Sunsets. Yellow Sea. and the. Shangri-La Hotel, Qingdao

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Annabel Richard
5 years ago
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1 Sunsets and the Yellow Sea R Shangri-La Hotel, Qingdao

3 shangri-la hotel, qingdao

4 THERE S NO GREATER ACT OF HOSPITALITY THAN TO EMBRACE A STR ANGER AS ONE S OWN.

5 my eyes slowly opened from a blissful doze as our limo was cruising down pristine tree-lined roads. Through the car window, I focused on a church s red steeple, rising from between apple-green leaves to kiss the lifting mist. Sleep dissipated in the next 10 seconds as more picturesque cobbled walls and red to Munich by mistake? My chauffeur seemed to notice my thoughts. Not what you expected from Shandong Province? He proceeded to chat fondly about how the city was transformed how its European influence withstood the test of time. We reached an intersection that seemed to lead city s business district, we pulled up to the hotel s welcoming driveway. Don t worry, he smiled. You re in the right place. Welcome to Qingdao. 1

soaring glass windows cocooned us from the bustling city outside. Above me, thousands of handcrafted crystal raindrops sprinkled the lobby with a soft, luxurious glow.

7 soaring glass windows cocooned us from the bustling city outside. Above me, thousands of handcrafted crystal raindrops sprinkled the lobby with a soft, luxurious glow. A towering pillar shimmered as cascading water trickled and tumbled down its surface. Amidst this shower of light and symphony of water, anxiety dissipated like vapour and I knew I had found a place where I could let my guard down and be completely at ease. The smiling girl who brought my Laoshan green tea looked more like a long-lost friend than a server. Since I was in no hurry, I sank into a plush armchair that seemed to call my name. My eyes rested on a mammoth mural with intricate renderings of mountain terrain and I was soon transported to quaint Chinese country roads of a bygone era. People say a city of strangers is unnerving. But that could not have been further from the truth, here in the warmth of the Valley Wing. 5

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12 the orange tapestry in the sky melted unnoticeably into cool blue dusk, signalling that it was time to bid the Yellow Sea goodnight. I strolled back to the hotel, anticipating a highly recommended aromatherapy session. Serenity greeted me at the entrance of The Spa, while scents of jasmine and nutmeg performed some preliminary unknotting in my shoulders. As in mid-air, my therapist simulated sweeping waves on my back by applying the long, deep movements of a treatment aptly named the Dance of the Sea. Coupled with the soul-reaching fragrance of eucalyptus, they ushered me to a dreamy state of bliss. Soon, I was at peace with my surroundings, with myself, with the world... into the plush embrace of cotton. At least I believe I did, for when my eyes opened, shimmers of gold from the Yellow Sea told me that yet another beautiful morning had arrived.

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eastern masterpieces adorned the walls, coupled with surrounding intricacies that made me wonder if I had mistakenly wandered into a gallery.

16 eastern masterpieces adorned the walls, coupled with surrounding intricacies that made me wonder if I had mistakenly wandered into a gallery. Our captain passionately described the fish broth, extolling the virtues of delicate Huai Yang cuisine. Her passion was immediately appreciated when my bowl arrived with broth thick as milk, and noodles soft as silk. At Shang Palace, every pampering mouthful could only be described Dinner was a more flamboyant affair. Flame and steam danced duets to the percussion of sizzle and clang as Café Yum s chefs presented dishes like a trip around the world. Subtle wafts from the robatayaki blended with the smoky aroma of succulent grills, which led to a mammoth buffet laden with China s best. Woks, pots, grills, wood and water all combined to serve a spread for the senses. It was impossible to sample everything. Hence, I was thankful I had a few more nights to complete this gastronomic odyssey.

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19 Shangri-La Hotel, Qingdao All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. SLQ1012

21 There, to his joy and surprise, he found a friendly and prosperous population who made haste to display what I have always regarded as our oldest tradition that of hospitality to strangers. Lost Horizon, James Hilton It was through this 1933 classic that we found our name. And it was this novel that inspired our heartfelt hospitality. Every hotel around the world has its own story to tell and, in keeping with how it began, each captures its account in a little book. Collect as many books as you can from over 70 hotels and resorts around the world.

Tranquil. Nights. Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen

Tranquil. Nights. Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen Tranquil Nights R Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen futian shangri-la, shenzhen THERE S NO GREATER ACT OF HOSPITALITY THAN TO EMBRACE A STR ANGER AS ONE S OWN. next door, the park was majestic with every shade