Chinese Hotels Define The New Luxe

PHOTO: A room beneath the sea of clouds in Sichuan from Anantara. (Courtesy of Ananatara)

All the tea in China can’t compare with all of China’s hotels and they keep coming at an almost daily pace. With more than 110,000 luxury rooms alone and at least 50,000 more on the drawing board, China may be beginning to put on the brakes, especially as they go through a cooling off of their normally hot economy. With so many luxury properties, it’s no longer enough to build a palace; the new hotels have to distinguish themselves from a crowded market. New properties by Anantara, Hyatt, Pullman and One&Only all are located in places that are home to different kinds of travel experience in China.

The new Anantara Emei Resort & Spa is located in one of the country’s pre-eminent ecotourism provinces, Sichuan. Guests will have easy access to early morning treks up Emeishan Mountain, one of China’s four holiest mountains. Home to more than 70 Buddhist temples including the first in China, the mountain is known for the frequent “Sea of Clouds” effect which occurs when you find yourself on a peak and look down at the clouds below which take on the aspect of a foamy sea.             

The resort’s spa features hot springs and traditional tea-infused treatments. Other indigenous experiences include Tai Chi classes by the pool or Sichuan cooking classes.

Hainan Haven

Kerzner International is bringing the One&Only brand to Hainan Island, the Chinese Hawaii on the South China Sea. The 192-room One&Only Sanya on Haitang Bay will be the brand’s first appearance in China, spreading across 1,240 feet of coastline and over 27 acres of coconut palms and water gardens.

PHOTO: The One&Only Sanya will feature some of the largest suites on Hainan Island. (Courtesy of One&Only)

The resort uses the natural elements of Hainan to give it the feel of the local environment. Accommodations will range from two- to four-bedroom private villas and a Presidential suite to executive suites and guest rooms, located within either the main Manor House or Mansions. Six private villas will have dedicated butlers, private pools and barbeque areas. Guests enter the villas through a courtyard, which leads to the living and dining area, opening to a terrace. Private outdoor living spaces will include day beds, chaise lounges and dining al fresco.

Island Tranquility Outside of Shanghai

Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai’s Chongming Island is the world’s largest alluvial river island. Home to wetlands, national parks, villages and organic farms, it couldn’t be more different than the space age atmosphere of nearby Shanghai. A favorite for daytripping Shanghainese, it’s connected to the mainland by a tunnel and bridge, about 90 minutes from downtown Shanghai. Now it will be the home of the first Hyatt Regency in the area, though Hyatt operates four hotels in Shanghai.

PHOTO: The new Hyatt Regency Chongming lobby is located in a peaceful sanctuary outside of Shanghai. (Courtesy of Hyatt)

The 235-room Hyatt Regency Chongming is set beside the Dongtan Wetlands Park and a migratory bird reserve. The resort’s five buildings are connected by a covered Chinese-style walkway, and extensive gardens are landscaped with flowers, streams and arched bridges. The hotel has five restaurants and tea lounges, multi-functional events venues including ‘The Campus’ meetings concept, and an extensive variety of recreational facilities for all ages.

“It is a privilege to unveil the first international upscale hotel on the ecologically rich island of Chongming,” said Douglas Schwab, general manager of Hyatt Regency Chongming. “As the only resort destination to offer pristine landscapes and nature-based experiences so close to the Shanghai metropolis, we look forward to providing an environment that fosters meaningful relationships and connections.”

Pullman Joins the Shanghai Hustle

Accor’s upscale hotel brand, Pullman, is adding its 15th property in China with the 338-room Pullman Shanghai South, the second Pullman in Shanghai. The hotel is located in one of Southern Shanghai's busiest districts with close access to the airport, train station and popular sites including the Shanghai Stadium and Caohejing High-Tech Park. The hotel has an indoor pool, eight meeting rooms, and four bars and restaurants. Accor is planning to have 38 Pullman branded hotels in China by 2018. It’s planning 47 hotels by that time in Asia overall.