Uncovered Surprises

From an old sugar mill to a masterful nature centric resort, Alila Yangshuo celebrates the tactility of its rustic materials and the wonders of Guilin’s cultural experience.

- Martin Teo

Alila means ‘Surprise’ in Sanskrit. This word suitable describes the refreshing character of their properties and impressions given to guests when enjoying the ‘Alila’ experience.

Naturally crafted against the picturesque karst mountains, rolling verdant hills and meandering rivers, Alila Yangshuo is Alila Hotels and Resorts’ second property in China. Set in a modern retro theme, Alila Yangshuo is located in one of the most breathtaking places in China – Guilin.

Alila Yangshuo overlooks the scenic vista of the Li River. The resort reaps the exciting nuances of the site’s natural and cultural wonders. Once a working sugar mill, Alila Yangshuo is converted exquisitely into a rustic chic resort of 117 rooms, suites and villas; combining stylish simplicity, with exceptional comfort and convenience.

Designed by Dong Gong of Vector Architects with interiors by award-winning Ju Bin of Horizontal Space Design, the vision of Alila Yangshuo is to integrate the new with the old. The designers have artfully incorporated elements of the retro 1960s sugar mill architecture into the common areas of Alila Yangshuo as seen in the hollow wall structure and in the transformation of the original sugarcane dock into a swimming pool.

STRIPPED SURPRISE

As a repurposed conservation project, the authenticity of the existing structure is kept to the T. Rustic faded brick wall with unique ventilation blocks are evident around the exteriors. The construction of bricks is obvious, dressing the exterior walls with a beautiful texture from the past.