Songtsam Linka Lhasa

Built on a hillside, the retreat offers spectacular views of the nearby Potala Palace. From the hotel's slaked-lime coloured walls to the indigo carved windows and fish-fin shaped facade, the architectural details pay great respect to traditional artisans, Tibetan culture, and ancient wisdom. The interior design is inspired by the lifestyle of Lhasa natives, stylistically decorated with exquisite Thangka paintings and wall tapestries to revive an environment typical of noble families of centuries past. All 45 rooms combine modern and traditional Tibetan aesthetics with wooden floors, Tibetan carpets and handcrafted copperware, and each is fully equipped with oxygen concentrators to relieve altitude sickness and ensure good rest. The Chinese and Tibetan restaurant hosts up to 100 guests with local specialties like grilled yak fillet, while the Western restaurant seats 36 with a breakfast buffet, a la carte dining and handpicked wines. Lhasa itself, the ancient Tubo imperial city at about 3,700 metres, is the political, cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet - the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street are all close at hand.