Banyan Tree Anji, is it amazing?!

✨ It's quite magical to talk about it. The newly opened Banyan Tree Anji in Suzhou is right at my doorstep, but after staying for two days and looking at the scenery from a different angle, I felt a bit unfamiliar and surprised, and felt refreshed both physically and mentally. ✨ When Banyan Tree Anji was first announced, I was somewhat puzzled by the choice of location, but after not visiting the Shishan Cultural Plaza for a few days, the rapidly changing scenery was indeed a bit shocking: lush green trees, blooming flowers, and a naturally refreshing atmosphere upon entering. Not to mention the added cultural atmosphere from the West Museum of Suzhou Museum, Suzhou Science and Technology Museum, and Shishan Grand Theatre. Nestled in the quiet mountains yet within the city, Banyan Tree Anji is situated here, facing Shishan and overlooking Tian Shi Lake, exuding a sense of urban retreat. ✨ The architectural design is led by GOA, and the interior design is by HBA, both of which have many representative works in the free shipping zone. Their strong collaboration has indeed brought out a different style of the Jiangnan courtyard, with both the charm of the classical and a fresh and elegant new look. Especially the exploration of local elements in Suzhou is unique: the lobby inspiration comes from boats, Kesi silk, Suzhou embroidery, Kunqu opera, lacquerware... It's like a small cultural museum. ✨ The garden design is also quite impressive, with the hollowed-out walls of the corridors casting dreamlike shadows in the bright sunlight; the water features and Shishan complement each other, creating different landscapes by day and night. It's hard to imagine that in the midst of a bustling city, there could be such tranquility and Zen. No wonder the hotel promotes various physical and mental wellness programs, such as hiking on Shishan, Ba Duan Jin, forest yoga, stretching the body and mind in the city's green lungs, it's truly effective. ✨ The acclaimed SPA of Banyan Tree is not to be missed. The spa area of Banyan Tree Anji is self-contained, with a dry landscape in the enclosed atrium and a comfortable atmosphere in the SPA space that borrows the view from outside the window. I chose the Balinese massage, and the tropical atmosphere was so strong that while my body and mind were relaxing, I kept asking myself, am I really in Suzhou right now? ✨ In the guest rooms, you can also feel the SPA atmosphere, with different aromatherapy scents every day, and the luxury of a private outdoor hot spring bath. ✨ Baiyun Chinese Restaurant specializes in Cantonese and Huaiyang cuisine, and I was particularly impressed with the breakfast. The menu is presented in the form of 'Baiyun Daily', which has an old-fashioned charm! The variety of Cantonese dim sum is dazzling, and the numerous types of bread are even more eye-catching. The 'Fortune of the Lion' afternoon tea is also very creative, not only is the name pleasing, but one of the items 'Ink Wash Jiangnan' slowly reveals a 'inkstone' pattern as the milk is poured, bringing a knowing smile to one's face.