Kanas Millennium Resort

Kanas Millennium Resort is nestled in the heart of the Kanas National Scenic Area, located in the Altai region of Xinjiang, China. It was originally a local, two-diamond hotel with basic facilities. Despite modest infrastructure, its unparalleled setting—nestled between snow-capped mountains and forests, overlooking a misty turquoise lake and ever-changing alpine scenery—offered boundless redevelopment potential. After studying Kanas’s geography, climate, and culture, we agreed with the client: beyond mere renovation, we would redefine hospitality here by embracing the principle of "integrating architecture with the environment." This led us to propose a new positioning as a "manor-style resort," aiming to create a premier destination that blends the elegance of a European mountain manor with the spirit of the local natural landscape. In its design, we fully respected the site's original ecological fabric, employing a strategy of low-impact, gradual transformation. All rooms feature panoramic windows and private balconies, offering immersive views of the lake and mountains. Select suites include private gardens for tranquil moments amid flowers and birdsong at dawn or dusk. To enhance the resort experience, outdoor spaces were developed with multi-level gardens that transform with the seasons, and a swimming pool reflecting distant snow-capped peaks—perfect for summer relaxation and photography. The open-air bar, where bonfires are lit in autumn and heaters glow in winter, allows guests to unwind with a drink and gaze at the starry sky, no matter the season. For building materials and color palettes, we drew inspiration from traditional Altai log cabin craftsmanship and combined it with modern construction techniques. This approach allows the architectural cluster to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings while retaining modern comfort and structural aesthetics. The interior furnishings fuse Nordic minimalist style with local Xinjiang handicraft elements to create a warm, unpretentious, yet stylish ambiance. Today, Kanas Millennium Resort has emerged as a rare five-diamond luxury destination, filling a market gap for high-end manor-style stays and becoming the ideal base for immersing in Kanas’s natural beauty through its distinctive design and experiences.