The Shangri-La Suite: The Ultimate Stay to Beat all Stays

This holiday season, indulge in the ultimate staycation at the Shangri-La Suite.

At long last, the Island Shangri-La’s hotel transformation is complete. It feels only just yesterday when we first reviewed the Horizon Club floor and its renovated rooms, or when we embarked on a wellness journey with Yun Wellness when it opened its doors. And who knew hotel stays could be fun, even for kids? We didn’t until we checked out the new Family Suites earlier this year that’s designed with the little ones in mind. And now, the ultimate stay of all stays have arrived with the new Shangri-La Suite, so good it has set a new standard for ultra-luxury in hospitality.

What makes a great hotel stay as opposed to just a good hotel stay, very often comes down to attention to detail, and detail is at the heart of Island Shangri-La’s transformation. We’re not simply talking about a personalized welcome message playing on the television screen as you walk through the door or chocolates left on your pillow during turn-down service. But real luxuries that truly make a space feel like home even if you’re stepping in for the first time. In all the rooms and suites, the Island Shangri-La has excelled in this – I still remember how in awe I was of The Pantry on the Family Floor, where every appliance or toy you’ve ever dreamed of using were within easy reach. It kept the children happy, and the adults happier.

Our high expectations were fully met even before we checked in – we roll into the hotel on a Rolls-Royce – and as we step into the Shangri-La Suite, we’re completely blown away. The two-bedroom suite is spacious at 222-square metres but is warm and inviting, walking in feels as though you’re just returning to your dream private residence. Immediately, our butler offers us a selection of Chinese tea leaves from the hotel’s Fujian teahouse Ming Pavilion, which they then proceed to prepare for us on the spot as we continue to marvel at the place.

The master bedroom and bathroom

Where some hotels opt for a more subtle aesthetic for their rooms, there’s nothing minimalist about Shangri-La’s approach, which boldly offers colours, textures and patterns in every room with chinoiserie wallpapers, hand-tufted rugs, opulent hand-blown crystal chandeliers and contemporary art. Our favourite details: the sage green-toned foyer, the picture-perfect views of Victoria Harbour from every room, the spa-like bathroom with twin rainforest showers and amenities from Tata Harper, the dramatic oversized bathtub (do ask your butler to arrange for the most over-the-top bubble bath experience!), the his and hers dressing rooms, the guo hua Chinese landscape painting-inspired mural of Kowloon in the sitting room area, the vibrant garden themed walls of the dining room, the cocktail bar topped with a jade green marble counter with a wine fridge and everything you need to throw fabulous cocktail party.

Because with a suite like this, why wouldn’t you throw a party? The Shangri-la Suite isn’t just perfect for a luxurious stay, it’s also primed for hosting. The room is thoughtfully fitted with special lighting points, ceiling-mounted audio-visual speakers and configurable furniture to suit any occasion from wedding tea ceremonies to bridal showers and private trunk shows.

The dining room and sitting room areas are perfect for hosting

The bar and kitchen areas are also well-stocked with goodies to turn any amateur into the perfect host – there are glass jars filled to the brim with artisanal snacks – marinated olives to fresh-baked pretzels and a fully stocked wine cellar with the hotel’s own Petrus wine selection. If you’re super hands-on, the kitchen comes with Siemens appliances. But of course, you can also order in-room dining, which the staff will deliver to you via a separate staff entrance.

There’s plenty of activities you can arrange right in your room, from your own mixologist session to whip up tasty cocktails, to gong bath sessions to rejuvenate the mind and body.

This holiday season, the Island Shangri-La has devised the Ultimate Christmas Indulgence Stay Package, starting at HK$76,000, for all those who are looking for an extra-exclusive and extra-special treat. The stay at the Shangri-La Suite comes with private butler service, in-suite breakfast for four in the private dining room, as well as a two-hour open-bar experience with your own mixologist in the suite’s private bar.

Christmas delights at Lobster Bar & Grill await

To complete the experience, guests are able to choose a lunch for four at either Lobster Bar & Grill or Ming Pavilion, and access the Private Cabana at the pool deck, which comes with Krug Champagne, caviar service and a seafood tower.

There’s a lot to do, so a 6pm late check-out is included, as well as a Rolls-Royce transfer to see your luxurious experience all the way home.

You can discover more about the suite and make your reservations here.