This relatively new development in the Xixi Wetlands, a 15 minute drive from Hangzhou's famed West Lake, opened in January of this year. Though it’s a popular domestic tourism destination, few foreigners are yet to make their way to the Xixi Wetlands and there is plenty about the area to recommend spending a few days here.

The Xixi National Wetland Park is actually the only national wetland park in the country and is made up of half a dozen crisscrossing waterways, which intersect local farming villages, as well as various lakes and an abundance of green landscapes and bird life. In fact, from now until the end of November is the peak season for bird-watching enthusiasts to head to the area and check out the many species who make their way through these parts on their way south for the winter migration.

Because of a government initiative to increase the area’s tourism infrastructure, the area surrounding the resort itself is still more of a construction site than a holiday destination, but within the walls of Banyan Tree Hangzhou there is plenty of peace to be had.

The resort itself is bordered by the wetlands on one side and is made up of villas and main buildings (containing the lobby, spa, restaurant and suites) surrounding their very own koi-filled lake. The décor throughout strikes a nice balance between neutral modernity and traditional Chinese elements, with impressively lofty ceilings creating a cavernous feel and the imposing, antique doors adding an element of gravitas.

Self-contained villas provide ultimate levels of privacy, cleverly designed so the balconies face the lake, rather than other rooms. The Water Terrace and Premier Water Terrace suites are also very roomy, with separate living areas leading out to balconies overlooking the water. Each comes with multiple LCD screens, a bathroom larger than many found in Shanghai apartments and a fruit bowl replenished daily with a helpful ‘Fruit Guide’ alongside – though, when we were there the fruit bowl was filled with apples and oranges, so we probably could have worked out what they were all by ourselves.

Being a Banyan Tree hotel, a trip to the famed Banyan Tree spa is essential. Prices for a 90 minute Balinese massage are around RMB 800 (+ 15 per cent), so it’s not what you’d call cheap, but the experience overall will certainly leave you cheerful.

It quickly becomes apparent this spa area is much larger than it initially appears, as you are led through a warren of corridors to get to your treatment room, each of which is large and has an immediately calming ambience which only the best spas manage to achieve with their well-planned décor, temperature settings and quiet.

Before getting underway, guests answer a long list of questions in regards to pressure, areas to focus on, oils and sensitive spots, which means that by the time you get onto the bed, all the details are taken care of to perfection by a therapist who has taken the time to find out exactly what you are after.

Adjacent to the sizeable spa area is a lovely indoor swimming pool, with a horizon Jacuzzi bath and skylight, through which the sun makes the water sparkle over blue and white tiles – it looks a little like the kind of swimming pool a Maharaja would have in his palace and spending some time here isn’t a bad way to feel like a king for a day.

Because the surrounding areas are still under construction, eating options beyond the hotel are pretty limited, so thankfully the on-site Chinese restaurant, Bai Yun, is excellent, with an great set menu of Hangzhounese favourites, including the perennially popular Dongpo pork. Buffet breakfast is served in the resorts sizeable Western restaurant, Waterlight Court, and includes plenty of options for both Chinese and Western palates.

If you are looking for a weekend away from Shanghai and you’re a bit tired of your standard weekend away destinations, the Xixi Wetlands and Banyan Tree Hangzhou may be exactly what you are looking for.

Banyan Tree Hangzhou, 21 Zijinggang Lu, Xihu District, Hangzhou. Tel: (571) 8586 0000. Web: www.banyantree.com/en/hangzhou