Travel
Tuesday, 02 June 2009 12:06
Written by Jade Bremner

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Despite the name – Naked Retreats – the green mountain and bamboo forests of Moganshan are not full of naked people; but a trip with this eco-friendly travel company offers a number of other surprises. Only three hours from Shanghai, their luxurious yet environmentally-friendly and rustic log cabins are nestled into the side of the mountain and surrounded by all things natural, such as tea plantations, waterfalls, stone step pathways, rope bridges and lakes. The beautiful mountain is like a scene out of House of Flying Daggers. We were half expecting a couple of Chinese warriors to come leaping out the forest in mid-battle; but no, nothing quite that dramatic. Naked Retreats offers the ultimate relaxation and simply makes you feel good, whether you’re hiking or sitting in one of the cabin hammocks all day inhaling the fresh air in their socially-conscious environment. Getting there 
The easiest way is to share a mini van with your mates (also organized by Naked Retreats). It works out fairly cheap if there are plenty of you, and you are driven back when you want to be. Other options include a train to Hangzhou and a local taxi from the train station, which works out at approximately RMB340.
 
What to do
This truly idyllic location offers activities such as hiking, fishing, tea picking, massages, mountain biking, tennis, yoga and swimming in the lake. If going on a long hike (even with a map) it is pretty difficult to navigate your way around the mountain. The paths are chaotic and routes are easy to miss. We recommend a ‘Naked’ guide for intense hikes.
 
Eat & Drink
A huge breakfast is provided by Naked retreats, which includes fresh tomatoes, onions and mushrooms as well as locally farmed eggs and bacon, cooked Western style. An Ayi is available to prepare a range of meals for you, or cook a BBQ. You can, however, take your own food and cook it yourself in their completely fitted-out BBQ area or kitchen (complete with herbs and spices, and an oven). Or why not venture up to the local town to dabble in the local delicacies? 
 
Stay
The bods behind the design of these cabins deserve a firm pat on the back. They come in all personalities, shapes and sizes, and the sustainable ethos means they come with a fully efficient wood fire heating (which uses no electricity and heats the whole house). The water is heated using solar power, and the lights are either energy saving or solar powered too.  The rain water is also cleverly caught and recycled for toilet flushing. Among all the green gadgets, luxury is not compromised; all mod-cons can be found, among natural materials which create the structures, textures, smells, colors and homely ambiance.
 
Handy tips
Take money. There are plenty of things to buy, such as ice cream and gifts, but no ATMs in town. Take some sensible shoes as you will, at some point, be walking on uneven surfaces. Also make sure you have the number for Naked Retreats on your mobile (in case you get lost in the forest).

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