World-class Recognition! Lugu Lake Hidden Luxury Retreat Hotel Wins Versailles Award for the World's Most Beautiful Hotel
The 2026 ranking of Prix Versailles – The World’s Most Beautiful Hotels was unveiled in France. Lugu Lake Hidden Luxury Retreat Hotel, operated by Liangshan Culture & Tourism Group, made the list alongside the world’s top design hotels and secured a spot among the world’s top 16 hotels.
Founded in 2015 with the joint support of UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA), the Prix Versailles is an authoritative award in the field of global commercial space design, covering categories including hotels, restaurants and retail stores. The selection spans six regions worldwide and is rigorously judged by an independent jury. The final winners are announced and presented at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary-General of the Prix Versailles, commented: "All selected entries this year feature dreamlike textures and innovative concepts, while being deeply integrated into local surroundings. They set an outstanding benchmark for architectural design. With a thoughtful hospitality aesthetic, these works refine spatial environments and fulfill travelers' expectations, fostering inclusive cultural dialogue amid global cultural integration."
As the **first operational property** of Design Hotels™ under Marriott Bonvoy in mainland China, Lugu Lake Hidden Luxury Retreat Hotel (managed by Liangshan Culture & Tourism Group) is affiliated with Beijing Hidden Luxury Resort Management Co., Ltd. Nestled gracefully on the shore of Lugu Lake at an altitude of 2,690 meters, the hotel was redesigned by renowned Chinese architect Lu Yang and his team. Adhering to the design philosophy of *minimal intervention, harmony with nature and inheritance of local culture*, the team transformed three old villas into dwellings that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.
The 270° Sky Eye rooftop plaza on the top floor, together with the panoramic terraces of guest rooms, subtly blurs the boundaries between the building, lake and sky, turning the spaces into an extension of the natural scenery. The design adopts local traditional architectural styles and craftsmanship. Its color palette draws from the warm russet of Mosuo costumes and the elegant pearlescent grey of Lugu Lake at dawn and dusk. Combined with material textures and natural light, it creates a serene atmosphere infused with distinctive local charm.
Inside the hotel, Mosuo culture is exquisitely interpreted through modern design. The dynamic central fire pit in the lobby carries forward the spiritual essence of the traditional grandmother's house. Paired log installations in guest rooms quietly echo the ancient philosophy of the male and female pillars.
Culture here is no mere displayed symbol, but a tangible and participatory part of daily life. Guests can weave sashes and make rubbings of prayer flags together with local elders, engaging in a heartwarming dialogue across time through these handcrafted moments.
The hotel lives in harmony with the land, embodied in its profound respect for the natural ecosystem. Its buildings unfold naturally along the mountain terrain, preserving the original landforms and vegetation to the fullest extent. Guest rooms adopt naturally degradable materials such as bagasse and corn starch, honoring the commitment to sustainability down to every detail. Here, guests can row across the lake with local villagers amid morning mist, or wander into the mountains to forage for mushrooms in the afternoon. The indigenous wisdom of life is woven into an immersive travel experience, allowing every visitor to find peace and establish a profound bond with the landscapes and culture of Liangshan, Sichuan.
This accolade is like a window gently opened, unveiling to the world a unique interpretation of beauty — the splendor of nature, the warmth of culture, the harmony between humanity and all living things, and an art of life that remains unhurried amid a fast-paced era. The recognition from the Prix Versailles has turned global attention to Liangshan, Sichuan, and established Lugu Lake as a prominent landmark. It signifies that the understated yet profound Eastern hidden luxury and lifestyle aesthetics embodied here are stepping onto the world stage with calm and poise, through Lugu Lake Hidden Luxury Retreat managed by Liangshan Culture & Tourism Group.
01 About the Prix Versailles
The Prix Versailles is an international architecture and design award dedicated to recognizing outstanding architectural designs of commercial spaces worldwide, including hotels, restaurants and retail stores. Co-founded in 2015 with the joint support of UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA), it advocates the integration of aesthetics and innovation. The award aims to honor projects that perfectly combine architecture, interior design with natural surroundings, cultural heritage and social functions.
02 About Lugu Lake Hidden Luxury Retreat Hotel (Liangshan Culture & Tourism Group)
Nestled on the lakeside at an altitude of 2,690 meters, Lugu Lake Hidden Luxury Retreat is embraced by Goddess Gemu Mountain and ancient Mosuo villages. Renovated from three old villas, the hotel artfully blends profound Mosuo cultural heritage with contemporary design aesthetics.
The hotel features 57 guest rooms and 3 villas built along the mountains, all fitted with panoramic terraces that bring stunning lake and mountain views indoors. Its diverse accommodation options range from mountain view rooms offering views of sunrise and starry skies to lakefront suites and standalone villas with unobstructed lake vistas, catering to varied travel preferences. Facilities include Yunying Restaurant overlooking the lake, Yunjing Pool seemingly suspended between heaven and earth, as well as a scenic lobby. Guests can also experience local activities such as riding traditional dugout boats, foraging for wild mushrooms and intangible cultural heritage handicrafts. Amid tranquil mountains and waters, you will enjoy a poetic retreat for body and soul.
03 About the Hidden Luxury Retreat Brand
Hidden Luxury Retreat is a high-end luxury resort brand under Beijing Hidden Luxury Resort Management Co., Ltd. Adhering to the philosophy of "a private paradise for sustainable culture", it is committed to delivering **living heritage luxury travel experiences** for travelers in pursuit of inner peace, cultural immersion and nature conservation. Upholding the commitment to cultural sustainability, the brand deeply integrates local traditions, intangible cultural heritage crafts and eco-friendly concepts. It strives for mutual prosperity with local communities by creating jobs and exploring indigenous resources, so as to boost cultural inheritance and regional coordinated development. Focused on building luxury hotels with premium amenities and personalized services, as well as profound cultural and natural experiences, it offers guests who cherish nature and seek a fulfilling lifestyle a lodging experience that goes beyond material luxury and nourishes the soul.
04 About Liangshan Culture and Tourism Group
05 About IMAGO Design Team
Ganheba Hiking Practical Guide · A Secret Paradise Next to the Hotel
Just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, you'll step into a hidden canyon carved by glaciers over hundreds of millions of years. Three hiking routes are available, suitable for all levels from beginners to seasoned hikers.
Leisure Route - 3km
Hike to Milk Lake | 2-3 hours, perfect for photography
Meadow & Canyon Route - 5km
Covers all core scenic spots | Ideal for first-time hikers
Rock Stone Route - 11km
Features steep ascents and tough slopes | A challenging trail for experienced hikers
Depart from the hotel, and the ride lasts no longer than a song. No need to rush, just embrace the boundless beauty of nature.