St. Regis Opens Its 60th Property in Shanghai's Iconic Bund

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 25, 2024

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has officially opened its 60th property, The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai, marking a significant milestone for the luxury hotel brand. Situated in the iconic Bund area, the new hotel seamlessly blends the timeless glamor of St. Regis with Shanghai’s vibrant cultural heritage. This new addition, owned by Pacific Eagle Real Estate, is the second St. Regis property in Shanghai and underscores the brand’s ongoing global expansion.

Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, remarked, “The opening of The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai marks a pivotal moment in the brand’s expansion, as we celebrate the debut of our 60th property globally. As one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands, St. Regis continues to set the standard for exceptional service and timeless elegance at the best addresses worldwide. With this milestone, we continue to offer our discerning guests unparalleled experiences on the Bund, blending the rich cultural heritage of Shanghai with the signature rituals and bespoke service that define St. Regis.”

The St. Regis on the Bund offers guests stunning views of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline. Its location in one of Shanghai’s most historic districts provides easy access to landmarks such as Yu Garden, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Shanghai Museum. With proximity to The Bund Finance Center and convenient access to both Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong International Airports, the hotel is ideally situated for both business and leisure travelers.

The hotel's design draws inspiration from Shanghai’s rich cultural identity. Renowned architects Norman Foster and Heatherwick Studio collaborated on the hotel’s exterior, while the interior features a blend of Art Deco opulence, Su embroidery, and magnolia motifs. The hotel also showcases original artworks by renowned artists, including Legend of Shanghai by Ma Tianyu and Splendid Orient by Shi Qi.

The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai features 192 guest rooms, including 13 suites, each offering sweeping views of the Huangpu River. The rooms are designed to provide a residential feel, with thoughtful touches that reflect the local culture. Guests can also enjoy the renowned St. Regis Butler Service, which offers personalized and anticipatory attention to meet every need.

Dining at The St. Regis on the Bund is an exceptional experience. The hotel’s Chinese restaurant, Celestial Court, serves a fusion of Huaiyang cuisine, perfect for high-end gatherings. The St. Regis Brasserie offers a lively all-day dining experience, featuring a mix of local and international flavors. At The St. Regis Bar, guests can enjoy curated cocktails, including the hotel’s unique version of the signature St. Regis Bloody Mary. Known as The Bund Snapper, this cocktail blends Shanghai’s five spices with traditional rice wine vinegar for a taste that reflects the essence of the city.

Guests looking to relax can unwind at The St. Regis Spa, which offers modern skincare treatments and ancient wellness practices in luxurious private spaces. The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment.

For events, The St. Regis on the Bund offers nearly 1,100 square meters of space, including the grand 720-square-meter Astor Ballroom and three function rooms. These spaces cater to a range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations.

Bart Buiring, Managing Director of Luxury, Greater China at Marriott International, said, “We are thrilled to continue the storied legacy of St. Regis with the debut of The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai, the thirteenth address in our expanding portfolio of St. Regis hotels in Greater China. The Bund is a blend of Shanghai’s rich history and dynamic modernization, where the cluster of historical buildings juxtaposes the modern skyline of Pudong. From this iconic location, the hotel sets to embody the timeless elegance and impeccable service inspired by the Astor family, offering an unparalleled experience to both our loyal guests and the next generation of luxury travelers.”

For more information, visit The St. Regis on the Bund.

VARU by Atmosphere Launches Two Overwater Dining Experiences in the Maldives

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

VARU by Atmosphere continues to set the benchmark for modern Maldivian hospitality with the launch of two new overwater dining venues: Teppanyaki Over Water and Cellar at NÜ. Favoured by Indian travellers and couples seeking a mix of romance, relaxation, and refined cuisine, the resort is expanding its culinary offerings while staying true to its “Naturally Maldivian” ethos.

“At VARU, our cuisine, design, and service are intuitive and thoughtfully curated. With Teppanyaki Over Water and Cellar at NÜ, we have created dining journeys that are both enriching and true to the island’s generous spirit – giving our guests new reasons to return, season after season,” said Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager, VARU by Atmosphere.

Teppanyaki Over Water brings Japanese culinary artistry to the lagoon, offering guests a lively experience over the water. Premium seafood, A5 Wagyu, and fresh sushi are prepared with skill and flair right at the table. Lantern-lit open-air seating, along with sake cocktails, adds to the immersive dining vibe, blending Japanese tradition with a Maldivian touch.

As twilight descends, Cellar at NÜ invites guests into a sophisticated overwater wine lounge. The space is perfect for intimate evenings, pairing rare vintages and bold New World wines with artisanal chocolate, cheese, and charcuterie. The highlight is a six-course Royal Wine Pairing Dinner, turning every meal into an elegant exploration of taste and technique.

Located in the North Malé Atoll, VARU by Atmosphere has earned international acclaim, ranking in the top 1% of Tripadvisor listings worldwide in the Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025. With these new overwater experiences, the resort promises guests elevated culinary journeys that combine sophistication, creativity, and island soul.

About Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is a collection of distinctive properties inspired by local culture and unique environments. From private islands to city escapes, the portfolio offers bespoke luxury experiences, reflecting the spirit of each destination. With over 16 properties across Asia, Europe, and the Indian subcontinent, the brand focuses on authenticity, elegance, and meaningful guest experiences.

About Atmosphere Core
Atmosphere Core is a leading hospitality name in South Asia, partnering globally while expanding across Asia and Europe. Its ethos, Joy of Giving, ensures a strong connection with local culture and people. The portfolio includes resorts under THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, offering curated experiences that combine luxury with sustainability.

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Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Welcomes Festive Season with Joyful Cake-Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 18, 2025

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach opened its festive season with its much-awaited annual cake-mixing ceremony, creating a lively afternoon filled with joy, high tea, and seaside celebrations. Held by the poolside, the event brought together guests, families, and culinary enthusiasts for a cherished pre-Christmas ritual that leads into the upcoming Tree Lighting Ceremony and New Year’s Eve festivities.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the sea, the celebration reflected the warm spirit of the season, showcased through the hotel’s popular F&B outlets, The Square, Gadda Da Vida, Sampan, Bageecha, and Péché Mignon. Guests joined hands with the hotel’s culinary team for the traditional cake-mixing ritual, symbolising community, togetherness, and the joy of giving.

The afternoon continued with an elegant seaside high tea featuring a curated selection of savoury bites, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages. The atmosphere carried the perfect blend of warmth and celebration, truly capturing the festive essence of Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, shared, “Our annual cake-mixing ceremony is a celebration of togetherness and marks the beginning of our festive preparations. It is always heartening to see families, friends, and even first-time participants join hands in this joyous ritual, sharing laughter and creating memories. As these ingredients mature over the coming weeks, they will carry with them the warmth, camaraderie, and festive spirit that define this special time of the year.”

As the ceremony progressed, guests donned chef’s caps, aprons, and gloves, preparing to mix an aromatic blend of premium ingredients such as sultanas, candied ginger, macerated dates, crystallised fruit, and hand-picked nuts. These ingredients were combined with fine spirits to begin the months-long maturation process essential for the hotel’s signature Christmas offerings.

The lively ambience, enhanced by festive melodies and the soothing seaside backdrop, created a memorable experience for every participant. Families and friends came together to enjoy this unique tradition, marking the joyful beginning of the holiday season at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.