Elite Traveler January-February 2015

EXPLORE SHANGHAI

STAY

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Mandarin Oriental

Opened in 2013 on the Pudong waterfront, MO is the epitome of residential refinement. Pearl Tower Suites have windows on two sides framing views of Shanghai’s iconic TV tower, while the 8,400 sq ft

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SHANGHAI’S HAMPTONS

Presidential Suite is the city’s largest, with a 540 sq ft marble bathroom and wraparound alfresco sky terrace. mandarinoriental.com/shanghai; Suites from $550

Shanghai residents escape the heat of the city in the cool, bamboo-blanketed hills of Moganshan (Mt Mogan), about 2 ½ -hours’ drive from downtown. Pick of the chic retreats is Le Passage Mohkan Shan, a romantic, French-owned, manor house within a tea plantation. Its 40 rooms have antique hardwood floors, chandeliers and clawfoot tubs. It provides gourmet experiences at its classic French restaurant, cellar filled with French wines and private French cooking school. Next year, it will open a deck bar with indoor pool in a 1930s Art Deco cinema on the mountaintop. Nearby, Naked Stables Private Reserve offers deluxe lodging in treetop villas, or earth rotundas dotted through the pine and bamboo forests. Activities include horseback riding, mountain-biking, yoga and tea-picking. Book one of the nine coveted tables at Kikaboni for a modern European seasonal degustation created by Michelin-starred chef Stefan Stiller. In 2015 the Naked management team will also resurrect The Castle, a legendary 1920s hotel on the summit.

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THE PENINSULA Inspired by its heritage waterfront location, The Peninsula is a tribute to 1930s Shanghai Art Deco with a modern twist. Glamorous celadon-green suites boast river views, separate kitchen and dining room, and thoughtful high-tech humidity controls and nailpolish dryers. The Astor Suite is our favorite on account of its private terrace Jacuzzi overlooking the Bund and Pudong skyline. Suites from $940 ChloeQian@peninsula.com shanghai.peninsula.com

WALDORF ASTORIA SHANGHAI ON THE BUND Occupying the former 1920s Shanghai Club on the Bund, the Waldorf Club Suites are housed in the century-old neoclassical building. Step back into bygone bliss with polished hardwood floors, a four-poster bed, mahogany desk and clawfoot tub, offset with modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, plus river and city views through the heritage windowpanes. Suites from $785 Jennifer.hong@ waldorfastoria.com waldorfastoriashanghai.com/

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ANDAZ Overlooking the low-rise rooftops of Xintiandi, Andaz’s timber-walled suites start at 860 sq ft and feature a Technogym exerciser in case you over-indulge at the free minibar. The sculpted granite bathrooms are a highlight, with under-floor heating and color-changing translucent tubs. The 4,200 sq ft penthouse suite has a double-height glass ceiling and hot tub in the private roof garden. Suites from $585 Geoff.ng@andaz.com shanghai.andaz.hyatt.com

THE PULI RESORT & SPA Beyond the epic grandeur of the lobby, paved in lustrous black “Forbidden City” tiles, the corner Deluxe Suites at this designer haven offer Jing’An park views, grey brick and raw silk interiors, and bathtubs by the window. Suite guests can also enjoy Club benefits, including 24-hour butlers and complimentary drinks at the

english; Waldorf Club

1. LE PASSAGE MOHKAN SHAN Contact julia.zhang@ghcasia.com Rates from $675 per night

popular Long Bar. Suites from $730 avon.wong@thepuli.com thepuli.com

2. NAKED STABLES Contact marketing@nakedretreats.cn Rates from $290 per night