RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE DEBUTS IN CHINA
Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Southwestern China, offers guests rare experiences and an immersive connection to the landscapes, culture, and traditions of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jiuzhaigou Valley.
Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the latest resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, was unveiled June 15 in Jiuzhaigou, a valley on the edges of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in China’s Southwestern Sichuan province. The region is an area of exceptional natural beauty with spectacular alpine mountains soaring above a fairyland of forests, lakes, and waterfalls, and has been inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve. In this spellbinding setting, Rissai Valley - its name a transliteration of the Tibetan word for “village” - is an intimate luxury hideaway that offers guests rare insights and immersive connections with the natural surroundings and culture of traditional Tibetan village life.
“We are thrilled to debut Rissai Valley, China’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Jiuzhaigou, one of the most stunningly beautiful and culturally rich areas of the world,” said Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury, Marriott International. “Rissai Valley is the sixth property in a rare portfolio of exclusive estates worldwide, offering an intimate and transformative experience rooted in heartfelt care and human connection. I cannot wait for guests to enjoy the ancient indigenous culture and traditions of Jiuzhaigou through a unique Ritz-Carlton Reserve lens.”
The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area covers 72,000 hectares in northern Sichuan Province and is protected as a national nature reserve. The ancient forest ecosystems of Jiuzhaigou National Park are home to China’s beloved giant pandas and other rare species of plants, animals, and birds. Visitors to the destination can hike in the national park, sample traditional Tibetan cuisine, and enjoy colorful cultural performances. Jiuzhaigou is located about 430 kilometers north of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, with daily connecting flights from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport. Rissai Valley is approximately 88 kilometers, or about a 75-minute drive from the airport.
Rissai Valley’s intimate 87 villas offer magnificent views of the snow-capped Minshan mountain range, forests, and ancient Tibetan villages. U.S.-based architectural firm WATG paid homage to the natural surroundings and Tibetan heritage with the use of traditional building forms and locally-sourced materials. The landscaping was led by John Pettigrew, who created the immaculate gardens with indigenous planting to reflect the extraordinary landscapes. The elegant interiors were designed by the late Indonesian interior design legend Jaya Ibrahim, who curated palettes of forest greens, emeralds, and icy blues to mirror the jewel-colored lakes and waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou, while celebrating the culture and heritage of the local villages with examples of artisanal Tibetan craftsmanship throughout the property.
“Rissai Valley is a truly magical place, nestled in the landscapes and surroundings of one of the most mythical natural wonders of the world,” said Marcel Damen, General Manager, Rissai Valley. “As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in China, we look forward to welcoming guests to a place of marvelous beauty, and to experience the many curated experiences that connect guests with the rich local culture. A stay at Rissai Valley will inspire many memories that will last a lifetime.”
https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/jzhrz-rissai-valley-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/
About Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is set within close proximity to Southwest China’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jiuzhaigou National Park. Featuring 87 refined villas commanding prime vistas of the majestic natural landscape and overlooking traditional Tibetan villages, the elegant interiors were designed to align with authentic local customs. Intimate and inventive dining experiences await at four different venues, and a ballroom offers a meeting space for elevated celebrations. At Rissai Valley, guests will feel the warm, heartfelt care of the local team through their personal host Nieba, and immersive cultural experiences guided by experience ambassadors. Rissai Valley is a hideaway to find replenishment and calm where guests will connect with unscripted nature and to the ancient culture, all while creating memories to last a lifetime.