Hangzhou has been on my bucket list for over 8 years, since I first heard about the historical West Lake. As soon as our plane landed in Hangzhou, I instantly felt like I had been here before and yet I had never physically been here. There was something familiar about Hangzhou from the moment we arrived. Was it the dreamy clouds? The soft mist? The picturesque lake that is renowned for so many romantic poems and literary works that span centuries? It almost felt like I had been here before in my dreams. It didn’t feel like a strange place to me, and when we arrived at our hotel – the Silk Lakehouse – it felt like coming home.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Lake is one of the prominent features of Hangzhou but certainly not the only appeal of the magnificent city. Home to centuries-old temples, towering pagodas, and dreamy tea fields, Hangzhou is a cultural phenomenon that desperately needs to be seen. With our home base being the Silk Lakehouse, the first of Shangri-La’s luxury extension Shangri-La Signatures, we were right in the middle of practically everything Hangzhou has to offer and more. Overlooking the lake itself, we knew this wouldn’t be a simple trip. This was going to be a trip back in time.
Entering the lobby did not feel like entering the lobby of a hotel but of someone’s garden home, or a greenhouse. The themes of flowers, vines, and greenery echoes in every corner of the main floor, from the lobby fountain to the Living Room tucked around the corner. Little bean was presented with a female duck plushie by our host as soon as she entered, whom she named “Duckie”, which proceeded to come with us on every adventure in Hangzhou. It was evident that little bean was going to be their most special guest in our party because the amount of thought that went into preparing our room for her was exceptional.
And while Duckie and her adorable new panda slippers were such delightful gifts, I think it would be safe to say that little bean’s favorite parts of our lakeview room were the massive bed and massive bathtub. Although the Silk Lakehouse provided an extra twin bed for little bean, the beau and I knew she would be trying to find a way into our extra-big king bed that looked large enough for four adults! And then as soon as we saw the massive bathtub in the bathroom, which was like a mini swimming pool for little bean, we knew the end of bathtime would be a struggle every night.
Tucked away in what looks like an elegant conservatory amongst the gardens, we enjoyed a bit of a break from walking and eating by swimming in the gorgeous swimming pool. Besides massage chairs in the water, there’s also a comfortable couch swing nestled amongst rocks and waterfalls. While little bean swam around, this mom had a nice, relaxing swing.
After several nights at the Silk Lakehouse, we had to say goodbye for now to Hangzhou. Even now, I find myself missing that clear view of the misty mountains in the background and the dreamy lake in the foreground. Hangzhou itself is a very modern, lively city, but staying at the Silk Lakehouse was a luxurious escape into nature and romance. Right on the lake’s shoreline, but just minutes away from the city, it was the best blend of both modernity and serenity. As a family destination, it really does bring a warmth to your visit knowing that every member of your family will be treated exceptionally well but especially the little ones. After we departed, the hotel surprised us with yet another duck plushie for little bean – this time a colorful male one that the little bean also named “Duckie.” Now our two “Duckies” sit happily on little bean’s bed at home, being sweet reminders of the magical family trip to Hangzhou that Shangri-La’s Silk Lakehouse played a major role in.
Thank you to Shangri-La and the Silk Lakehouse for partnering with us. Although we were guests of Shangri-La, all opinions written here are my own.
