BEIJING FLING
Renowned as one of China’s most exclusive golf clubs, Reignwood Pine Valley is also making a name for itself off the course as Beijing’s most luxurious resort getaway.
There’s no denying that Reignwood Pine Valley first made a name for itself strictly as a golf destination. That’s what happens when you bring in Jack Nicklaus to design and build an 18-hole Signature course plus two additional nine hole courses. Being named one of the top five courses in China by Golf Digest magazine helps too.
And it’s true, this is a great golf destination but as anyone who has been to Pine Valley knows, there is much more to it than just a pretty course. Set in one thousand acres of beautifully landscaped valley dotted with pine forests, lakes and gardens and surrounded by towering mountains, Pine Valley lies just 40 kilometres north of Beijing in the district of Changping.
Within the grounds the resort offers accommodation that ranges from standard doubles and one-bedroom suites to three room villas and even an eight-bedroom private mansion. If you are not with the family or a large group our favourites are the Deluxe Suites in the ornate building known as the White House. Ask for one on the front with its outstanding views of the gardens, the Imperial driveway out to the entrance gates, the golf course and the mountains beyond. Unlike some glorified double rooms other properties try to pass off as suites, these really are suites. Each measures 94 square metres and has a completely separate living area with room to entertain and an enormous bathroom with a heavenly rainwater shower. Okay, up to this point it’s sounding like any good golf resort; nice rooms and a great course. But it’s the array of other onsite activities that is making a name for Pine Valley among the affluent and active, nongolfing community in the Beijing area. From the eclectic mix of Cantonese and Western inspired cuisine served in the a-la-carte restaurant to the Thai influenced Ajintai Spa, where all the therapist actually are from Thailand, there’s something for everyone. Other facilities include a Polo Club, horse riding, a pet hotel, an orchard for fruit picking in season, hiking and biking trails, guided nature walks, a gigantic greenhouse, a lighted driving range, a full service gym, swimming pools, fishing ponds and badminton and tennis courts.
The offer also includes something for the weary businessman. Pine Valley has recently opened a stateof- the-art health centre which is staffed by a team of international doctors and physiotherapists each specialising in the various complaints common among busy executives and there will also be a hightech sports medicine clinic.
Did I mention the Jack Nicklaus designed
courses or that one of the nine hole courses has flood
lights so you can play late into the evening? For
some, that and a comfortable bed is all they’ll ever
want. Fortunately Pine Valley has thought of the rest
of us too. 
The Ultimate For the ultimate Pine Valley experience rent one of the uber-luxurious homes like the eight bedroom, 3,000 square metre Palladian mansion with indoor / outdoor pool, bar, several dining rooms, meeting rooms and private office, cinema, music room and a game room. Bookings include the services of a private chef, Hummer limousine transport from the airport and the use of a specially made Lincoln golf cart.
Favourite Moment Ensconced in a huge leather armchair in The Cigar Bar at the White House sipping a glass of The Balvenie Portwood 21 and puffing away on Partagas P2 as a storm blows over the golf course just outside the window.
The Spot Stand on the front steps of the White House at dawn as the sun rises orange and yellow over the dark line of the hulking mountains, slowly spilling a misty light over the golf course. And yes, that jagged line you see far off in the distance really is the Great Wall.
Don’t Miss Book the Lincoln Navigator and take the 30-minute drive to the Great Wall. Stop on the way out or back at the Ming Tombs to visit the perfectly preserved mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. This is also apple country and in season there are many orchards where you can hand pick your own apples to enjoy along the way.