group's first foray into China and with it they have revealed a remarkably deft understanding of escape in this rural region. The clutch of stone coloured villas here blend into the lake and mountain mist seamlessly. Inside they are an equally subdued display of chic. It is as if the policy on design has been do not disturb. The effect is totally calming. There are still traces of old China with four poster beds shrouded with fabric. The local hot springs of Tangshan feed a spa attached to the private pool that runs in a neat strip down the stone-paved courtyard. While it is quite possible to never need leave your villa with private dining available, a night out at Nine with its view over the lake and fusion of European and Chinese flavours is a must. There is also a spa facility that streams its treatments from age-old Chinese wisdom.