Longji, South China, China
No other lodge can compete with the Li-An for views of the famous rice terraces. Access is on foot (or sedan chair if you’re slow on your pins). After a winding approach by car, you begin a short but steep uphill climb to Ping An village, with porters carrying your suitcases on their backs – effort rewarded with spectacular panoramas across the valley. Each of the rooms in the wood-lined, slate-roofed lodge are individually styled by owner, Keren, whose beautiful calligraphy and photos adorn the walls. They’re warm, clean, cosy and tranquil, and perfectly placed for walks through the surrounding paddy fields.
