Luxury Hotel News: Bulgari Eyes Shanghai, Royal Begonia Hainan, Jumeirah's China Spa

A roundup of recent news from the China luxury hotel market, from Bulgari's plans to open a Shanghai property in 2015 to The Luxury Collection's debut in Hainan and the launch of the Talise Spa at Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai. Bulgari Hotel To Hit Shanghai In 2015 Following the grand opening of its London property this May, LVMH-owned luxury house Bulgari plans to make its hotel debut in Shanghai in 2015. Currently operating two locations in addition to the London outpost, one in Milan (opened 2004) and the other in Bali (2006), the Shanghai hotel will be located in a complex development in Suhe Creek, a protected heritage zone in Zhabei District. According to C&IT, the hotel will take up the 12 upper floors of a 40-story building designed by Foster + Partners, and will have 120 rooms and suites. In addition to the 400 square meter Bulgari suite, the property will include a ballroom, spa and rooftop Italian restaurant, while a Chinese fine dining restaurant will be located in the more than one century old former Chinese Chamber of Commerce building at the complex site. As Bulgari CEO Francesco Trapani said this week, "The new Bulgari Hotel in Shanghai will be another important step for the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts project and a further precious occasion of visibility in such a strategic market for luxury goods." The Luxury Collection Launches Royal Begonia In Hainan Overcapacity fears be damned: this week, The Luxury Collection (part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide) unveiled its new resort, the Royal Begonia in Sanya, Hainan province. Joining other Luxury Collection resorts in mainland China -- Tianjin's Astor Hotel and the Hongta Hotel in Shanghai -- the Royal Begonia is one of 10 hotels and resorts to be opened by the group in the Asia-Pacific region this year alone. As Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, said this week, the resort is aimed not only at China's tropical travelers but also international globe-trotters -- a demographic that Hainan has struggled to attract despite a multi-year marketing and construction effort. Said James, “As the itinerary of global travelers evolves well beyond the traditional luxury grid, we are thrilled to debut this jewel on the South China Sea as the latest must-visit destination.” Occupying a 370 meter beachfront spot on Haitang Bay, the Royal Begonia includes 142 guestrooms and 18 private villas overlooking the South China Sea. According to the hotel, guestrooms are "a stylish blend of European elegance and local inspiration with natural and soft color palettes, custom-designed furniture, and sophisticated interiors to create a sense of relaxed opulence." Additional features include the Abel TOUCH Spa, with 21 treatment rooms, as well as the signature Begonia restaurant (Italian-Californian cuisine), the Buganvillas Lobby Bar (Spanish & wine), and the Bayview Lounge (wine & spirits). Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai Opens First Talise Spa In China If there's one trend that's become unmistakeable over the past several years in China's luxury hotel market, it's that a world-class spa is a must. With that in mind, this week the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel launched its signature Talise Spa in Shanghai, the hotelier's first spa location in China. Located on the hotel's seventh floor, the spa sits at the base of the Jumeirah Shanghai's 14-story Yu Cong Atrium and features an open layout designed according to feng shui philosophy. The Talise Spa at Jumeirah Himalayas features three treatment suites: the Dubai Suite, the Shanghai Suite and the Himalayas Suite, each of which incorporates elements inspired after each locale and includes private showers, whirlpool bathtubs and steam rooms. To celebrate the opening, now through October 31 the Talise Spa is offering a special promotional package at RMB780 (US$124) for a 135-minute treatment, including a 90-minute body massage, mud treatment and mini facial. Reservations can be made by calling (86 21) 3858 8888 ext. 7200 or emailing jhhspa@jumeirah.com.

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Luxury Hotel News: Bulgari Eyes Shanghai, Royal Begonia Hainan, Jumeirah's China Spa