China’s 1,300-Year Old Water Town Dubbed The “Venice Of The East”
ALILA’s third property in China, will open this November in Wuzhen. Located just an hour’s drive from Hangzhou and 1.5 hours from Shanghai, Alila Wuzhen is a 5-minute drive from the famous Wuzhen Water Town. Inspired by Wuzhen’s maze of quiet canals and ancient alleyways, Alila Wuzhen is a modern interpretation of the water town’s design lineage with 125 generously appointed suites, villas and pool villas – all wrapped around private courtyards and intertwining waterways in a tranquil setting.
Heritage Inspired Design
Designed by GOA, one of the prominent architectural firms in China, Alila Wuzhen’s “minimalist” aesthetics is an adaptation of the heritage buildings inherent, south of the Yangtze River. Alila Wuzhen’s architecture is a reimagination of traditional space reconstruction – of streets, lanes, courtyards and public areas – giving it new functionalities and purpose.
“The Maze” at Alila Wuzhen comprises well-proportioned spaces full of twists and turns, reminiscent of classic villages, with its own modern waterways that correspond to the water town of Wuzhen, as well as the water system of Hangjia Lake Plain. A peaceful environment reigns in these private quarters and prevalent in every guest room, where design priority has been devoted to ensuring every modern comfort for its residents.
The iconic indoor pool is inspired by the Arabian Alhambra’s starry bathroom where dappled sunlight etched delightful patterns onto its pitched roof. The main public spaces are gathered around a central water courtyard with water features dissecting indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the resort, while also maintaining the continuity of the buildings, just like the traditional villages of old.
The Alila Experiences
Guests can immerse themselves in the picturesque beauty and charm of Wuzhen’s 1300-year-old water town. The beauty of the water town is best explored through self-discovery. The signature route includes a scenic walking tour through the ancient Grand Canal, the famed Wine Distillery and Indigo Fabric Workshop. The Alila Wuzhen ‘Watertown’ Package offers a choice of the ‘Old’ vs the “New” Experience where guests may choose to enjoy a free & easy excursion to the ancient water town with complimentary car transfers; OR guests may choose to experience a mini test drive of the NIO ES8, China’s version of the Tesla to explore the new Wuzhen. For more of the Alila themed excursions, guests can book additional activities with Alila Wuzhen’s concierge team to enjoy the local Shadow Play, Water Market and Bamboo Pole Performance on a canal tour to maximise their stay.
Restaurants, Facilities & Services
Four distinct restaurants and bars provide a delightful dining experience for the palate whatever the occasion, be it a romantic dinner or a family gathering. The variety of restaurants includes Shui Shi Kou, featuring a mix of Western and Asian cuisine; Si Shui & Private Dining Room featuring Cantonese and local Wuzhen cuisine. Guests can enjoy food with a local soul for true authenticity. The Sai Bai, a Day & Night Bar offers afternoon tea and an extensive choice of local “San Bai Wine” and Whisky.
Other facilities at Alila Wuzhen include Spa Alila, a state-of-the-art gym with private yoga studio, as well as curated meeting and event space catering for up to 500 guests.
