Lonely Planet Review

This city-state-sized resort right on the beach is a mix of luxury and gaudy kitsch. Done in a 17th-century-French style, the huge hotel and hot spring spa (which looks like a chateau) made us shake our heads in wonder. But it's the off-season deals that really make this place special.

When we visited in May it was virtually deserted, with staff carefully manicuring the lawns and looking for things to do. Generally, the service was pretty good, which is what you'd expect from a resort that was known as the Crowne Plaza until recently and managed by that international chain. But despite the grand design and scale (it claims titles such as 'largest resort in China' and 'largest indoor hot spring on the planet'), this resort doesn't quite cut it when compared with the new places in Yalong Bay. The 330 rooms are not quite up to scratch, especially the suites, which are little more than two superior rooms tacked together. However, it's still a fine getaway, especially between May and October when it's virtually deserted and big discounts are available.