The original Shangri-La is a fictional place in Tibet’s Kunlun mountains described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by English author James Hilton.
It’s portrayed as a mystical and harmonious place and the dictionary definition underlines this describing a faraway hideaway of idyllic beauty and tranquility where life approaches perfection. This fantasy has come to life riverside in London in the form of the magnificent Shangri-La The Shard. And we’re going for a stay!
Taking the inspiration for its name from the novel, Shangri-La was founded in 1971 by Malaysian businessman Robert Kuok whose vision was to open luxury hotels world-wide, starting with his first in Singapore. Now there are over 100 scattered across the world. And what better place for one of these luxurious hotels than in the magnificence of The Shard.
This glittering masterpiece has dominated London’s skyline since its completion in February 2013. A great addition in my opinion and one that has transformed its surrounding area, too. It’s the tallest building in London, the UK and Western Europe and was designed by award-winning Italian architect Renzo Piano. He took his inspiration from the London spires depicted by the 18th-century Venetian painter Canaletto. It consists of 11,000 glass panels, equal to eight football pitches, which gives it a unique shimmer that can be seen from miles away.
Shangri-La The Shard, London, which opened in May 2014, occupies levels 34 to 52 of The Shard with the reception and Ting restaurant on 35 and Gong bar and restaurant and the sky pool on level 52. All the accommodation sits in between these floors.
We stayed in a deluxe city-view king room. And while the description was completely accurate nothing could really have prepared us for our majestic dwelling place. Our view was breathtaking, looking down the mighty Thames, straight at Tower Bridge and the Tower of London with Canary Wharf in the distance and the towering City of London to our left. The room is designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and blinds that open automatically as you walk into the room. To gasps of delight and to reveal a handwritten message on the glass saying “Welcome to the Clouds”.
The room is spacious with a huge bed at its centre, a seating area by the window to take in the view and there’s a large dressing area. And then there’s the bathroom! A huge stand-alone bath is perfectly positioned for more glorious viewing and there’s a roomy shower and shiny marble double basin. The room comes complete with large bottles of irresistibly aromatic Jo Loves by Jo Malone luxury brand which has been developed exclusively for Shangri-La. The scent is quite simply heavenly and it’s almost impossible to drag myself out of the comfort of my bath with a view. But I have to, as cocktails and dinner await.
Heading upwards to 52 and even more elevated views we visit Gong (the highest bar in Western Europe) for pre-dinner cocktails before descending via the lift filled with birdsong (yes really) to Ting with its delectable menu inspired by Asian cultures.
We’re shown to our window table with more glorious views and feast on tuna tataki and salmon wonton tarts, wagyu sirloin Asian-style and exotic desserts. The most spectacular of food served with style and warmth in beautiful, sophisticated surroundings…and those views.One of the most remarkable dining experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying.
After dinner the comfort and solitude of our room awaits. There’s something so special about having one of the great capital cities of the world at your feet while also being cocooned in the ultimate in luxury and tranquility. That peace and the comfort of the huge bed with its huggable pillows and incredible linens make for one of the best nights of sleep ever. It’s a shame to get out of bed…but, you’ve guessed it, breakfast awaits.
But first, some pre-breakfast exercise. The Sky Pool on the 52nd floor is the highest hotel pool in Western Europe which means it has more breathtaking views, obviously, this time down the river towards the Houses of Parliament. It’s a real oasis with its infinity pool, scenic sauna (never have I seen a sauna with a view like this one) and plenty of inviting spaces for post-exercise relaxation. There’s also a well-equipped gym across the corridor. Some early morning exertion on high and we’ve earned our breakfast feast.
This is again in Ting restaurant which has been transformed from swish fine dining establishment to welcoming and bustling breakfast venue with its extensive buffet as well as an a la carte offering. Shangri-La breakfasts are the breakfasts of dreams. Rather like the whole experience at Shangri-La The Shard, London staying here is truly living the dream. We never want to leave our very own Shangri-La.
Shangri-La The Shard, London is at 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9CU
There’s plenty to explore with Borough Market, the Tower of London and London Bridge, the South Bank, Tate Modern, and all the delights of south-east London on the doorstep.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith