After a gap of 9 months, I had the chance to go back to The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. Every time I visit The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, my jaw just drops like an apple falling due to the forces of gravity. Why? Simply because of the stunning architecture of the hotel’s spacious interior and the warm surroundings that make a sheer comforting place to be at. Though most of the other 5-star hotels in Shanghai are of a very good quality as well, the key aspect that distinguishes The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong from the rest is the aroma of being surrounded in a cosy outfit by the nearby beautiful buildings, such as the futuristic Pearl Tower, and the Jinmao tower. Almost every room has a beautiful view of one of the ‘pearls’ of the Pearl Tower.
This time I got to try the very best of Cantonese cuisine offered by the spacious Jin Xuan restaurant located on the 53rd floor of the hotel. Again there is that sense of warmth offered, blended in with the spectacular décor with superlative affectionate service. Total seating for main dining area is 52 seats, six private dining rooms of 64 seats, and two VIP private dining rooms of 40 seats. The dishes created by the Chinese Executive Chef, Ooi Soon Lok, are just out of this world. It has become a trademark of his to churn out the best of the east and the west in all of his dishes. Take for example dishes such as the ‘wok-fried Australian beef tenderloin, black pepper sauce’ or the ‘signature steamed assorted vegetables with brown sauce’. The former dish was the one where my first reaction was to think ‘Australian beef is wok fried?’, but the Malaysian born Chef Lok has managed it in such a neat way that one can enjoy the sweet tenderness of the beef that is western styled itself, but made using a very authentic Chinese way. It just melts as you take each bite. Lovely chunks of the beef dance in well with the green, yellow, and red peppers. Fabulous. The latter dish is just nothing short of a miracle in the plate created by Chef Lok. From a distance, one may be greatly mistaken in thinking that this dish is all made up of meat products, but in fact, it’s all vegetables! The carrots, the mushrooms, the cabbage, the lettuce, and even the tomatoes all provide a wonderful combination to please the eye and the tongue. It’s the kind of dish that would bring along a smile on your face no matter you are a vegetarian or not. Chef Lok, who has over 20 years global experience in luxury cooking, has the charm to delight diners with his on the spot creations of culinary extreme. He recalls picking this skill of cooking quickly on the spot while he was working at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, and later at The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou (Lai Heen Restaurant). It was in South China where he learnt that chefs needed to work extra fast as compared to other places he had worked at before, such as Singapore, because the diners in places like South China don’t have much time to eat lunch or dinner because of their hectic lifestyles. He fondly recalled creating this ‘steamed assorted vegetables with brown sauce’ dish in Hong Kong, and it has been a firm favourite for many of his regular diners since then. Having tasted this particular dish myself, I must say that even I may become a member of his fan club. The food he creates has a smooth flair to it, and it goes without saying that all those that try and taste his delightful dishes at Jin Xuan would be let completely gobsmacked. _ I finally had a chance to go and try out the new restaurant by Chef David Laris, Le Sheng. Opened in November 2011, and located at the end of the fashionable Anfu Lu in Shanghai’s French Concession, Le Sheng is the latest eatery in a series of wonderful culinary creations presented by the celebrated Australian chef and restaurateur David Laris (from ‘fine dining restaurant Laris’ fame, which was located at Three on the Bund). The restaurant focuses on providing a truly modern Shanghainese cuisine within an intimate ambiance to present the finest of an upscale dining experience. The name ‘Le Sheng’ evokes a feeling of harmony, meaning literally, the exact moment when all musical instruments begin to play. The name was selected as it reflects the idea that all of the various elements of this concept (culture, art, and food) have come together in an unexpected, yet harmonious way. The boutique restaurant is able to accommodate 44 dinars on the ground floor (including 28 dinars in the main dining area), and 8 dinars in the VIP room on the 2nd floor. The latter most certainly looks like and feels like a nostalgic 1930s Shanghai club.
As one enters the restaurant, there is a feel of the traditional Shanghai that blends in nicely with the modern Shanghainese ambiance- both are projected well. Lovely red and black colours that portray the 1930s Shanghai are listed along with the slight nostalgic shades of mahogany. The napkins on the tables are wrapped in various Chinese ornaments, such as jade stone, and even Chinese mah-jong pieces! Fabulous decorations on the restaurant’s walls created by designer Andy Hall brings all the elements of a traditional Chinese culture (a variety of colourful Chinese tea leaves have been immersed in resin to create a unique lighted design effect; and the wall of the private dining room pasted with ancient Mah-jong pieces), neatly with the modernity of today’s Shanghai. Everyone that has a knowledge of China knows by now that the hey days of Shanghai were the 1920s, and the 1930s when the city was known as ‘the Paris of the east’. The decorative ambiance of Le Sheng does portray that in many aspects. Ancient Chinese poems, calligraphy, and wooden screens inspire the concept that Chef David Laris has bought along in a thoroughly modern and reinterpreted way. Quite essentially, David Laris brings along a fine eatery that provides a truly world class menu using the finest ingredients and finest cooking methods and conditions (neat and clean all around which is very important)- all of this accompanied with one of the most respected chef’s in this fast paced Chinese city. The key to the magic of Le Sheng is, as one would expect, the food. Anhui native, Chef Fang Chao, has provided a special concept where he truly understands what is best for both his Chinese and Western dinars. Preparing 150 odd dishes is no easy fete for any chef in any restaurant around the world. This concept of understanding, planning and providing the finest of dishes using the finest ingredients in superb conditions (Le Sheng chefs use state-of-the-art cooking machines), is a key secret to his success. Not many Chinese chefs have this rare gift of having an eye for the dinars tongue when they are preparing and cooking dishes- and it’s all hats off to Chef Fang Chao. No wonder why he has amazed dinars all over Shanghai for over 11 years. To try all the 150 odd dishes at Le Sheng may take you some while, but here are some of the signature dishes to tuck into: ‘Braised pork in soy sauce with quail eggs’, ‘Le Sheng pickled radishes’ (cold but delicious), ‘old-fashioned Shanghainese smoked fish’, ‘Le Sheng restaurant cod fish’ and, ‘traditional shredded chicken, ham, and bamboo served in broth’. Most of the dishes are a celebration of how Shanghai cuisine should be eaten. For example dishes such as the ‘traditional shredded chicken, ham, and bamboo served in broth’ are action packed with local culture, smell, and taste all immersed in one. The Bamboo shoots are a special touch to the rather commonplace meat dishes that are presented in most eateries in Shanghai. Le Sheng is all about sophistication and being different. If you prefer to try the Chef’s recommendation for drinks, then wash it all down with an ‘apple oolong tea’, created by barman Ryan Noreiks. The presentation of each dish is a piece of art, don’t be fooled into thinking that every dish is a just a piece of food. The vibrant colours and flavours will dance on your tongue long after you have left the restaurant. This is very much true when it comes to a simple yet touching dish like the Le Sheng Okra (Lady Finger). It’s just perfect and goes well with any main dish as a side appetiser. Le Sheng is the perfect place to take your loved one for a romantic dinner or lunch. It provides plenty of glamour, intimacy, and elegance all attached in one. Another year goes by, and another year comes by- it seems that times flies so quick when life is on an exciting path! I fondly remember that this time last year, I was in Panyu (Near Guangzhou, China), and now I am in Suzhou (China). On mainland China, Western New Year is not taken as seriously as it is in other countries around the world. Being an expat in China does bring its challenges, though I try to cheer myself up by the fact that while the rest of world is celebrating and practising crowd control during this festive season, I am happy being in a quiet place with a small drink or two in the company of fellow expats. I have very fond memories of 2011, a lot has happened this year...let’s see what 2012 brings, and how my life will shape up in this exciting year!
The Chinese celebrate their own special Chinese New Year or CNY (based on the zodiac lunar calendar) sometime in the late January and early February. Though there are 3 official days of holiday, however most people take at least 2 weeks off work to go back to their hometowns. For most people this is the only window opportunity of the whole year to take a long break with their family. The whole country comes to a complete standstill, with trains, and planes all jam-packed with people going back to their hometowns. In 2012, CNY is 'The year of the Dragon', and falls on January 23rd. For the time being, I would like to wish everyone a peaceful, prosperous, and joyful 2012, whereever you are in the world!!!! Though it no longer holds the title of the highest hotel in the world, the Park Hyatt Shanghai is still in a class of its own, and a still somewhat of an attraction in the city. If there is any consolation for those guests that stay in one of the 174 guestrooms and suites anywhere from the 79th to the 93rd floor, then they may consider themselves lucky as there is no need for them to go up to the viewing gallery on the top of the Shanghai World Financial Centre (SWFC). Opened in September 2008, the views from any of the guestrooms, and the restaurants are equally magical. It really is a gem of engineering excellence that has been created by humankind, and when one takes the high-speed elevator to the lobby at the 87th floor. That’s where the well informed concierge and reception staff will greet you with a smile and make you feel welcome somewhere special. Here they don’t just speak English and Mandarin Chinese (or Shanghaihua), but also a variety of other international languages (like Japanese, Italian, French...just ask if you are not sure if they speak your language!).
Because of its height, and the limited amount of space, the hotel is quite compact in its structure compared to most other hotels in the area. Frequent travellers may eat their heart out because no space is left for faults- not a whisker of dust in sight! First impressions that come to mind are neat, remarkably quiet, elegant, futuristic, and clean. Had, say, Sir Isaac Newton, stayed at the Park Hyatt Shanghai, he would have whiled away his whole stay wondering how such wonderful gems of architecture could be created by the upmost of humans to defy gravity. Even as a qualified Engineer, I also wondered at the fascination of the remarkable detail to attention paid to all things related to the hotel at such a height soaring above the city of Shanghai. Those who have a fear of heights don’t need to stare downwards as there are plenty of things in the hotel that can keep you busy throughout your stay. In terms of the facilities offered at the hotel you might as well stare with your jaws dropped lower than the height of the building itself. That’s when you can mention luxuries such as electronic curtains with separate curtains with full shades, coffee machine by Nespresso, complimentary internet/wifi, toiletries by Aromatherapy Associates (Balance), complimentary calls locally in Shanghai, room safe big enough to keep a laptop, electronic toilet with heated seat (nice!), and cable TV. Now, I suppose that the most wonderful refreshing experience one can have is to jog whenever they want to, and that’s exactly why the 24-hour gym should be put to good use especially if you want to keep trim and fit. I mean hey, come on, who could not resist working out at 3 in the morning when you are crazily jet-lagged?! Oh and then there is the compact yet sophisticated spa also on the same floor at the 85th floor. The beauty of the guestrooms is that they have everything electronically controlled with the click of a master. The there are the essential creature comforts such as the lavish bathrooms featuring a flat screen television embedded into the vanity mirror, double sinks, an Oriental bathing area, an oversized rain shower, a deep-soaking bath, heated floors and a separate powder room. Not impressed yet? Then why not try to dip yourself into the swimming pool and whirlpool that provide breathtaking views of Shanghai on the 85th floor (part of the ‘Water’s Edge Spa’). Despite the height, there is also the peace and tranquillity in all parts of the hotel- it’s so easy to forget that you are effectively floating in the sky. One key department where the Park Hyatt Shanghai does not fail in is the number of restaurants it offers. When you take into account that the Park Hyatt Shanghai has seven separate bars, dining rooms and restaurants spread out across from the 87th floor to the 93rd floor, then you realise that the hotel management do take their food very seriously over here. There is something for everyone, including Japanese, Western, Chinese (goes without saying), European, and even an all day dining venue at the 87th floor. The 92nd floor contains the gem of a perfect night-life, including a Western bar with live music, whisky cellar and whisky private rooms; and a Chinese bar. Above all else, the Shanghai Park Hyatt is not all about heights, but more about privacy, luxury, a peace of mind, and a serious heaven for the senses. It’s effectively essential for the essentials. Whether you are on holiday, or on business, or you just want to while away the evening in the company of good friends and family then Park Hyatt Shanghai is the place to be at. _ Take just one quick glimpse at the beautiful building made up of period colonial architecture, and for a moment or two, it may look like as if you are in New York, but in fact this Waldorf Astoria is situated on the nostalgic Bund in Shanghai, China. It was, of course, in New York where in 1893 the Waldorf became the first hotel to offer room service, and was home to Cole Porter for 30 years, and Frank Sinatra for one, (Porter’s Steinway is behind a gold rope in the foyer at the New York Waldorf Astoria). The revamped 1911 Shanghai Club building, complete with the longest bar in Asia (at 34 meters), became part of the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund in the autumn of 2010, and is a fantastic place to have lunch, high tea, or just a drink. The overall style of the bar is made up of a timber panelling with light stone tops and rice, dark masculine furniture.
The beauty of the 257-room Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is that even though it’s located on the strikingly busy city boulevard that runs alongside the famous Huangpu River, the hotel itself is an oasis of calm, luxury, and great warmth that one may enjoy when they are in a city with a population of 19.2 million inhabitants. Easily accessible by various methods of Shanghai’s efficient public transport (buses, metro, and the ever great Shanghai taxi), the hotel is neatly linked to the futuristic Pudong area by the Yan’an Road tunnel as well. I have always maintained that Shanghai is not really a touristy city, but rather the financial hub of China. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the majority of the hotel guests are businesspersons. If you are landing at one of the two international airports in Shanghai (Hongqiao or Pudong) then the maximum it will take you (pending Shanghai’s notoriously hectic traffic!) is around an hour from Pudong, and around 45 minutes from Hongqiao. Though, just so that you don’t get confused, some Shanghai taxi drivers may end up taking you to the entrance of the Waldorf Astoria Club rather than the foyer of the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund because it’s easier for them to find the entrance on the Bund! Rest assured that if this happens, it is even better because the concierge will whisk you through the Waldorf Astoria Club, and that’s when you can experience the rich ambiance of this wonderful property. Unlike the other hotels in the area where they only have one building for the hotel premises, this property comprises of two connecting buildings - the Waldorf Astoria Club, and the main hotel building. The Waldorf Astoria Club is the heritage building located on No. 2 on the Bund which previously housed the well-known Gentlemen’s Club in the 1920s and 1930s Shanghai. In those colonial days, the admission policy was such that you had to be white, British and male to become a member of this exclusive club. This was indeed the place where various Captains of industries in China made all the major political and financial decisions. The Waldorf Astoria Club houses 20 luxuriously appointed suites- most of which are taken by major A-listers from China and abroad. Don’t be surprised if you bump into the whole crew of a major upcoming Hollywood movie! The place is in serious demand with major luxury brands and the who’s who of China that most of the time the reservations department is inundated with requests to book the M.I.C.E. facilities and the 20 suites because it’s the place to be at if you are a A-lister. All the 20 suites come along with a 24-hour residential Butler service. The main hotel building, known as the Waldorf Astoria Tower, is connected to the Waldorf Astoria Club by a large oval shaped courtyard on the ground floor, which encloses a 168-seat Grand Brassiere where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are presented in nostalgic European style. The Waldorf Astoria Tower houses 237 guestrooms and suites, including the splendid 210sqm Noble Suite (Chinese), and a 260sqm Presidential Suite. All the rooms in the Waldorf Astoria Tower are equipped with the latest technology, including electric curtains, automatic electric toilet (the lid open’s as you enter the toilet!), and complimentary wireless internet. Local calls are complimentary from the rooms. Then there are the creature comforts such as padded slippers, luxury bathrobes, 400-thread cotton bed sheets and quilts, and toiletries by either Salvatore Ferragamo Tuscan Soul (normal guestrooms), or Hermes (all the suites in the Club Suites as well as the Suites in the Waldorf Astoria Tower). It really is your very own imperial palace. For those with a taste for classy food, there are ample options available. Pelham’s (New York style cuisine accompanied with a selection of over 500 wine bottles), the 96-seat Wei Jing Ge (Chinese), Salon de Ville (Afternoon tea speciality), and the awesome Grand Brassiere. The whole dining ambiance of the Grand Brassiere provides a strong sense of retreat in urban Shanghai. The beautifully articulated oval shape of the connecting building blends in nicely with the aroma of luxury that this hotel projects from every corner possible. Both hot and cold dishes are served for all the three main meals of the day. Plus there are some ample surprises such as the chef’s in house creations- try pistachio chocolate for example! For those dining at the elegant 50-seat Pelham’s restaurant, make sure you take some time to admire the ‘American’ penny ceiling at the semi-private dining room because its meant to be excellent Feng Shui to dine while sitting underneath a ceiling full of real coins (the 1 Jiao coins are stuck to the ceiling!). The general perception should be that you enjoy the hustle and bustle of Shanghai during the day, and then dine and sleep in style in perfect harmony with peace and tranquillity at the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. Perhaps you would also like to go for a swim at the beautiful swimming pool at level 3 just to cool down those heels from a hard days walking around China’s fast paced financial hub. Just come and have try it for yourself. For sure you won’t be disappointed. And who knows, if you really enjoy it then you also end up staying here as long as messers Sinatra and Porter did in New York. _ Anchored away neatly on the 5th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Club in Shanghai, China is the splendid Wei Jing Ge restaurant. Effectively a contemporary Chinese eatery, the Wei Jing Ge features an assortment of keen authentic Chinese dishes that will simply blow your mind away. The one key thing I really liked about Wei Jing Ge is the ambiance, and the feeling of being secluded in an richly historical building situated right in the heart of Shanghai’s most nostalgic location. When you are dining at Wei Jing Ge, the only thing that will remind you that you are in modern China is the view of the futuristic Pearl Tower and its surrounding building in Pudong visible from one of the ‘Tiger Windows’. The windows are called ‘Tiger Windows’ because in the 1920s and 1930s Shanghai people used to jump onto the window like a tiger would! The entrance is flanked by impressive delicate ancient maiden chinaware, looking around the main room, the restaurant is indulged in silk-draped contemporary elegance decorated with spiritual lotus and traditional Shanghainese style ornaments.
Wei Jing Ge does not fail to let you down when it comes providing splendid authentic Chinese cuisine. Shanghainese, Cantonese, Sichuanese and other typical Chinese dishes are all offered. The Chef-de Cuisine, Sam Yuen, brings along over 25 years of solid culinary experience into the kitchens floor. His culinary wizardry will not only leave the guests with a ‘Wow!’ factor but will exemplify to the dinar what a true Chinese meal should be like. With so many dining options available in Shanghai these days there are definitely a few things that differentiate Wei Jing Ge from other restaurants such as its period Shanghai 1930s style interior design that complements the rich heritage of the Waldorf Astoria Club to create a luxurious dining environment, and the extensive wine cellar that boasts over 500 bottles of handpicked wines by the resident sommelier. In addition to the main dining area that can hold 96 seats, there are also six private dining rooms each with around 10 seats. The central corridor features contemporary back lit walls that showcase Chinese ‘treasures’ and interesting finds. Dining at the Wei Jing Ge is as close as you can get to experience what it may have been like to dine at the Waldorf Astoria Club back in the hey days of the Shanghai of the 1920s. The restaurant may not have been open in those days but the feeling created in the current restaurant is meant to resemble the glamour of the colonial period of Shanghai. My dining experience included a feast of the finest hairy crab in Shanghai. Hairy crab is available but once a year, and autumn is the season famous for the hairy crab, especially when it harvested from nearby lush lakes around Shanghai. The feast is presented in front of your eyes, with a male crab and a female crab coming in as a package. It’s an experience of a kind to have a real crab in real style at the Wei Jing Ge. The hairy crab goes perfect with a small glass of fine Shao Xing rice wine. The perfect finale to a meal at Wei Jing Ge has to be the Walnut soup. Rather strange as it may sound, but its actually very delicious and healthy. Soft and chewy pieces of crushed walnut are resting at the bottom of the bowl, while the thick, creamy, and richly flavour soup is ready to swim down your throat. Just make sure you don’t get too tempted as it can be a but hot at first. But with each spoonful, the taste becomes more and more irresistible. Almost too good to believe. Then again, you cannot expect anything less from a top quality eatery such as the Wei Jing Ge. It may just leave you gobsmacked. ;-) Winner of the "Winning Wine Lists Ratings," as awarded by Zagat Shanghai Restaurant and Hotels Survey, the 80-seat classy Palladio offers the finest Italian dining experience outside of Italy. Chef de Cuisine Gianluca Serafin and Palladio Italian Restaurant Manager Fabrizio Bosco present a variety of signature dishes blending the best of Italian and Ritz-Carlton traditions. Located on the ground floor of the Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Palladio has gained a serious reputation among its loyal clientele as one of Shanghai’s finest Italian restaurants.
Whilst the menu is representative of all regions in Italy, there is a particular emphasis on the cuisine of Naples, and Sicily. Through his menu, this talented and passionate chef showcases some of the best seasonal dishes in this booming financial capital of China. With a strong commitment to sourcing ingredients from small, artisan producers in Italy, Serafin cooks in a way that best represents the flavours and seasonal variations of his home country (and home town of Torino). In true Italian style, he insists on preparing and making all his bread and pasta fresh each day. These main ingredients’ are neatly complimented by the very best in sourced local Chinese produce from specially partnered farms in and around the immediate region. The restaurant, whose name is inspired by the renowned Italian architect Andrea Palladio, has two dégustation menus that change on a regular basis according to what chef Fabrizio can get his hands on from all the myriad amounts of ingredients’ that are offered. At Palladio you can expect to sample the team's intricate dishes that seek to reconnect diners with nature, such as the ‘Crispy scampi with pan seared scallops, lemon scented leek, celery, and, green apple infusion’, or the ‘Black ink tonnarelli pasta with lobster, crustacean sauce, basil comfit, and cherry tomatoes’. With such delightful dishes chef Serafin combines his rigorous understanding of ingredients jostle with produce-driven cuisine. This man has culinary magic embedded in his DNA. His food basically dances on your tongue with each delightful spoonful. Anyone somewhat fatigued by samey high-end restaurants should definitely consider a trip to Palladio, where its hyper-creative, conceptual tasting menu will be equivalent to a round of electric shock therapy, stimulating mind and body alike. Palladio’s warm and welcoming interior features dark leather banquettes, neutral walls with tumbled stone mosaics. In contrast to its contemporary glass exterior, its entrance showcases a traditional Italian dark wood bar. In the evening, soft lighting creates a relaxed and comfortable ambiance. The staff uniforms were created by the renowned Italian designer Stefano Ricci. On the whole there are 4 different seating areas that would spoil you apart. Nevertheless, the separate, chef’s table, which accommodates up to 6 people, overlooks the main kitchen allowing guests the opportunity of watching the chefs at work at the wood burning oven. Most people are easily fooled into thinking that Palladio is not part of The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai- but of course, it is, and if anything, just give it a go and see how taste buds would be delighted on any evening. The last time I visited Suzhou was in 2006, and I only had the chance to see the ancient part of the city for a day's short trip. Life is amazing. When I first came to China in 2003, and even the last time I came to Suzhou in 2006, I never imagined that life would take me to Suzhou again. Nevertheless, here I am living and working in this wonderful city. The vast majority of my time in China has been spent in Shenzhen and Guangzhou (with some pockets of it in Shanghai and Beijing), and I suppose when one is used to travelling so much that it does not matter much where you live. However, on this occasion I did feel sad (even on some days I still do), of leaving Shenzhen and Guangzhou. I miss Guangdong Province (especially Shenzhen and Panyu!!), and felt homesick when I arrived in Shanghai and Suzhou. I have no close friends here, and the people are not as friendly and open to talk to strangers as they are in Shenzhen (this is true of the East Region of China). In addition, there are too many westerners here...it’s not as exotic as the real China down south! Anyways, I must stop complaining and whinging, and enjoy my life in Suzhou!
Suzhou is actually more or less a remote suburb of Shanghai (as most people see it). Indeed being located only 20 minutes away from Shanghai by the CRH high speed rail link, Suzhou is the perfect place to visit for a day's or weekend's break. The city is also gifted with excellent weather all year around with an average temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius (winter low of -2 degrees Celsius, and a summer high of around 30 degrees Celsius), and a perfect relative humidity of around 76%. Though the main source of income for the majority of local Suzhou people As a satellite city of Shanghai, Suzhou has grown in the past 10 years or so to become an industrial hub with many multinationals setting up their manufacturing facilities there due to the low land costs (well, these land costs are on the rise now). For tourists, writers, and photographers, the city is a gem of a place to visit. The city is no stranger to any travel guide, and there are probably a million books and websites paying homage it to it. What does fascinate me is the stark contrast that Suzhou possesses between the ultra modern, clean, and spacious Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) area, and the old city. The old city is the real Suzhou, and how Suzhou looked hundreds of years ago. It’s full of natural canals, ancient architecture, beautiful natural gardens, and lakes. While the SIP is the opposite. It is dominated with manmade canals, manmade parks, and ultra modern homes. The SIP is the largest cooperation project between the Chinese and the Singaporean Government. It is located around the circumference of the beautiful Jinji Lake, which lies to the east of Suzhou Old city. SIP has a total jurisdiction area of 288 km2, of which, the China-Singapore cooperation area covers 80 km2 with a planned residential population of 1.2 million. This part of Suzhou is home to many Korean, Japanese, British, American, and German expatriates. Big corporations such as Bosch, Honeywell, Samsung, Hitachi, and many others dominate the area. To cater for the education of the growing number of expatriate children, famous international schools have set up lavish campuses in the SIP area. These include such fine establishments as Dulwich College. In fact, the SIP area in Suzhou is perhaps the most modern and cleanest part of China now. Its ultra wide roads, spacious clean parks, and huge shopping malls (Times Square Suzhou) make it a real home away from home for expatriates. Cities such as Suzhou are definitely signify what the future of China may look like. There is one problem though- in the SIP area it is very difficult to get a taxi or a bus after, say, 8pm. It becomes almost like a ghost town. So the best way to travel around is on one of the electric bikes (E-bikes). But the problem with E-bikes is that they don’t make any noise, and with the way people drive erratically in China, it is very easy to get into an accident. The worst-case scenario is at night time when people drive wrongly in the opposite way without any headlights on (because they want to save battery power). People are so used to being struck into an accident that if there is an accident then they don’t show any emotion on the face whatsoever- it’s just a blank look as if nothing has happened. I hope that this transport problem should be resolved by the end of 2011, when two metro lines will open allowing residents to commute safely and quickly across the city. Right, here are some photos that show life in and around Suzhou- the Venice of China! When I was first informed that I would be going to review a boutique hotel in Shanghai, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The general perception in China is such that if you are not a 5-star international brand hotel then there are going to be some suspicions on your hotels effectiveness. I asked around a few friends of mine in Shanghai’s 5-star hotel PR circle about the Mansion Boutique hotel in Shanghai, and they seemed to be at a loss as to its knowledge. So when I actually arrived at the posh looking 25- seat lobby lounge, it somewhat changed my perception of the hotel’s image into becoming a positive one. Maybe I did not know the Chinese name of the hotel, by which it’s normally known locally. Located minutes away from Shaanxi Nan Lu metro station (Line 1) in a quiet and historical surroundings of the French Concession, and originally designed by a French architect Lafayette in 1932, Mansion Boutique Hotel Shanghai is the actually China's first deluxe boutique hotel. The hotel building was originally built as the clubhouse of Du Yue-Sheng, China's most powerful syndicate boss (i.e. a mafia gangster), but is now owned by the Hua Dian Hotel (Shanghai) Company, an affiliate company of the Boutique Hotel Investment Group (BHI). First impressions were that it’s nostalgic, very quiet, well placed, and in a very affluent Shanghai suburb. That air of romance, elegance, and peace projected the moment I stepped into the courtyard. I felt as if I was entering a rich Shanghai 1930s home of a rich Jewish family. With its rich historical legacy, the Mansion Boutique Hotel Shanghai captures the spirit of yesteryears Shanghai, a period when this beautiful city was considered the ‘Paris of the Orient'. Even today when the city is dubbed by some as the ‘New York of the East’, the hotel has that air of strong historical jest to its ambiance. The design and period architecture of the hotel reflects the graced bygone era with its graceful blend of classic French and Asian tastes. Interior is designed to capture the culture, modern ambiance and elegance altogether. With 30 enormous elegantly decorated guest rooms each with its own individual design and layout, the Mansion Boutique Hotel Shanghai offers its guests individual attention. All rooms have a ceiling of 5 meters, with most rooms being 60 square meters, and suites vary from 100 to 140 square meters. Sized is not everything when it comes to boutique hotels, and the real experience is measured by the experience of the guest. The quality if that of a 5-star hotel, and all the products are branded by the hotel itself. 1930s style Chinese music is heard being played at low volume on the speaker system that again gives it the nostalgic feel. The rooms include deluxe king size beds, armchairs with ottomans, business desks complete with 3 in 1 printer, fax and scanner and wireless high-speed Internet access (all complimentary). As far as boutique hotels go, Mansion Hotel Shanghai is something very unusual. Normally I would not use that word to describe a hotel straight away. That air of romance, silence, and affluent 1930s Shanghai feeling looms in all quarters across of the hotel. However, blended in well with that traditional service is modernity, consider having a with Japanese-style heated electronic toilet seat which may come very handy for those cold harsh Shanghai winter nights. It’s difficult to get rid of the smell of rich oak wood that embeds itself in your nose once you enter the rooms. The bottom line is that the hotel makes you feel like you have gone back to the 1930s of Shanghai but there are small touches of modernity inside that remind you that you are in the 21st century Shanghai. For the guests entertainment the rooms have stereo CD/Radio systems and 42" Panasonic HD flat screen televisions with cable system offering over 60 channels. Bathrooms have marble floors and countertops with separate Jacuzzi baths and high-pressure full body showers. Bathroom scales, hair dryers, makeup mirrors, bathrobes and slippers are included as well as bathroom amenities by Lanvin. Therefore, overall it does have the true 5-star touch to it except that it’s probably a good idea to go here for your honeymoon or a holiday with your loved one rather than on business. The place feels too romantic and intimate for a business setting. I reckon you would find it hard to focus on your work if you were here for business because the ambiance is so mesmerizing. The hotel features a traditional styled gourmet Chinese restaurant serving the finest seafood the city can offer. A rooftop restaurant/lounge with terrace overlooks the French Concession district, and a slight glimpse of the city’s skyline looms on the distance. Though the chefs may need to work a bit more on providing an authentic western breakfast, it does however provide the essentials using very basic ingredients that they have. The service is equally adequate too, and has plenty of room for improvement. I had asked for tomato sauce, and it arrived by the time I had finished my slightly warm omelette and Chinese style pork sausages. On the other hand the Western restaurant on the 5th floor portrays a different image altogether. The surprisingly quiet restaurant is headed by the talented Chef Albert Jao who provides such delights as ‘scallops with sweet corn, chilli salsa- beetroot, and mash puree’; and ‘Italian sea bass and carrot with Chinese herbs, lemon cream sauce, and spinach’. With stunning views, lovely ambiance and a delightful staff you’ll be left completely gobsmacked by the magic of the dishes. On top of all this, the hotel also boats to have the best Cantonese cuisine restaurant in the city. At comparatively reasonably priced room rates, the Mansion Boutique Hotel Shanghai is the perfect alternative to those want to experience living in the old Shanghai. Penthouse Rooftop RestaurantLocated on the 5th floor of the Mansion Hotel Shanghai, the Penthouse restaurant strives to offer one of the finest western cuisine hotbeds in town. The restaurant is sometimes referred to as just the ‘Rooftop Restaurant’, or sometimes as the ‘Mansion Skyline Bar’. The Mansion Hotel Shanghai was built in 1932 as a quaint French garden house with a Chinese courtyard. With over 300 pieces of artworks, the hotel brings along lovely memories and an experience to cherish of what life was like in 1930s Shanghai. The restaurant, which was during my visit quiet as my local graveyard in London, is not only used by tourists, but apparently is a beehive for corporate clients who want to have their board lunches here. With seating for upto 105 people, the archaic design and the colonial architecture appeal in laid-back French Concession appeal to many white-collars in the city.
For starters, this was a meeting of Chef Albert Jao whose talents extend beyond the walls of the city. It looks as if he might be a bit of a star when he brings out the best of the ingredients he was using. Being a one-man band that looks after the running of the restaurant day in, day out he told me that he was actually exhausted as he was working since 4am to prepare for a corporate breakfast. He knows what he's doing. Ok I’m gushing I hear you say, but hey, I am a huge fan of eating fine meals in a typically local Shanghainese setting. To be honest I must say that the Penthouse Restaurant is really an astonishing place (it really is). This hulking colonial Shanghai building, squats in its neglected floors like a setting from some old Shanghai black and white movie. I mean, there you are sitting on your own having a nice meal while mesmerizing the beauty of this city that is growing at a dizzying pace- so where are the culinary jewels which I came here to taste? The killer dish is a starter of ‘pumpkin puree with clam and cheddar’. The smoothness of herb paired with clean-tasting, juicy and fresh clams, the thick creaminess of the pumpkin and the savoured addition of a French bread piece is novel for the taste buds. As far as decorative pieces of art go when it comes to presenting the finest of foods, then the next dish is something to savour for. The ‘scallops with sweet corn and chilli salsa- beetroot and mash puree’ are a delight not only for the eye but for the heart too. The fruitiness of the beetroot (which is rare to find in China) goes well with the humbleness of the sweet corn and the scallops. For the seafood, the chef recommended a sweet tasting white wine: 2010 Valle Andino Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile, Central Valley, Maule Valley, Valle del Maule). With the exception of perhaps the bland breadbasket, every dish that I tried, including the ‘sea bass and carrot, Chinese herbs, lemon cream sauce and spinach’, is as exhilarating as the setting. However, the real test came when it was the turn to present the ‘saffron residue, beef steak with cherry tomatoes, and asparagus’. While the choice of the wine to go with the beefsteak was excellent (Bordeaux Le Chapelier A.O.C), the actual quality of the beefsteak could have been had a bit more homework done to it. The truth is that Penthouse felt like the kind of place I might go if I wanted a memento souvenir, by which I mean a memory of the greatest steak experiences I have had in China and elsewhere across far away horizons. Overall, it was an OK experience. On those thoughts, I will bow away by saying that the Penthouse is never going to be everyone's cup of tea: too quiet and hard-nosed. However, the food will be the thing that will cheer you up. It will provide an escape for you to get away from comments regarding the usual banter of what Western food should be like in China. It is cool, arty, flamboyant, and the presentation of the food certainly shimmers with jittery romance. Hmmm...I am wondering as to where shall I begin with when it comes to reviewing yet another Ritz-Carlton property. In fact, this is only the 8th Ritz-Carlton property I have reviewed, and there are still a further 67 properties that I need to review worldwide (not sure when I’ll manage to do that!). One thing I can comment on is that even though the true Ritz-Carlton ethos of excellent ‘customer comes first’ mentality is evident in all the properties, every single one is unique in its own way. So therefore, even if you have two Ritz-Carlton properties in one city, as is the case here in Shanghai, they are both bound to be different in terms of the interior ambiance.
Indeed as mentioned, Shanghai is gifted with two Ritz-Carlton properties. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, and The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai. So what’s the difference between the two? Well, apart from the difference in location (the former is located in the ‘Manhattan’ equivalent of Shanghai along with all the other financial corporations surrounding its lavish building, while the latter is located in downtown Shanghai), the main difference is that The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai tends to cater more for government officials and diplomats, while The Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai tends to attract Shanghai’s money crazed super rich, or the city yuppies that work in Pudong. Opened in 1998, and refurbished in 2003, The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai stands tall and proud right in the heart of Shanghai’s most happening place, and the world’s busiest street, Nanjing Xi Lu (which leads to Nanjing Dong Lu). The 50-story building in its trademark white colour scheme is hugged by two adjoining building that contain a myriad of premier shopping outlets (don’t be shocked to see a few Chinese- registered Lamborghinis parked outside!). And its not all modern glamour that adorns the hotels’ surroundings as within a few minutes of walking distance there are a few historical gems lurking around, such as the Jing An Temple (Golden Temple) and People’s Square as well. The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai experience begins not from the lobby but from the airport or train station where you’ll be picked up in one of the Wi-Fi enabled chauffeur driven cars. All the Ritz-Carlton cars are equipped with bottled weather, leather seats, plenty of magazines and newspapers and a bi-lingual Chinese-English speaking driver (the latter is very important in a city such as Shanghai because of the lack of English spoken in Shanghai). Upon arriving at the hotel, the first thing that strikes you is a bellboy who projects a greeting in perfect English: ‘Good morning/afternoon, welcome to the Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, please allow me to take your luggage, Sir/Madam’. For those guests that have made the journey straight from the airport, and are coming to Shanghai for the first time, this would be a perfect welcome to the ‘Paris of the East’! The second thing that strikes the visitor is the ultra chic lobby, which includes a beautiful old university style library, leather sofas with rich fabric, and a piano. VIP guests and those guests that are residing in one of the Suites or the Club Floor rooms don’t need to check-in at the lobby, but are rather whisked straight to the quieter Club Lounge at the 43rd floor to have an express check-in (or check-out). The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai is also flagged as having a more flamboyant and nostalgic ambiance to it plush surroundings. With its 610-well appointed guestrooms and suites, it’s one of the preferred choices of residences in Shanghai by visiting government officials because of the excellent security it provides. It’s also a favourite of many American Presidents that have stayed here, including George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. I fondly recall one of my mates telling me that he happened to bump into Mr. Clinton at the hotel’s well-equipped gym. I am not sure if Mr. Clinton tried the highly useful and exceptionally flexible ‘Power Plate’. This rather boring looking piece of equipment will no doubt surprise the most athletic of us humans. As simple as it looks, but apparently one can make use of it in at least fifty different ways including as a stomach churning vibrator, a muscle enhancer, a yoga assistant and much more. If that’s not enough then burn those much wasted calories in the Squash and tennis courts (now, this sport is very popular among Presidents!). Even though the hotel does not have an in-house Spa, the guests can still choose to have a signature Ritz-Carlton massage in the privacy of their rooms or at the hotel’s health club located on the 7th floor, which is, one of the city’s largest. Guests can choose a few therapy options including Chinese, Japanese, and Swedish. Normally I tend to have a massage at the Spa area, but because The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, offers the massage in-room, so I went for that option. It was my first time I’ve had an in-room massage, and I must say that it was actually a very relaxing experience to have a massage on your bed- I went to sleep within minutes. Well who wouldn’t, especially when you are lying on a sealy bed with 300-thread count bed linen, down feather pillows and throws. Its so easy to float your mind into your dreams when your head and body rests on such sheer comfort. It’s truly a world away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Shanghai. Impossibly clean and modern in look and feel, all of the guestrooms and suites are designed with traditional Asian fashion with a modern flair. Exclusively Luzerne provides in-room cutlery and bone china, while the bathroom amenities in the Club floor rooms and Suites is provides by the designer Italian brand, Acqua Di Parma. Contemporary Chinese paintings adorn the walls, as well as the rosewood furniture, which forms most part of the amenities, including rosewood sliding doors. For the business minded individuals, keep in touch with the world through 3G and Wi-Fi internet throughout the hotel, as well as cable TV (provided by 32-inch TVs in guestrooms). In-room i-Pod docking stations are also provided. The highlight of the hotel has to be its seven eateries, which include a variety of dining options including Western, Italian, Japanese and, of course, authentic Chinese cuisine. Confusing for some guests as it may be, but some of the restaurants, such as Palladio (Italian) and Tables (Western) are located outside of the main hotel building just near the lobby entrance so guests may think they are not part of the hotel but, of course, they are. The chef de cuisines at all the restaurants are highly experienced, and can magically create a dish upon the customers’ request. So if there is something that does tickle your fancy, just ask them to surprise you with the dish! Not only that, but there are plenty of Shanghainese petit fours that you can nibble onto, or a drink of a Chinese herbal drink. Despite the dizzying pace at which Shanghai is growing with multiple loads of new buildings cropping up all the time, I am sure the hotel will continue to be one of the iconic buildings in Shanghai for many years to come. The Ritz-Carlton brand stands for a real luxurious experience and one that is just unmatchable by no other. In saying this it is quite right to conclude that The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai really stands by the words of being a ‘timeless symbol of luxury and beauty. Classed as the ‘futuristic Feng-Shui hotel’, the Gran Meliá Shanghai is the first Gran Meliá property in China; rising majestically above the Pudong district and overlooking the Huangpu river. The Gran Meliá Shanghai, which is part of the renowned Spanish Sol Meliá hotel company with the greatest number of properties in the exclusive club of “The Leading Hotels of the World,” is a breathtaking testament to architectural ingenuity; crowned by the majestic Skyline Lounge with its cinematic views of the city. Gran Meliá Shanghai is located at a convenient distance from both Shanghai airports. It is just 30 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, and 40 minutes from Pudong International Airport, with taxi and shuttle services to the city centre. The high-speed Maglev train from Pudong International Airport takes you to a metro station on the same line (Line 2 and station’s name is Longyang), from where the hotel in only eight minutes by taxi.
Upon being told that there is a Spanish five-star property in the Pudong area of Shanghai, you may think that it would look like a typical white or sand coloured Mediterranean villa standing right in the middle of a buzzing modern city such as Shanghai. In actual fact, you may end up getting disappointed because this fine looking property is perhaps the most modern looking and architecturally stunning hotel building in this part of the city. Known as the hotel located closest to the Huang Pu river because there are no other buildings or roads blocking the path in between the hotel’s residence and the river itself, Gran Meliá Shanghai Hotel dwells as a breathtaking testament to architectural ingenuity. The sleek and streamlined exterior climbs the sky—broadcasting elegance, commanding admiration, inspiring a world of new luxury. An invigorating presence blankets every surface. The hotel’s rich and illuminating passion that derives from its Spanish roots radiates throughout every corner, every smell, and every other part of this accommodation. The city's eloquence is in the expertly planned décor, a loyal staff, and the cinematic view from the Red Passion; revealing a living, breathtaking Shanghai cityscape. All 686 guestrooms include panoramic views of the city and strike the perfect balance between spacious living and relaxation that elevates comfort beyond a sensation to a standard of living. All room are fully equipped with iPod connections, marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and separate bathtubs and flat-screen TVs with satellite programming. The key thing to notice here is the strong Spanish and Latin American ambiance that is projected throughout the accommodation. Though not all the staff are fluent in Spanish (except those from Cuba and Spain, of course), however, there are lovely Spanish elements such as having Spanish Omelette, Spanish and Iberian wine, Cuban Cigar shop, a Spanish restaurant that does look and feel like a nostalgic Spanish villa and a dazzling Cuban cabaret. Unlike most other hotels in China where there is a Chairman suite, the Gran Meliá Shanghai has another Iberian touch as they have the Imperial Suite (in line with the Spanish throne), which is higher than the Presidential suite. All the main rooms are furnished with standard Gran Meliá branded toiletries, while toiletries at the red level rooms and suites are provided by Chopard. The spa and health experience commences with an introduction to the high-altitude swimming pool that includes two Jacuzzis at the swimming pool itself, and another Jacuzzi in both the male and female changing rooms. Immerse yourself in a truly sensual experience with a long relaxing massage at the YHI spa and purify your senses in this tranquil haven of wellness. The YHI spa at the Gran Meliá is clean with state-of-the-art facilities, the staff speak excellent English and are friendly, and most important of all every treatment room has their own changing room with shower and toilet which gives you maximum privacy should you need it. If some guests prefer to smoke a Cuban Cigar while relaxing at the swimming pool or in the Jacuzzi, then they can also do this as well. And what about food? Well, as mentioned earlier that there is a ridiculously good Spanish eatery, he Albero Spanish restaurant. Its a fine blend between Spain and China with dashing furnishings that behold the perfect Chinese Feng Shui along with a smooth yellow coloured sedimentary rock that occupies the walls- similar to what you may find in many Spanish bullrings. Traditional cuisine is tastefully rejuvenated, to provoke your sense. Though feel bad if you end up making more trips to the hors d’oeuvres than you’d wished. It’s almost to say that you’ll become nothing short of admiringly blasted with the food and the service with am Iberian smile. Gran Meliá Shanghai has become a firm favourite when it comes to the MICE industry in Shanghai. With its perfect location, The grand ballroom can accommodate upto 828 people if put in a conference style layout and if in a banquet style layout it can hold up to 40 tables that can hold around 450 people. There are 15 meeting rooms including a purpose built conference area that can seat 129 people in the theatre style configuration complete with interpretation facilities. As part of the Grand Hyatt portfolio in China, Hyatt on the Bund is the third Hyatt property in Shanghai and proudly stands tall in the most historical part of the city overlooking the notable Bund. Opened in 2007, the hotel has started to draw VIPs and the well-known like moths to a flame - during the Expo the hotel hosted 18 foreign heads of states including leaders from Singapore, France (Sarkozy, Chirac), Denmark, Lady Ashton (3 times), EU President (3 times), Lichtenstein, Austria and Italy. It has, in time, become a firm favourite among many well-known celebs and VIPs (as well as VVIPs). One of the key reasons for this is because the Diplomat Suites, Presidential Suite, and the Chairman Suite are all in the East Tower facing the river so there is no danger of any nearby high-rise buildings from where anyone can get where near enough to photograph or target anyone residing at the hotel. The hotel was recently voted the ‘friendliest expo hotel in Shanghai’. You’ll also save cash on excursions around Shanghai: it costs next to nothing to hire a taxi from here and head off to eat, shop, sightsee or find a perfect place to do people watching.
A place where everyone knows your name is all very well if it’s your local pub down the road, but when you’re on holiday or an official VIP trip, being forced to converse with the next room guest every time you have to dine can put a real downer on your dinner. So therefore for those staying in one of the Club rooms or the Suites there is a luxury of having breakfast in your own space and privacy at the Club Lounge on the 3rd floor. There are many stories about VIPs that have also made the Hyatt on the Bund a firm favourite. For example, when Mr. Arnold Swaznegger, the Hollywood film star and former Governor of California, dined at the Vue Restaurant he desired to have his favourite traditional Austrian dish. Therefore, the General Manager, Mr. Gottfried Bogensperger, who is an Austrian native himself and a qualified Chef de Cuisine went straight away into the kitchen and cooked the Austrian dish for Mr. Swazznagger. Even though at that time he was addressed as ‘Governor’ by the staff, but of course to many people he will always be the much loved ‘Arnie’ from his Terminator movie days. The kind gesture of Mr. Bogensperger somewhat touched the great actor’s heart who wrote his signature words in the guest book: ‘great service, great staff and... I’ll be back!’. The hotel has the trademarks of being 40 years old building and yet still maintains the strong ambiance of being a hotel in the 21st century. A company wanted to have a carpet laid out and they got that done at the last minute. The property is split into two towers; East Tower has 299 guestrooms, while the West Tower has 332 guestrooms. All of the 631 spacious guestrooms including 52 purpose built suites are lavishly set between 42 square meters to 300 square meters. The vast majority of the guests are mainland Chinese, followed on by the Americans, Germans, and the French. The hotel itself is perhaps the multi-cultural standby residence in Shanghai, if not in China, with most of the staff fluent in more than one language or from a multi-ethnic background. Don’t be surprised if you come across staff that have various blood in their genes or those that have travelled endlessly to get to Hyatt on the Bund including Chinese-Vietnamese, Anglo-Chinese, American-Chinese-Filipino, Japanese-Chinese and so on. Because this hotel is located slap bang in the middle of both Pudong and Puxi on either side of the Huang Pu river and provides breathtaking views, so finding a last minute seat at any one of the eateries, especially the ‘Vue restaurant’ and at ‘Xindalu- China Kitchen’ is going to exceptionally challenging- book early to avoid disappointment. Friday nights draws a classy and chic crowd to the Vue Bar located on the hotels top four floors with an alfresco hangout hooded with cool four-poster lounging beds surrounding a centerpiece marble Jacuzzi outdoor- just don’t forget your swimwear and a camera. With a gorgeous location, outstanding security facilities, state-of-the-art conference facilities that are fit enough for Presidents and Royalty, as well as incredible dining venues, it is no wonder that the Hyatt on the Bund is also exceedingly popular with the MICE industry. Corporations can make full use of the 20,064 square feet of meetings and function facilities all with natural daylight, accommodating upto 1,092 guests in a banquet style configuration, including two ballrooms (one which can be split into two) and one glasshouse all with outdoor terraces, 9 function rooms and a custom-made coffee bar. A fine example of this was displayed during the 2011 Shanghai Formula 1 event when the hotel hosted various world-premiers for the world’s automotive industry to display their latest car models, including the new Infiniti Formula 1 racing car. Spread over 3,000 square metres at the lower lobby area, the Yuan spa is so good that you could wonder here for days trying out all different kinds of treatments to pamper yourself with. If that’s not enough than try out what you can at the indoor 25-metre swimming pool or at the fully equipped fitness centre. In fact, why not bowl your other half over with a candlelit aromatherapy massage a deux at the Yuan Spa, than stagger back to your room in a happy daze. All the 12 treatment rooms feature wood lining, some with double-glass walls with water running between the panes, so that guests can both see and hear running water while indulging in water-based Oriental treatments. Round of the spa experience with a refreshing homemade fruit drink at the Juice Bar located just outside of the Yuan Spa. That’ll bring a smile to your face. Opened in June 2010 during the Shanghai Expo 2010, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong with 285 guestrooms including 58 suites and 49 Ritz-Carlton clubrooms is the second Ritz-Carlton property in Shanghai, and the seventh in China. As a natural ingredient of being a top brand such as The Ritz-Carlton, the luxurious package also contains a luxurious location, and the company could not have chosen a better position than Pudong’s new social and commercial hub and is beautifully positioned on the uppermost 18 floors of the Shanghai IFC South Tower. The beauty of this award-winning hotel is that it’s well placed at the centre of Shanghai’s most modern and most happening place for business and leisure. Luijiazui metro station on line 2 is around a 5 minute walk from the hotel and easily connects both Hongqiao international airport to the west of the city (about 25 km) and Pudong international airport to the east (around about 40 km). The best way to get from Pudong airport is to take the ultra fast Maglev train to Longyang station and then change to Line 2 on the metro and get off at Lujiazui station, or take a taxi from Longyang station (only 12 km away).
The hotel’s interior design is by Hong Kong’s Richard Farnell, and in line with Shanghai’s rich colonial heritage the concept of blending in the contemporary features along with those that would hint at new interpretations of the 1920s and 1930s Shanghai art deco. The heavily luxurious rooms themselves have amazing views across to the Bund and the Huangpu river- the most intact collection of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world. You can see the futuristic pearl TV tower right in front of you from your bed and you feel like touching it with your hands. The buildings on the Bund themselves look like little pearls dotted around the banks of the Huang Pu. From the vast majority of the rooms one can have stunning views of the city across the Bund when you wake up in the morning. It will leave you mesmerized, especially on a hazy Shanghai morning when the mist slowly rises from below the roof tops. The view is almost dreamlike. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong has three dedicated floors at the Club level, and all the guests residing here and in the suites have complimentary usage of the Club Lounge on the 49th floor 24 hours a day. The best part of the Club Lounge is the five separate food presentations that are delivered every day. Its also the essential things in life that make a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Shanhai, Pudong extra special, such as toiletries in the Club floor and suites by Italian brand Parma De Acqua, still and mineral water by Ty Nant, coffee making machines by Rossi, luxurious bathrobes, hideously spacious bathrooms and a large selection of mini-bar items. Also, take note that the standard toiletries have a gold packaging rather than the usual silver packaging that most other Ritz-Carlton properties have. Exceptional detail to attention is put into practice to make sure that no stone is left unturned. The experienced for the guest is meant to be first-class, and Mr. Rainer Burkle, Area Vice President and General Manager, and his team of brilliant staff have made sure that this is achieved. Indeed they did achieve the highest accolade possibly given when in April 2011, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong won the ‘best luxury hotel brand in China 2011’ at the prestigious TTG Asia media awards held in Shanghai. The highlight of the hotel’s culinary department is the award-winning Flair rooftop restaurant located at the 58th floor. Designed by the globally renowned Japanese company Super Potato, the Flair is Shanghai’s highest al-fresco dining venue and certainly provides the best views in town and has become one of the trendiest places to be in the evenings where you can meet like-minded individuals. The restaurant is always hosting popular chefs to display their exciting and popular dishes. In April 2011, the restaurant played host to the well-celebrated Thai chef and founder of the famous Blue Elephant cooking school and restaurant, Madame Nooror Somany-Steppe. Chef of the Flair, Mr. Tang Wan Thim has done an amazing job in producing one of the most vibrant menus around. With all the glitz and glamour around Shanghai these days, the 232-seat Flair is most certainly the place to see and be seen at. Other culinary delights around the hotel managed by executive chef Mr. Dietmar Spitzer include Aura lounge and Jazz bar, Jin Xuan the fine Chinese cuisine eatery designed by Steve Leung and Scena Italian restaurant designed by world acclaimed ‘Super Potato’. If, however, you fancy an evening tucked away in the comfort of your cosy room watching the never-dull Chinese TV then I’m sure chef Spitzer and his team would be more than delighted to conjure up whatever tickles your taste buds. Oh, and of course, who could forget the signature Ritz afternoon-tea that you can get at the Lobby Lounge? The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA featuring 10 state-of-the-art treatment rooms is one of the crème de la crème in the city. Private lockers for all the guests, plus changing rooms that provide privacy and exceptionally clean changing facilities complete with a shower and ice-bath. The sauna and the steam room have fascinating views across to the indoor pool (of course, no one in the swimming pools can see the people in the sauna). And its not just the sauna that has the views, but also each of the treatment rooms have a floor-to-ceiling window that allows guests to enjoy unparalleled views across of Shanghai- a view that can also be enjoyed from the VIP Bath in the harmony suite. The ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is headed by Madame Yoshiko Ichimiya who has many years of excellent experience in making sure the spa treatments provides one of the best experiences for everyone. Most men are not blessed with the velvety skin found on their fairer sex, but that does not mean that it cannot be achieved. The ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong offers a few magical treatments that are designed to rid the roughness, including the 60-minute men’s purifying facial. Then there is the Jade QiYuan, which is a total body experience that restores the ‘Qi’ and ‘Yun’, rebalancing both the mind and body by targeting the typical areas of stress and also soothing the skin to melt away any tension. Meetings are more of an art form at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, and the facilities are more than enough to be fit for a president or a captain of industry. Spacious conference rooms, high-end cuisine, superb IT facilities that can put you in touch with anyone and anywhere around the world at the touch of a single button and welcoming recreational facilities. The demand for world-class conference facilities in China is considerable, and so therefore The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is fortunate to be heavily popular within the M.I.C.E industry. With more than 2,500 square metres of meetings and conference space including a 1,135 square metre grand ballroom, you’ll be left spoilt for choice as there is enough space for upto 1,200 guests at a time. It’s all well placed and planned to make sure that your luxury stay is an comfortable as possible. Effectively The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong can be your one-stop for eating, shopping, relaxing, sightseeing, or finding a perfect place to do people watching. Downstairs with David Laris- a real and honest dining experience (URBN Boutique hotel, Shanghai)6/5/2011
Occupying the fine Mediterranean style veranda and the ground floor of the URBN Boutique hotel in Shanghai’s chic Jiaozhou road just north of Nanjing road and close to the former French Concession, is the award-winning restaurant, ‘Downstairs with David Laris’. The restaurant offers sensational cuisine consisting of organic, sustainable, and farm-fresh ingredients at affordable prices. The ethos of the restaurant is to provide high-quality fresh food delivered in luxury style while maintaining the values of carbon-neutrality and sustainability. If you love to look after your body and would love to treat your body to good, healthy, and delicious food, then you must not leave Shanghai without visiting ‘Downstairs with David Laris’. You just cannot get any better than this.
You’ll be glad to know that ‘Downstairs with David Laris’, and the other 2 food & beverage outlets at the URBN hotel in Shanghai all have access to 100% fresh water. This means that all the food is washed and cooked using 100% pure water, free of heavy metals and bacteria. URBN claims that their drinking water will be more pure and better tasting than standard bottled water in Shanghai. The food at the Downstairs restaurant changes seasonally and can be classed as country-house posh, but none of the pretentious nonsense to hike up the prices. The big URBN breakfast is the mother of all cooked breakfasts- tempting red roasted tomatoes topped with sea-salt, two rashes of bacon, house made baked beans, hideously delicious chorizo sausages and thick farmhouse bread. Right, that should fill you up then! The ‘Downstairs’ menu features products that are traceable back to the farm where they are sometimes handpicked personally by the chef. Try the mouth-watering ‘Moules marinies with French fries’. Huge platter of lovely mussels, one of the best selections in town. It is so good that it somewhat reminded me of the infamous Mussel Inn in Edinburgh back in the U.K. Sheer sensation for the tongue. Equally tempting is the cured salmon and golden trout pate with soda bread. The perfection, design, and freshness of the food is of upmost quality. The chef, Ms. Siobhan Gough, is from Kilkenny in Ireland, and has been resident in Shanghai for over 6 years has put her heart and mind into making sure that the creativity of the food is kept as authentically fresh, green, healthy, and organic as possible. The food philosophy is rooted heavily on the concept of presenting a simple and honest bistro fare that manages to excite and surprise the taste buds. The URBN offers many special packages that allow you to combine the dining experience with your stay. Breakfast is a la carte; lunch is separated into smaller or larger portions, while the desserts are to die for. During the weekdays, the restaurant also runs a 2-for-1 happy hour deals on all beers, house wines, house spirits, and cocktails of the day. Located on the 58th floor of The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, the award-winning Flair Rooftop Restaurant and Bar provides arguably the best views across the whole of Shanghai’s stunning skyline. The well renowned Japanese company Super Potato proudly designed China’s highest al fresco dining and wining point with its warm blend of rustic and contemporary designs creating a loft-like lounge ambiance.
The culinary adventure commences the moment you step into the rapid lift at the 50th floor that whisks you straight to the restaurant. The lift itself is a piece of art. As a guest enters the lift they are faced with a wall full of black wine bottles showing their backsides, while in the middle of the lift’s wall there is a square (approx. 1 foot in size) containing three different sized wine glasses made from crystals. As you stand in the lift for that 15-second journey to the 58th floor, a myriad of thoughts go through your head about your expectations of the food, the ambiance of the venue, and the type of wine that you will be presented with. More importantly you cannot resist but keep admiring the wall of wine bottles again because it’s just mesmerizing, when suddenly the door opens and voila! You have arrived at the 232-seat Flair. As the doors of the lift open, the remarkable silence of the interior of the lift gives way to the clinking of wine glasses and rather pleasant sound of chitchat, along with the sound of some thumping grooves being played by the resident DJ. Around two waitresses dressed in traditional Chinese Qi Piao who will lead you to your table. Unless they have already been taken, it is highly recommended to pick one of the cosy lounge sofas next to the window, or you can always dine outdoor on any one of the 132 elegant seats to admire the Pearl TV Tower that stands right next door (weather permitting). Flair is known to host many globally renowned chefs and in April 2011, the restaurant was honoured to have Ms. Noorer Somany Steppe of world famous Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant. Ms. Somany Steppe presented some of her passionate and exciting Thai culinary creations, combining the full dining Thai experience with the presence of a native Thai resident DJ, and the hospitality provided by Thailand’s national flag carrier, Thai Airways International. Some of the mouth-watering treats offered by Ms. Somany Steppe and her team of experts included ‘Blue Elephant Phad Thai’- a spicy and tangy flavoured rice dish containing traditional Thai spices blended in with small cubic chunks of chicken meat, and the ‘Free Range Chicken Curry’, a slightly spicy dish that will wake up your culinary delights. Flair is one of those places where you’ll be left mesmerizing the views, the people and the exceptionally sensational food. There are staples from Japan, China, India, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand. The beverage menu is more than extensive offering signature cocktails and spirit selection. Vodka lovers would not be disappointed either as you can dunk yourself into 40 different varieties of the stuff- that’ll keep you busy all night! You just cannot argue when it comes to luxurious food at a luxurious venue at good prices. Book early to avoid disappointment. Xindalu- China Kitchen at the Hyatt on the Bund in Shanghai is known for its world-famous ‘barbequed Peking duck’, and ‘beggar’s chicken’- with its clay-breaking ritual. Diners can marvel at the chef’s expertise in slicing the Peking duck during demonstrations. With the original idea deriving from the ‘Beijing Kitchen’ at the Grand Hyatt in Beijing and backed up a team of knowledgeable and experienced kitchen staff, Xindalu is consistently on the lookout for the finest speciality products from around the world. Using a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary cooking styles, all the food is cooked in a healthy and refreshing style to showcase the most original of authentic Chinese flavours.
It's surprisingly easy to get lost in the crowd as a Chinese restaurant operating in Shanghai- the city certainly has more to offer than its fair share of Shanghainese or other Chinese eateries- but Xindalu at the Hyatt on the Bund has done as admirable job of separating itself from the masses with exceptionally sensational food and an elegant decor that comes alive even more so at night time. Hats go off to Xindalu’s executive chef David Du for making sure that every part of the restaurant and its contents has a serious attention to detail. The ethos on the culinary design and architecture is to make sure that the dinars not just enjoy the food but actually fall in love with it- and normally they do. When dining at the Xindalu, you gotta make sure that you are exceedingly ravenous and your stomach is urging to take nothing but the best of the best. When you are presented with mouth-watering dishes such as the ‘deep-fried cod, pepper, and salt’ or the ‘tossed bean curd, Chinese toon’ then food is not food anymore, it becomes a piece of art that you have a fear of destroying the presentation. The fried pepper in the former dish is just to die-for. It literally melts as you take each bite. Incredible stuff- good food like this is not easy to find in Shanghai let along China. The ‘tossed bean curd’ has a generous sprinkling of the spinach on the top. This adds a delight to the somewhat boring bean curd (locally known as ‘tofu’), because as you take a mouthful the slightly salty spinach and the sauce dance on the back of your tongue making their way slowly down your throat. All this time the flavours are so well absorbed by the bean curd that you hardly taste it at all. No dinar should dare leave their table without tucking into one of the signature desserts. Try the exceptionally tempting ‘jasmine tiramisu, vanilla, osmanthus ice cream’ or the colourful yet lip-smacking ‘sweetened mango, coconut cream with sago, coconut sherbet’. If you find luxury food irresistible then the first thing that will most probably come out from your mouth when you are presented with these desserts is ‘Oh, wow, what is this?’ because they all have the ‘Wow!’ factor attached to them. As a final salute to your meal, it would not be a bad idea to give the ‘sweet scented traditional rice cake’ a go as well. Thick and chewy as it may be, but it is just overwhelming. With good food like this you just got to be careful not to get carried away. Decorated in bright orange with a massive floor-to-ceiling fish tank located in the middle is Acqua, the Italian restaurant located at the Gran Melia hotel in Shanghai. Now, if you were in a place such as Genoa, Italy for example, then you would expect that almost every restaurant that you come across serve good homemade ravioli. Though Tuscans and Venetians may strongly disagree, the dish is thought to have originated here among the less wealthy of the city, which created it to eke out the last scrapes of cheese, vegetables, and pasta. The point I am trying to make, however, is that here in China it is, rather understandably, extremely challenging to find good Italian cuisine no matter how native the chef may be. Some of the key reasons for this include the lack of fresh ingredients and the challenge of having to train local chefs on how to make a perfect authentic Italian meal. Nevertheless, the chef at Acqua has done a tremendous job in making sure that the kitchen staff embodies a rich Italian culinary heritage that dates back almost 190 years.
Acqua’s timeless cucina all’Italiana creations, operatic ambiance and exceedingly hospitable service are a firm favourite with gourmets the length and breadth of Shanghai. Every dish expresses their passion; sharing and revealing to you the art of Italian gastronomy right in the heart of Shanghai. With its huge glass walls, floor to ceiling windows, lovely detail to attention in the Feng Shui of the table and chairs, and earthy tones Acqua creates a spacious and relaxing environment for executives working in the Pudong area who are looking for a satisfying, quality meal with a wide array of choice. If you love seafood then tuck into the ‘baccala fritto con sugo nero di seppia al limone’, - a generous portion of cod fish furnished with black cuttle fish ink sauce and lemon reduction. Otherwise, there are treats such as the ‘insalata con rughetta, pesca, parmigiano, acciuhge bianche e balsamico’, a rocket salad with sweet chunks of peach, shaved parmasen, sicilion cherry tomato, and white anchovies. Shanghai can be deceptive, at least in today’s day in age. It is heavily crowded, traffic congestion is choking, and with the inflation rate rising, the prices of general things in life are rocketing sky high. A closer look however will reveal certain differences. The local health and leisure industry is one area to have grown substantially in recent years. Development projects over the past decade or so, especially in the sphere of luxury boutique lifestyle, have brought along with them the sharp increase in the demand for five-star quality boutique hotels. Located in a chic and quiet area close to both the hustle and bustle of Nanjing road and the former French Concession district is the eco-friendly URBN boutique hotel- China’s first carbon neutral and earth conscious hotel.
Conceived by owners Scott Barrack and Jules Kwan with the desire to provide guests a unique Shanghainese urban experience, the 26-room boutique hotel was remarkably transformed from a former 1970s Shanghai post office building. The vast majority of the crowd are from France, Germany, and Australia, with a considerable bunch from America and Italy. They all are attracted by the traditional feeling of a European posh setting. Wonderful architecture and a lovely attention to the minor but important things in life has been assured. The staff are all fluent in conversational English, and are most willing to assist. The first thing that would greet you is a huge door engraved with the URBN logo in the middle. As you make your way into the open-air veranda, that resembles something similar to a traditional Shanghainese courtyard, you will come across the flamboyant reception and minute lobby facing straight towards you. The lovely open veranda, that brings a traditional Mediterranean feel to the hotel while located right in the heart of Shanghai, has become a favourite hangout with most expats who want to enjoy a relaxing brunch, lunch, or dinner in good company and wine. Shanghai inspired contemporary settings and design, yet ridiculously laid back, and stylish. With luxury surroundings like this, it’s so easy to forget that you are in China. I felt as if I was at somewhere like Hampton Court Palace, or something similar. While you wait to be checked in, treat yourself to the complimentary watermelon juice. Then there is that inspiring original 1950s suitcase wall behind the lobby reception. The hotel carries a lot of antique baggage cases, most of it from locally sourced suitcases from antique markets around town that over 60 years old. The suitcases are cut in half and displayed stylishly on the wall. The brains behind the URBN hotel Shanghai have it all right and at the right places because Shanghai is all about fashion, nostalgia, and antique fanfare. URBN hotels Shanghai is one of a growing number of hotels throughout China that are displaying a strong commitment to energy management excellence and as a result of this, reaping financial and environment rewards. Examples of this are demonstrated throughout the building- a water generating purification system is in place that allows the hotel to recycle its water; the reception has original Suzhou slates that are well placed on the wall tiles; some of the designer furniture is made from recycled paper- including a recycled paper chair; and all the wood used in the hotel was recovered and recycled from 1930’s and 1940’s homes from Shanghai’s French Concession. All of this goes perfectly well with the ethos that URBN are committed to sustainability. The rooms themselves are very stylish and spacious with plush yet simple decor. Dark woods, oblique angles, designer toiletries are by URBN Spa (green tea), while those in the penthouse are by Gilchrist & Soames, Jamaica mountain coffee, and plenty of space to have an indoor rain shower- it’s no surprise that the URBN is part of the ever-trendy boutique real estate market run by SPACE. What might raise an eyebrow here is that the ‘buzz-word’ does run deep here: public areas are sleek yet simple, understandably cool as the rooms themselves, with sunken lounge areas with long comfy sofas that are big enough for 15, and ‘30s Shanghai jazz oozing leisurely from the speakers while the barman in ‘Downstairs with David Laris’ mixes the type of cocktails that definitely don’t come with a slice of shaved papayas on the edge. At which point you may want to give the ‘almond & pear martini’ a go ass devised by Crystal McConchie, URBN’s in-house bar mixologist. For the dining and wining, there are three venues where you can while away those ample free times: ‘Upstairs’ is a rooftop bar with sweeping views across this historical part of Shanghai, ‘THE SOCIAL’ is URBN’s exclusive lounge tucked away on the 4th floor, and last but not least is ‘Downstairs with David Laris’- the flagship restaurant of the hotel. Now, URBN hotel has joined forces with a leading Australian restaurateur, David Laris, to present a spanking new line up of dining and drinking venues. This includes ‘Downstairs with David Laris’, which has somewhat become a buzz word of the present among the many Europeans in Shanghai because it is the roost of exquisite escapism for foreign tycoons on the run from responsibility for a week or two. Seriously, the food is so good that it would even challenge chefs at most five-star hotels in China. This was my second visit this year to the Grand Hyatt at the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai. I continue to be fascinated by this gem of a hotel every time I come here- not just because of its sheer size or it’s unparalleled beauty- but because of the complex architecture that its continues to project. I wish I was the proud architect of this splendour of a Hotel. With its 420.5 meter height and “Pagoda” style design, it’s simply stunning- you have to be here to experience and feel the energy of this place. It goes without saying that as an Engineer by background I don’t take such things for granted- unlike most guests in luxury hotels’ around the world. For most people the Grand Hyatt is yet another sign of their importance in life and a strong message for them to say,” Yes I am able to afford to stay at a top notch 5 star hotel in Shanghai!”. I
t’s a place that for some portrays elegance, while for others it’s like the Mecca for dining while on a night out in Pudong. The most striking aspect with the Grand Hyatt in Shanghai is that the Check in at the 53rd floor of the Jin Mao Tower and not on the ground floor (well, this is now also evident with the Grand Hyatt in Guangzhou). Crowning the prestigious 88 storey Jin Mao, the hotel rises up to the 87th floor (with the 88th floor being the observation deck that forms part of a different department). The 555-room Grand Hyatt Shanghai is located in the centre of Lujiazhui, Pudong’s business and financial area (China’s equivalent of “Manhattan”, “Canary Wharf” and “Hong Kong’s Central” Area). The views are breathtaking. I stayed on the 62nd floor, and even from there I could easily see the whole of the Shanghai Expo Area with my naked eye to the south and the whole of Shanghai’s Western side (including the famous Nanjing Lu). So, what’s the key reason for the Grand Hyatt in Shanghai being located in the Jin Mao Tower? It’s the location and the stunning views that it provides to its guests. With only around a 30 minute taxi ride to Hongqiao Airport and around a 45 minute taxi ride to Pudong Airport, the hotel is located right in the heart of the most happening place in the city. The vast majority of the tourist attractions are within a few minutes of walking distance from the hotel- not really any need to even catch a taxi! One of the most striking images of the Grand Hyatt Shanghai has to be its 31 story atrium, which starts on the 56th floor at the PATIO lounge, and soars to the 87th floor. Guests can sit in the PATIO Lounge and look upwards towards the stunning views of the interior space- it’s feels as if you are in a dream tunnel or something. CLOUD 9, on the other hand, as an extroverted view as it’s located on the 87th floor and enjoy fascinating views of the city. I would personally sum the Grand Hyatt Shanghai has a hotel that has a strong emphasis on providing a magnificent dining experience. With the myriad of international luxury brand of Hotels that are opening in Shanghai (and the rest of China), every Hotel has to be different and provide a different experience. The Grand Hyatt Shanghai certainly does provide that different experience by offering a truly authentic Shanghainese feeling in a truly International hotel. The hotel has been the preferred choice by many influential global figures in the past 10 years’ including but not least, former US President Mr. Bill Clinton, Mr. Ian Thorpe (Australian Freestyle swimmer who won 5 Gold Olympic Medals) and the renowned Singer, Mr. Ricky Martin- and many more. I recall that on my previous visit earlier this year, even former US President, Mr. George W. Bush was around to hold meetings’ with the China Finance Minister. The Shanghai Grand Hyatt is fortunate enough that it regularly plays host to International chefs’ that provide the best in authentic dining experience of the highest standards’. A highly dedicated team of chefs’ is lead by renowned international chef Matteo Moretti who can usually be observed in any of the restaurants’ located on the 56th floor. The three international restaurants’ (“Cucina”, “Kabachi” and “The Grill”) on this floor form part of the brand name “ON56” itself that offer’s a gastronomical extravaganza comprising of authentic Italian (Cucina), Japanese (Kabachi) and Western Fusion (The Grill) cuisine. The food is so good that I actually am baffled as to where do I begin. For brunch enthusiasts’ seeking the ultimate dining experience at their weekly gastronomic ritual, a brunch at the Club Grand on the 83rd floor makes a great choice any day of the week. The same floor should be praised for providing the ultimate dining experience in the evening too when those who are residing in the Executive rooms’ can enjoy complimentary evening cocktails’ from 5pm to 8pm everyday. Nothing beats the feeling of sipping on a glass of Chives Regal on the rocks, accompanied with a plate decorated with a neat slice of smoked Salmon, Crab Cakes, Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup (I love it!) and other Canopy food, while admiring the night view of Shanghai’s Pudong Area and beyond. It’s a view and experience that you wish you can enjoy everyday. The hotel is constantly on the look out to improve and enhance the brunch experience and brunch served at the Grand Cafe dining restaurant is the perfect platform to do so. Not only will it change your perception of a brunch, but it will also set new standards for this leisurely indulgence. For example, where else can you find such unusual delights such as “freshly made 100% Cucumber Juice” (its bright Green!) and “Soya Bean Yogurt blended with Strawberry and nuts” for breakfast except in the Grand Hyatt at the Jin Mao Shanghai? Whatever you do, just don’t forget to try that freshly made Cucumber Juice at the Club Grand!. Wow...times flies. I have been very busy here in Shenzhen and Guangzhou preparing for what will hopefully become my second edition of the “Newcomers Handbook to China”. China has changed a lot and indeed the culture of this country has changed a lot too. What else I have realised is that people (especially the Young People) are experimenting with some unknown styles of fashion. Anyways, it has been a while since I have written on my blog, but I thought I would start off by mentioning about the upcoming IT&CMA MICE in Bangkok from the 5th to the 7th of October. I still fondly miss the event that happened in Shanghai- time has gone so quick that it still feels like yesterday (it really does!). Anyways the great efforts from the buyers and CTW corporate travel managers, association executives and media at the Shanghai IT&CMA event have paid off handsomely. More than 900 registrations from interested participants around the world have been received so far. This year’s Doublebill MICE and Corporate Travel event is slated to boast one of the most diverse and sought-after target audience profiles which exhibitors and sponsors are looking to meet and network with. “Our exhibitors tell us that in addition to wooing the MICE sector, corporate travel and association networks are pivotal for business going forward. Thus, our focus this year is to ensure that we deliver more of these delegates to the event.” observes Mr Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, organizer of IT&CMA and CTW 2010. In addition to the investment of delivering a diverse profile of quality international buyers and corporate travel managers, the organisers have also enhanced the IT&CMA and CTW 2010 programme. This successfully contributed to attracting procurement managers, planners, influencers and decision makers from some of the world’s biggest corporate names across multiple industries including Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Symantec, Societe Generale Bank, The Body Shop, Robert Bosch and Mazda. “Delegates are also looking forward to the return of the popular ‘You Say, I Say’ interactive panel discussion that invites audiences to voice their opinions and engage with six dynamic industry experts on some of the community’s most pressing issues. This year’s keynote presentation on ‘The Future of Delivering and Creating Value In Service’ by Ms Irene Ng will offer fresh perspectives and insights on achieving optimal results in this area.” describes Mr Ooi Peng Ee, General Manager of TTG Asia Media’s events and exhibitions division. This year’s programme will also welcome a variety of top association executives from International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB) who are co-locating their meetings in conjunction with IT&CMA and CTW 2010. The specially designed starter accreditation Association Professional Competencies Certification Course (PAE102) offered during CTW 2010 by the Australian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) and Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), is expected to bring more association executives to the show. CTW’s second accreditation programme, the Corporate Travel Expert (CTE) Designation Course by National Business Travel Association (NBTA), is tailored exclusively for Corporate Travel Managers. The event’s strategic partner Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is also intensifying its efforts to promote Thailand as a MICE and Corporate Travel destination through IT&CMA and CTW 2010. Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureaucommented, “To encourage an increased Thai presence at this exhibition, TCEB has funded a total of 57 local travel agents and destination management companies to be at the event. These companies will occupy over 300 sqm of the IT&CMA exhibition hall. This supportive and optimistic response demonstrates Thailand’s determination and dedication as the host country of IT&CMA and CTW, in moving towards fulfilling our intention of being the centre of MICE development for the Asia Pacific.” I am very much looking forward to going to this event in Bangkok, not just for the coverage but because it will be my first ever trip to the city of Bangkok. Previously I have only been through the (now old) International Airport in 2004 when I was on a business trip to Chiang Mai with Thai Airways. So this time around I should bring back some reports from the city as well- along with airline reviews, especially as I will be flying from Hong Kong (There are a myraid of exotic airlines that fly this sector and I want to try them!). Watch this space…Bangkok here I come!
I have been waiting for this week to arrive for a very long time. With only 5 days to go before the start of one of the greatest shows on earth (the other one being the FIFA World Cup, of course), the city of Shanghai, and indeed the whole of China, is going to be at the centre of the world's attention for the next 6 months. World Expositions have traditionally, since the first fair in London in 1851, served as a showcase for the ages of industrialization and globalization. Nation branding has emerged in the last twenty years. The Shanghai World Expo will undoubtedly supply these functions. But it will also signal the new age of cities, with the first universal exposition focused on cities. No city more symbolizes the new urban age than Shanghai. The theme, “Better City, Better Life,” culminates millennia of human imagination about the better city. In Shanghai the challenge of how to create a low carbon footprint, a largely self-sustaining urban environment, will be explored in detail. Everything about the Shanghai World Expo, which runs from May 1-October 31, is supersized- and that is everything from the food, the buildings, the roads, the designs and the vibrant events that would be put on show. This Expo can be classed as the Olympics of architectural design. There are 200 pavilions from countries, Chinese cities, various international organizations and corporations. Seventy million people and 400,000 daily are expected to attend- the vast majority of them are anticipated to be Chinese nationals. The Expo, spread across both sides of the Huangpu River, in both the old Puxi and new Pudong, required 30,000 workers and now utilizes 70,000 volunteers. An estimated 100 cultural events are planned daily, totaling 20,000 through the end of October. Various conferences on urbanization will occur. The size and extent of the security operation has not been disclosed, but the entire city, not just the Expo area, has been placed on lock down. There will be many in China who will be unwilling or unable to attend the Expo. Therefore the government has created the first virtual Expo, which will reach 100 million people. Preparations for the Expo included a vast scheme of urban modernization. Shanghai has doubled the subway lines, built a new airport terminal, renovated the historic Bund waterfront, and launched a promotional campaign with the blue mascot and various media that has reached into every corner of the city. No other country has the ability or will to undertake such a mass campaign. The Shanghai government has given every resident one free ticket and travel money to insure families attend. Beyond the unending superlatives and complaints about crowds, the Expo will achieve three important objectives. First, is to bring hundreds of millions of Chinese into the modern world, by bringing the modern world to them. China will achieve in six months what could have taken decades to achieve anywhere else in the world. Second, the Expo will provide the most important examination of urban life ever assembled in our lifetime (well, in my lifetime anyways!). The Urban Best Practices area will display real space sustainable projects on buildings, roads, public space and infrastructure. And finally, the Expo will significantly strengthen the national commitment to low carbon development. This, for sure, will bring the issue of green house gases on the agenda at most of the press conferences that will happen throughout the duration of the expo. The signature pavilion of the Expo is the Chinese red “oriental crown” Pavilion, almost three times taller than any other structure. It is a statement to the Chinese people, and anyone else who has not yet figured it out, of where China stands in the world. On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong declared to the people of China, “The Chinese people have stood up”. On Opening Day, May 1, 2010, this is proclaimed to the world. Below are some of the photos I took on a recent VIP tour of the expo prior to its opening: Organised by TTG Asia Media and MP International, with Hangzhou Tourism Commission (Presenting City), the Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental and the Millennium Hongqiao Hotel Shanghai, the IT&CM (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings) from the 7th till the 9th of April 2010 was a showcase for China to promote itself to the world through various forms of channels connected with tourism including major international and Chinese branded hotels’, resorts’, theme parks’ and tour operators’. The main reason for its presence was to serve as a platform for the 230 exhibiting companies and organisations, as well as international and leading Chinese participants in the MICE industry to explore exciting business opportunities within the world of travel. The theme for the 2010 event was labelled as “Bridging the global MICE business”. The beautiful city of Hangzhou, which is considered one of Shanghai’s two branch cities (the other being “Suzhou”) was hosting as a presenting city. Hangzhou is promoting itself as the best city for tourism in China 2010 and beyond. With the Shanghai Expo 2010 just around the corner, the IT&CM was a perfect platform for various countries, which have planned activities during the Expo 2010, to showcase themselves to China and to the buyers who had come from around the world. Overall there were just over 300 buyers in attendance from over 39 countries ranging from Europe, Middle East, Africa, Americas and the South-East Asia region. This was well backed up by over 100 supporting media from around 26 countries. The vast majority of the buyers and exhibitors were from South-East Asia and the Greater China region. The main question here is, did the IT&CM achieve its goals? Was it worth it for everyone to fly in from around the world and spend their 15 minutes face to face with their hosts? The answer to this is not as easy as one may assume. For those people who came to the IT&CM in the hope that they would sign a few contracts, this was not the place I would imagine as it was rather a platform for putting faces to names, and making sure those vital working relationships are cemented in person rather than on the phone or via e-mails. Though having spoken to a few exhibitors, the event seemed to a good success. One of the spokesperson for the Portman Ritz Carlton in Shanghai, who did not wanted to be named, made numerous positive comments. Perhaps she was a bit too proud that on that very day (8th April), the former US President George W Bush was staying at their hotel. As with all the other US Presidents, including President Obama, the Portman Ritz Carlton is the preferred choice when they visit Shanghai. Mr. Bush was in town for a short 2 day “unofficial” trip to meet China’s Finance Minister Mr. Xie Xuren. The security and secrecy of their meeting was so high that the Grand Hyatt in Pudong, where the meetings were held, was closed off to the media and public for half a day (so no guests were allowed to stay inside during that time). Having just arrived from the west, where there is still the bad air within the economic climate, I seemed to get the feeling that everyone is heading off to China, India or somewhere else in the emerging markets world. Kaiane Aldorino, the current Miss World title holder, paid a special visit to promote Vietnam as the premier destination, especially as the country is hosting the next Miss World competition in 2010. Hats must be taken off to Miss. Aldorino, a native from Gibraltar, who had to stand almost the whole day and take photos with her many fans. Accompanying Miss Aldorino on her PR trip across China was the founder and CEO of Miss World, Ms. Julia Morley. The IT&CM was also a platform for some international companies that have set up a new presence in China to provide a taste of their products. Such as international exhibitor, Sharon Lee, area vice-president of Sales, Asia Pacific of Melia Hotels and resorts commented: “Sol Melia’s comprehensive suite of properties is well diverse to cater to different buyer needs, with each property having something unique to offer.” Gran Melia Shanghai is the first Latino style luxury hotel in China to be managed by a leading European hotel group. It offers great scenic views of the Bund and the Oriental TV Tower. In his closing remarks, Mr Darren Ng, the MD of TTG Asia Media, thanked the participants, the media and the guests, and labelled the event a success. Mr. Ng also acknowledged the idea proposed by me that there should be more airline representatives in future events. This would be a great corridor to gather momentum for the travel incentives overall. One positive aspect which I really admired was that this event was well organised- and this is very important in China. The host hotel (The Shanghai Hongqiao Sheraton) was a superb choice for all the participants to stay at. All the essentials amenities of life were available, and even more so for journalists (internet and telephone etc.). Then there were some other prominent faces present at the IT&CM, including Kieu Hoang, a self made successful businessman who is the head of the Kieu Hoang Tu Thien (Charity), head of the Tien Giang Tourist Company, and also the host of the Miss World competition in Vietnam in 2010. Below are some photos showing the highlights of the media event. These included press conferences from the respective tourism boards of Hawaii, Japan, Malaysia, Egypt, and various others. So its off to Bangkok in October 2010 for the next event organised by TTG Asia Media! Usually I travel non-stop between the UK and Asia, which has prompted me to get to a stage in my life where I am fully aware of all the major air routes between Europe and the Greater China region. For example, the normal air route from London to mainland China and Hong Kong takes planes from London over to Brussels or Paris, then over Germany, Russia, and entering Mongolian airspace through Siberia, down towards Xi'an, and finally making its way towards the Chinese cities (Shanghai, Hong Kong or Guangzhou). On my recent flight from London to China, I decided to fly with Emirates Airline. This effectively allowed me to blend in my press trip to Dubai and do an airline review for Emirates (my initial sponsors). For me, without a doubt, the most interesting part of the trip was taking the flight from Dubai to Shanghai- and what’s more, it happened to be a morning flight so the views provided along the way were just magical. The Dubai to Shanghai route took us over the Dubai creek (flying towards the Arabian Gulf), and turning back towards Sharjah (which we went over), then making our way just below Afghanistan, then entering southern Pakistan (just around 100 miles west of Karachi), and heading north-east towards the Indo-Pakistan border somewhere in the Rajisthan Desert. Once the plane entered Indian air space, it made its way across the north of the country, passing Jaipur, Kanpur and then towards Varanasi before entering Bangladesh. As the plane went over Kanpur at around 39,000feet (FL390), we were welcomed by clear views of the Ganges river, and in the distance, a spectacular view of Mount Everest’s peak sticking out of the clouds. I could not resist taking the photo. It was just truly magical. Equally stunning was the sunset in the horizon (eastern horizon) as the plane went over Kunming in Yunnan Province at around 38,000 feet and making its final hour approach into Shanghai. It was one of the most scenic flights I have taken ever, and truly memorable. I have a special affection with the Peninsula Hotel. It all started way back in 2005 when I went along for a short stay at the Hong Kong Peninsula. That hotel and location has a special place in my heart- it just projects the ambiance of Hong Kong’s culture, history and buzzing lifestyle which blends in well the fusion of the west and the east. The Peninsula is a sign of luxury, comfort and style more than anything else that a hotel offers. I fondly recall going to the 81st birthday of the Peninsula in Hong Kong last November, and it was at that event that I was informed of the opening of the new Peninsula in Shanghai. It’s no surprise that I was tempted to go and check the new facility out, even more tempting that it is well placed in the old colonial Bund, right opposite the Suzhou creek and the Huangpu. The Peninsula Shanghai- the first new building on the world renowned Bund in over 60 years opened in October 2009 and brings along the culture and strong heritage from its parent company, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited used to own and operate four premier hotels in Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s when the city was classed as the Paris of the East. Even today, now with the Shanghai Expo 2010 around the corner, the hotel is well placed to represent the finest elements of this fine city. Shanghai is now the “New York of the East” and the Peninsula in 21st century Shanghai represents luxury and lavish art decor. Well, it goes without saying that the Hong Kong Peninsula is almost like a flagship hotel site for the whole Peninsula group, but wait till you get to the Shanghai Peninsula-every inch of this 14 floor hotel is just stunning- it portrays true luxury. I really cannot think of any other word than that. While most of the interior decor is largely based on the same kind of design and philosophy as that of the Hong Kong Peninsula, the Shanghai Peninsula, with its 235 glamorous rooms and suites, focuses more on providing an experience that will take the guest to as close as being to the Shanghai of the 1930s. Examples of this are well laid out in all of the bars, including the very old fashioned and laid back Chinese Restaurant, Yi Long Court (13th floor) and the equally affluent western eatery and bar, Sir Elly’s (13th floor). It’s so good that even the likes of VVIPs’ such as Hu Jintao and the former leader of China, President Jiang Zemin are frequent guests. In actual fact Mr. Jiang Zemin dined at the Peninsula yesterday- the security was so tight and everyone was closed lipped that even journalists’ were only informed once he departed the building. The 14th floor, which houses the splendid Rosemonde Aviation Lounge, is ready for use, although is currently closed off to the public because the hotel is waiting for permission from the Shanghai government to allow helicopter services to commence. Once the hotel receives that approval from the Shanghai Aviation Ministry, the Rosemonde will be used to bring in distinguished guests by Helicopter from the Airports (both Hongqiao and Pudong), and also will be able to offer Helicopter tours of Shanghai for guests. If there was an example of luxury than that is portrayed in the guest rooms- each room is a great fusion of the old and new. At the touch of a button you can control the humidity and the temperature of your room. Lights have a superb phased “mood” effect so that you can sleep in a dreamy atmosphere. One may say, well all five star hotels are the same, right? The Peninsula is in the correct position to argue that this is not true- especially when complimentary international calls, complimentary fax, scanner and copier machine, complimentary internet (including Wi-Fi), and a fully automated digital TV in your bath are included in the room package. Toiletries’ are provided by Davi. Then there are those minor but important things of life such as the laundry and the ironing that are taken care of. But the most important aspect of the Shanghai Peninsula is its prime location on the Bund, and the experience it provides to its guests. The message is simply, you are in Shanghai in the 21st Century, but you want to experience what life was like living in a classic hotel during the pre and post war era in colonial Shanghai- then the Peninsula is the place. Peninsula is all about chic and class- but more importantly it’s about perfection in everything from the food to the quality of the furniture at the end of the day. I have travelled to so many places and lived in so many high quality hotels around the world, and more importantly in China- and with this experience it is a fair comment to make that I have not found a single hotel in China (except for the Peninsula) where the staff can speak good enough English, where you don’t have to end up being frustrated at not being able to get the essentials of life that we in the west are used to (such as an Adapter for example, or a perfectly cooked western breakfast for example). Yes, there is a price to pay but you pay for absolute comfort, experience and a hassle free stay- the Peninsula provides all of this. The Chinese staff are fluent in very good English, and if there is a problem you can be rest assured that you do not have to end up being frustrated like in some other 5 star hotels. In actual fact the service and living experience at the Peninsula is so good that one wishes that every other 5 star hotel in mainland China were up to this high quality standard. One interesting aspect of the Peninsula Shanghai is that over 60 percent of the guests are from mainland China and Hong Kong. With this fact in mind it is still amazing that the staff at the Peninsula Shanghai understand western culture and ethics so much better than staff at any other western five star hotel in China. This great preparation to please the foreign guest in the heart of China’s most happening city is to be applauded.
Some of the great highlights of the Peninsula are its stunning indoor 25 meter swimming pool, which has a glass ceiling, so you can look up towards the stars while swimming- and, oh, that Jacuzzi is just something out of this world! If you don’t swim then a dip in the Jacuzzi is well worth a go. There are also over 45 massage and beauty therapy treatments on offer in the Spa on the 3rd floor- exclusively for guests. Prices here start from around 350RMB for as traditional head massage. The Rosemonde Lounge, the Compass Bar and the 1930s style Salon De Ning. The Salon De Ning, which is open from Tuesday to Friday in the evenings, houses a spectacular decor consisting of various themes such as Indian, Upside down and underwater (there is a full diving suit from the 1930s lying right beside the seat!). During the Shanghai Expo 2010, the Shanghai Peninsula is offering special packages known as the “Peninsula EXPO-rience” from 1st May until the 30th October 2010. Prices start from 2010RMB excluding a 15 percent surcharge. For a Grand Deluxe Room with the Huangpu river view, prices start from 3610RMB plus 15% surcharge (this excludes breakfast and airport transportation). I have just arrived in Shanghai from Dubai, where I have been for the past 4 days on a press trip. Actually I should have written about Dubai first but since I am know that I am going to be exceedingly busy for the next few weeks, I thought I would first start writing about Shanghai and get most of my writing for this city completed...I will write about Dubai soon (got lots to write about!). Well, I arrived at Pudong Airport, located around 35 miles to the east of the city, and on the South China Sea. Just under 12 hours ago I was on a beach "party" (its not really a party but more like a BBQ dinner, simulated to be a beach party- and located on a white sandy beach at Palm Jumeirah at the Atlantis). And from all that middle eastern/western fusion ambiance, my life brings me to Shanghai- the "New York of the east". A complete contrast to everything I had experienced in Dubai only a few hours ago- this is serious culture shock! Language, food, culture and the weather is all something I am trying to adapt to as quickly as I can here in Shanghai. I felt so disoriented that for some reason I thought today was Friday, and ended up walking all the way to the office to realise that it was saturday (it happens to the best of us, and now it happened to me..!). Here's a little bit about Shanghai and its surroundings. Shanghai (Chinese: 上海), which means “Over the sea” in Chinese, has been, for times in memorial, known as the “Pearl of the east”. However, since the turn of the 21st century China’s Contemporary art and fashion market bubble has boomed so much after becoming the hottest thing in the art world, turning this fascinating metropolis full of skyscrapers into being dubbed the “New York of the East”. The city has churning out some of the most sought after fashion designers. 21st Century Shanghai is still a burgeoning honey pot for global businesses and tourists alike - though these days it more of contemporary art collectors and budding architects that are rushing to the city. While maintaining its role as a gateway to nearby artistic and historical towns such as Hangzhou and Suzhou, both of which are centres of China’s cultural and heritage significance; Shanghai itself has a wealth of heritage experiences as well as contemporary art and rich cultural offerings. For those who love to explore their gastronomical interests, Shanghai is a heaven for fine fusion dining; as well as a spectacular destination for avid shopaholics. No trip is complete without a visit to the art galleries onTaikang Luin the southern part of the French Concession (Luwan District), and Moganshan Lujust south of the Suzhou Creek in the northern part of town (Putuo District). Both roads are bee-hives for resident artists and fashion designers, located in a series of industrial warehouses that have been converted to galleries and artists' studios where much of Shanghai's burgeoning art scene has started to coalesce in the last few years. There are a must-visit if you like contemporary art, fashion and photography. Various former warehouses and factories along Suzhou Creek, such as Wu Wei Road (ShanghaiART) and Jumen Road (Galerie Dumonteil), are also being converted into galleries. All around the metropolis there are remises of Shanghai’s colonial past that blend in side by side with western styled Chinese architectures, ranges from hotel’s to ancestral residences which have strong historical implication. More significantly this is the place for anyone who wants to show their new art and architectural works. So much so that even nightclubs have been inspired to decorate their interiors using the latest art handpicked from Moganshan Lu! Shanghai’s oyster beds remain among the world's most fertile grounds for pearls, of both the saltwater and freshwater variety- these proving to be the vital ingredients for the contemporary art and fashion items. Still, Shanghai is nothing short of being tentative and brash, and if ever there was a city that needed to embellish the walls of its skyscrapers and had the financial resources to do so, Shanghai is it. Little wonder then that the art scene in Shanghai is growing at a dizzying pace and the city is well on its way to becoming the country's most interesting and provocative contemporary art centre. Formerly a fishing and textiles village, Shanghai gained international magnitude in the late 19th century due to its favourable port location. The city was one of the first in China that opened to foreign trade by the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. This enabled the city to thrive as a multinational centre of trade between China and the west by the 1930s. Divided into two parts by the Huangpu River into Puxi (West of the Huangpu) and Pudong (to the east of the Huangpu), twenty-first century Shanghai has been developed into a dynamic financial, fashion, architectural and artistic capital of China and has in recent years also become a trademark city as well as a branding image for this country. With the advent of the International Expo 2010, Shanghai is the place to be in. City of designs, art and fashion! The city has observed a see-saw occurrence when it comes to contemporary art and fashion. When mentioning Shanghai Art, usually the first thing that comes to people’s mind is 1930s and 1940s. Then there is a pause...a long pause for many years because the Shanghai art scene did not really open to audiences until as late as Year Y2K when the Chinese government decided that it was OK for Chinese artists’ to showcase their work to the world. Although it must be said that independent, foreign-owned galleries were some of the initial “experiments” with the contemporary Chinese art scene, first establishing themselves in Beijing in the early 1990s (Shanghai is relatively new to all of this). In Shanghai, the mother hen of them all was the independent ShangART Gallery, an inspiration by Swiss Lorenz Helbling in 1994; this quickly followed suit by galleries such as Biz Art and Art Scene China. Recently relocated to a much larger premises at 50 Moganshan Lu, ShangART represents some of Shanghai and China's hottest contemporary artists, such as painter and visual artist Xu Zhen, visual artist Shi Yong, and Pop artist Zhou Tiehai, the latter is known for his painting of former New York mayor, Rudy Giuliani framed by Elephant dung (anything goes here!). Other famous local artists include photographer Deke Erh and painter Xu Jie, known for her series of China Doll paintings. Artists and Architects from around the world are coming to Shanghai, realising that it’s quicker and cost effective, plus provides more variety to audiences. New ideas revolving around Shanghai architecture are growing but still very much a virgin concept when compared to the former two aspects of the city’s culture scene. With this immense growth it is easy to see why Shanghai is the most happening city in China, and it fails to disappoint. As an example, the St. Regis Hotel has taken to offering guests "Art tours” that are interested in visiting local galleries. But then again, who would require an art tour of Shanghai- a city that itself is a work of art. JIA Boutique Hotel Shanghai
While maintaining its role as a gateway to nearby towns such as Hangzhou and Suzhou, both of which are centers of China’s cultural and heritage significance; Shanghai itself has a wealth of heritage experiences as well as contemporary art and rich cultural offerings. For those who love to explore their gastronomical interests, Shanghai is a heaven for dining; as well as a spectacular destination for avid shopaholics. After the success of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the next stop for most visitors to China, whether on business or pleasure trips, is likely to be the much acclaimed Shanghai Expo that runs from May until October 2010. Predicted to attract around 70 million visitors over the course of six months, the event is going to see a surge in diplomatic and corporate delegations as China has continued to achieve record tourists’ numbers. The run up to this much awaited event has geared up a fever for five-star luxury hotels in the city- with a record number of up market hotels being constructed at a dizzying pace. Apart from this, Shanghai is widely recognized as an Art Deco city with increasing numbers of travelers’ with a passion for art, architecture and social history visiting the city of Shanghai. It goes without saying that some of the rooms in these hotels are perhaps the most luxurious in China. The world's most well-known architects are flocking to Shanghai, where they are building the world's biggest skyscrapers and up-market hotels. JIA Boutique Hotel is one of the crème de la crème of the city. I stayed here for two nights and loved every singly second of my time here. As a frequent visitor to Shanghai, the Singaporean founder and owner of JIA Shanghai, Ms. Yenn Wong, knows very well the challenges faced when looking for a unique and affluent accommodation right in the heart of Shanghai’s French concession. That thought inspired her to create the idea of the JIA Shanghai into a successful reality. The accommodation’s chic doors opened to the public in August 2007 as Shanghai’s first true design-led boutique residence concept and, in a short space of time has already made a distinct impression among style-cognizant and discerning travellers – winning awards across the world including being voted on the “Hot List” 2008 by Condé Nast Traveller both in the UK and USA; the Travel + Leisure “It List” 2008; and “Best Hotel Design” in Interior Design China’s Hospitality Design Awards at the 100% Design Conference in June 2008. The rooms and suites were designed by Melbourne-based BURO Architects in association with Hecker Phelan and Guthrie Interiors (HP&G). With five floors offering spacious 55 guestrooms and suites averaging 45 sq. meters, the accommodation is designed as quietly theatrical, warm, and appealing spaces for the modern, design-conscious traveller. You have to see and stay at this place to believe all the accolades that are being showered all over it! If you are a camper, avoid coming here, and equally well if you are a fan of the Ritz Carltons’ or the Hiltons’ of this world- this is not for you. JIA Shanghai is about architecture, about style, about fashion and about a wonderful blend of art and creativity which also brings in some grassroots humour into the place (where else would you see a library table lying side by side with a lovely 1930s sofa?!). There is a bar and restaurant on the 2nd floor, so if you prefer to sleep like a log then ask the concierge not to place you on the 3rd floor (but honestly, its not that noisy).With a great fusion of contemporary 21st century ambiance and the 1920s colonial feel, the JIA Shanghai will give you a true taste of what luxury life was like when Shanghai was known as the "Paris of the East". Tucked away on the corner of the busy Nanjing West road, and minutes away from the most happening place in the city, the JIA Shanghai may not look very much a glam product from the outside, but inside it is. For sure it has that "Wow" factor when you look at the interior design and the ambiance is one that portrays that. According to the staff, the vast majority of the guests say that it is much better than the Hong Kong JIA, simply because it is well placed in Shanghai, and because of the historical significance of the building which it's been located in. The rather shabby looking building used to be a office block, however the renovation work has been amazing. It is indeed an eye-opener and makes you wonder what one can do with imagination, and stunning architecture blended in with an immaculate interior design. Overall it's that unique personal touch of the hotel's service for its guests that makes the difference between staying at the JIA and elsewhere. Where else can you get complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks 24 hours a day in the dining room, a complimentary laundry (complete with free washing up powder and dryer), an in-room iron and board, complimentary Wi-Fi, in-room microwave oven complete with electric cooker and cutlery, and even your complimentary JIA Designer umbrella so you don't have to worry about going out in the rain. All the essentials of life are there provided at hand. There's even a gym for guests. Yes, parts of the hotel may make you feel as if you are in the Shanghai of the 1930s, but the overall design and the ambiance is one of a fashion oriented but with the seriously stylish guest in mind. This has to be the hotel with a personal touch. The staff all speak good English and although not aware of the true reasonings behind the surroundings in which they work in, are, nevertheless fully dedicated to making the experience a comfortable one for their guests. The guesthouse comes complete with an Italian restaurant, Issimo, whose architecture is the brainchild of the Hong Kong based Darryl Goveas of Pure Creative International. All rooms include breakfast and all-day beverages. There's also complimentary evening wine served in the lobby. Doubles from 1395RMB (US$174), Penthouse from 5500RMB (US$687). |
Get in Touch:LIFE MATTERSHere I share my thoughts
and experiences during my travels, and how some things have affected my life as an expat and world traveller. Travelling is about capturing that moment in life. Every word, view and opinion on this page is that of Navjot Singh - except where indicated. The most recent is at the top. Scroll down to read the archive. Or search using CTRL+F (COMMAND + F) and enter a keyword to search the page. Just some of the stories you never heard before. The NAVJOT-SINGH.COM web blog is separate to this web site....Click blog, which may not be visible in some countries due to local firewall restrictions, so in those cases this weblog may be read. The weblog also includes some of my press trip reports- most of which are not published on the official blog because of copyright issues. The weblog also contains articles that may be associated directly with a PR trip for a country, airline or a hotel. These are PR reviews done in relations with various companies. If you are an investor or a trend watcher then you may find this website useful as investing has a lot to do with personal observations and finding the ideal trend or next big thing. The average human on the street frequently knows far more about the state of the economy than politicians, university professors, subject matter experts, and financial analysts who seldom travel, or if they do so, only from one hotel to another hotel! The pulse and vibrancy of an economy is nowhere more visible than on a country's streets. All photos and words are © Navjot Singh unless stated. Photos taken by others or by agencies are appropriately copyrighted under the respective name. No photo or word/s may be taken without the prior written permission by the author (i.e. Navjot Singh). All Rights Reserved. Archives
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