Peak Time

With their gorgeous traditional naxi clay roofs and stone courtyards, the 55 villas at the Banyan Tree resort, banyantree.com , have become the ne plus ultra of accommodation in mountainous Lijiang, a historic southwestern Chinese town and designated World Heritage Site. Red lacquered woods and heated private plunge pools are among the highlights of these expansive, 350-sq-m houses, pictured above, and all have unobstructed views of Himalayan peaks and grazing buffalo. If that doesn't satiate your appetite for exotic luxury, then you can get a second helping at the Banyan Tree Ringha, a sister property four hours' drive north....