To visit the Great Wall of China is to disappear into a swirl of vendors and tourists. But 75 minutes north of central Beijing sits a wild stretch of the monument that few know abut and fewer have seen. In full view of it nestled by the nearby mountains is Commune by the great wall www.commune.com.cn .
Conceived by Chinese ubet-developer Zhang Xin and managed by Kempinski Hotels Commune consists of a clubhouse and 11 unique four- five- and six-bedroom villas designed by 12 Asian architects. This fall Commune will debut 237 new rooms divided between the 11 existing villas and 31 new villas. The property will also unveil its first fitness center two new cafes a villa dedicated to children s activities and a new 21 room Anantara spa useful for combating Beijing s arid climate.
The largest of the original villas is the ethereal Bamboo Wall House while Suitcase House has a fully retractable interior creating a loft-like impediment-free space that s ideal for conferences or other special group events. Airport House features three terminal- esque wings on its facade. The homey Cantilever House is the most popular pick for weddings.
Many of the villas afford views of the Wall the rooftop of Cantilever House offers a glimpse of an unrestored watchtower while a meandering snake-like segment can be seen from the living room of Furniture House. Of the new villas 21 replicate four of the existing designs and the remaining 10 contain large suites in their entirety. While each original villa comes with a butler the new villas offer classic housekeeping and concierge services.
Thanks to its stunning location and architectural intrigue Commune sees its fair share of weddings film and TV shoots and corporate retreats any of which might occupy the property in its entirety. By day the Clubhouse and select vacant villas form an architectural museum viewable by appointment. At night day guests leave and the resort grows quiet under the starlight. BMW Mont Blanc and Ogilvie are corporate regulars and celebs like Renee Zellwegger Sigourney Weaver and Serena Williams have lapped up the serenity.
Head concierge Mark Ma concierge@commune.com.cn 86-10-8118-1888 ext.1043 and his team can arrange visits to shops galleries and historic sights in Beijing. Ma can also set up events at the Great Wall a ten-minute walk away including horseback riding or a champagne picnic. There s also indoor polo nearby. During the off-season December through March nearby options include skiing and ice-carving exhibits in Yanqing. Commune s restaurants offer la carte and prix-fixe menus corresponding to China s various culinary regions. For a stay during spring and fall travel advisors should reserve at least a week in advance particularly for the popular terrace seats. Commune s boutique is stocked with scarves ceramic kitchenware purses and other items with modern Chinese flair.
GDS is not available yet travel advisors should contact Director of Sales and Marketing Lilly Su lillysu@commune.com.cn 86-10-1391-053-1939 .General Manager Yves Wencker yves.wencker@kempinski.com office 86-10-8118-1888 ext.1110 mobile 86-10-13511-000786 handles VIP arrangements. Transfers can be arranged from Beijing International or Badaling airports.
