Shanghai

Past and present Chinese traditions alike come together against a backdrop of verdant camphor trees at the Amanyangyun Luxury Resort and Hotel in Shanghai. Transported to Shanghai from rural Fuzhou across more than 700 kilometers, the trees are a notable piece of China’s past that have been preserved alongside the newly refurbished villas of the resort in an ambitious feat of architectural and ecological conservation. Featuring a variety of suites, pavilions, and villas, Amanyangyun guests will note a sense of harmony between the structural, man-made environment and the natural ponds and gardens of the surrounding courtyards and forest. More than just a cultural experience, however, Amanyangyun stands out in its multifaceted approach to dining and wellness while also offering an array of event spaces and a 200-seat banquet hall. Amanyangyun in Shanghai is a perfect choice for guests looking to stimulate all their senses, as “yangyun,” meaning “nourishing cloud,” is a Chinese nod to expanding the mind’s “cloud” of knowledge through experience.

Opened in 2010, The Fairmont Peace Hotel breathes new life into the Peace Hotel, a vestige of Shanghai’s pre-WWII glory days. This magnificently decorated building that miraculously survived the Cultural Revolution has sumptuously restored guestrooms and suites, including the famed Nine Nations Suites: the Indian, English, Chinese and American have been preserved from the original hotel, while the French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and German suites have been redesigned in keeping with their original concepts. There are a few lounges to enjoy a cocktail or cigar: Cin Cin, Jasmine Lounge, which also serves afternoon tea, and the Jazz Bar for live music. There are three restaurants, including a casual French bistro, Victor’s, The Cathay Room for modern European cuisine and Dragon Phoenix for Cantonese. The fitness center has the latest in gym technology and also offers group classes. Willow Stream Spa offers massage and spa and beauty treatments based on ancient Chinese healing. The Fairmont is about one hour’s drive from Pudong International Airport.

Floating above the city on the 79th through 93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Park Hyatt is the highest hotel in the world, With 174 suites and rooms, the hotel’s intimate interior was designed to resemble a modern Chinese residence and is divided by gates, halls and chambers. The rooms, on the other hand, are some of the largest in Shanghai. There is a state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as the Water’s Edge Spa, which offers a full menu of skin and body treatments, as well Western, Thai and Chinese massage techniques. There are two bars and three restaurants; 100 Century Avenue, an integrated three-level fine-dining restaurant (serving Western, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine) is among the best restaurants in the city, and certainly has the best view. Other amenities include 24-hour butler service, a technology concierge, the full complement of business services, and wired and wireless high-speed Internet throughout the hotel. The Park Hyatt is a 40-minute drive from Pudong International Airport (PVG).

Located on the Puxi side of the Huangpu River, the Peninsula Shanghai has fabulous views of the Bund, Pearl Oriental Tower and other historic and modern architecture along the Pudong side. Befitting its location in the Pearl of the Orient, the Peninsula’s style is modern while retaining a chic stylistic nod to the city’s Art Deco past. There are 235 guestrooms and suites, which all feature plasma TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, iPod docking stations and wifi access, lending a residential feel to the hotel. Four themed suites – the Astor, Majestic, Palace and Peninsula – set new standards in luxury living. For fine dining within the hotel, Yilong Court for Cantonese cuisine or Sir Elly’s for Western fare in a beautiful setting with views of the Bund are excellent options. The Compass Bar, Lobby and Salon de Ning are lovely places for a night cap. There is a Peninsula spa by ESPA, which offers the brand’s award-winning treatments in a neo-classical setting , indoor pool and fitness center with a DVD library such that gym goers can watch their favorite programs while using the cardio machines. The Peninsula is 40-60 minutes’ drive from the airport, depending on traffic.

The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is a true Shanghai landmark, located on the city’s most famous street and offering amazing views of both old and new Shanghai. Its 260 state-of-the-art rooms and suites come with all the latest facilities, including luxury bedding, free internet, cable TV, CD/DVD player and coffee machine. Savor delicious, fresh cuisine from one of six diverse Shanghai restaurants and bars: sip on vintage champagne in the historic Long Bar and relax in plush leather chairs with single malt whiskies and fine Cuban cigars; nibble on modern New York inspired fare at Pelham’s; or indulge in a variety of gourmet Chinese dishes at Wei Jing Ge. The hotel’s fully equipped fitness center offers a fantastic selection of the finest cardiovascular and exercise equipment. Bathe in the hotel’s heated indoor pool or treat yourself to a range of restorative, soothing spa treatments. Relax in the hotel’s sophisticated Library Lounge and unwind in tranquil serenity, or take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi, available all day, and catch up with work.