What it is

A collection of 55 serene villas tucked within 1930s shikumen-style brick and stone townhomes, with a Michelin-starred chef (Pierre Gagnaire) helming the restaurants and a spa inspired by lunar phases.

What it isn't

So historic it’s out of date. In each room, you’ll find tech-forward amenities like touchscreen control panels, BOSE Soundlink Bluetooth audio systems, and DVD players.

What we think

Capella Shanghai garnered a string of awards even before it opened its doors—including “Most Anticipated Hotel of the Year” and “Highly Anticipated Hotel Opening.” What’s *really* impressive? It has lived up to every single one of them, quickly becoming a “Best New Hotel” as ranked by Travel + Leisure magazine. The property is Magnificent with a capital M. Take the villas themselves, each one elegantly appointed with deep soaking tubs, gleaming wood paneled walls adorned with Chinoiserie art, Diptyque toiletries, Lavazza coffee machines and a stash of gratis snacks replenished every day of your stay. Book the three-bedroom Shikumen Grand Villa, with more than 2,600 square feet of breathing room and a private rooftop terrace.

You're here because

The spa is as forward-thinking as they come, with a salt-wall lounge, float tank, herbal bath and vitality pool, ice fountain, Hypoxi sculpting (fat burning) machine and 100% organic treatment products from The Organic Pharmacy.

The Moment

You’ve had plenty of good meals on this trip to Shanghai, but none of them compare to what three-Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire is whipping up at Jian Ye Li (which has earned a Michelin star itself). Sitting alongside french doors that lead out to a leafy courtyard, you order edible heaven: a grilled 45-day-aged rib-eye with bone marrow dusted with caviar cream.

Restaurants & Bars

Le Comptoir De Pierre Gagnaire - French cuisine

La Boulangerie - bakery offering snacks and fresh pastries daily

La Terrace - offers an extensive selection of beverages, with a strong focus on champagne, whiskies and digestifs

Le Bar - serving crafted cocktailks, wine and champagne

Location

In Shanghai’s Xuhui Districts, an 18 minute walk from the Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum, where exhibits in the 1905 structure cover everything from needlepoint to jade cutting.