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Swisstouches Hotel Xi’an

The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone are great and all, but considering going farther back in time this summer with a trip to China to see the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Terracotta Warriors. Said warriors are in Xi’an, where Swisstouches has recently opened a new property, its first in China, Swisstouches Hotel Xi’an. Designed by global hospitality design firm HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, which has offices in 13 countries, the 318 room hotel has a contemporary Swiss sensibility, a first for the ancient metropolis. Today’s Destination Design takes a look at this fresh example of East meets West.

There are a handful of restaurants as well as banquet rooms and meeting rooms, one of which is quirkily adorned with an array of cuckoo clocks. Take the tour below.

HBA used modern architectural elements, furnishings, and materials throughout the public and private spaces. In the lobby, the floor and rectangular columns are clad in white stone and custom graphic rugs define seating areas. Instead of the traditional, long wooden reception desk, there’s a stone and glass pod. The open staircase seems suspended by steel cables and interesting geometric metal sculptures hang from the ceiling.

The guest rooms are crisp and chic, and the two-story spa holds incredible appeal with its  variety of hot and cold dip pools done in brilliant turquoise. Similar to spas in Switzerland, the atmosphere is very mineral finished with a variety of textured beige and gray stone. The main pool is a sleek black rectangle; the space giving off the aura of a deep, dark night.

Are you packed yet?

What: Swisstouches Hotel Xi’an
Where: 22 Feng Hui South Road, GaoXin District, Xian, Shaanxi, China 710065
How much: Rooms start at $150 per night this summer.
Highlights: A Swiss spa that includes a trio of hot and cold water experiences.
Design draw: We love the contrast of the sleek Swiss sensibility in an ancient cultural mecca.
Book it: [email protected] or online.

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Marni Elyse Katz is a Contributing Editor at Design Milk. She lives in Boston where she contributes regularly to local publications and writes her own interior design blog, StyleCarrot.