A new modernist hotel with private access to an unrestored section of the Great Wall of China, opens this week. The Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski is located in the Shuiguan Mountains, one hour's drive from Beijing.
The Commune has existed since 2002 as a collection of contemporary villas designed by 12 Asian architects. It first opened as both a boutique hotel and semi-architectural museum and became a showcase of contemporary Chinese and Asian architecture. The owner Ms Zhang Xin won a special award at the 2002 Biennale di Venezia for an individual patron of architectural works.
Kempinski Hotels took over the management of the hotel in 2005 and together with Ms Xin, have built an additional 21 villas containing 191 new rooms. The new villas are dotted among eight square kilometers of private land and offer spectacular views of The Great Wall. Each one is a replica of one of four of the original designs: The Bamboo House, Cantilever House, Shared House and Forest House. The furniture is designed by a series of famous designers ranging from Philippe Starck and Matthew Hilton to Karim Rashid and Claudio Colucci.
The hotel, which has become an icon of new China, has been visited by many celebrities such as actresses Renee Zellweger and Sigourney Weaver, director Anthony Minghella, tennis star Serena Williams and the designer Paul Smith.
The villas range in size from four to six bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms. For the first time guests can take an individual bedroom rather than a whole villa. Each villa has a communal area, which has a kitchen with a fridge with complimentary beer and soft drinks, a living room and dining room. The hotel also has a Club House with two restaurants serving local specialities from five regions of China, a bar and private dining rooms; a Kids Club; and an Anantara Spa. Two new deli cafes are also planned.
The new spa has fifteen spa suites, including five double suites for couples all with partial views of the Great Wall. The modern corten steel building integrates with the natural surroundings and includes an outdoor yoga area on the roof. Spa treatments range from two hour spa sessions to full day indulgences with a spa cuisine lunch. The oils and elixirs will come from the freshest indigenous ingredients including ylang ylang, lemongrass, ginger and local fruits.
The Kids' Club, named Commune of the Children, occupies a whole villa, with a kids' size kitchen for cooking classes, a garden with camping ground, a tree house and outdoor pool. It offers a wide range of supervised activities for children from 2 to 12.
The price for a room starts from 179 including breakfast and tax. The price of a spa treatment starts from 50. For information, reservations and high resolution pictures visit www.kempinski.com The Commune now offers 42 villas with 236 rooms and suites.
Kempinski s prestigious portfolio comprises luxurious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia. Each offers superior standards of service combined with a distinctive style reflecting the individuality of the property and its location.
Kempinski Hotels is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance, which now consists of 152 upscale and luxury hotels and resorts, spread over 35 different countries. Each brand is a key player in their main regions of operation. Omni Hotels in North America; Kempinski Hotels in Europe; Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts in the Pacific Rim; and Rydges Hotels and Resorts in Australia and New Zealand. GHA will continue to grow to include selected hotel brands in those regions not currently covered by the alliance.
