The Great Wall retreat at Mutianyu

We like to think of The Brickyard as offering the ‘luxury of simplicity’, something we all seem to forget in our hectic lives. For us this certainly doesn’t mean sacrificing creature comforts but it does mean slowing down, savouring the views, enjoying good and clean food and exploring village life. Take a dip in our beautiful jacuzzi with views over the Great Wall, practice yoga by the lotus pond, chill-out in the meditation courtyard or try one of our wonderful spa treatments. When I’m home, one of my favourite things to do is curl up by the fire with a good book and a glass of wine in the Lodge but it’s really hard to choose as there are plenty of charming experiences to be had and I adore the fragrance from the hundreds of blossoming fruit trees across our grounds.

We pride ourselves on the fact that around 80% of our staff are local farm housewives who now have steady, well-paid jobs and new learning opportunities too. Our chef, Ms. Song Cuihong started with us as a dishwasher 12 years ago. Today she runs an entire kitchen serving both Chinese and Western dishes made from scratch with mostly local ingredients.

Attention to detail is important to both of us and you’ll find specially commissioned music as a backdrop to your spa treatments, a glass walled sauna in The Gold Suite with views of the Great Wall and bespoke art and sculptures from resident artists with my wife’s own designs in each bedroom.

One of our favourite parts of running this hotel is meeting and sharing stories with so many interesting people from all around the world. We look forward to welcoming you!