After some major renovations, Island Shangri-La Hong Kong is back with a classic and relaxed aesthetic—from its new spa, Yun Wellness, to spectacularly designed suites

The Island Shangri-La has played a role in Hongkongers' core memories since it opened its doors in March 1991. Whether it's yum cha with the family on weekends at Summer Palace, celebrating birthdays with the legendary Frou Frou cake from Island Gourmet, summers spent splashing in the pool surrounded by soaring skyscrapers, or a hearty Sunday roast at Lobster Bar & Grill

Following some major renovations that were completed this summer, the beloved "Island Shang" welcomes guests with a fresh new look while maintaining the charm and hospitality that has made the hotel a Hong Kong icon for over 30 years. 

Tatler Asia
Above The swimming pool at Island Shangri-La is surrounded by soaring skyscrapers

A Wellness Oasis

A highlight of Island Shangri-La's renovations is the opening of its new wellness club and spa, Yun Wellness. 

Designed by Spanish architect Lázaro Rosa-Violán, this urban oasis is a refreshing take on hotel spas in the city, which are often dark, minimalist and ambient. Instead, Yun is bathed in natural light, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces to create a sense of glamorous riviera living—think striped parasols by the 28.5-metre outdoor pool, soft textiles and rattan furniture, and an abundance of tropical flora. 

The link between nature and wellness is consistent throughout the space. After all, the name Yun is taken from a fourth-century Chinese poem, Ascend Lonely Isle on the River, in which the author is so inspired by the beauty and serenity of the surrounding nature that they realise “to live well is to live long”.

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Photo 1 of 2 Rattan, soft textiles and tropical flora adorn Yun Wellness
Photo 2 of 2 A plant and flower wall welcomes guests to the serene Yun Wellness space

The spa has a total of ten treatment rooms, including two designed for couples and two dedicated to health consultations and physiotherapy.

Many of the treatments at Yun Wellness are rooted in ancient therapies, such as Energy Acupressure, which uses pressure rather than traditional needles to smooth the flow of Qi energy for deep relaxation and tension relief.

There is also a focus on sculpting and aesthetics using the latest technology, including the use of radio frequency and ultrasound waves to tighten, tone and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Tatler had the pleasure of experiencing the Regenerating Body Treatment, which combines dry body brushing, radio frequency and ultrasound therapies to reduce fluid retention while promoting healthy collagen formation and circulation—we don't like to use the word 'miracle' around here, but we can say that there was an immediate, obvious difference in how our clothes fit post-treatment.

Tatler Asia
Above Treatment rooms at Yun Wellness are spacious and welcoming

Facials use top-of-the-line products by the likes of Tata Harper and Dr Burgener Switzerland for treatments to suit your beauty goals, from purifying to brightening, repairing to sculpting. Yun caters to the growing popularity of men's wellness as well, with treatments such as the cleansing, healing and oil-controlling Million Dollar Men's Facial. 

There is also a membership programme for those looking for long-term wellness solutions. Tailored to deliver long-lasting results, the Yun Wellness membership programme includes benefits like personalised assessments, a hair and scalp analysis, nutritional advice, quarterly body composition assessments, a twice-yearly in-depth wellness consultation, and a skin analysis session every four months.

See also: The Best Hotel Spas in Hong Kong—Plus Top Spa Treatments to Try

A Suite Escape

Another highlight of Island Shangri-La's renovations is its brand new suites. 

Designed by world-renowned French interior designer Tristan Auer—who is behind such hotels as Hotel de Crillon in Paris and Carlton Cannes—they are fine examples of understated luxury, where modern conveniences are met with elegant Asian aesthetics.

Upon entering the room, blinds automatically lift to reveal either lush, green mountain vistas or a spectacular panoramic view of Victoria Harbour. Reflecting the outside scenery, Horizon Harbour View rooms are accented with hues of warm grey and duck egg blue, while Horizon Peak View rooms are adorned with hues of green with verdant upholstered sofas. 

Bathrooms are spectacular, finished with hand-tiled walls in the separate bath and rain shower partition, while a window into the bathroom from the bedroom floods the room with natural light. If privacy is needed, the flick of a switch frosts the glass.

Designed to entice guests to stay and enjoy the room—and view—rather than merely serve as a place to rest between excursions, the suites also feature a maxi-pantry with a wine cooler, hot and cold drinking water taps and thoughtful additions such as bottled cocktails from the hotel’s award-winning Lobster Bar, Shangri-La’s own collection of tea blends and a range of complimentary snacks.

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Photo 1 of 2 Newly renovated suites at Island Shangri-La were designed by Tristan Auer
Photo 2 of 2 Generously sized bathrooms at Island Shangri-La

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