The first phase of a new Swiss alpine village-themed eco-tourism resort development has opened near Shenzhen in southern China.

The OCT East resort – which includes a large wellness offering – is estimated to cost RMB3.5bn (US$0.46bn, 0.34bn euro, £0.23bn) and is being developed in stages. The first phase opened in July.

Developed by the OCT Group and situated at Da Mei Sha, OCT East is primarily intended to appeal to Hong Kong and Macau holidaymakers and will be designed around three concept zones – Tea Stream Valley, Wind Valley and Knight Valley – which will open in 2008.

Tea Stream Valley will centre around Interlaken Town and include the Interlaken Hotel Shenzhen and a mineral spring spa. It will also include a Sanzhou Tea Garden sector and Wetland Garden areas.

The Swiss-themed hotel will feature Ladies’ Luxury Rooms with bath salts, mud wraps and spa treatments performed by female therapists.

There will also be an Interlaken Spa nearby, featuring an indoor spa centre and an outdoor facility with mountain cottages. There will be a wide range of treatments on offer, along with an anti-ageing clinic and spa food.