WHAT’S IT LIKE? Kayumanis has been offering exclusive villa retreats in Bali for some time now, each one displaying a distinct flair for design and tasteful living. The Nanjing outpost is no different, and is even more surprising as the Balinese flavour has been maintained, especially with the presence of Indonesian staff.
Twenty-one private villas lie at the foot of the Tangshan Mountains, famous for its hot springs where once only royalty was allowed. Now, you can live like one, albeit for a few days, in a “mini imperial palace”, complete with a plunge pool and gourmet meals.
WHERE IS IT? About an hour from downtown Nanjing and 45 minutes from the airport. Pickups are offered.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 21 units measuring from 300sqm to 700sqm and accommodating two to four persons. Each displays a particular theme such as Javanese, Peranakan and contemporary.
ROOM FACILITIES: Large flat-screen TVs in the bedrooms and living room, hot-spring pool besides the cold water pool, en-suite bathroom and outdoor shower.
RESTAURANT: Nine features a menu of regional Chinese cuisine with some Western infusion. Breakfast can be taken in the main dining area or on the verandah overlooking the lily pond. If not, you can enjoy room service. The marmalade was homemade, which we liked very much, and when we enquired, we were told it was from a recipe concocted in Bali.
BAR: Nine has a lounge section where drinks are served throughout the day and into the evening.
LEISURE FACILITIES: The spa has three couples’ rooms and Balinese therapists. With some notice, the resident Chinese chef can conduct a cooking class.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: You’re here to chill, but if you insist on working, Wi-Fi and wired internet connection in the bedrooms is speedy and the IT-savvy staff can always help out.
PRICE: From US$599 nightly in a Private Villa in early March.
VERDICT: The perfect getaway – just don’t bring your laptop.
CONTACT: Sizhuang Village, Tangshan, Nanjing 211131, China, tel 86 258410 7777, www.kayumanis.com
Margie T Logarta
