Rissai offering chance to get in touch with nature

Ritz-Carlton Reserve recently announced the opening of Rissai Valley, marking the brand's arrival in China.

The hotel is a joint effort by Marriott International and China Green Development Investment Group, a State-owned enterprise. The opening underlines the companies' longstanding commitment to quality experiences and local communities.

The latest resort in the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, Rissai Valley was opened on June 15 in Jiuzhaigou, a valley on the edges of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the southwestern province of Sichuan.

Jiuzhaigou boasts unparalleled natural beauty with alpine mountains and an ancient forest. The region hosts an array of pools, lakes and waterfalls in shades of blue, green, yellow and purple. It has been inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve.

In this spellbinding setting, Rissai Valley — whose name is a transliteration of the Tibetan word for "village" — is a luxury hideaway that offers guests "immersive connections with the natural surroundings and culture of traditional Tibetan village life", according to Marriott International.

"We are thrilled to debut Rissai Valley, China's first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Jiuzhaigou, one of the most stunningly beautiful and culturally rich areas of the world," said Tina Edmundson, president of luxury at Marriott International.

"Rissai Valley is the sixth property in a rare portfolio of exclusive estates worldwide, offering an intimate and transformative experience rooted in heartfelt care and human connection," she noted.

Li Jinghai, senior assistant to general manager of CGDG and head of Commerce & Happiness Industry Management Company at CGDG, said: "We consider the successful opening of Rissai Valley, a top-tier hotel, to be a testament to our ability to meet the standards of a world-class enterprise in regards to product quality, brand reputation, innovation and modern governance.

"We expect Rissai Valley to serve as a model for the industry. This role is reflected in two important areas: products and services. Our goal is to consistently meet the needs of our customers, as their satisfaction is our truest measure of success."

As its name indicates, Li said his group is committed to promoting green development, in response to the country's call for green and low-carbon growth. All properties owned by CGDG, including its hotels and petroleum-related properties, have gained green certification.

As a result, CGDG is at the forefront of the industry, according to Li.

Rissai Valley's 87 villas offer views of the snow-capped Minshan mountain range, forests and ancient Tibetan villages, according to the hotel.

The local culture and natural environment were a major source of inspiration for the hotel's designers. Global multidisciplinary design firm WATG paid homage to the natural surroundings and Tibetan heritage with the use of traditional building forms and locally sourced materials. The landscaping was led by John Pettigrew, who created the immaculate gardens with indigenous planting to reflect the extraordinary landscapes.

The rooms were designed by the late Indonesian interior design legend Jaya Ibrahim, who curated palettes of forest greens, emeralds and icy blues to mirror the jewel-colored lakes and waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou. Meanwhile, the culture and heritage of local villages is celebrated with examples of artisanal Tibetan craftsmanship throughout the property.

Li said that as a State-owned enterprise, CGDG has a duty to support the development of the local community. The company's investment in the Jiuzhaigou region has led to better infrastructure and job opportunities for locals.

He said a staff member, who came from The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin to assist with work in Rissai Valley, told him that the hotel's local staff possess a natural purity and simplicity. Their sincere passion for the job deeply touched him.

Marcel Damen, the general manager of Rissai Valley, said: "As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in China, we look forward to welcoming guests to a place of marvelous beauty and to experience the many curated experiences that connect guests with the rich local culture."

Rissai Valley is Marriott International's 500th hotel in China. The company plans to bolster its position in the country with 47 hotels set to open in 2023. These are to add approximately 13,000 guest rooms to the portfolio.