Everything you need to know about the first Tatler Travel departure—a mindfulness retreat in Shangri-La, Yunnan

When was the last time you truly lived in the moment? Most of us view travelling as a break from reality, but it is also a celebration of living in the present, which in our busy, multi-tasking lives can be difficult to do. What every curious traveller looks for are places that take your breath away, people who truly inspire, and experiences that transform.

This is precisely what we offer in the first Tatler Travel departure to Shangri-La in Yunnan, China. Curated with Design Hotels, this 4-day, 3-night mindfulness retreat on 22-25 August 2019 in the spiritual surrounds of the fabled Shangri-La is perfect for those looking for a meaningful escape.

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Above The first Tatler Travel departure is in the mystical Shangri-La in China's Yunnan province

The Location: Shangri-La, Yunnan, China

We chose a place that truly stirs the soul—Wunongding village in China’s Yunnan province, an alpine landscape made up of a cluster of 22 Shangri-La households. From the majestic peaks of the Meili Snow Mountain (considered a holy land of pilgrimage for Tibetans) to the distinct flora and fauna of this esteemed World Heritage Site, this is a special place where you can truly live in the moment.

See also: 5 Luxury Wellness Retreats To Help You Find Inner Peace In Six Days Or Less 

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 9 The standalone Noble House villa puts the breathtaking scenery front and centre
Photo 2 of 9 Sunyata Hotel Meili is viewed as the 23rd house in the village
Photo 3 of 9 Start or end your day at the rooftop lounge, which has an exquisite view of the Meili Snow Mountains
Photo 4 of 9 Cosy up to the fireplaces featured in the hotel's suites and the common areas
Photo 5 of 9 Every room is decorated with natural materials, Tibetan accessories and textured linens creating an earthy feel
Photo 6 of 9 Picture windows help perpetuate a sense of serenity
Photo 7 of 9 The grounded design aesthetic begins at the hotel lobby
Photo 8 of 9 The streamlined atrium of the reimagined Tibetan house
Photo 9 of 9 Every nook and cranny of the hotel showcases its soulful ethos

The Hotel: Sunyata Meili

Part of the prestigious Design Hotels portfolio, the minimalist Sunyata Hotel Meili is carved from a former Tibetan home reimagined by Zhao Yang Architects. The Dali-based practice took inspiration from traditional architecture thus infusing the hotel with a real sense of place, so much so that it is largely considered the “23rd house” in the village. The sensitive restoration of this landmark project took 1,095 days to complete and is a sight to behold at 3,600 meters above sea level.

Embracing the essence of wabi-sabi design—a concept that celebrates the beauty of imperfection—the interiors are characterised by rough-hewn natural materials, organic elements and Tibetan influences. Look through the slideshow above to get a glimpse of this supremely designed conversion project, which marries old and new in sensuous style. 

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Above Health entrepreneur and yoga master Hao Hanzhen
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Above Wildlife and conservation photographer Noel Guevara

The Experts: Tatler Ambassadors

Every touchpoint is led by inspiring people—the crux of any Tatler Travel experience. For this first departure, we have invited two Gen.T honourees, Hao Hanzhen (Jen Hau), a health entrepreneur and professional yoga master, and Noel Guevara, a wildlife and conservation photographer, to facilitate creative workshops on site. 

Hao Hanzhen is the co-founder of Jova Health, which produces a range of healthy drinks following Chinese traditional recipes but using modern production methods. With its products, the brand helps to promote Eastern health concepts to customers worldwide. Noel Guevara is an adventure, conservation and nature photographer/filmmaker who covers the Asia-Pacific region. He collaborates with the world's top conservation groups and organisations including Greenpeace International, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and The Coral Triangle Initiative. 

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Above Beverage director Elliot Faber is also known as the Canadian "Sake Samurai"
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Above Unwind in this alpine retreat, which purports an "Asian Hygge" aesthetic

In addition, the excursions will be led by Dr. Zhouma, an esteemed professor based in Yunnan province, who will guide guests through the area and tell them how Shangri-La itself is undergoing a transformation. Another unique feature of this itinerary is the food and beverage programme, which is developed by another Gen.T honouree, Elliot Faber. The acclaimed beverage director of Hong Kong's leading restaurants Yardbird, Ronin and Sunday’s Grocery will also be present during this experience to share the stories behind his exclusive creations.  

See also: Beautiful Destinations: Jeremy Jauncey's Top 5 Travel Picks For 2019

The Itinerary: A Local Immersion

Centred on the idea of transformation—both of oneself and the environment—this exceptional experience offers a hyper-local insight into the World Heritage Site complemented by workshops led by hand-picked Tatler Ambassadors.

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Above The breathtaking landscape of Shangri-La
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Above A cosy, natural retreat awaits in this alpine paradise

This Tatler Travel departure includes experiences such as:

  • Daily yoga and meditation sessions led by Tatler ambassador Hao Hanzhen
  • Insider excursions to Gongka Lake, MinYong Glacier and Wunongding village guided by Dr. Zhouma
  • Creative photography workshops led by Tatler ambassador Noel Guevara during the excursions
  • An exclusive food and drink programme created by Elliot Faber only for this Tatler Travel experience
  • Insightful, intimate fireside chats with Tatler Ambassadors on transformation and the role of transformative travel 

This Tatler Travel departure is inclusive of full-board accommodation (food and drink), land transfers, as well as all the experiences outlined above. Pricing varies depending on the room type as follows:

Single Occupancy
US$3,500 Mountain View Room
US$3,700 Snow Mountain Room
US$4,000 Deluxe Snow Mountain Room

Double Occupancy (per head)
US$3,000 Mountain View Room
US$3,200 Snow Mountain Room
US$3,500 Deluxe Snow Mountain Room

Reserve Now

For additional enquiries, please contact concierge@edipressemedia.com

See also: 10 Luxury Hotels Around The World To Add To Your Bucket List

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