CHINA, as in almost every other sector, is learning fast when it comes to tourism.

New resorts offering everything a Western traveller could ever want are springing up across the giant nation.

Leading the vanguard of operators is Banyan Tree Spa which has opened Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei the first international hot spring resort in Chongqing.

Located 40 minutes from the main city of Chongqing in the tranquil area of Beibei and surrounded by the magnificent landscape of Jin Yun Mountain and Jialing River, the resort offers the wellness benefits of a therapeutic hot spring facility in China, in addition to its renowned spa experiences.

Drawing on time-honoured Asian spa traditions, Banyan Tree Spa Chongqing Beibei is an intimate retreat that blends romance and serenity with exotic sensuality.

The architecture of the Spa blends seamlessly with the beauty of the natural environment. Set on hilly Chongqing, Banyan Tree Spa Chongqing Beibei is a sanctuary for the senses - a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The facility is an all-new Banyan Tree Spa innovation for total rejuvenation, there are seven Hot Spring Pools within the facility, exclusively for guests of Banyan Tree Spa and Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei.

With one indoor hot spring pool each located in the female and male locker areas, guests can choose to unwind indoors or in the five outdoor Hot Spring Pools that oversee scenic views.

Guests can relax in the restorative North Hot Spring water, famed for soothing the skin and muscular ailments.

At a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, it contains superior mineral contents such as calcium sulphate, magnesium and potassium. Upon soaking in the hot spring water for ten to fifteen minutes, guests will be ready to indulge in a therapeutic spa treatment, during which the body can absorb the beneficial hot spring mineral contents and nourishing massage oils at its best. Other facilities on this floor include a state-of-the art gymnasium, a spacious yoga room and a beauty salon.

Spanning over 1,200 square metres, the award-winning Spa features nine exquisitely appointed treatment rooms including three Standard Double Rooms, five Deluxe Double Rooms and one Royal Double Room with double Rainmist facilities. Inspired by the old villages in Chongqing and MinGuo style buildings, Banyan Tree Spa Chongqing Beibei depicts a modern Oriental design theme with sleek clean lines and assorted geometric patterns, a bold colour palette of brown and beige highlighted with red for contrast, and decorative wall lights.

Decked in dark vertical timbre strips with warm lightings, the impressive Spa Reception exudes elegance with a contemporary wall feature accented with red linear recesses, lush red handmade woollen carpets with floral motif and plush cushions.

A spokesman for Banyan Tree Spa said: "First-time visitors are recommended to experience Banyan Tree Spa’s signature Royal Banyan treatment.

"It features the Royal Banyan Herbal Pouch Massage where a herbal pouch dipped in warm sesame oil, complements the East-meets-West massage techniques to improve blood circulation and muscular tension. "The unique blend of Lemongrass Cucumber Body Scrub deeply exfoliates while moisturising the skin. The Jade Face Massage improves skin condition and firms facial muscles, leaving behind a glowing complexion."

For more information visit www.banyantreespa.com.