Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li

Character and identity

Capella Shanghai occupies a restored 1930s shikumen lane in the former French Concession, a row of European-influenced stone-gate terrace houses behind high brick walls that once housed up to 60% of the city's population. The 55 villas sit within the original Jian Ye Li compound, anchored by a central iron tower (a former water tower) that puts on a nightly light display. Pierre Gagnaire's first mainland China venture, the 50-seat Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, serves polished French cooking in a relaxed register. Auriga Spa works to a lunar-cycle wellness philosophy, with traditional Chinese therapies the strongest draw. Capella culturists, on call from the villa phone, arrange walking and cycling tours, dumpling classes and tea ceremonies.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The reason to book is the shikumen setting itself, a vanishing piece of Shanghai preserved as a working hotel, with Gagnaire's restaurant and the culturist programme as serious supporting acts. Spend up for a villa with a top-floor balcony facing the iron tower for the evening light show, and build in time for the spa's Chinese therapies and at least one culturist-led lane walk.