"We visited Banyan Tree Lijiang in April and had an exceptional overall experience.

Upon arrival, we realized that our original room had been misadvertised — there was no hot tub as listed, and the spa did not have pools or Jacuzzis open for general guest use. When we raised this with the staff, they were very accommodating and promptly moved us to a villa with a private outdoor Jacuzzi.

Our villa was absolutely stunning — spacious, minimalistic, and designed with elegant traditional Chinese elements. The open layout, serene décor, and large outdoor area created a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The highlight was the panoramic mountain view, which made every morning and evening feel magical. The villa offered both privacy and comfort, making it perfect for a couple’s getaway or a peaceful retreat.

The restaurant was one of the highlights of our stay: it had a great vibe, and the food was consistently excellent. Breakfast was served as an all-you-can-eat buffet, with a wide selection of fresh and flavorful dishes. The overall resort design is minimalist yet traditional, with beautiful landscaping, serene courtyards, and incredible views that encourage relaxation.

The resort is conveniently located near a smaller, charming old town — just a 10-minute walk away. While it is not the main Lijiang Old Town, it is equally picturesque and much less crowded, making it perfect for peaceful strolls.

Service was attentive and warm, though there were some minor challenges. Room service orders could only be placed by phone, and some of the in-room programs were not functioning during our stay. Additionally, staff spoke limited English, which occasionally made ordering food or clarifying requests a bit difficult. Despite these small obstacles, the team was consistently kind and helpful, and we appreciated the small traditional Yuxi gifts we received every day — a thoughtful and memorable touch.

Banyan Tree Lijiang is a world-class resort and an excellent choice for those who want to splurge on a private villa experience surrounded by natural beauty and traditional design. Despite a few small service and communication challenges, our stay was near-perfect, and we cannot wait to return."

Nicolas GALVAO DE ALMEIDA

"The rooms are commercial with local design elements. It's a decent room with great views of the mountain. However I just came from banyan tree Shangrila and see some difference. Shangrila uses bottled water but Lijiang uses a small water filter machine. For me, in china, I don't know if the water has been boiled, how good the filter is, how long the filter hasn't been changed or how old the water has been there...other things like cotton buds are missing in the vanity bag, there aren't a lot of power outlets and the ones that are, are next to your head above your pillow, poorly designed. For similar pricing, Shangri-La is much better. On to the review on the spa experience. I have high expectations for Banyan Tree. It's name and reputation is associated with resort, spa and relaxation. The treatment room is ethnic and reflects the local culture but was a bit of a let down compared to it's world class brand. The cost of the massage was $999 rmb but was a special deal and the original price is $1380rmb. I want to share that that price is almost almost on par to top tier cities such as Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou where I can get treatments at Mandarin Oriental GZ for about 1500 and Chuan by Langham HK at similar pricing. However giving the price of Banyan Tree LiJiang spa is just a little less than these places, the treatment level did not feel at all even close to the quality I expect from the Banyan Tree name or the price that it is. While it wasn't a bad massage it certainly wasn't a good massage, I could compare it to a $300-400 or so dollar massage in a nice spa in Shenzhen. Which is sad considering this is Banyan Tree. The price while close to tier 1 city, the treatment quality was more reflective of a tier 3 city"

Samantha Felice Cheung

"An unforgettable experience at Banyan Tree Lijiang — where every detail speaks of elegance, warmth, and cultural richness.
From the moment we arrived, the service was nothing short of exceptional. A heartfelt thank you to Clover, whose dedication, genuine hospitality, and attention to every little detail made our stay not only comfortable, but truly memorable. Her warmth and grace elevated our entire experience — she is an absolute gem and a shining example of world-class service.

The resort itself is a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese courtyard architecture and refined modern comfort. Each villa is beautifully designed with heritage-inspired touches, reflecting the soul of Lijiang’s ancient charm. Walking through the serene gardens, surrounded by tranquil ponds and historic motifs, felt like stepping into a peaceful dream.

Nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the natural beauty surrounding the property is breathtaking — morning views from our villa were simply magical. Whether it was enjoying tea on the terrace, strolling through the old town, or soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere, every moment was filled with calm and wonder.

I wholeheartedly recommend Banyan Tree Lijiang to anyone seeking an escape that combines cultural authenticity, natural splendor, and impeccable hospitality. I cannot wait to return."

ANAS BIN MOHAMMAD