Shangri-La Group has added a new ultra-luxury brand, Shangri-La Signatures, to its expanding portfolio.
The brand has been launched in China, with the opening of The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou. Its intention is to add properties that have the feel of a refined private residence, and Shangri-La will partner with leading designers and local artisans to bring its vision to life. Guests can expect a range of experiences that will immerse them in wellness, story telling, and gastronomic treats.
Creating the atmosphere of a private residence
The Silk Lakehouse is located on the shores of West Lake, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With 68 guest rooms, it draws on the theme of a Jiangnan merchant’s house, and has been designed by Belgian design hero Gert Voorjans, working alongside Spain’s Lazaro Rosa-Violan. The result is a sophisticated mix of the East, and contemporary styling.
The site of the Silk Lakehouse is one that will be known to many state officials in past years, as there used to be the Xiling Hotel at the location. Key historical artifacts have been retained and woven into the new hotel complex, including a sculpture named Autumn in Yandang Mountain Ou, originally completed to welcome the arrival of former American president Richard Nixon.
For Shangri-La Group, the launch of The Silk Lakehouse represents an ongoing commitment to this part of mainland China. The company launched its first hotel in China in the area, as far back as 1984. Today, its four brands – Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Kerry Hotels, JEN and Traders – are expanding across the region and further afield.
At the end of 2024, Shangri-La opened a hotel in Phnom Penh, signalling its launch into the Cambodia market. The 303 room property overlooks the junction of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Tonle Bassac rivers, promising dramatic views from rooms on higher floors.
The launch comes ahead of a busy period for Shangri-La, with a number of upcoming openings. The company will shortly launch a dual branded project, Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. And in Kunming, a Shangri-La branded hotel is nearing completion, in a complex also including apartments and a shopping mall.
During 2026, the group will also launch a new property in Bahrain. The Shangri-La Hotel Bahrain Marina will have 304 rooms in a mix of one to three bedroom suites, and waterfront villas.
Growth across Asia
In autumn 2026, Shangri-La Kyoto Nijo Castle will open in Japan, a 150 room hotel close to a UNESCO World Heritage site. This will be the group’s second hotel in Japan, joining Shangri-La Tokyo.
The group is also expanding in Indonesia, where the 339 room Shangri-Las Bali Resort & Spa, The Majnusa Dua is under construction. Just a short drive from the airport, the property will include six food and beverage outlets, two outdoor pools, and a ballroom.
