by Aude Camus
4 years and a half of living in Hong Kong, with at least one trip to China every year, and yet, until very recently, I hadn’t made the effort to pay a visit to Shenzhen. Have to confess I wasn’t very excited by what I heard about this city: massive malls, paradise of faux designer clothes and accessories, massive spas opened 24h, massive clubs and heavy party scene … Call me posh if you wish but those are a no-go for me. But you know what they say, prejudices are what fools uses for reason and I guess I was just being too lazy to bother and spend 1h in the MTR and cross the border. The launched of the high-speed train last year, connecting Hong Kong to Shenzhen in only 15 min, made it harder for me to find more excuses for being lazy and early August I finally decided it was time for me to hop on this train. True to my principles, I decided there was no way I was going for cheap and instead wanted to explore and see if there was more to Shenzhen than what I heard about it. First thing first, I totally skipped the “not booking a room and spending the night at a spa” option that I do know some people opt for and instead decided to go for luxury accommodation and high-end service at the newly opened Raffles Shenzhen.
I knew going for chic and luxurious was a great idea from the moment they picked me up at Shanghai North train station and drove me to the hotel (a 30 min ride) in a comfy and elegant sedan. Finding your way and getting a taxi can be stressful in China (I’ll have to tell you more about what happened to me in Beijing one day) and stress wasn’t something I was in the mood for. Lucky me, I was just about to experience Raffles brand’s impeccable service.
Oh look, we are arriving. The 72-storey high building has been designed by Manhattan based architect Kohn Pederson Fox Associates and combines Chinese cultural elements with contemporary classic aesthetic and costal views. Situated in the quite new but rapidly developing Nanshan District (a very modern district where you’ll also find theme park Window of the World, Lihuashan Park but also Alibaba Group corporate headquarter), the hotel offers 168 rooms and suites boasting beautiful views over Shenzhen, Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong beyond.
Speaking of the rooms, the checking was so quick and efficient (yet very chic, seating in a beautiful Petit Salon on 34/F Sky Lobby) that I’m already ready to discover my Premier Room. May I offer you a room tour?
4 years and a half of living in Hong Kong, with at least one trip to China every year, and yet, until very recently, I hadn’t made the effort to pay a visit to Shenzhen. Have to confess I wasn’t very excited by what I heard about this city: massive malls, paradise of faux designer clothes and accessories, massive spas opened 24h, massive clubs and heavy party scene … Call me posh if you wish but those are a no-go for me. But you know what they say, prejudices are what fools uses for reason and I guess I was just being too lazy to bother and spend 1h in the MTR and cross the border. The launched of the high-speed train last year, connecting Hong Kong to Shenzhen in only 15 min, made it harder for me to find more excuses for being lazy and early August I finally decided it was time for me to hop on this train. True to my principles, I decided there was no way I was going for cheap and instead wanted to explore and see if there was more to Shenzhen than what I heard about it. First thing first, I totally skipped the “not booking a room and spending the night at a spa” option that I do know some people opt for and instead decided to go for luxury accommodation and high-end service at the newly opened Raffles Shenzhen.
I knew going for chic and luxurious was a great idea from the moment they picked me up at Shanghai North train station and drove me to the hotel (a 30 min ride) in a comfy and elegant sedan. Finding your way and getting a taxi can be stressful in China (I’ll have to tell you more about what happened to me in Beijing one day) and stress wasn’t something I was in the mood for. Lucky me, I was just about to experience Raffles brand’s impeccable service.
Oh look, we are arriving. The 72-storey high building has been designed by Manhattan based architect Kohn Pederson Fox Associates and combines Chinese cultural elements with contemporary classic aesthetic and costal views. Situated in the quite new but rapidly developing Nanshan District (a very modern district where you’ll also find theme park Window of the World, Lihuashan Park but also Alibaba Group corporate headquarter), the hotel offers 168 rooms and suites boasting beautiful views over Shenzhen, Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong beyond.
Speaking of the rooms, the checking was so quick and efficient (yet very chic, seating in a beautiful Petit Salon on 34/F Sky Lobby) that I’m already ready to discover my Premier Room. May I offer you a room tour?
Can you believe how big this room is? And look at that view over both the city and the Shenzhen Bay, isn’t it beautiful? We are so lucky today with the sunny weather and blue sky. No matter where you are in the room, you’ll be treated to this panoramic view, even when laying in bed (and I can’t tell you watching the sun rise over the bay from your bed is quite a lovely way to start the day). The room is in neutral shades and have me want to relax and unwind, it’s so peaceful.
Or maybe I’ll should run myself a nice and warm bubble bath in that gigantic bathtub! Oh, by the way, did you know that Butler Service was one of the signature high-end services offered by the 130 years old brand and that your designated butler could easily run you a heavenly bubbly bath? Shoot! Off you go and explore the hotel while I’m enjoying a bit of quiet time in my bubble bath.
Photo credit @Aude Camus
You might wanna take a dip in the 28 degrees heated indoor pool, enjoying the beautiful natural light thanks to the floor to ceiling windows (which can be found pretty much all over the hotel), before giving a go to one of the two jacuzzies. If you are the sporty kind, you might also wanna visit the 24h fully equipped fitness center overlooking the Shenzhen Bay.
I’ll skip my workout today, I’m on weekend mode and it’s almost sunset time so I definitely feel like enjoying sunset drinks at panoramic Long Bar on 70/F before moving on to diner at Kokoni and enjoy the freshest sushi and sashimi prepared by resident Japanese master chef. Must say I haven’t had good sushi like those ones in quite a long time. Adding a gastronomic twist to my chic escape in Shenzhen … totally unexpected but very enjoyable. I’m going to have just one more of those so yummy and fresh uni sushi because there just so good but I’m afraid I’m gonna have to skip dessert and leave you there as I have a post dinner booking at the Raffles Spa.
For those who think Shenzhen is all about massive and cheap spas, you’ll be surprised (and maybe pleased, just like I was) to hear there are also places just like this spa combining time honored methods and holistic treatments in the most luxurious yet relaxing atmosphere. I’m loving that the place is spacious and that each of the 6 treatment rooms comes with private changing room, shower and Aromatherapy amenities really enjoying you to fully unwind in the calmest atmosphere. My 90 min body massage was absolutely divine. I wish I could have met you back at the Long Bar for another cocktail and live entertainment with views of Shenzhen by night but I’m just so relaxed, all I can think of is going straight to my bed. See you tomorrow morning in Sky Café so that we can indulge in decadent breakfast before leaving the hotel and going out to explore the city.
One last thing I wanted to point out before we leave are the art pieces disseminated around the property, including a beautiful aqua blue wooden board at the reception, reinforcing the classic luxury feel of the place.
Raffles Shenzhen
T7, One Shenzhen Bay, 3008 Zhongxin Road, Nanshan District
One last thing I wanted to point out before we leave are the art pieces disseminated around the property, including a beautiful aqua blue wooden board at the reception, reinforcing the classic luxury feel of the place.
Raffles Shenzhen
T7, One Shenzhen Bay, 3008 Zhongxin Road, Nanshan District
This write-up is based on a complementary 1-night stay offered by Raffles Shenzhen inclusive of diner at Japanese restaurant Kokoni and breakfast at Sky Café. The author was also invited to enjoy a 90 min massage at the Raffles Spa. No money has been paid by Raffles Shenzhen for publishing this review.
