[Local Getaways] After Four Months Indoors, Ready to Escape? Reuniting with My Bestie Across Miles for a Light Luxury Weekend

During the pandemic, we can't just travel whenever we want, but work must go on and life still needs to be exciting!

The weekend coincided with my old college roommate and bestie's business trip transit in Guangzhou.

Cherishing our brief 20 hours together, we planned to eat, drink, and wander – without rushing. So I booked her a hotel near the airport.

— Xana Hotelle, newly opened this year right by the airport.

Light luxury, comfy, and with high aesthetic appeal, it's perfect for young people with a sense of style. It's the first chain hotel in China with a dedicated women's guestroom zone.

The best part? It's a brand hotel under Jin Jiang Group, and as a member I scored a nice discount, lol O(∩_∩)O

My bestie touched down in Guangzhou just as evening fell. Our last reunion here was three years ago, when we witnessed the special WeChat Post Office Time Train and experienced "the city train with the most stories."

Now, after living in Guangzhou for so long, we've seen most of the sights and malls. We thought about Baiyun Mountain but didn't have time, so we stuck to the classics: Canton Tower, Shamian Street, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and a Cantonese feast before heading back to the hotel!

After all, a connecting flight is tiring enough. Next time we'll take a proper slow tour of Guangzhou.

Guangzhou is truly a city suited for living, with its endlessly flowing river full of energy!

Whether slowly wandering through old lanes or looking up at the slim Canton Tower, it's incredibly relaxing.

We lined up for the Ferris wheel to overlook the river, and our mood lifted instantly.

Leaving Canton Tower, a half-hour drive took us to Shamian Street. This is one of Guangzhou's top ten must-visit spots, and I personally adore these old concession-era European-style buildings. Because it's a sandbank formed by the Pearl River, it's named Shamian (literally 'sand surface'). Though only 0.3 square kilometers, it has eight streets and lanes. From the Song through Qing dynasties it was a vital trading port and tourist destination. Now it's a 5A-level scenic area.

Sacred Heart Cathedral was a must-see for my bestie. Located downtown, free entry, but closed on Mondays.

Built at a cost of 400,000 francs, it's comparable to Notre-Dame de Paris and is the largest Catholic church in the Guangzhou diocese.

Time flew. Just as I was still enchanted by the Gothic beauty, my stomach rumbled – time to find food.

My bestie is from the north, yet she absolutely loves Cantonese dim sum and dishes.

Dian Du De Jufu Lou is one of the most popular, reasonably priced new-style tea houses. Every branch draws crowds, and the one on Huifu East Road is no exception. The gongfu-style tea service is a wonderful touch. The dim sum innovates on tradition while staying freshly steamed to order. Everything is meticulously crafted by experienced master chefs.

The har gow skin was translucent, each containing three to four whole shrimp wrapped in rich broth – so delicious. Popping a whole one in my mouth was pure satisfaction.

A simple yet irresistible dim sum: the sauce was thick, and the meat slid right off the bone with a gentle nudge of the tongue. Top marks!

Crispy pastry, fragrant but not greasy, just sweet enough. They say a single durian equals the nourishment of three chickens – quite fortifying.

Small but nutrient-packed, the pigeon had hints of pepper and cheese. I prefer it plain, savoring the original taste.

The restaurant has plenty of other delicious dishes worth trying – Thai-style pork neck with rice rolls, golden sand shrimp rice rolls, and more.

We also ordered grilled eel and fried crab claws... but no food pics to tempt you, haha~ After eating, back to the hotel!

They say a fine, comfortable hotel is like a song.

In Huadong Town, Huadu District, just a five-minute drive from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport,

stands an elegant yet trendy boutique hotel – Xana Hotelle (Baiyun Airport branch);

six stories high, square and upright.

Xana Hotelle, a chic light luxury cross-border boutique hotel, transforms you the moment you step into the lobby!

Because the hotel has a "No.2" rule – it welcomes only two types of guests:

1. All goddesses

2. High-quality gentlemen who respect goddesses

Bold, right? That's why every guest is addressed as "goddess" or "god," with full-service treatment.

Oh, and there's even a dedicated goddess high-heel runway!

Right downstairs you'll find a hair salon, supermarket, and spicy hot pot eatery – super convenient.

→ 5-minute drive to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

→ 10-minute drive to Wanda Tourism & Culture City

→ 8-minute drive to Vanilla Park

Free 24-hour airport shuttle, free parking, free self-service laundry

100 guest rooms (note: no pets, no extra beds – including cribs).

A hotel is a home away from home – it needs to be both comfortable and pleasant.

First encounter with Xana, first step into the lobby, everything was brand new and bright.

A cup of hot tea and a sanitizing towel – these thoughtful touches give every guest a comfortable, supreme experience, a true taste of happiness.

Scan, sanitize, check in... once settled, I was immediately drawn in by the Xana blue all around:

sofas, chairs, plates, accent walls, display cases... a feast of refreshing style.

Every girl probably reacts like me – impossible to walk away!

There's even a Goddess Wall, perfect for photo ops!

In the lobby, the public space is well utilized,

for relaxing, reading, sipping tea, enjoying wine, or even buying Xana-branded merchandise and cosmetics.

I couldn't even go to my room yet – had to browse first!

These face masks and custom bath fragrances make great souvenirs or gifts – super stylish and unavailable elsewhere.

The lobby lounge is a large rectangular space, combining a Fun Bar and the Life Aesthetics Museum, and the extended public area gives it an open, airy feel.

The aesthetics museum shelves a wide range of books and artworks. It decorates the lounge while enriching guests' leisure time – doesn't the display wall feel so homely and warm? Just like home!

The bar area isn't huge, but it has all the drinks, fruits, and snacks you'd need for a break – practical and right across from the Life Aesthetics Museum. Mix a cocktail and toast to friendship!

After a tiring day, it was finally time to embrace the big bed!

A quiet night, a summer breeze, chatting with my bestie. Our thoughts flowed in the surround-sound room. It's well known that Xana, which prides itself on a refined lifestyle, pays meticulous attention to every detail. Turning on the electronic humidifier-diffuser, activating the in-room Bluetooth music, setting it to nature sounds – soft winds, ocean waves... The De Rucci mattress helped me drift into healthy sleep, music accompanied my bath, and the cute, playful personal care items made washing up a joy… Enjoying that comfortable bed, I slept soundly until morning~

The hotel truly understands business travel fatigue: you can scan the QR code in the "Cloud Attitude Lifestyle Aesthetics Museum" to shop from your room, and items are delivered straight to your door – VIP service without leaving your room.

I was especially fond of the bathroom shower: the moment you turn on the water, music starts, like "kicking off your personal concert" – haha, perfect for shower singers!

A good day starts with the breakfast buffet: fruits, desserts, hot tea – all there!

Breakfast is 40 yuan/person (served 7:00–10:00).

After 20 short hours, it was time to part again. A perfect, fulfilling weekend.

Honestly, when I need to escape the city bustle, I often book a comfy hotel just for myself – to sleep in, refresh my mood, do some writing, and truly savor leisure.

This hotel uses tranquility and the power of nature to recharge travelers who pause along the way, preparing us to embrace the next journey with renewed energy.

Now I'll never worry about a layover spot at this airport again.

Xana, with its ideal location and wonderful ambiance, is all about loving yourself – and self-love starts with being surrounded by everything you adore.

A hotel this delicate, luxurious, and comfortable is bound to make a lasting impression!

Just like the hotel guidebook says: "Little happiness, starting from pampering you."

Travelog Index: 1. In Guangzhou, 2. Bestie Reunion & Catching Up, 3. A Slow Stroll in Guangzhou, 4. Shamian Street, 5. Sacred Heart Cathedral, 6. Food: Dian Du De Jufu Lou, 7. Stay: Xana Hotelle (Baiyun Airport branch), 8. Guest Room, 9. Hotel Breakfast, 10. Reflections: Light Luxury Getaway; Travel Info; Hotel Index; Guide Index; Flight Index; Website Directory; Travel Index; Cruise Index; Corporate Travel Index; Franchise Cooperation; Distribution Alliance; Friendly Links; Corporate Gift Cards; Insurance Agents; Agency Cooperation; Hotel Franchise; Destination & Attraction Cooperation; More Franchise Opportunities; About Ctrip; Ctrip Highlights; Contact Us; Careers; User Agreement; Privacy Policy; Business License; Security Center; Ctrip Content Center; Intellectual Property; Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure