Marrying the convenience of a city centre location with the immersive and relaxing ambiance of a resort, the new Alila Shanghai is the first of its kind in Greater China...
TIME OUT TIP:
China's only other Alila property is Alila Wuzhen in Zhejiang's famed water town.
Open since September 25, 2024, the hotel's unique selling points include its coveted postcode in Jing'an District in the city centre.
The property overlooks and provides exclusive private access to Zhangyuan, a complex of restored 'shikumen' or stone-gate townhouses that have been transformed into luxury retail spaces.
"Alila Shanghai marries the striking design and artisanal luxury experience that the Alila brand is globally known for," enthused general manager Yap Jtwen. "Tranquil moments of retreat are perfectly combined with vibrant cultural experiences, creating a beautiful dichotomy not to be missed. Our team is honoured to welcome the local community and travellers to immerse in our new luxury resort-style hotel in the centre of Shanghai."
Harmonious
Design
Entrance to Alila Shanghai
Alila Shanghai's overall ambiance is courtesy of acclaimed interior designer Ju Bin, who has tastefully integrated traditional Shanghainese style.
In addition to celebrating the city’s cultural influence, the interior design also upholds understated elegance, adds accents with pops of colour, and makes sure there are modern amenities for utmost comfort.
A neutral colour palette, lush greenery and tactile natural materials — ranging from roughly-hewn stone to timber marquetry, and rattan detailing to paper louvers — come together to transport guests to a relaxing luxury retreat with touches of nature.
Memorable
Arrival
Anyone apporaching Alila Shanghai will notice a palpable change in the vibe: from the city's intense hustle and bustle to a space of clarity and calm...
A canopy of trees frame the driveway, which is flanked by dry stone walls and that leads to a tranquil, resort-style entrance featuring a wall of water, cobblestone paving, and a barrel-vaulted rattan-like ceiling.
Alila Shanghai's front desk and courtyard pavilion
Upon arriving at the lobby on level 4, it is not unusual to be pervaded with a sense of calm as you emerge in a landscaped oasis inspired by classic Chinese gardens.
A series of open areas and walkways surround a small lake. Furthermore, local artist Oscar Wang's striking 17-foot-high ‘Gathering’ tree sculpture fashioned out of stainless steel and Jingdezhen ceramic leaves serves as an impressive focal point.
Wellness Meets
Culture
Book a treatment at Spa Alila
Spa Alila is the space to surrender your stresses... Its customised holistic treatments are inspired by the healing powers of Mother Nature.
Comprising five treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, and a soothing relaxation space, spa-goers can indulge in signature treatments that focus on the curative benefits of all-natural ingredients.
Wellness facilities include a swimming pool and gym
To further the property’s commitment to wellbeing, guests will have access to premium fitness facilities, a yoga room, and unique programmes designed to further connect guests with Shanghai's intangible cultural heritage; many of these see unique collaborations with local artists.
Accommodation
The Pavilion Suite King
Alila Shanghai's 186 guest rooms include 94 suites with natural finishing and textures. Guests will discover Shanghai-inspired detailing, from textured glass redolent of vintage window frames to bold flooring that take a page from the tiles of historic mansions.
The Premier Suite King
Measuring 419 square feet, each spacious entry-level room features a luxurious lounge, a walk-in wardrobe, a bar nook, and a dressing table area.
The Penthouse Suite King
For the ultimate indulgence, guests may opt for the 2,626-square-foot Penthouse Suite King. Located at the very top of the hotel, the 37th floor suite offers breathtaking views of the Shanghai skyline.
This sprawling suite is outfitted with a sumptuous king bed and has its own separate living room, dining area, bar, and spa-like, marble-lined bathroom with an elliptical bath.
Decadent Dining
Overseen by Executive Chef Chuck Xing, all four innovative bars and restaurants at Alila Shanghai offer a wide variety of wellness-oriented culinary experiences that showcase the local neighborhood through authentic native flavours.
The restaurants adhere to a 'farm-to-table' philosophy and their menus are built around fresh, seasonal, and sustainable local produce — organic where possible.
What's more, the accompanying wine lists feature selections from boutique vintners.
Each dining experience honours local food traditions, the people who play their part in putting food on the table, and the art of stellar service.
Flagship Chinese restaurant, 500 Weihai Road
500 Weihai Road, the hotel's flagship Chinese restaurant, is a good place to start your culinary odyssey.
The dishes have the mark of Chef de Cuisine Scott Bao, who has worked in two Michelin-starred restaurants in Hangzhou and Shanghai.
Harvesting vegetables straight from the hotel's garden, Chef Bao and team are creating plant-forward dishes and modern Shanghainese cuisine with a special focus on seafood.
All-day dining restaurant, Garden Pavilion
Guests of Alila Shanghai will all dine at Garden Pavilion, the all-day dining restaurant, at some point or other.
Unlike at other hotels, wasteful buffet spreads are replaced with made-to-order, curated breakfast sets: choose from Chinese, Japanese, Western, or healthy sets while practicing mindful eating.
Afternoon tea abode, Chayan @ 5th
Come tea time, make your way to Chayan @ 5th, which was conceived as a sanctuary for slowing down and a gathering place for guests to connect with themselves and others. Not only does the exquisite afternoon tea showcases Shanghai's culinary heritage, but it also celebrates the unique bounty of the region.
Secret Roof bar at Alila Shanghai
Last but not least, Secret Roof aims to be Shanghai's next premier destination for exceptional cocktails, stunning sunset views, and a sophisticated yet welcoming setting.
Enjoy a breath of fresh air on the alfresco terraces and stunning views of the historical Zhangyuan rooftops.
Pop by in the daytime as well to see the surroundings in a different light, and to fuel up on organic coffee and snacks.
Business Meets
Pleasure
Zen meeting space
Spread over a total of 3,282 square feet, the hotel's versatile meeting spaces are able to host a wide range of occasions, from intimate meetings and private dinners to galas and cocktail parties.
Some options of spaces include the open-air terrace and five elegant function rooms flooded with natural lighting.
TIME OUT TIP:
To celebrate the grand occasion of the opening, World of Hyatt is bestowing its loyal members with 500 additional points for qualifying nights at Alila Shanghai between September 25th and December 31st 2024.
ALILA SHANGHAI
📍
500 Weihai Road,
Jing’an District,
Shanghai, China
☎️
+86 21 6266 1234
All visuals are courtesy of Alila Shanghai. This article is not to be replicated without prior consent.