Ahn Luh Lanting — Photo by GHM
Ahn Luh

Ahn Luh expanded its presence in China today with the signing of hotel management contracts with the Qinsen Group.

The agreements cover two upscale hotels: Anh Luh Lanting, scheduled to open in fall 2014, and Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao, opening in spring 2015.

"Shaoxing and Zhujiajiao are both ancient river towns with arched stone bridges, a warren of canals… Ahn Luh Lanting in Shaoxing will feature historic Hui-style homes that date back as far as the 1600s while the Zhujiajiao project aims to reflect the rich cultural traditions of this ancient water town," said Akira Moreno, Ahn Luh's CEO. "In line with the company's vision and brand philosophy, the environment and setting will strongly influence the design of each hotel."

Ahn Luh Lanting will be a 99-key development incorporated into 35 heritage houses in Shaoxing, 30 minutes from Hangzhou in the province of Zhejiang. The hotel's dining concepts will incorporate authentic Chinese elements, as will the library, meeting area, medical hall, spa and wellness centre and tai chi facility.

Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao, named after — and located in — a historic area in Shanghai's suburbs, will consist of 35 villas built in traditional Chinese style. The property will also include a museum, restaurants, a library, meeting space, and spa and tai chi centre.

Qinsen's chairman, Qin Tongqian, has been collecting artwork and purchasing heritage homes from the Qing and Ming dynasties over the last two decades. Parts of his extensive collection of antique furniture, ornate wooden beams, stone carvings and Chinese artwork will be showcased in both Ahn Luh developments.

"Through the plans and designs for Ahn Luh Lanting, we see the soul of what we had envisioned for the Ahn Luh brand," said Adrian Zecha, a co-founder of hotel management group GHM, which, alongside Beijing Tourism Group and China-based Great Ocean Group, launched the Ahn Luh brand in May 2012. "This is definitely what everyone is eagerly awaiting to see as well."

ABOUT THE PARTNERS

As an equal, joint venture partner with GHM, the Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) is China's first provincial-level, wholly state-owned tourism enterprise, as well as the country's largest tourism group, with investments and management enterprises extending to Europe and the United States. Established in 1998, BTG oversees the investment and management of various areas within the tourism and hospitality industry. These include hotels, tourism and tourist spot services, retail services, catering, and auto services. In addition, BTG holds investments in the following listed companies: Beijing Retailing Group, Co. Ltd., Quan Ju De Group, Beijing Capital Tourism Co.,Ltd and Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.

Established in 1992, GHM Holdings Ltd (GHM) is known for conceptualising, developing and operating an exclusive group of hotels and resorts. With an expansive portfolio and more projects in the pipeline, GHM prides itself in providing guests with an unrivalled lifestyle experience through a genuine, close-up experience of the best each destination has to offer. The signature GHM style melds contemporary interpretations of Asian designs and distinctive local touches to create inspired, memorable spaces. GHM properties worldwide include The Nam Hai Hoi An in Vietnam, The Chedi Muscat in Oman and The Legian Bali in Indonesia.

Founded in 1996, Great Ocean Group (GOG) is a private holding company headquartered in Beijing. An investor focused on industries and markets where it possesses a unique competitive edge, GOG's core interests are in innovative real estate projects and high-end consumer sectors with an emphasis on China. GOG is devoted to each project's selection, development and operation and adheres closely to the group's mantra to be respectful and responsible towards the society and its history. GOG's close strategic partnerships with experienced architects and real estate companies globally ensure world-class quality projects.