City's spirit embodied in new Alila resort

In the vibrant Jing'an district of Shanghai, adjacent to the renowned Zhangyuan heritage site which is famous for the meticulously restored shikumen architecture, a new urban retreat has arrived. The Alila Shanghai, the Hyatt Group's first Alila urban resort in China, is now open.

"The Alila brand is known for its unique design and exceptional luxury experiences. At Alila Shanghai, we've fused the essence of Alila with the city's dynamic culture, offering travelers a fresh urban resort experience," said Jtawen Yap, general manager of Alila Shanghai.

Yap believes that Shanghai, one of China's most vibrant and international cities, is not only the nation's economic powerhouse but also a key hub for cultural exchange between the East and West.

In collaboration with local artisans, Alila Shanghai invites visitors to explore the city's rich cultural heritage through hands-on activities such as therapeutic incense making, cheongsam knot button crafting, and traditional Chinese medicine sessions at Lei Yun Shang.

"Shanghai itself is an ever-evolving artwork. We believe that by integrating local cultural specials with modern design concepts, we can offer an unparalleled experience, allowing every guest to feel an unprecedented touch to their soul," Yap said.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a distinctive Alila ritual — a towel infused with lemon-scented thyme and a cup of freshly brewed tea, signaling the start of a journey toward balance, tranquility, and exploration. This signature scent, evoking the warmth of a Shanghai home, is also offered as a souvenir sachet for guests to take with them as a lasting memory.

As an urban retreat, the hotel is designed to offer guests a tranquil sanctuary that encourages self-connection and inner exploration.

Key offerings include soul-nourishing Gong Sound Therapy and a guided journey through holistic traditional Chinese medicine. Immersive workshops like Therapeutic Incense Making and Knot Button Making are designed to enhance mindfulness and well-being.

The hotel also provides customized holistic treatments, drawing inspiration from the healing and wellness properties of nature.

Renowned interior designer Ju Bin has skillfully blended nature, culture and art in the design of Alila Shanghai, offering guests a serene retreat amidst the city's vibrant energy.

The hotel's lobby courtyard pavilion, located on the L level, seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces. Inspired by classical Shanghai gardens, the central courtyard features a scenic pond that complements the surrounding architecture.

A standout feature is gathering a 5.18-meter tree installation by emerging artist Oscar Wang. Drawing inspiration from the five senses and the five elements, the piece is illuminated by handcrafted ceramic lighting, casting a captivating glow under the night sky.

The public spaces are defined by dark wood, textured surfaces and stone accents, creating an elegant atmosphere, while the guest rooms, with their neutral tones and organic patterns, offer a tranquil and comfortable retreat, according to Ju.

The 186 rooms and suites reflect Shanghai's distinctive character, from vintage-inspired embossed glass to floors designed with the essence of traditional mansion tiles. Each room tells a unique story of the city.

To enhance the local experience, guest rooms feature vintage Shanghai photos, and room number plaques are crafted from reclaimed blue bricks from the city's shikumen architecture.

According to Yap, Alila Hotels and Resorts is committed to sustainable tourism, following Earth-Check operational standards to seamlessly integrate local nature and culture into both the design and management of its properties.

"To reduce environmental impact, the hotel eliminates plastic bottled water. All guest drinking water are sourced from the hotel's on-site water filling station," he explained.

The hotel's sustainability efforts extend to its dining offerings. Its four restaurants and bar focus on fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, incorporating local flavors into their menus.

Additionally, the hotel recycles coffee grounds, repurposing them for compost that nourishes its fifth-floor organic garden, where pesticide-free vegetables and fruits are grown and served in the restaurants.

During Chinese New Year, the hotel will offer a variety of immersive experiences for both travelers and local guests. In addition to festive dinner sets, it will feature intangible cultural heritage activities and traditional New Year stalls, allowing guests to enjoy festive delicacies while experiencing the charm of local traditions.