The IHG-operated Changbai Mountain International Hot Spring Resort will open in 2015 in China’s largest nature reserve near the Korean border, home to the rare Manchurian tiger, snow leopards and wild ginseng. The area is also part of a UNESCO 'man and biosphere' environment programme.

Located in the southeast of the Chinese Jilin Province, the 300-key resort is being developed on the northern slope of the Changbaishan mountain. The hotel on the premises will be operated by IHG’s luxury brand Crowne Plaza. The resort, which overlooks Tianchi – the Heavenly Lake – is owned by ChangBai Mountain Tourism.

Nestled within the 2,000sq km (772sq miles) natural zoo of Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve, the resort will feature a 6,200sq m (67,000sq ft) natural hot spring spa conceptualised by spa consultancy A.W. Lake. Investment figures for the resort’s development have not been revealed.

Divided into five zones with varying temperatures of 38–42ºC, (100–108ºF) the restorative hot spring water contains minerals such as calcium sulphate, magnesium and potassium. The first ‘Lake’ zone is an indoor-outdoor tranquil pool; the ‘Forest’ zone features healing herbal pools; the ‘Mountain’ zone has therapeutic hot stone baths. A ‘Waterfall’ zone is also included, in addition to a private, VIP-only hot spring area called the ‘Hidden Valley’.

There will also be five express treatment rooms, a wet area with Korean scrub stations, sauna and steamroom, plus a plunge pool.

Other facilities include an indoor and outdoor hydro-thermal kids spa, a lounge called the ‘Mahjong room’ and retail area.

Speaking exclusively to Spa Opportunities, Adria Lake – founder and owner of spa consultancy A.W. Lake – said her company is in charge of the hot spring spa’s interior design as well as the provision of a feasibility study with a three-year projection, plus treatment development.

“In the first year, the hot spring expects 168,570 guests – inclusive of in-house hotel guests and walk-in visitors,” said Lake. “In high season, we estimate 360 in-house guests, plus 467 predicted walk-in guests will use the spa daily during these five months – meaning that during the season, 124,050 visitors will visit the hot spring spa.”

“During the low season, which lasts about seven months, a total of 44,520 visitors to the hot spring are expected,” Lake added. “ An average of 101 guests will arrive from the hotel along with 111 walk-in visitors each day.”

The luxury spa is hoping to attract both families and business professionals, according to Lake: “Located on the Korean border, the majority of tourists to the area are from Korea and Japan, as well as local Chinese tourists.”