SimplyAbuDhabi XXXIII

SUi TAnG Li, FrASCA And CAFÉ GrAy dELUXE The Chinese restaurant Sui Tang Li, which means “happy, free and relaxed,” is run by Chef Tony ye, who has more than 20 years’ experience and delivers the very best of artisan dim sum. it has a semi-formal atmosphere and the waiters and waitresses all look super well-dressed, as though they just got back from Fashion Week in Milan. The menu is composed of modern and fusion dishes influenced by Shanghainese, Sichuan, and Cantonese regional cuisines. Frasca is a slice of authentic italy and the restaurant excels with ingredients sourced fresh from local family farms. Chef Stefano Pace, who previously helmed the two Michelin star restaurant Gusto in rome and founded one of Shanghai’s all-time favourites, d.o.C Gastronomia italian, is the perfect person to deliver some exuberance to the local dining scene. Café Gray deluxe is an instant hipster haven, a cool library and lounge area segues into a massive outdoor dining area; one of the largest in Shanghai. Whether it’s for a lazy two-hour long breakfast, a business lunch, a reprieve from shopping and sightseeing or a big night out, Café Gray deluxe is versatile enough to tick all boxes. Chef de cuisine Peter Lin oversees the daily operations of the kitchen. Having a multiple winner of the bocuse d’or Award and other prestigious culinary honours in charge, means you can expect a world-class kitchen in a five-star hotel. Think traditional European fare with a contemporary twist, such as the steamed Prince Edward island Toothfish in a tangerine and mushroom broth with black beans, gingered wood ear mushroom salad. Mi XUn SPA, THE LAb, SHoP Having proven to be a major hit in Chengdu’s Temple House, the Mi Xun concept of uplifting and cutting-edge health experiences is sure to be a success in Shanghai. Spanning 2,600 square metres, this urban destination for holistic wellness features a heated indoor swimming pool, 24-hour gym facilities complete with a Hypoxi room and an innovative wellness studio, plus the range of bespoke spa treatments. The LAb Treatment is the first hotel destination in China to offer boutique treatments fromCha Ling, L’Esprit du Thé—the socially and environmentally responsible French-Chinese cosmetics brand, which was developed by LVMH research in France. The brand combines the power of traditional Chinese medicine with the art of French beauty to re-harmonise energy flow and detoxify the skin. LAb Treatment, Wellness, and beauty, all have an array of features, services and treatments co-branded with expert providers, and guests can purchase health and wellness products from a specially curated selection of premium brands at the SHoP. Whether it’s group yoga classes partnered with LuluLemon or deep-cleansing body treatments designed for different times of the day, Mi Xun is a crucial wellness retreat for balancing out the mental and physical demands of busy city life. Still in its first year of operation, The Middle House has hit the ground running and from spending just a couple of days there it’s obvious that this new hot spot in Shanghai will keep attracting a legion of fans. Michael Faulkner, General Manager says, “Shanghai seems to generate glamorous new hotels on a 24/7 basis, so to stand out from the crowd we do what the Houses do best—we connect and take great care of our guests. it is important to be thoughtful about what makes a difference to the guests who choose to stay with us. The House Collective has a loyal fan base of savvy and discerning travellers and we’re very excited to be able to host them in Shanghai and build a new network in this fantastic city.” FoUr SEASonS HoTEL SHAnGHAi Situated in the historical and cultural heart of Jing An, on the Puxi side of the river, the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai is a reliable icon in the city. in contrast to the two previous newcomers on the hotel scene, the appeal of any Four Seasons property is based on almost six decades of delivering the highest standards of quality and distinctive service in the international luxury hospitality industry. Currently operating 96 hotels and residences in major city centres and resort destinations in 40 countries, and with over 60 projects in development, Four Seasons is recognised as one of the most prestigious hospitality brands. A renowned address in the city since 2002, the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai remains the preferred address for seasoned business travellers who trust the service and facilities and well-heeled tourists who rely on the very best. The rooms at the Four Seasons were updated in 2015 and the textural feel and sober colour palette feel fresh and contemporary. The key to the comfort here is lashings of uncluttered space. The minimalist approach is punctuated with a select few pieces of tactful furniture pieces and wall paintings to give that delicate sense of homely personality. Entering the lobby, one is immediately struck by the sheer scale of the interior architecture. The neo-Classical style conveys instant grandeur with the marble clad columns and stunning crystal chandeliers. branching off the lobby are the various culinary spaces—The Qi Coffee & bar, Lobby Lounge, and Café Studio. The newQi Coffee &bar offers a “grab and go” concept with fresh tarts and pastries, salads, sandwiches and wraps. it has great handcrafted coffee and tea and it works in the ilk of a European café. The Lobby Lounge is ideal for light meals, and the floor-to- ceiling windows create a sense of wonder for all the life happening outside in the constant swirl of the city. The Café Studio is the place to enjoy international cuisine and it offers an array of seafood options alongside European and Asian home-style cooking. Si Ji XUAn This signature Chinese restaurant has been featured twice in the Michelin Guide Shanghai. My waiter is scrupulously attentive but not cloying, and he’s able to give precise details about the origins and seasonality of all the menu. The signature specials include dim sum, marinated deep-fried cod, baby lobster with wok-fried ginger and spring onions, homemade bean curd with abalone sauce, Kantou sea cucumber, gorgon fruit, peas and stir-fried eel, Shanghai style. being a vegetarian, i couldn’t sample a lot of the dishes but again, my waiter deployed exemplary Four Seasons professionalism and was able to liaise with the chef to concoct a variety of these dishes with the meat removed. With the calming aquarium, authentic jade dining utensils and fresh orchids scenting the elegance of the atmosphere, Si Ji Xuan is a smart choice for a gratifying Chinese dinner. Qin THE SPA Walking into the Qin Spa is like being transported to beijing’s Forbidden City in miniature. it is palatial, with textures and subtle colours coming to the fore. Grey sandstone and black lacquer confer a sense of solidity and the dim candlelit atmosphere is perfectly pitched to quieten the mind in preparation for one of the massages, scrubs, wraps or traditional Chinese Medicine therapies that promote relaxation and long-term health benefits. EXECUTiVE CLUb LoUnGE A highlight of a stay at the Four Seasons is undoubtedly the exclusive haven on the 37th floor with its soaring views over the metropolis. The East meetsWest contemporary décor and the full- service secretarial support, extensive breakfast buffet, afternoon and hors d’oeuvres are a real treat while you enjoy the vast expanse below. The 439-room Four Seasons Shanghai was the first Four Seasons hotel in China, and it continues to rank among the best in travel industry awards and reader’s surveys across international and domestic media. For assured value and unwavering quality, it’s a Shanghainese safe bet. 1 8 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I