C HINA

Art deco redux at citys Ritz-Carlton

By Matthew Wexler

ven a worldly traveler will have a catch-your-breath moment

upon arriving in Shanghai. The sprawling city has been a pinnacle for urban development, and with a population soaring
to more than 24 million, there is a sense that the growth isnt
slowing down anytime soon.

For a room with a view and all of the

luxurious perks to match, the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong delivers exemplary
service set against the backdrop of art
deco-inspired design that pays homage to
the citys rich architectural history.
Occupying the top 18 floors of the
Shanghai IFC South Tower in Shanghais
Pudong district, the property opened in
2010 to coincide with the first Worlds
Fair in China.
While there is plenty to see and do
across the Huangpu River, a recent hosted
visit to the property revealed unique design details and guest experiences.
Three design firms were commissioned
to bring the hotels interiors to life. Singapores Richard Farnell designed the rooms
and public spaces, which utilize visual elements of the art deco period from 1926
to 1948, including detailed ornamentation
from early periods as well as asymmetrical
wall patterning more typical of later years.
Japans Super Potato was responsible for
Flair, the 58th-floor restaurant and bar featuring oya stones from Japan, mud walls
and richly saturated furnishings, as well as
Scena, the hotels Italian restaurant.
But it is the Steve Leung-designed Jin
Xuan, the hotels signature Chinese restaurant overseen by Chinese Executive
Chef Daniel Wong, that delivers lotus
flower-inspired wow factor to complement the Bund views, along with a menu
boasting signature dishes such as Cantonstyle cereal-crusted lobster and sweet and
sour pork with pomelo citrus.

Ways to unwind
Those looking to further indulge in the
Ritz-Carltons on-site amenities can rise

above Shanghais bustling streets with a

visit to the hotels spa located on the 55th
floor. The 1,600-square-foot spa features
10 treatment rooms, steam room, dry
sauna, indoor heated pool, 24-hour fitness studio and a vast menu of treatment
options, including the Jade Qi Yun. Referencing a balance of mind and body, the
90-minute session includes a deep-cleansing back exfoliation and massage followed
by a facial using Espa products and Jade
facial rollers, which provide stimulation
to increase circulation.
The classic Ritz-Carlton afternoon tea
is reinvented in Shanghai and offered at
the Aura Lounge & Jazz Bar every day
from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. as well as Scena
for limited weekend hours. Expect traditional tea sandwiches, sweet pastries,
jams and clotted cream along with local
offerings including a selection of regionally sourced green teas. Special tea events
are held throughout the year, including the recent partnership with Godiva,
which drew upon the expertise of the
Ritz-Carltons culinary team as well as
Philippe Daue, Godivas chef chocolatier
for the Pacific Rim and China. The hotel
also plans to offer an Art Deco Tea, which
will feature edible versions of the Oriental
Pearl Tower and other landmarks.

Hit the streets

Originally from Texas, writer, historian and architect Spencer Dodington has
lived in Shanghai for more than 20 years
and is considered one of the citys foremost experts on its art deco history. Hes
partnered with the Ritz-Carlton to offer
bespoke architectural tours catered to
the participants interest and background

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The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai,

Pudong occupies the top
18 floors of the Shanghai
IFC South Tower. Above, the
view from Flair, the hotels
58th-floor restaurant and bar.
Right, a king guestroom.

knowledge. Expect to see the work of notable architects, including Poy Gum Lee
and newly reconceived neighborhoods
like Xintiandi, which has preserved Shikumen buildings of the 19th century
amid a flourish of high-end retailers.
For city views in high gear, consider a
sidecar tour, where participants can hit
the streets in a motorbike with an expert
driver at the helm to weave among the
various Concessions and neighborhoods.
As recently experienced through a complimentary tour via Audley Travel, drivers will go just about anywhere within
the booking time, from major sightseeing
vantage points to the back alleys of Old
Town. Arrive with a shortlist to maximize

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$2,199

travel time.
Audley, which has been facilitating
travel to Asia since 1996, can also arrange an immersive culinary experience
in the home of a local. A recent sampling
included a visit to a welcoming home in
the Caoyang Xin Cun district, about five
miles west of the city center. A visit to the
local railway market, overflowing with
fresh produce, butchers and household
goods, made way for a homestyle meal
that even the Ritz-Carlton cant duplicate
more than a dozen dishes prepared in
the simple, flavorful style of the region.
Room rates begin at $407 per night. For
more information, visit www.ritzcarlton
.com/en/Properties/ShanghaiPudong.

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Air-inclusive & land-only prices are based on per person, double occupancy (intl air LAX/SFO departure - add $200 for JFK;
India JFK only - ask about other gateways. Fuel surcharges, taxes and fees included in air-inclusive prices). For complete list of
terms & conditions, please visit www.pacificdelighttours.com. CST 2098539

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T R A V E L W E E K L Y

C O M

www.pacificdelighttours.com / www.pdttours.com
(800) 221-7179

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