Alila Shanghai: A Measured Retreat in Modern Shanghai
- Chomp Magazine
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Words: Pasuta Phongam Photos: Pasuta Phongam and Courtesy
The editorial team visited Alila Shanghai in November, experiencing firsthand how this newly opened urban resort-style hotel redefines tranquillity in the heart of Jing’an. Seamlessly blending contemporary luxury with Shanghai’s cultural heritage, Alila Shanghai offers a serene escape while remaining deeply connected to the city’s vibrant rhythm.
Designed by renowned interior designer Ju Bin, Alila Shanghai thoughtfully incorporates traditional Shanghai elements through a modern, minimalist lens. Natural materials—rough stone, warm timber marquetry, rattan detailing, and paper louvres—are layered against a neutral palette and softened by lush greenery, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance and calm.
From the moment of arrival, the transition from the bustling city to a peaceful sanctuary is palpable. A tree-lined driveway framed by dry stone walls leads to a resort-style entrance highlighted by a cascading water feature, cobblestone paving, and a dramatic barrel-vaulted ceiling reminiscent of woven rattan craftsmanship.
The lobby, located on Level 4, unfolds like a contemporary classical garden. Open walkways surround a tranquil water feature, while the striking 17-foot “Gathering Tree” by local artist Oscar Wang, adorned with stainless steel and Jingdezhen ceramic leaves, serves as a poetic focal point—both grounding and visually captivating.
During our stay, the editorial team experienced the Pavilion Suite, which immediately impressed with its generous proportions and refined spatial planning. The suite is distinctly zoned to enhance both comfort and privacy, separating the bedroom, walk-in closet, shower room, and toilet into clearly defined areas.
The living space feels welcoming and residential, anchored by a long, comfortable couch and a dedicated reading table—ideal for unwinding or quiet moments between city explorations. The bathroom is particularly striking: finished in black stone with a Zen-like aesthetic, it evokes a sense of calm and ritual, transforming daily routines into moments of relaxation.
At 500 Weihai Road, the flagship Chinese restaurant, we experienced the brunch buffet, which balances tradition and modernity with finesse. The menu features a thoughtful mix of classic Shanghainese dishes and contemporary dim sum, all executed with restraint and clarity of flavour.
The menu unfolds with a sense of quiet restraint, favouring clarity over complexity. A single cut of tender poultry rests in a lucid, gently perfumed broth, while delicately steamed white fish is finished with aromatic oil and chopped herbs, its natural sweetness left intact. Slow-braised abalone, paired with seasonal greens, brings depth and umami without excess, followed by fine noodles submerged in a pale, velvety broth, lifted by the subtle smokiness of grilled meat. A cool counterpoint arrives in the form of marinated seafood set atop crisp cucumber, accented with a measured touch of Sichuan pepper and chilli oil. Throughout, flavors are precise and unhurried, revealing themselves gradually rather than demanding attention.
This brunch is highly recommended for guests seeking an elevated yet approachable dining experience. Garden Pavilion, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, offers a serene setting center around a Japanese maple tree.
Breakfast is served in curated sets—Chinese, Japanese, Western, or health-focused—encouraging mindful dining while maintaining quality and reducing waste.
As evening falls, the hotel’s bar transforms into an intimate, cozy retreat. Live jazz performances from Wednesday to Sunday create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a quiet drink or an unhurried nightcap after a day in the city.
For elevated views, Secret Roof delivers panoramic vistas over the historic Zhangyuan rooftops. By day, it serves organic coffee and light bites; by night, it becomes a destination for expertly crafted cocktails and sundowners, effortlessly blending sophistication with warmth.
Spa Alila further enhances the experience with holistic treatments inspired by nature, alongside fitness facilities and a dedicated yoga room. Thoughtfully curated cultural programming connects guests to local artisans, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to wellness beyond the physical.
Alila Shanghai succeeds in offering more than just a place to stay—it delivers a calm, design-forward urban retreat that feels both deeply rooted in Shanghai’s heritage and distinctly contemporary. From the spacious Pavilion Suite and refined dining to the jazz-filled evenings and walkable location, it is a compelling destination for travellers seeking quiet luxury in the heart of the city.
Alila Shanghai
Tel: +86 21 6266 1234
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alilashanghai
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