Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li

Capella Shanghai garnered a string of awards even before it opened its doors—including “Most Anticipated Hotel of the Year” and “Highly Anticipated Hotel Opening.” What’s *really* impressive? It has lived up to every single one of them, quickly becoming a “Best New Hotel” as ranked by Travel + Leisure magazine. The property is Magnificent with a capital M. Take the villas themselves, each one elegantly appointed with deep soaking tubs, gleaming wood paneled walls adorned with Chinoiserie art, Diptyque toiletries, Lavazza coffee machines and a stash of gratis snacks replenished every day of your stay. Book the three-bedroom Shikumen Grand Villa, with more than 2,600 square feet of breathing room and a private rooftop terrace.

A collection of 55 serene villas tucked within 1930s shikumen-style brick and stone townhomes, with a Michelin-starred chef (Pierre Gagnaire) helming the restaurants and a spa inspired by lunar phases.

So historic it’s out of date. In each room, you’ll find tech-forward amenities like touchscreen control panels, BOSE Soundlink Bluetooth audio systems, and DVD players.

The spa is as forward-thinking as they come, with a salt-wall lounge, float tank, herbal bath and vitality pool, ice fountain, Hypoxi sculpting (fat burning) machine and 100% organic treatment products from The Organic Pharmacy.

You’ve had plenty of good meals on this trip to Shanghai, but none of them compare to what three-Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire is whipping up at Jian Ye Li (which has earned a Michelin star itself). Sitting alongside french doors that lead out to a leafy courtyard, you order edible heaven: a grilled 45-day-aged rib-eye with bone marrow dusted with caviar cream.

Le Comptoir De Pierre Gagnaire - French cuisine La Boulangerie - bakery offering snacks and fresh pastries daily La Terrace - offers an extensive selection of beverages, with a strong focus on champagne, whiskies and digestifs Le Bar - serving crafted cocktailks, wine and champagne