Wuzhen, China
Opened
2018
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
HyattMinimalist water village
The property reimagines a Jiangnan water town as an abstract village of quiet canals and whitewashed courtyards.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Geometric white pavilions and reflecting pools reinterpreting traditional Jiangnan water town alleyways.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Set in the so-called ‘Venice of the East,’ the hotel makes liberal use of its own waterways and reflecting pools, which organize its ultra-minimal all-white buildings into a village-like layout.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Wetlands of Yada Ecological Park surround the grounds, and historic Wuzhen is five minutes away by car.
The rooms
Every suite and villa centers on a private courtyard, finished with pale timber and crisp white linens.
The spa and pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Seven spa treatment rooms contain private immersion plunge pools. Nearby, a heated indoor lap pool reflects square skylights overhead.
Restaurant
Si Shui
Tables overlook the lake through vertical bamboo poles and woven lanterns, with a menu of Cantonese and Jiangnan cuisine.
At the table
Shui Shi Kou serves regional Jiangnan fare under vaulted timber ceilings, and San Bai Bar pours cocktails beneath angled skylights.
How it began
Design firm GOA spent four years planning the property, trading ornate regional carvings for clean geometric forms.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.