This Is Where The Fashion Set Stays When They're in Shanghai

Nestled among the gleaming buildings of Shanghai's ritzy Jing'An district in its own leafy enclave is The PuLi Hotel and Spa. Built by Urban Resort Concepts, the hotel is an oasis—built to be an escape from the hustle and bustle of the cosmopolitan city—with luxury inscribed into its DNA. Opened in 2009, the elegantly appointed hotel stood out (and continues to stand out) for its thoughtful design, exquisite service and inimitable hospitality. In addition to 193 rooms and 36 suites overlooking the lush Jing’An Park and the Shanghai skyline, the hotel also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, PHÉNIX Eatery & Bar, the Long Bar in lobby, a state-of-the-art gym, a 25-metre lap infinity pool, as well as the first Anantara Spa in Shanghai. It's no wonder that fashion cognoscenti the likes of Alexander Wang and celebrities alike choose to stay here when they are in Shanghai.

Accommodation

Stepping into the Deluxe Suite, you're immediately put at ease by the sophisticated design and plush comfort of the furnishings that meld Oriental splendour with a Western sensibility. Warm beige tones are set off by dark wood panels and floors, and complemented by filtered sunlight streaming in from the wide wall-to-wall windows. Needless to say, the king-size bed is all plush comfort, but it is really the bathroom that is an experience. Not only does it come with a therapeutic rain shower, the bathtub by the window with a built-in 15” LCD TV is perfect for a relaxing bubble bath and a glass of wine.

Related article: 18 Luxury Bathrooms With The Best Views

Wow Factor

Besides being known for its fabulous view of Jing'An Park, the hotel's Anantara Spa is also a must-visit whether you're visiting for work or leisure. Created in partnership with the eponymous spa brand, the spa draws on a ancient therapies from China, Thailand and India, and offers up range of pampering treatments. We tried the Anantara Signature Massage, which relieves tension, improves circulation and

releases stress from tired muscles. 

Related article: The Ultimate Global Spa Guide For Jet-Setting Singaporean Women

Special mention must be made for the staff as well, who are attentive and helpful, and really make the experience of staying at The PuLi a delight.

Food and Drink

The hotel's main restaurant, PHÉNIX Eatery & Bar, is conveniently located on the second floor of the hotel, and is laid out like an inviting dining room at a palatial house. The adjacent park's greenery gives a sense of privacy from the outside world, giving one a leisurely experience while tucking into the meticulously prepared dishes. Chef Michael Wilson's direction for the restaurant centres around French cuisine and seasonal ingredients, which makes PHÉNIX a star in the culinary scene in Shanghai.

Other highlights in the hotel include the Long Bar, which serves up a mean cocktail with seasonal produce, as well as tea and coffee for guests throughout the day, and the Garden Terrace, which is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of afternoon tea while taking in the serenity of the surroundings.

What to Do

Conveniently located in the fashionable Jing'An district, there is a hardly anything you could lack when you're staying here. Here are few highlights near the hotel that you can check out:

Réel Mall

Stocked with stores such as Thom Browne, Balenciaga, Gucci and more, this is shopper's paradise. The mall also houses several concept cafés and a food court with local street delights such as the famous Xiao Yang Sheng Jian stall, which sells Shanghai's famous fried soup buns.

Jing'An Temple

Just a stone's throw away from the hotel, the temple gave the district its name and is one of the grandest Buddhist temples in Shanghai. Walk around the vast grounds of the monastery and marvel at the religious art and monumental statue of Buddha in the main hall.

Related article: 22 Of The World's Most Spectacular Hotel Views

Prada Rong Zhai

Take an afternoon out to visit the Italian fashion brand's newly opened art centre in Shanghai. Prada refurbished the home of the notable Rong family, retaining its Art Deco interiors and infusing it with Italian glamour. You'll definitely want to wander through the grand estate and take in both the beautifully restored house, as well as the art from Prada's private collection that is on display.

Book it

If you're looking for the ultimate luxurious experience while still staying in the heart of Shanghai's fashionable district, The PuLi Hotel and Spa is definitely a one-of-a-kind encounter that will leave you charmed.

The PuLi Resort and Spa, from about $858.53 a night for a single Corner Deluxe King Room.