Independent Minds: Xiaoran Zhou, Kaipuu Hotels

As the first luxury hotels in China to be certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Kaipuu on the Reef and Kaipuu Belfry are setting the eco-friendly bar in the history-steeped seaport of Quanzhou. The Jin River has welcomed trade and travellers from all four corners of the globe, including the celebrated Venetian explorer, Marco Polo. Today, owner Xiaoran Zhou balances Quanzhou’s rich heritage with a contemporary outlook on design, sustainability, and cultural immersion across both Considerate Collection properties, working closely with architect Xie Ke to share and spread the aesthetic of simple and natural living.

Kaipuu is not only dedicated to meeting travellers' needs but also respecting and giving back to local culture, nature, and community.

Do you have a vision for the future of the hotels?

Our vision for the Kaipuu’s future is unwavering: to instil a strong sense of national pride within the hospitality sector. Hotels should be more than just places for accommodation; they should serve as bridges connecting local culture with a global perspective, and as vehicles for conveying confidence and charm.

As China’s first luxury boutique hotel brand with Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, each Kaipuu hotel is committed to sustainable management based on GSTC standards. This includes focusing on the climate, marine resources, socio-economic factors, biodiversity risks, and talent sustainability to promote sustainable development in the hotel and tourism industry. We adapt to local conditions, align with people’s hearts, have deep geographical connections, aim to infuse every journey with new knowledge, and emphasise systematic sustainability, making it a key factor in all our business decisions.

Previous

10 destination hotels to plan an unforgettable trip around

Next

The ultimate Budapest city guide

Latest stories

Game, set, relax: 8 boutique hotels where tennis takes centre court

As Wimbledon fever comes into full swing and the strawberries-and-cream season begins, there’s no better time to dust off your racquet and serve up your next holiday with a tennis twist. From clay courts surrounded by Umbrian olive groves to oceanside matches along Australia’s western shores, these boutique stays combine

7 boutique hotels to inspire your next holiday

What moments are you manifesting for your travels this year? Whether it’s sipping mezcal by a private lagoon somewhere in the Mexican jungle, meditating creekside beneath Sedona’s red rocks, or dining on just-plucked artichokes in the Apulian countryside, these boutique stays offer immersive, considered experiences in carefully sought-out corners of

Top things to do, see, and eat in Cefalù: plus, where to stay in Sicily

As you drive into Cefalù, the dramatic Rocca di Cefalù towers over the town’s sandy-hued buildings, setting a history-steeped scene for this once-humble fishing village. While tourism has certainly made its way here, this beloved Italian beach destination still holds onto its character, feeling far less polished than Taormina on

Cancale to Cap Fréhel: Brittany’s Emerald Coast

Get swept away to France’s far western shores, an enchanting region where gleaming white-sand beaches give way to dramatic tides and wind-sculpted headlands. Here, the pace slows, the landscapes stretch wide, and the towns feel wonderfully unspoiled. This four-day road trip traces the curve of Brittany’s Emerald Coast, beginning in