Majestic views from Baoshan Stone Town. Photo Credit: The Lux Collective
SINGAPORE - The Lux Collective will open four new retreats along the ancient Tea Horse Road in Yunnan. The hotel group has extended its partnership with Yunnan’s largest tourism company, Lijiang Yulong Tourism Corporation Limited, to expand its presence in Yunnan’s northwest province with the signing of four retreats along the legendary trade route, enhancing the experiential journey with the existing LUX* Tea Horse Road China properties in Lijiang and Benzilan.
In July 2019, LUX* Tea Horse Road Benzilan provided an enchanting backdrop for BMW’s launch of their new X7 and 7 series. The four new retreats, Peach Valley, Stone Town, Sangushui, and Daju Village, are expected to open in September 2020.
Two additional hotels, LUX* Tea Horse Road Dali and Pu’er, will open in the first half of 2021, bringing the LUX* Tea Horse Road China’s portfolio of hotels and retreats to eight in Yunnan.
LUX* Tea Horse Road, China, is on an ancient route that once stretched across nearly 2,250 km from the tea-growing region of Pu’er to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region at an altitude of nearly 3,700 m. The four retreats are located in some of Yunnan’s most picturesque locations and within a 3.5-hour drive from Lijiang.
Mr Sydney Pierre, senior VP - Commercial of The Lux Collective, said: “When business resumes progressively, MICE demand will bounce back quickly. However, we recognise that MICE business will not return in the same proportion or format. Given the new focus on health and safety, we anticipate the emergence of smaller groups or even incentive trips.
Sydney Pierre, senior VP – Commercial, The Lux Collective: “It will launch a web-based MICE portal to expedite MICE enquiries and provide instant access to The Lux Collective’s MICE services.” Photo Credit: The Lux Collective“As the world begins its recovery, we are fortunate to experience an increase in the number of MICE enquiries. Given the heightened priority on spatial distancing and safety protocols, LUX* Resorts and Hotels has the distinct advantage of catering to the new MICE formats.
“All of our resorts provide the luxury of space and nature. So far, most of our conversions are for small boardroom events as well as friends/family business for a ‘re-boost’ escapade. Our teams are putting all their creative genius to good use by crafting distinctive moments for these smaller MICE groups, with a ‘give back to the local community’ element to add meaning to their experiences. There are a few requests for big meetings and incentives but almost no conversion yet.”
The group has been sending regular newsletters to its MICE database, and the sales team has hosted webinar training sessions for MICE buyers. It will launch a web-based MICE portal to expedite MICE enquiries and provide instant access to group’s MICE services.
Prices per night start from US$115 per person for a single room and US$100 per person for twin-sharing, including daily breakfast for two nights’ accommodation at each LUX* Tea Horse Road retreat.
LUX* Tea Horse Road Peach Valley
Tucked away in a valley of rolling hills and peach orchards, 2,642 m above sea level, LUX* Tea Horse Road Peach Valley is a 17-room luxury boutique retreat in the heart of the small community that produces the largest snow peaches in the world. Blending chic design into the surrounding rustic farmland, this retreat embraces slow living.
LUX* Tea Horse Road Stone Town
Baoshan Stone Town is a remote village on a rocky cliff hanging over a river and the heart of Naxiculture. The six-room retreat with a cosy communal area offers views of the pale green river and mountain peaks.
LUX* Tea Horse Road Sangushui
Located centrally in Sangushui village, this 15-room retreat offers a peek into one of the world’s oldest living cultures, blending the traditional Naxi culture with contemporary flair, against breathtaking views.
LUX* Tea Horse Road Daju Village
This modern 18-room retreat is surrounded by lush fields of grain and vegetables, and Daju Village, the gateway to one of the world’s deepest canyons.
Other MICE packages in the region:
LUX* Saint Gilles Resort in Reunion Island - three or four nights starting from US$200 per person for single room and US$135 for twin sharing including daily breakfast
LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas, LUX* Belle Mare Resort & Villas or LUX* Le Morne Resort in Mauritius - four or five nights starting from US$215 per person for a single room and US$290 for twin sharing including daily breakfast
LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas or LUX* North Male Atoll Resort & Villas in the Maldives – four or five nights starting from US$350 per villa for one or two participants including daily breakfast