Best Ultra Luxury Hotels in China

On Kowloon’s waterfront lies this 65 storey skyscraper, housing 413 rooms and a superb wellness centre, Asaya Spa, with a huge range of holistic, therapeutic and aesthetic treatments. Guests arrive through a charming cobbled driveway, and cosy lobby, before heading to spacious rooms beautifully designed by Tony Chi – most of which have harbour views. The decor nods toward Hong Kong’s heritage, with more than a hint of 1930s Hollywood glamour thrown in. Rosewood’s art collection is impressive, with work from the likes of Damien Hirst on view. Asian, Western, Indian and steakhouse cuisine are available, as well as a delightful afternoon tea in The Butterfly Room.

Just along from The Ritz is another historic institution – The Peninsula. Opened in 1928 and described as ‘the grand old lady’ of the island, she is a combination of all things modern and classic. Arrive by helicopter (it has its own private landing pad), take tea accompanied by a live orchestra, luxuriate in the spa, enjoy a sundowner on the terrace and dine at seven different eateries. There are 165 sleek and modern rooms in the original section of the hotel, with a further 135 in the new tower. Children are made very welcome too, with their own cheery bedding, bathrobes and cosy slippers.

Relatively intimate with 98 rooms and 13 suites, this Asian chain hotel is found in the heart of the business district, conveniently placed for work travellers. The cutting edge design reimagined by WANG during a 2019 refurb, is subdued but arty. The serene bedrooms contain some of the biggest bathrooms you’ll find – rain showers and huge circular tubs make it feel like your own mini spa. But there’s a thirteen room spa too, with an indoor pool. Healthy food (with a focus on less dairy, additives, sugar and salt) is found at the Five-Star French-Japanese restaurant under the direction of chef Richard Ekkebus. And a 25 seater speakeasy bar has been created in collaboration with popular New York spot PDT (Please Don’t Tell), welcoming guests via a vintage phone booth.

The PuLi Hotel and Spa is located in the heart of Shanghai for ease and convenience, but its luxurious facilities and urban resort vibe means that you’ll still feel like you’re getting away from it all. Take advantage of the generous and comfortable rooms, Michelin-starred restaurant, 24-hour butler service and state-of-the-art health club, including a stunning infinity pool with a view of Jing’An Park, for ultimate relaxation.

If you’re looking for five-star luxury of the highest order, you need go no further than this gem, situated just two kilometres from the airport and eight from the Macau Tower. Guests who have spent enough in the casino can browse the art gallery, make use of the gym, spa and outdoor pool, or travel on the cable car. Twelve restaurants and cafés, a cocktail bar, a dancing fountain and meeting rooms complete the facilities at the Wynn Palace Macau, while spacious bedrooms with full-length windows boast every amenity, and upgrades include suites, butler service and in-room massages.

One of the most tastefully decorated hotels in the region with its warm browns and Chinese touches. Each piece of furniture and ornamental pieces were handpicked to give the hotel a unique style. Books and art pieces in the hotel rooms and public spaces add to the personality of the place. The service is impeccable with a staff that is big on personalisation. Repeat guests enjoy exclusive care, including tailored extras. Guest facilities include the spa, Sense, a steam room and fitness centre, among others. The hotel’s location in the CBD makes it ideal for business guests. South-facing rooms get the towering view of some of Beijing’s tallest buildings.

Stay in Guangzhou’s tallest building, known as the ‘Mansion in the Sky’. Taking the top 39 floors of the 108-story CTF Finance Centre designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the Rosewood reaches a height of 530 metres. The interiors, by Toronto-based Yabu Pushelberg, are deeply stylish, featuring innovative installations by Chinese artists. The country’s ancient crafts are reflected with vermillion-red lacquered doors in the lobby, silkscreens in the Patina Living Room, wood-and-bronze etched mirrors and gold-leaf walls in the Grand Ballroom, lanterns by the pool, terracotta tiled exteriors and tea sets in the 251 rooms and 355 residences. The hotel also houses the region’s largest two-floor spa and fitness centre, has seven terraces, a courtyard, expansive gardens, a spa, and five places to eat and drink (including Chinese comfort food and a hibachi grill).

The award-winning Peninsula Shanghai holds the distinction of being the only new building on the Bund on the past 70 years. Combining retro style with modern amenities, it showcases the best Shanghai has to offer. Choose between two Michelin-starred restaurants as well as bars, lounges and 24-hour in-room dining for ultimate comfort, and be sure to take a dip in the stunningly beautiful Art Deco swimming pool.

Boasting beautiful interiors and cutting-edge style from top Asian designer Andre Fu, the mountain and harbour views here are to die for. Found on Pacific Place above a glitzy mall, there are 117 rooms and suites, decorated in a warming, soothing style with bamboo, limestone and woollen textiles. There’s an eco-friendly vibe with hybrid hire cars for hire, paperless checkouts and organic food. The in-house restaurant, Café Gray Deluxe is renowned, as is its chic adjacent bar, popular with well-heeled business people.

Experience the future at this newly-opened innovative Morpheus hotel, named after the Greek god of dreams. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architecture as the first free-form high building supported by a skeleton steel sculpture, it challenges the need for the clutter of internal walls. A bridge connects two towers, while high speed lifts whisk guests upwards for panoramas of both the interior and the skyline. The Morpheus Macau lives up to its other title as the City of Dreams with high-class facilities that include an art collection, restaurants with top chefs, and a rooftop sky pool, plus rooms, suites, villas and upgrades offering every amenity.

Located in the historic Dazhongli area, the Upper House Shanghai is one of Shanghai’s coolest and most modern hotels. The hotel was designed by renowned architect Piero Lissoni and seamlessly blends Shanghai’s modernity with a historic and dramatic flair. The hotel’s rooms and suites are tranquil and minimalist, they feature large beds, deep baths, and Chinese artwork. The Middle house is home to its own tranquil Spa, which is complete with bamboo corridors and glowing hallways, it also boasts its own gym, yoga studio and swimming pool. The hotel is home to the Frasca, a traditional Italian trattoria, and Sui Tang Li which serves exceptional dim sum and classic Chinese dishes. The hotel also boasts the Sui Tang Shang, a secret cocktail bar, and Café Gray, a sophisticated international restaurant and bar.

Classic luxury is always on tap at the Ritz. This one is located in Kowloon, on floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre. There are Michelin-starred restaurants, two bars and a dedicated caviar bar. Don’t miss the spa and indoor infinity pool – a swim here is an ethereal experience, with a mirrored ceiling and an LED display wall. The Ritz is a great option for parents, with ample facilities – the staff will even create indoor night safari adventures to keep little ones entertained after dark. And for those wishing to party, head to the Ozone rooftop lounge, with Asian tapas, cocktails and a DJ.