You wouldn't think modern design and the Great Wall of China would go together but a gorgeous modernist hotel with private access to an unrestored section of the Great Wall, opened this week.
The Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski is located in the Shuiguan Mountains, one hour's drive from Beijing. Since 2002, The Commune has been a collection of contemporary villas designed by 12 Asian architects. It was opened as both a boutique hotel and semi-architectural museum. Kempinski Hotels took over the hotel in 2005 and have built an additional 21 villas with 191 new rooms. The new villas have views of The Great Wall and each one is a replica of one of four of the original designs: The Bamboo House, Cantilever House, Shared House and Forest House. The interior is full of beautiful modern furniture designed by top designers such as Philippe Starck and Karim Rashid. The hotel also now has a spa with 15 suites that offer partial views of the Great Wall. There is also a Kids' Club, named Commune of the Children, a whole villa devoted to activities for children including a kitchen for cooking classes, a garden, a tree house and outdoor pool.
