With landscaped lawn and gardens gently rolling down to meet the Yulong River as it wends its way between towering karst peaks 8 km outside of tourist-thronged Yangshuo town proper, the eco-friendly Yangshuo Mountain Retreat offers a splendidly simple experience to travelers looking to be as close to the region's fantastic landscape as possible (short of camping) with minimum distraction and solid comfort. Upon entering the average guest room, visitors are met with a close-up view of green-clad peaks through floor-to-ceiling windows; many rooms feature balconies overlooking the river and resort grounds as well. With such a vivid display of the Yangshuo area's famed karst landscape, the fact that there's no television—the flat-screen monitors only play DVDs from the resort's tasteful collection of movies—is just another plus. Who needs the distraction of TV with such majesty just outside the window? (Don't worry... if you absolutely need to know who won the game the night before, all rooms feature free wireless Internet and free computers are available by the check-in desk). Note that "simple" by no means equals "unsophisticated." Founded by American entrepreneur Chris Barclay as a corporate training retreat, the Mountain Retreat has evolved into a hotel that knows how to take care of its guests. The Yangshuo Mountain Retreat Restaurant features a balance of healthy Western fare and local dishes from beer fish and Yangshuo fried rice to batter Li River shrimp—all are excellent and are best enjoyed outdoors riverside with a local beer or imported wine. The staff, largely recruited from local villages and trained by American and Dutch management with extensive experience in China, is pleasant and helpful. And the guest room design acheives a rare blend of form and function in harmony with the ruggedly beautiful surroundings. Green-minded travelers will likely appreciate little touches from the hint of tea tree oil in the air to the shower's locally produced herbal soap and shampoo. Yangshuo Mountain Retreat's real design achievement, however, is the fact that it doesn't get in the way of its surroundings. Indeed, the retreat itself, integrated as it is into the landscape itself, serves as an ideal base for exploring the Yulong and Li Rivers as well as surrounding dramatic peaks, valleys, villages and famed scenic spots (Moon Hill is just a short bicycle ride away, as is its sister hotel, the Yangshuo Village Inn). The staff specializes in setting guests up with outdoor activities, from hot air balloon rides to cycle tours and cave explorations.
Booking can be made directly via the YMR website.