In Shanghai, the luxury hotel race is on, and the latest to reach the finish line is Alila.

Located in the Jing’an neighbourhood, Alila Shanghai is an urban retreat offering high-rise respite from the energetic goings-on of one of China’s most populated cities. Encompassing 186 keys, including 94 suites, the hotel infuses Shanghainese influences into its design and detailing to evoke the feeling of the city’s ancient mansions. Rooms start from 419 square feet in size and range all the way up to the 2,626-square-foot Penthouse Suite King on the highest floor of the property. From the 37th floor, it offers expansive views over the Shanghai cityscape, as well as luxurious amenities. Guests of the hotel can also enjoy private access to the historical Zhangyuan, a complex of stone shikumen townhouses that have been revitalised into luxury retail spaces.

Ju Bin, founder and chief design director of Horizontal Design, brings his philosophy of balancing traditional style with tasteful modernity and sophisticated colour to the halls of Alila Shanghai, resulting in a fresh, comfortable, and elegant Shanghai urban retreat. Leading the way is the experience of texture and tactile materials, embodied in the use of timber marquetry, natural stone, rattan, paper, water, and botanical elements. An installation of stainless steel and Jingdezhen ceramic welcomes guests to the lobby.

Furthering the agenda of finding tranquillity in the city, Alila Shanghai presents a robust well-being programme, with custom treatments carried out in five rooms. All-natural ingredients are used in the facial and body therapies. On-site are individual yoga rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre with cardio and strength machines, a Turkish bath facility, a relaxation space, an infinity pool, a hydrotherapy pool, and a wet sauna.

Executive chef Chuck Xing brings a plethora of Chinese dining experiences to the fore at Alila Shanghai. Specialising in a farm-to-table approach, the four distinct restaurants and bars each showcase authentic local flavours through seasonal ingredients and boutique winemakers. 500 Weihai Road, the property’s flagship restaurant helmed by chef de cuisine Scott Bao, highlights a plant-forward and seafood-driven take on modern Shanghainese cuisine. All-day-dining venue Garden Pavilion offers curated Chinese, Japanese, and Western food options, while Chayan @ 5th presents afternoon tea inspired by the culinary heritage of Shanghai. Guests can start or end their evenings with coffee and cocktails at Secret Roof, an open-air space overlooking the rooftops of the Zhangyuan traditional shikumen townhouses in the West Nanjing Road area.

“Marrying the striking design and artisanal luxury experience that the Alila brand is globally known for, at Alila Shanghai, tranquil moments of retreat are perfectly combined with vibrant cultural experiences, creating a beautiful dichotomy not to be missed,” Yap Jtwen, general manager of Alila Shanghai, said in the official opening announcement. “Our team is honoured to welcome the local community and travellers to be immersed in our new luxury resort-style hotel in the centre of Shanghai.”

Alila Shanghai adds to the growing portfolio of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which gathers the Hyatt brands, Andaz, Unbound Collection, and many more under its umbrella.

Reservations are now open.

All images courtesy of Alila.