Location: China

Architect: Chiara Calufetti-Lim, Principal & Studio Director of WATG Singapore

Hotel Group: Marriott

Photography: Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Chris Cypert

Situated amidst a 72,000-hectare reserve, Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Jiuzhaigou, stands as an 87-luxury-villas resort nestled within the confines of a UNESCO World Heritage Site valley, perched on the periphery of the Tibetan Plateau. This enclave offers sweeping vistas of a snowcapped mountain range, dense woodlands, and ancient villages, evoking a sense of serenity and awe-inspiring beauty.

In adherence to the principles of ‘Genius Loci,’ the essence of the locale, the architectural blueprint curated by WATG is imbued with elements reflective of the indigenous culture, seamlessly intertwining symbolism and significance. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a majestic entrance, marking the threshold to a transcendent journey, where the mundane is left behind, and tranquility prevails. The primary communal complex is ingeniously designed as the “endless Tibetan knot,” fostering a perpetual interplay of spaces and signifying renewal, whereby guests emerge revitalized.

Strategic villa placement accounts for the region’s mercurial climate and varying occupancy, while public spaces, imbued with a domestic scale, afford unparalleled panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Emulating the organic evolution of a traditional village, the architectural footprint is minimized, harmonizing with the natural terrain.

In a concerted effort to uphold sustainability, biophilic design principles are embraced, accentuating daylight ingress and promoting cross ventilation, while provisions for rainwater harvesting and solar energy harnessing further underscore the commitment to environmental stewardship. Mindful of the intrinsic connection between site and structure, the architectural narrative mirrors the vernacular typology, seamlessly melding with the valley’s ethos. Invariably, WATG’s endeavor underscores a profound respect for the sanctity of Rissai Valley, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with nature’s bounty.