Travelling the Silk Road, we were excited to explore new destinations, and Shanghai was high on the list. With lofty expectations, the nicknamed ‘modu’ or ‘magical city’ did not disappoint. Charmed from the moment we arrived, our stay at The Sukhothai Shanghai only added to the magic.
Words by Alton Hetariki.
The Sukhothai Shanghai is nestled in the vibrant Jing'An District in the bustling heart of downtown Shanghai. Stepping into the hotel, we were enveloped in a world of tranquillity and sophistication. The reception welcome was warm, friendly and efficient; our bags were immediately whisked away to our rooms, and the check-in process was quick.
Entering the lobby, the grand staircase immediately stands out, just one of many exemplary design features by virtuoso local designers Neri&Hu. Grey Terrazzo slabs are stacked and begin to shift as they rise, creating the illusion of a floating staircase. Ascending just above, strategically placed glass bulb lights give the impression of walking amongst glowing orbs. An exceptional art collection is exhibited throughout the hotel, highlighted by ‘Four Seasons, a 1000 Years, Terraced Rice Fields,’ a powerful interactive art installation in the lobby by the Japanese digital art collective TeamLab. Created using a live feed from the Japanese village of Tashibunosho, where an agrarian way of life has remained unchanged for centuries, the artwork captures the villagers in real-time, reflecting their daily activities and the changing seasons and landscape.
Minimalist in design, the guest rooms and suites are among the largest in the city, all enriched with top-tier comforts and advanced technology for convenience. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping vistas of the cityscape. Organic furnishings in polished walnut, cashmere throws, complementary kimono-style loungewear and plush bedroom slippers imbue a sense of calm and warmth. The slate grey bathrooms feel spa-like, equipped with deep-soaking tubs and separate rain showers. The walls are made from environmentally-friendly diatom-silica clay, a porous material that purifies air, absorbs impurities and filters noise–– highly valued attributes in a bustling city like Shanghai. Himalayan crystal salt lamps in the rooms neutralize ions, purifying and absorbing moisture in the air. This complements the relaxing Ayurvedic Good Night Tea turn-down service, designed to improve sleep and promote relaxation of the body and mind––a nightly ritual that was a highlight of our stay.
The sustainable ethos permeates every aspect of The Sukhothai Shanghai. This LEED-certified property boasts paper-free rooms, recycled bamboo pens and high-tech machinery across its five dining venues. These innovations dehydrate and infuse ingredients that might otherwise be discarded, ensuring nothing goes to waste. The buzzy and lively Italian restaurant, La Scala, celebrates the virtues of Italian freshness and simplicity with a touch of modern flair. The ZUK Bar is a quintessential downtown drinking establishment known for its upbeat atmosphere and handcrafted cocktails.
The tranquil atmosphere throughout the hotel reaches its meditative peak on the wellness floor. The Retreat is where the hotel truly stands apart, offering a serene space to breathe and rejuvenate. Upon entering the spa, I was enveloped by its soothing dark mood lighting. The spa’s menu boasts treatments that go beyond the usual offerings found in other hotels, most notably the immersive healing sound bath, where deep sound vibrations from bowls and gongs penetrate and purify the body and mind, releasing stress and anxiety. The 25-metre indoor heated pool was perfect for an early morning swim, and the gym offers personal trainers to put you through your paces, along with yoga and pilates classes. Afterwards, the sauna rooms include a dry sauna with a wall made of Himalayan salt bricks. Once your treatment is done, you can bask in post-treatment bliss while looking out onto the zen garden, taking a moment to sit and reflect. Pure Bliss.
Discover this piece inside the China Chapter at The Silk Road Issue 12
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