NEW YORK, March 5, 2013-- Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa, now open, is Anantara's second Chinese establishment, and the first and only five star hotel and pool villa destination experience in the Yunnan Province.

Located in the midst of this scenic resort destination, an hour's drive from Jinghong International Airport, the resort is set within lush gardens and water features, and comprises 80 Deluxe guest rooms, as well as 23 one-, two- and three-bedroom Pool Villas.

A luxurious blend of contemporary and local culture, authentic influences are drawn from the textures, colors and flavors of the region to deliver a bewitching blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese accents. Cultural aspects of the local tribes including the Dai, Jinuo and Hani people will feature not only in the resort's design, but also in its culinary concepts.

The resort offers many indigenous guest experiences, such as a tea picking journey with the Jinuo tribe, or tours of the Hani and Dai villages. Xishuangbanna also boasts more than 95 percent of its territory occupied by mountainous and hilly areas, creating ample opportunities for leisure activities including mountain hiking, bird and wildlife spotting, and boat trips along the Luosuo River.

There are also a number of modern comforts to take part in at the resort. Guests will be able to plunge into an expansive outdoor swimming pool set amidst extensive landscaping, use the 24-hour fitness center, enjoy a treatment in one of eight suites at Anantara Spa, or use complimentary iPads in the guest library.

Anantara Xishuangbanna offers several gastronomic opportunities with diverse international cuisine at the all-day dining restaurant, accompanied by a lobby lounge bar and the poolside bar and snack zone, balanced by the rich flavors of local Indo-Chinese cuisine. The resort's Dining by Design and in-villa dining concepts invite guests to create their perfect menu, which can incorporate the local Dai cooking style, in collaboration with a personal chef.