Parents get pampered and kids get entertained at Commune by the Great Wall
The Kempinski Commune by the Great Wall has figured out the perfect “R and R” formula for Beijing families: plenty of rest for parents and endless recreation for kids. So, while you indulge in a day of relaxation and luxury at their Anantara Spa, they’ll keep your kids entertained and occupied at their stylish and fun kids’ club, Commune of the Children.
Tucked behind the circus of Badaling in the secluded valleys of the Shuiguan Mountains, and with a section of the wall all to itself, Commune is an easy daytrip from Beijing. Designed by 12 Asian architects, it’s also a stunning collection of contemporary architecture that was named a “New Architectural Wonder of China” by BusinessWeek; for design lovers visiting Beijing, its Cantilever and Bamboo Houses have become a must-see.
For tired, overworked parents, though, Commune’s real draw will be the spa, which offers massages, floral footbaths, honey and green tea body scrubs, Oriental aromatherapy and more inside its orchid-colored walls. Kids will head straight towards the bright, cheery and indescribably chic Commune of the Children, which offers activities of all kinds for kids ages 2-12.
Inside the Commune of the Children, little lounge lizards can watch classic children’s videos and Disney cartoons in the trendiest, whitest, most minimalist miniature living room that we’ve ever seen. The cozy library and Poplar Kid’s Republic bookshop offer children’s books in a variety of languages, both for sale and for storytime. Traditional Chinese painting, graphic and cloth art, blackboard doodling and mask-painting keep artistic types occupied, while aspiring chefs will love the fully-equipped mini-kitchen with its countertops designed specifically for children, where they can learn the art of tea or how to make dumplings. Budding fashionistas will adore playing dress-up and creating their own little catwalk with the wardrobe full of costumes from countries around the world.
If the weather’s good, your kids can take a supervised hike around the Great Wall, plant flowers, feed the local birds, or make a splash in the two-level kids-only pool. If they’re done with their pampering, Mom and Dad can work on their tans from the poolside chaise lounges.
Your kids can spend a full day (9.30am-4.30pm) at the Commune of the Children for RMB 290 (lunch included), or a half-day (9.30am-12.30pm or 1.30-4.30pm) for RMB 150 (lunch RMB 68). Full-day family packages include activities and lunch for the kids (RMB 240/kid), and a visit to the Venice Biennale award-winning villas, lunch, and use of the private cinema and fitness center for adults (RMB 150/adult), plus a special rate of RMB 550/per person for a 60-minute spa treatment at the Anantara Spa.
