Latest news with #ShangriLaGroup
South China Morning Post
20-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
New Shangri-La luxury brand lures rich Chinese tourists with unique cultural experiences
Shangri-La Group has launched its super-luxury hotel brand in mainland China, Shangri-La Signatures, featuring a convergence of cultural heritage and nature aimed at attracting wealthy tourists amid a rebound in demand for leisure experiences. Advertisement The company was spearheading a move among global hoteliers to focus on unique offerings, operational agility and the evolving preferences of Chinese travellers to stay abreast of the competition. 'Affluent Chinese travellers, particularly millennials and Gen Z in mainland China, are reshaping the meaning of luxury,' said Ulrich Joblonka, general manager of the Silk Lakehouse at the Shangri-La Hangzhou, in an interview. 'No longer defined solely by opulence, today's luxury is rooted in authenticity, emotional connection, cultural depth and personal well-being.' The Silk Lakehouse, located on the shores of Hangzhou's West Lake – a Unesco World Heritage site – is the first outlet to open under the new brand, inaugurated in May. Shangri-La, founded by Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok Hock-nien in 1971, said each Shangri-La Signatures room would be a refined private residence, rooted in local heritage. The brand would also be expanded to other parts of Asia. Advertisement 'In cities like Hangzhou where prime sites near the West Lake are becoming increasingly scarce, a well-positioned luxury hotel can surely stand out,' said Zhou Tao, head of hotels and hospitality at JLL in China. 'High-net-worth travellers continue to place a premium on experiences that combine exceptional location with thoughtful design and cultural relevance and a product that delivers on these fronts is well placed to capture their attention.' According to the property services firm, revenue per available room on the mainland dropped 5 per cent from a year earlier during the first five months of 2025. But luxury and upscale hotels showed resilience and experienced strong demand, Zhou said.
Malay Mail
14-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Shangri-La Rasa Ria resort aims to redefine hospitality through sustainability, waste reduction efforts
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — In the heart of Sabah's Tuaran District, Shangri-La Rasa Ria is redefining hospitality through sustainability, inspired by its surroundings of rich biodiversity and vibrant community culture. Located just 34 kilometres north of Kota Kinabalu, this resort has embraced an approach that harmonises luxury with environmental stewardship and cultural respect, setting a new standard in the hospitality industry. Its general manager Fiona Hagan said the resort's path to purpose-driven hospitality stems from its commitment to sustainability. Thanks to this long-term commitment, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu took a pioneering step by becoming the first hotel in Malaysia, and the Shangri-La group, to achieve the ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management earlier this year. 'Pursuing sustainability certifications such as ISO 20121 was not simply about recognition but about anchoring Shangri-La Rasa Ria's values within a globally respected framework,' she said. Environmental stewardship at Rasa Ria goes beyond mere management. The resort has quietly implemented significant waste reduction systems, highlighted by an impressive 63.21 per cent diversion rate from landfills in 2024. The hotel has been running the Glass Bottle Recycling Programme to promote sustainable practices among the community. — Picture courtesy of Shangri-La Group Initiatives such as the 'Glass Bottle Recycling Programme', which converts used glass into reusable glass sand, exemplify this eco-friendly approach, fostering a shared commitment with the local community to sustainable practices. Rasa Ria also extends its conservation efforts to protecting indigenous wildlife, particularly the elusive pangolin. By partnering with local environmental groups, the resort actively engages in biodiversity monitoring, habitat conservation, and awareness programs. 'These conservation efforts reflect our deeper mission to not only tread lightly on the land but also to protect the rare and remarkable life it sustains,' said Hagan. Community empowerment is a cornerstone of Rasa Ria's mission. The resort has forged strong ties with local Sabahan artisans and vendors, promoting traditional crafts and generating income through events that celebrate Sabah's cultural richness. In 2024 alone, RM243,360 was invested into ESG-related activities, with a substantial portion benefiting the 'Embrace' programme. This initiative supports over 60 school children through educational outreach and community activities, such as food safety workshops and World Pangolin Day. Women-led projects, including the Sarimpak Robe initiative with Changgih Designs, and collaborative sewing projects in Tuaran and Tamparuli, have not only provided sustainable income but also preserved heritage crafts. 'Our journey in sustainability has always been deeply rooted in the people of Rasa Ria and the community of Pantai Dalit and Tuaran. 'Their knowledge, traditions, and unwavering support have inspired us to go beyond hospitality,' said Hagan. Inclusivity is another pillar of the resort's approach; employing individuals with disabilities like Samri Butak, a carpenter who represented Sabah in the Malaysia Paralympic Games. The resort's community engagement saw 169 beneficiaries, including school children and families, participating in initiatives designed to empower and uplift. Shangri-La Rasa Ria's operational ethos also prioritises responsible sourcing and reducing carbon footprints by utilising locally grown produce for its culinary offerings. In a bid to engage guests and locals in its sustainability journey, Rasa Ria is hosting the 14-day EcoRia Challenge from June 16 to 30. This initiative encourages participants to adopt simple, conscious actions to effect meaningful change. Prizes, including luxurious stays at the resort, await those who join in. Participants in the EcoRia Challenge stand a chance to win attractive prizes, including: 1st Prize: A 3-day, 2-night stay in an Ocean Wing Junior Suite with a Sea View 2nd Prize: A 3-day, 2-night stay in an Ocean Wing Junior Suite with a Garden View 3rd Prize: A 3-day, 2-night stay in a Garden Wing Deluxe with a Sea View The resort invites everyone to partake in this path of transformation for a harmonious future, highlighting how simple, conscious actions can create ripples of meaningful change.
Hospitality Net
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
A New Chapter in Asian Hospitality: Shangri-La Unveils ‘Shangri-La Signatures' with the Grand Opening of The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou
Shangri-La Group ("Shangri-La") proudly announces the official launch of its new ultra-luxury brand, Shangri-La Signatures, with the grand opening of its inaugural property: The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou. Set on the tranquil shores of West Lake — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — The Silk Lakehouse ushers in a new era of Asian hospitality, where cultural heritage, artistry, and nature converge to create a soulful homecoming - one that speaks to the heart. Introducing Shangri-La Signatures: A New Expression of Asian Luxury Shangri-La Signatures redefines modern luxury through the lens of cultural authenticity and heartfelt human connection. Each property under the brand is envisioned as a refined private residence, brought to life through collaborations with world-renowned designers and artisans. Rooted in local heritage and guided by a philosophy of intentional design, the brand curates immersive experiences across art, wellness, gastronomy, and storytelling. This new brand narrative reflects Shangri-La's continued evolution, offering a thoughtful interpretation of Asian hospitality - one that is emotionally resonant, culturally enriching, and deeply personal. The Silk Lakehouse: A Cultural Retreat by West Lake As the first hotel under the Shangri-La Signatures portfolio, The Silk Lakehouse draws inspiration from the refined elegance of a Jiangnan silk merchant's home. Designed by Belgian visionary Gert Voorjans and Spanish design luminary Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the property embodies a seamless blend of Eastern tradition and contemporary sophistication. The hotel's architecture harmonises with the poetic landscapes of Hangzhou, while the interior design tells a story of artistry and place. A centrepiece of this narrative is a striking crystal art installation in the lobby, composed of 1,930 hand-blown Murano glass pieces, evoking the gentle movement of West Lake's willow branches. Honouring its historic location, The Silk Lakehouse occupies the former site of the Xiling Hotel - once a prestigious destination for state dignitaries. The property preserves and reinterprets original cultural elements, including the restored Autumn in Yandang Mountain Ou sculpture by master artisan Zhou Jinyun, originally commissioned in 1971 to welcome former U.S. President Richard Nixon. This thoughtful preservation reflects Shangri-La's enduring connection to Hangzhou, where the Group opened its first hotel in Mainland China in 1984. A Stay Designed Around You With 68 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, The Silk Lakehouse offers panoramic views of West Lake or its serene private gardens. Each space is designed to evoke a sense of home, featuring freestanding bathtubs, AI-responsive mattresses and heated towel systems - blending a world of intuitive and modern comfort with contemporary luxury. The hotel's signature Personal Host Programme brings bespoke travel to life. Each guest is paired with a dedicated host who curates tailor-made cultural itineraries, from Song Dynasty-style tea ceremonies and incense making, to enamel craft, seal carving, silk weaving, and traditional Hangzhou fan making. These immersive activities are designed to foster meaningful connections to the city's rich heritage and artistry. Wellbeing is seamlessly woven into the experience. Guests are invited to rejuvenate in the grotto-style indoor swimming pool, take part in sunrise yoga and Tai Chi, or enjoy in-room mindfulness rituals such as guided meditation and breathwork, curated to nurture body, mind, and spirit. A Culinary Celebration of East and West The Silk Lakehouse presents a collection of refined dining concepts that honour Hangzhou's rich culinary legacy: The Living Room by Alan Yu: A modern Western dining experience led by Michelin-starred Chef Alan Yu, blending European techniques with locally sourced ingredients for a contemporary East-meets-West experience; A modern Western dining experience led by Michelin-starred Chef Alan Yu, blending European techniques with locally sourced ingredients for a contemporary East-meets-West experience; Golden Silk: A tribute to regional cuisine, reinterpreting classic Hangzhou dishes alongside flavours from Wenzhou, Ningbo, and Taizhou; A tribute to regional cuisine, reinterpreting classic Hangzhou dishes alongside flavours from Wenzhou, Ningbo, and Taizhou; Tea House: A serene setting inspired by Song Dynasty-style tea rituals, offering immersive tastings of local favourites - Longjing and Jiuqu Hongmei teas; A serene setting inspired by Song Dynasty-style tea rituals, offering immersive tastings of local favourites - Longjing and Jiuqu Hongmei teas; The Living Room by SANYOU: In partnership with San You, a laureate of Asia's 50 Best Bars, guests enjoy creative cocktails featuring baijiu and other regional spirits. As the flagship of Shangri-La Signatures, The Silk Lakehouse offers a sanctuary where nature, local culture, and modern luxury are in perfect harmony. It is an invitation to reconnect - with self, with heritage, and with the timeless spirit of Asian hospitality, amid the poetic serenity of West Lake. Hotel website
