Narada Resort & Spa Cifu Lake: A wellness retreat in Bama, Guangxi (China)

Checking into Narada Resort & Spa Cifu Lake feels less like arriving at a hotel and more like stepping into a hidden pocket of paradise.

Tucked deep in the Bama countryside, this sprawling retreat blends natural hot springs, cinematic lake views, and karst mountain scenery that seems almost too perfect to be real.

You’ll come here for more than just a place to sleep – it’s the kind of resort where the setting is as much the star as the stay itself.

From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense that you’ve left the ordinary world far behind and stepped into somewhere made for slowing down and soaking it all in.

Checking into the Narada Resort at Cifu Lake

First impressions

The first thing I noticed when arriving at the Narada Bama resort was that it’s exactly that: a resort.

And a large one at that – with over 202 villa-style rooms spread throughout the expansive property, it’s a destination in and of itself.

We initially scoffed at the idea of taking a golf cart to our room, but quickly realised that it was the only viable option.

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The rooms are laid out in interconnected villas, grouped in blocks that wind up and down the hilly paths.

And where there are hills… there are views.

Aside from the resort’s impressive size, the other thing that’s simply impossible to miss is the absolutely incredible setting.

Location

Built on top of natural hot springs, you come to the Narada Resort for the geography more than the accommodation, but the hotel design is simply stunning.

The location of the resort is even more stunning than the hotel itself.

Grandly overlooking Cifu Lake, with the karst mountain landscape flowing endlessly behind, it’s a scene straight out of a movie.

It may just be the most beautiful place I’ve ever stayed – which is saying something for someone who’s travelled to around 70 countries! – and was right up there with the likes of Gal Oya, Menjaga Bay and Kasbah House.

Aside from aesthetics, the resort is also conveniently positioned for exploring Bama county and the northern side of Guangxi.

It’s also only a 3.5-hour drive to Detian Waterfall, which is a must-visit in Guangxi.

staying at narada resort & spa

Something that really surprised me in China was just how comfortable all of the hotels were.

Spacious rooms, powerful showers, quality bedding and efficient service seem to come as standard, at least if you avoid the cheapest options of all.

However, even with this in mind, staying at Narada Resort & Spa Cifu Lake felt like a real treat.

rooms

The rooms at Narada Resort & Spa were large, with equally generous bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows.

The latter included a gram-worthy bathtub that felt fully immersed in the nature outside (while being safely in the comfort of the air conditioned room!).

There was also one of the largest walk-in wardrobes I’ve seen in China as well as an extensive desk should you feel the desire to work.

The rooms at the resort are blocked in villas of four, which adds to the private feeling even more.

You feel very much like you’re in your own secluded nature retreat – which, in essence, you are.

Dining

I was able to experience both breakfast and dinner during my stay at Narada Resort, and both were among the best I tried in China.

Breakfast, as in many Chinese hotels, was an extensive selection of savoury dishes, including noodles, eggs and soups.

There was also a great selection of fruits, as well as an area for dietary requirements such as gluten-free – something I didn’t really see anywhere else during my China travels!

Dinner was delicious, with many options to choose from. My advice? Go for the local dishes – including local longevity-fuelling favourites – over western options.

Facilities

The spa and natural hot springs are the main attraction within the resort itself, and they’re certainly worth making the trip for!

You’ll want to set aside at least an hour or two to explore the spa.

There are two levels of pools, saunas, steam rooms and experiences to enjoy, including a full-body fish spa (yes, like the foot spas but you actually walk into it!) and massage beds inside the hot pools.

My favourite was the simple yet beautiful outdoor hot pool.

There’s also a large infinity pool attached to the main building, below the main restaurant.

Tip: head here for a beautiful sunset spot that will be a real ‘pinch me’ moment.

PRactial tips

• Allow time to get back to reception. The resort is HUGE so you’ll need to call the golf cart (or walk a LONG way in the humidity). Allow an extra 10-15 minutes to be safe.
• English won’t get you far. As we found, it wasn’t easy to call a golf cart when you don’t speak a word of Chinese. Instead, we would ring the number, try to explain, and then go and stand outside. Magically, it always appeared, but it felt more coincidental than anything.
• Bring some (natural) insect repellent. I like to use one like this that’s DEET-free, aimed at children and uses essential oils.
• Don’t forget your swimsuit. You’ll need this if you want to use the hot springs (you definitely do!). Slippers, robes and everything else you need will all be provided. You can even buy a swimsuit at the spa if you do forget.
• Spend at least two nights here. And don’t overpack your schedule – you’ll want at least a few hours to really enjoy the resort.