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Once upon a time in China: Swire Hotels brings luxury to the Far East
Two stylish hotels from Cathay Pacific’s owner add a touch of glamour to Hong Kong and Chengdu
John Babsone Lane Soule’s historic call to “go west, young man” could soon be replaced, as an increasing number of curious upscale travellers plot a course for the Far East.
Swire Hotels has opened a number of new properties in Hong Kong and mainland China designed for discerning business and leisure travellers. And with their bold aesthetics, personalised service and intriguing new approach to luxury accommodation, they’re bound to weave a spell.
The Upper House in Hong Kong
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In a city known for its pace and scale, The Upper House offers travellers a refreshingly understated alternative to Hong Kong’s well-known flagship hotels.
Located above the Pacific Place complex in Hong Kong’s Admiralty district, this hotel – run by the same group that owns Cathay Pacific airlines – challenges conventions of high-end accommodation right from the get-go.
Gone is the usual cavernous foyer that typifies so many grand hotels – instead guests enter directly to their own apartment. Also absent is the ubiquitous concierge desk; instead the hotel’s “guest experience team” welcomes travellers quietly and will make themselves available throughout your stay.
Designed by architect Andre Fu, the building offers respite from the madding crowds outside. The main escalator ascends through a low-lit wooden tunnel, signalling a departure from the frenetic pace of Hong Kong life.
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Attention to detail is everywhere, from the calming Zen prayer bell that announces your lift’s arrival to the hotel’s signature scent – think bamboo essence aromatherapy – which is subtly vented throughout the building.
The 117 rooms are among the largest in any Hong Kong hotel, designed to offer guests not only a bedroom but an entire living space.
Once inside, the views over Hong Kong, Kowloon and the dense, wild parkland that covers 40% of the island are magnificent. The rooms are large enough to accommodate generously proportioned bathrooms, with walk-in rain showers and deep, relaxing baths.
On the 49th floor of the hotel, sits the Sky Lounge and Library – an elegant, wood-panelled room where striking floor-to-ceiling windows contrast with an open fire, club-land sofas and books that would require a lifetime of reading to conquer.
The hotel also hosts a series of “Up Close” fireside chats with inspirational thinkers and innovators from across business, technology and fashion.
Dining is an essential part of any journey east, and The Upper House’s restaurant, the Cafe Gray Deluxe, is designed to impress. Globally renowned chef Gray Kunz and his team reinterpret European classics with attention-grabbing signature dishes.
Guests of the Upper House are encouraged to explore Hong Kong via a network of partner restaurants and curated private tours with ‘Sam the local’ whose charming, genial manner offers an excellent introduction to some of the city’s hidden gems.
For example, Mott 32 may sound like a bin-end wine but in fact is a stylish, modern restaurant in a vault beneath the Standard Chartered bank. The speciality Cantonese duck dishes delight both international and local diners.
Duddells, another restaurant Sam introduced us to, is an exceptional Cantonese restaurant with Michelin Guide status. Spacious and with a buzzing atmosphere, this refined eatery on the top floor of the Shanghai Tang centre offers distinctive food served in a room hung with artworks, both ancient and modern.
The Temple House in Chengdu
(Image credit: Michael Weber Photography)
Alongside its Hong Kong residence, Swire Hotels has also launched properties in Beijing, Shanghai and the capital of Sichuan province, Chengdu.
The most recent addition to the group, The Temple House in Chengdu, offers a glimpse into the culture and rapid development of this giant country.
Temple House illustrates how Chinese culture is interpreting western traditions of luxury. Designed by MAKE Architects in London, The Temple House updates a 1,000-year-old temple site with striking modern design.
The large rooms fuse traditional Chinese design with elegant contemporary touches, including plush spa-inspired bathrooms.
(Image credit: Michael Weber Photography)
As well as tourists, Temple House attracts affluent locals who enjoy Mi Xun day spa treatments and the hotel’s three restaurants: the Teahouse, which serves Chinese vegan dishes, the Temple Cafe, which is good for working lunches, and Tivano, an upscale restaurant serving Italian-inspired cuisine. The striking Jing bar is popular with locals and guests alike, with its signature black pepper Sichuan Negroni.
Staying with at a Swire hotel offers a new perspective on going east, and quite possibly a new take on the concept of luxury hotels too.
Cathay Pacific’s lounge experience offers freshly prepared dim sum, noodles and vegan dishes cooked on demand. The newly redesigned Cathay Heathrow lounge was unveiled in December last year.
Business class return flights: London to Hong Kong – £3,587.60 or London to Chengdu – £3,856.00. Cathay Pacific now offers a choice of three routes between the UK and Hong Kong, and onwards to over 190 destinations globally. These include five flights daily from London Heathrow, daily flights from Gatwick Airport and five flights per week from Manchester Airport. From December 2017, the Manchester route will become a daily operation. The Gatwick and Manchester routes feature the new A350.
