Shanghai, China – Reported by Erin Riley for Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
This fall, luxury hospitality operator Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts will debut two exciting China properties, Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund and Banyan Tree Tianjin Riverside, as part of the hotel group’s urban resort concept that seeks to combine five-star resort-style features in city-based retreats. Following the brand’s success in premiere destinations like Bangkok, Seoul and Macau, Banyan Tree’s newest ventures capitalize on some of China’s most influential and sought-after locations to offer its elite guests the perfect complements to truly idyllic settings.
Shanghai’s Bund is a waterfront boulevard famous for its architectural mishmash of buildings from the art deco period to neo-gothic and Romanesque styles, each filled with modern cultural and commercial centers that provide all the entertainment, shopping and dining options one could imagine. Situated on the banks of the magnificent Huangpu River, Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund blends the historic charm of its surrounding landmarks with the dynamism of the bustling Lujiazui financial district.
The tailored property sets itself apart from other luxury options as the first hotel in the city to provide river views from every suite. Each of the 130 suites comes equipped with large French windows that open out onto the broad Bund thoroughfare and include a signature suite which features panoramic views and an en-suite dipping pool, as well as the Presidential Suite which will feature a private, luxuriously sized swimming pool.
Dining options abound with a bevy of palatable choices that include mouthwatering Western-style seafood at Oceans, authentic Cantonese cuisine offerings at Ming Yuan, and ultra-fresh Japanese sushi and sashimi at Tai Hei. Come sunset, head to the alfresco rooftop bar, Stars, and enjoy flavor-inducing cocktail concoctions amidst breathtaking views of the glimmering Bund skyline.
The group’s second anticipation is the Banyan Tree Tianjin, home to 159 sophisticated suites that offer a sanctuary for the senses with picturesque waterfront river views amidst the busy inclinations of Tianjin City. Located in the former Austrian concession district, the surrounding landscape is an icon in and of itself, as it comes clad with charming European-style villas, bridges and churches. Views of Hai River come adorned with grand French windows that open in to interiors of muted tones and refined lines, liking themselves to traditional Chinese ink paintings.
In true Banyan Tree-style, both urban retreats come replete with a variety of meeting facilities, the award-winning Banyan Tree spa, top-of-the-line health and fitness club, as well as the signature Banyan Tree Gallery.