Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Luxury at Qiandao Lake's InterContinental Resort

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort By IHG Qiandao Lake (Chunan) China

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort By IHG Qiandao Lake (Chunan) China

Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Luxury at Qiandao Lake's InterContinental Resort

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the shimmering waters of Qiandao Lake, courtesy of the InterContinental Resort. Forget the polished travel brochure – this is the real deal, the unfiltered truth about escaping to paradise, a truth sometimes smudged with sunscreen and the lingering taste of a slightly-too-sweet cocktail.

Escape to Paradise: Seriously, the InterContinental at Qiandao Lake. (And, Like, Is It?)

Let's start with the big question: Is it REALLY paradise? Well, depends. If your idea of heaven involves crystal-clear waters, mountains that hug the sky, and a serious dose of pampering, then maybe, just maybe, you've stumbled upon the jackpot.

Accessibility: Navigating Like a Pro (or Trying To)

First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for anyone needing it, and the InterContinental attempts to be accommodating. The website says "facilities for disabled guests," but let's be honest, you gotta confirm specifics. Elevators are a godsend (necessary word, people), and the staff seem generally eager to help. But always, ALWAYS call ahead and double-check. Don't be shy! Ask about ramps, accessible rooms, and any specific needs you or a loved one might have. The devil is in the details here, and sometimes those details are lost in translation. Accessibility can also mean how far away is the room from amenities? How easy is it to stroll the grounds? This is a BIG consideration, and make sure it's really what you need.

Rooms: The Cozy Cocoon

Okay, the rooms. Let's be real, they're pretty damn luxurious. I'm talking comfortable beds (extra long, thank you!), blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off those cocktails), and bathrooms that feel like mini-spas (separate shower/bathtub = chefs kiss). My room had a window that opens – a small thing, but I love to breathe in fresh air. They also have all the little extras: Bathrobes, Slippers, Complimentary tea, a Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water… the works. Air conditioning a must-have, is there.

Cleanliness & Safety: Breathing Easy (Mostly)

Right, the elephant in the room (or, in this case, the current world climate): Cleanliness and safety. The InterContinental takes this seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol… you get the picture. It feels clean. And, look, I appreciate the fact that they offer Room sanitization opt-out available. That's thoughtful. Cashless payment service is a breeze, and though I didn't need it, they do have a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit. It's reassuring, you know? Security is taken seriously here, with CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher etc. The hotel also has non-smoking rooms

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and Drink!)

Okay, the fun stuff. Dining, drinking, and snacking. The InterContinental doesn't disappoint. There are several Restaurants offering International cuisine, Asian Cuisine, and Vegetarian Restaurant. Asian breakfast is available, and I highly recommend trying it! They also have a Coffee shop, a Snack bar, and a Poolside bar. They have a 24-hour room service. The breakfast buffet is a showstopper. Buffet in restaurant. Seriously. Get ready to loosen your belt. Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant. The Happy hour is, well, happy! They also have Bottle of water provided. The thing that stood out for me was the fact they can provide for Alternative meal arrangement

Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Get Your Zen On (or Just Netflix)

Here's where the InterContinental really shines. The key word here? Relaxation. They have a Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Gym/fitness. And if you want to push your relaxation to the limit, they have a Body scrub, Body wrap, and Massage. It's pure bliss, honestly. They also offer Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is my favorite way to relax.

Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything

Beyond the obvious, they've got you covered: Concierge, Luggage storage, Currency exchange, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Daily housekeeping, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site, Air conditioning in public area, Elevator. Also, Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop. Need to work? They have Business facilities.

For the Kids:

If you're traveling with kids, they're pretty well set up: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal…

Now, for the stream-of-consciousness part…

Okay, so the one thing? The one thing that really made me go "wow?" The Pool with view. Picture this: you're bobbing gently in the water, the sun is warming your skin, and your gaze sweeps out over Qiandao Lake, a sparkling expanse dotted with hundreds of tiny islands. The mountains? They're majestic. They hug the lake. The sky? An endless canvas of blue. I swam for hours, just staring. It's the kind of view that makes you want to ditch your phone, forget deadlines, and just be.

Then, there was the spa. The Massage was incredible, and the Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom were fantastic. You feel the stress just melting away. I'm not going to lie, I almost fell asleep. And hey, there's a Fitness center if you're feeling guilty about all the delicious food.

The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)

Now, for the (very) minor gripes. Internet access sometimes flickered (though Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a huge win). And, okay, getting around the grounds can be a bit of a trek, especially if you're not into walking.

My Opinion (and You Asked For It!)

Look, the InterContinental at Qiandao Lake isn't perfect. But it's damn close. It's the kind of place where you can truly unplug, unwind, and rediscover your inner zen (or at least, your love of a good cocktail).

Escape to Paradise Offer: Because You Deserve It

Ready to escape? Here's the deal:

Book your stay at the InterContinental Resort Qiandao Lake and receive:

  • A guaranteed upgrade (based on availability!), because everyone deserves a little extra luxury.
  • A complimentary bottle of local wine, because you're on vacation, dammit!
  • Free breakfast for two, so you can start your day with a smile (and a full belly).
  • Discounted spa treatment, because hey, why not get pampered?
  • 24/7 Room Service.

Click here to book and use code PARADISE for your special offer! (or, you know, just click the link).

This is your sign. Book it. Go. You won't regret it. Trust me (and the slightly-too-sugary cocktail).

Sedona's Hyatt Pinon Pointe: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!

Book Now

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort By IHG Qiandao Lake (Chunan) China

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort By IHG Qiandao Lake (Chunan) China

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, perfectly polished travel blog entry. This is me at the InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort, possibly about to lose my mind a little bit, and documenting the glorious chaos.

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort, Qiandao Lake (Chunan), China – The Whirlwind of Water and Wonder (and Possibly Mild Panic)

Day 1: Arrival, Architectural Orgasm, and Existential Bag-Loss

  • 1:00 PM - Airport Arrival/Transfer (Chengdu…wait, WHAT?!): Okay, confession time. This whole trip started with major confusion. Turns out, I thought I booked a flight to…somewhere else? Don't ask. Let's just say I'm now VERY intimately acquainted with the inside of Chengdu Airport. Jet-lagged, slightly panicked, and sporting a questionable airport breakfast, I somehow fumbled my way onto a pre-booked transfer to the resort. Hallelujah! The driver was lovely though, even if my Mandarin is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. The drive itself? Stunning. Rolling hills, lush greenery… I actually started to breathe again.

  • 4:00 PM - Check-in and Architectural Swoon: The resort… WHOA. Seriously. Picture this: a modern, minimalist masterpiece nestled amongst the islands of Qiandao Lake. Clean lines, soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows… it's like living in a Pinterest board. I mean, I'm pretty sure I gasped audibly. The lobby alone could be a standalone art installation. I wandered around taking pictures like a total tourist (because, well, I am), feeling a weird mix of awe and the slightly unsettling feeling of not belonging.

  • 4:30 PM - The Tragedy of the Missing Suitcase (Act I): So, remember that slight panic I mentioned? It intensified. My favorite suitcase. The one with the lucky socks! The one with all my travel essentials! Nowhere to be found. Cue the mild existential crisis. The hotel staff, bless their patient hearts, assured me they'd locate it. Meanwhile, I'm rocking a resort-chic ensemble that consists of a questionable t-shirt and the jeans I'd worn on the plane. Glamorous.

  • 6:00 PM - Dinner at the (Magnificent, Sadly Suitcase-less) Restaurant: I devoured a plate of something delicious (I think it was noodles? I was too focused on my baggage woes to fully appreciate it). The view over the lake was unreal, though. Seriously. Mountains jutting out of turquoise water. It felt like being in a surreal painting. Even without my favorite sweater, I could almost relax. Almost.

  • 8:00 PM - The Quiet Panic Intensifies (Suitcase Update, Zero): Tried calling the airline/airport. Found the phone difficult and complicated. The receptionist came in. She gave me a warm smile and said the staff can help me tomorrow. I felt so relieved. I'm going to trust her.

Day 2: Lake Life and the Art of Doing Nothing (But Still Worrying)

  • 8:00 AM - Breakfast with a View (and a Prayer for My Suitcase): Buffet. The usual suspects: dumplings, noodles, pastries, even some bizarre-looking jellyfish salad. The sheer variety was overwhelming. I piled my plate high, ate until I felt slightly ill, and tried REALLY hard not to think about my suitcase. The view, however, was enough to almost make me forget. Almost.

  • 9:30 AM - Island Hopping Tour (Because, Why Not?) Booked a boat trip to explore the lake's famous "Thousand Islands." Apparently, there are literally thousands. I picked the package with the most stunning views. This whole lake situation is a massive, gorgeous distraction. The water is this incredible shade of turquoise, the air is crisp, and the islands themselves are covered in lush greenery. It’s like a scene straight from a postcard. I have to admit, it's absolutely breathtaking. The boat tour was a great idea, though I got sunburn.

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch with a View (and a Slight Hangover): Ate at a waterfront restaurant on one of the islands. Fresh fish (yum!) and local delicacies were on offer. Again, the view was the star of the show. And, I didn't cry once, the waitress did a great job. I was relieved.

  • 2:00 PM - The Great Suitcase Search (Act II - More Hopeful, Less Hopeful): Back at the hotel, still no suitcase. The concierge looked at me with a combination of sympathy and amusement. I tried to keep my cheerful face, but internally, I was crafting a ransom note. I'd probably have to buy new clothes, right? Ugh.

  • 3:00 PM - Spa treatment: At least I have a bit of self-care planned. I walked in. The building was amazing, minimalist architecture again. It felt like I was stepping into a tranquil oasis. The massage was… heavenly. Seriously. For a glorious hour, I completely forgot about my missing luggage. I felt myself melting into the massage table, the masseuse's skilled hands easing every knot of tension. By the time the treatment was over, I felt like a completely new person. This was exactly what I needed to relax.

  • 5:00 PM - Sunset Stroll (With a Growing Sense of Impending Doom): Walked along the lake. The sunset was, predictably, epic. But the fear of the evening was getting to me.

  • 7:00 PM - Dinner, Despair, and the Strange Allure of Noodles: Back at the restaurant. More noodles. This time, however, I was too stressed to relish them. I'd call again to the airline tomorrow.

Day 3: Suitcase… Found?! And the Promise of Peace (Maybe!)

  • 8:00 AM - Breakfast, Hope, and a Phone Call: Called the airline, and after a torturous amount of time spent on hold and in the call, they promised a positive update. They agreed to deliver my luggage to the hotel later in the day. I ate some toast and tried, really tried, to believe them.

  • 10:00 AM - The Lake, Revisited (and Refreshed): Went for a morning swim in the hotel pool, with a great view. The water was so refreshing. I spent some time sitting on the edge of the pool.

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch at the Lakeside Restaurant: A relaxed lunch at the hotel restaurant. The food was good, and the atmosphere was perfect. I decided to order some more noodles. This time I enjoyed my meal.

  • 2:00 PM - THE SUITCASE! (Cue the Angels Singing): IT ARRIVED! I practically did a happy dance in the lobby. I immediately clutched it to my chest. I'd never been so happy to see a suitcase in my life. I hugged it. I probably looked insane. But I didn't care.

  • 3:00 PM - Shower, Clothes, and a Feeling of Bliss: Oh, the joy of clean clothes! I took a long, hot shower, changed into something other than the airplane jeans and t-shirt. The relief was overwhelming. I felt like I'd been reborn.

  • 4:00 PM - Re-exploring the grounds: I thought about the things I had to do. I thought about the time. And, I figured I'd go and get ready to wrap up my trip.

  • 7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner, Reflections, and Noodles…Again: Dinner at the hotel's finest restaurant. It's a beautiful place, with great service. The food was divine. I found myself actually enjoying the evening. I reflected on the trip, the stunning scenery, the kindness of the staff, and the sheer absurdity of my suitcase drama. And, because I can't help myself, I ate noodles.

Day 4: Departure and lingering thoughts

  • 9:00 AM - Breakfast and Final Stroll: Breakfast, again. I walked around the hotel, the staff were so helpful. I took pictures.
  • 11:00 AM - Goodbye My flight was arriving soon. I checked out and said my goodbyes.
  • Departure: I'm leaving with mixed feelings. I was relaxed, and worried. I'm leaving with a newfound appreciation for the simple joys of clean socks.

Final Thoughts (or, The Rambling Aftermath):

Qiandao Lake. You're beautiful. You're serene. You're a logistical nightmare (thanks, lost baggage). I'm leaving with a sense of wonder, a slightly sunburned nose, and a suitcase full of clean clothes (and lucky socks!). Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Would I pack better next time? Absolutely. And, hopefully, I'll remember which airport my flight departs from. Learn from my mistakes, people! Pack extra underwear! And, for the love of all things holy, make sure you're headed to the right country!

Kansas City's BEST Kept Secret: Courtyard Blue Springs Luxury!

Book Now

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort By IHG Qiandao Lake (Chunan) China

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort By IHG Qiandao Lake (Chunan) China

So, InterContinental Qiandao Lake... Worth the Hype? (Spoiler Alert: It's Complicated.)

Alright, let's be real. You see those glossy photos? Turquoise water, impossibly perfect villas…yeah, it’s… *mostly* like that. But the truth is, like any relationship, going to the InterContinental Qiandao Lake is a rollercoaster. One minute you’re floating on cloud nine, sipping a ridiculously overpriced cocktail, the next you’re wrestling with a balky air conditioner. Worth the hype? Ah, that depends. Let me break it down, because I’ve *been there*, and survived.

Okay, Water Views: Stunning or *Stunning*?

The water... oh, the water. Look, I've seen some pretty lakes. I live in the Midwest. We have *lakes*, for crying out loud. But Qiandao Lake? It's different. It's that deep, almost unbelievably blue. You know how they say something is "postcard perfect"? This is a *damn postcard.* I spent the first hour just staring. Seriously. And then the light changed. And it was even *better*. Okay, okay, I'm gushing. BUT. There's a "but." My villa *looked* like it had a great view, on paper. In reality? Giant, obscuring tree. Lesson learned: pay extra, and specify "unobstructed lake view." Trust me on this. Don't make my mistake. I'm still bitter, okay?

About Those Villas: Are They Really as Luxurious as They Seem? And the Mini Bar!

Luxury? Yep. Think sprawling spaces, ridiculously comfortable beds (I almost didn't get out of mine for three days), and your own private plunge pool. The bathroom? Marble. Need I say more? Okay, I will say more. The *mini bar*, though... ah, the mini bar. It's both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because, hello, immediate access to chilled beverages! A curse because, and I'm not exaggerating here, the prices are borderline criminal. A can of Coke? Like, a small, sad, can of Coke? Three times the price of a decent craft beer back home. I ended up making a strategic run to the nearby (slightly less luxurious) supermarket for snacks. Pro-tip: Pack your own booze and snacks. You'll thank me later. Trust me. And for the love of all that is holy, check the expiry dates before you partake! I once found a jar of something...well, let's just say its time had past. I hope I didn't get food poisoning. That's the kind of thing that can ruin a vacation faster than a grumpy bellhop.

The Food: Fine Dining or Just Fine-Dining-Level Priced?

The restaurants...oh boy. Okay, the food is *generally* good. The presentation is gorgeous. You're surrounded by gorgeous things! The service is attentive. But the prices! Prepare to weep a little when you get the bill. I mean, I’m no cheapskate, but I like to feel like I'm getting value for my money, you know? One night, I blew a small fortune on some fish they claimed was "fresh from the lake." It tasted...okay. Honestly, I've had better fish at Olive Garden (shh, don't tell anyone). But the ambiance? Unbeatable. You're eating with a view! So, my advice? Pace yourself. Mix in some cheaper eats. The breakfast buffet is your friend. Load up on the pastries. Those are usually safe. And consider smuggling in some instant noodles. Okay, I'm joking (mostly). But seriously, budget accordingly.

The Spa: Heavenly Serenity or a Pricey Massage?

Okay, THE SPA. This is where the magic happens, folks. Or, at least, where it *should* happen. The spa at InterContinental Qiandao Lake is legit. Beautifully designed, tranquil, all that jazz. I had a massage, which, let's be real, was phenomenal. Like, so good I almost fell asleep *during* it, something I've never done before. My masseuse was a tiny woman with the hands of a god/goddess. She knew exactly where my knots were, she worked them out, and I walked out of there feeling like a new person. The problem? The price. Ouch. It hurt almost as much as the knots getting worked out! But, you know what? Sometimes, you just have to indulge. And if you can afford it, do it. Because that feeling of pure relaxation is worth every... well, almost every penny. Afterwards, there's a lovely relaxation area with tea and snacks to linger over, and, oh, the view. I think I went into a happy stupor in there! Just, book the massage *early* in your trip. Avoid the spa near the end of your stay, you'll wish you had all those spa days... That's the only regret about my trip.

Things to Do: Beyond Lounging by the Pool (Or Can You Skip That?)

Lounging by the pool is pretty much a mandatory activity. It's that beautiful. The lake-view pool? *Chef's kiss*. But, if you're feeling restless (and, let's be honest, I get restless), there are things to do. Boat trips on the lake, of course. They’re beautiful, and I got some great photos. There are trekking opportunities, but I'm not a hiker. And some cultural sites (temples and such) that, frankly, I found a bit…meh. The activities are *nice*, but the real star is the resort itself. So, don't feel too guilty about spending your days sipping cocktails and doing absolutely nothing. It's exactly the point of the place. I do advise getting out in the morning, though! Don't waste any time in bed. See the sun rise over the lake... it's one of those "bucket list" moments.

Staff: Superb or a Little...Lost in Translation?

The staff are generally lovely, but the language barrier can be a bit of an issue. I'm not fluent in Mandarin, and my attempts at basic Chinese were met with polite smiles and slightly confused nods. Some staff members speak excellent English; others, not so much. This led to some hilarious misunderstandings. Like the time I ordered a "green smoothie" and got something that tasted suspiciously like blended kale and…wasabi? Hey, at least it woke me up! Overall, though, the staff are incredibly helpful and genuinely want to make your stay enjoyable. Patience is key, and a translation app can be your best friend. Especially if you're ordering cocktails, or attempting to use the room service.

Wallet Friendly Stay

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort By IHG Qiandao Lake (Chunan) China

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort By IHG Qiandao Lake (Chunan) China

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort By IHG Qiandao Lake (Chunan) China

InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort By IHG Qiandao Lake (Chunan) China