Last year, Vogue called Moganshan “the Hamptons of China”. With a luxury, mountain-top resort like naked Castle on offer, it’s easy to see why.
Feast your eyes on this spectacular Scottish castle… located in China. It’s called naked Castle, and the stunning building has been resurrected to its former glory, now making way for a super-luxury resort with 95 rooms, two restaurants, panoramic views, a spa, a cantilevered infinity pool, a lush garden with amphitheatre, and an activities centre. Convinced this unique beauty is worth a gander? We sure are.
Located in Moganshan – a region Vogue last year named “the Hamptons of China” – naked Castle is surrounded by lush forest and majestic mountains, offering guests a nature-infused retreat and a place to truly disconnect, without sacrificing the little (and big) luxuries.
China’s Moganshan National Park, a 2.5-hour drive from Shanghai, has long been a favourite for China’s elite, from politicians to the cashed-up Chinese underground, and wealthy expats seeking the sweet life, and naked Castle is a celebration of nature, design and sustainability – something the naked hotel group is forging a strong reputation for.
Built by Scottish missionary Dr. Duncan Main nearly a century ago, the castle had to be unearthed and restored, with the design team working with a brief of melding Scottish roots with the vibrant Shanghai culture of the time.
The castle’s solid bones have been preserved, with the traditional farmhouses being upgraded to luxury bungalows, and the interiors reimagined with a minimalistic fusion of the best of Afro-Asian decor. A strong nod to sustainability, any new buildings constructed on the mountain were created using prefabricated SIP (structural insulated panels), and the team worked tirelessly to preserve the existing nature, re-planting trees or reigniting streams that used to flow down the mountain.
But what about the rooms, you ask. Well, you’re in castle, so we’d say you’re off to a strong start, with the fairy tale only to be strengthened by a stay in one of the themed Castle Suites. Or if themed rooms aren’t your thing (we get it), then opt for a Cliffside Suite, with sweeping views of the mountain and forest. Then there are the Bungalows, ideal for groups of friends and families, and Village Rooms are a lux-rustic option close to the farms for an intimate stay.
When tummies start grumbling you’ll want to head to the highest point of the resort, where signature restaurant PaoTai Lou is located, and when you’re ready for some zen time there’s the 850 square-metre naked Leaf Spa, located at the heart of the castle and featuring has 10 deluxe treatment rooms and a spa lounge. Calling on Chinese tradition and the healing properties of nature, Leaf Spa incorporates treatments using sound to harmonise qi, balance and energy, with therapists combining the purity of the streams, the power of fresh fruits and flowers, and the ancient traditions of Chinese medicine.
Photos courtesy of nakedretreats.cn