Ritz-Carlton’s first all-villa resort and the inaugural Reserve brand in China, Rissai Valley sets a new standard for immersive experiences. Nestled within a 72,000-hectare reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Tibetan Plateau, it offers panoramic views of snowcapped mountains, deep woodlands, and ancient villages— the ultimate destination for nature immersion, quiet escape, and reconnection with oneself.
Inspired by the spirit of place, the design integrates local culture and symbolism. The public complex follows the "endless Tibetan knot" motif, creating a poetic flow between spaces and representing renewal where guests emerge recharged. Villas are positioned to adapt to changing weather and seasonal occupancy, with domestic-scale public areas offering unparalleled views. The resort evokes a village built over time, minimizing its impact on the land.
The villa design honors Tibetan heritage through traditional details and locally sourced materials like schist stone, with walls that store solar heat to reduce temperature fluctuations while the integration of the hotel ground with local farmers to provide farm to table vegetables supports the local community.
Bio Founded in Honolulu in 1945 by George ‘Pete’ Wimberly, WATG is the preeminent leader in integrated luxury hospitality design. Comprising five studios – Advisory, Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape and Wimberly Interiors, WATG design spaces that respect, protect and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long-term value for clients and communities. As of 2023, its global yet local team across offices in Honolulu, Tustin (California), Los Angeles, New York, London, Singapore and Shanghai – has designed and delivered over 500 built projects in 170 countries.
Other prizes AGA KHAN AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE 1981-83 Cycle Tanjong Jara Resort, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia WORLD ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL 2019 2019 Hotel + Leisure Completed Buildings - Shortlisted Nobu Hotel Los Cabos SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Gold Award 2019 2019 Jinshuo Hotel + Resort, China CREDAWARD 2020, Mixed-Use Silver The Ritz-Carlton Xi'an Mixed-Use AHEAD GLOBAL 2022, Transport / Winner Belmond Venice-Simplon-Orient Express PARIS DESIGN AWARDS 2022 2022 Urban Design - International La Cadiere Lake City, China The International Hotel & Property Awards 2023 Best Hotel Design APAC Yanbai Villa, Beijing China HOSPITALITY DESIGN MAGAZINE 2023 2023 Best Suites Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
