The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou

About

(Hong Kong, 26 May 2025) Shangri-La Group (“Shangri-La”) proudly announces the official launch of its new ultra-luxury brand, Shangri-La Signatures, with the grand opening of its inaugural property: The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou. Set on the tranquil shores of West Lake — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — The Silk Lakehouse ushers in a new era of Asian hospitality, where cultural heritage, artistry, and nature converge to create a soulful homecoming – one that speaks to the heart. Shangri-La Signatures redefines modern luxury through the lens of cultural authenticity and heartfelt human connection. Each property under the brand is envisioned as a refined private residence, brought to life through collaborations with world-renowned designers and artisans. Rooted in local heritage and guided by a philosophy of intentional design, the brand curates immersive experiences across art, wellness, gastronomy, and storytelling. This new brand narrative reflects Shangri-La’s continued evolution, offering a thoughtful interpretation of Asian hospitality – one that is emotionally resonant, culturally enriching, and deeply personal. As the first hotel under the Shangri-La Signatures portfolio, The Silk Lakehouse draws inspiration from the refined elegance of a Jiangnan silk merchant’s home. Designed by Belgian visionary Gert Voorjans and Spanish design luminary Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the property embodies a seamless blend of Eastern tradition and contemporary sophistication. The hotel’s architecture harmonises with the poetic landscapes of Hangzhou, while the interior design tells a story of artistry and place. A centrepiece of this narrative is a striking crystal art installation in the lobby, composed of 1,930 hand-blown Murano glass pieces, evoking the gentle movement of West Lake’s willow branches. Honouring its historic location, The Silk Lakehouse occupies the former site of the Xiling Hotel – once a prestigious destination for state dignitaries. The property preserves and reinterprets original cultural elements, including the restored Autumn in Yandang Mountain Ou sculpture by master artisan Zhou Jinyun, originally commissioned in 1971 to welcome former U.S. President Richard Nixon. This thoughtful preservation reflects Shangri-La’s enduring connection to Hangzhou, where the Group opened its first hotel in China in 1986. With 68 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, The Silk Lakehouse offers panoramic views of West Lake or its serene private gardens. Each space is designed to evoke a sense of home, featuring freestanding bathtubs, AI-responsive mattresses and heated towel systems – blending a world of intuitive and modern comfort with contemporary luxury. Source: https://www.shangri-la.com/group/media/media_post?post=A%20New%20Chapter%20in%20Asian%20Hospitality