"From its waterfront perch on the banks of the Huangpu River, this sophisticated hotel offers a front-row view of Shanghai’s architectural wonders, including the Oriental Pearl Tower. You can take in the skyline from your window-front bathtub or, better yet, from Tops, the rooftop lounge where evening cocktails and tapas melt seamlessly into late-night DJ sets. If, on the other hand, you want to get away from the urban scrum, head to the three-floor spa, an oasis-like retreat with an indoor pool and treatments that draw on Chinese, Thai, Indian, and Indonesian traditions. After a busy day in one of the world’s biggest cities, you’ll be craving ultimate relaxation in the form of the 150-minute Royal Banyan treatment, which includes a coriander cucumber cleanser, a jade face massage, a therapeutic herbal bath, and a luxurious massage with a warm herbal pouch dipped in sesame oil." - Nicholas DeRenzo