Happy to be in hot water

The large, garden-like hot spring compound at Bolian Resorts & SPA Chongqing is inside the North Hot Spring Park and next door to the Hot Spring Temple.[Photo provided to China Daily]

International luxury brand Banyan Tree built its first hot spring resort in Beibei District, Chongqing. It is located in Hot Spring Road, where more similar resorts being developed. It can be reached with a 50 minute drive from downtown, 40 minutes from the airport.

Nestled in the foothills of Jinyun Mountain Natural Reserve, the hotel offers curative waters from the ancient North Hot Spring in its 96 suites and villas, each with its own private hot spring bath on the terrace or in the courtyard.

With an ambience of spirituality, tranquillity and cultural charm, the retro villas built in local style are scattered along the valley and creeks. This resort seems like a retreat from the world.

Guests can also relax and soak in the indoor hot spring baths or outdoor pool. The indoor hot spring baths are separated for male and female guests. The outdoor hot spring has nine pools of different temperatures and medical functions.

If you are not staying at the hotel, you can just buy a hot spring ticket, which costs about 300 yuan (US$43), at the hotel reception and enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools.

Not far away from the Hot Spring Road, on the Jialing River, Chinese boutique hotel brand Bolian opened Bolian Resorts & SPA Chongqing in 2010, inside the North Hot Spring Park and next door to the Hot Spring Temple.