Legend of AVARA, Chongzuo: A Karst-Country Resort in Guangxi

Legend of AVARA, Chongzuo sits among the sculpted karst peaks of Guangxi in China's southwest, near the Detian Falls on the border with Vietnam, one of the largest transnational waterfalls in the world. It is a contemporary resort in a landscape more often associated with scroll paintings than luxury hotels.

The kitchens make the most of the setting. The Silver Pavilion, led by chef Zhou Ziling, a Knight of the Truffle, blends the seasonal harvest of the border mountains with a multicultural approach; Cafe AVARA recreates a French cafe with a Le Cordon Bleu-certified pastry team; and the AVARA Pool Bar serves cocktails over the karst from beside the infinity pool.

For travelers exploring China's dramatic southwest, it is a rare base with genuine polish.

Planning Guangxi? Book your stay with me for preferred-partner perks.