Suburban sanctuary: Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental

Be it for business or pleasure, Shanghai’s newfound burbs (thanks to Metro Line 9) offer ever-increasing alternatives to your usual urban escape.

Just 35 minutes from downtown Shanghai in Sheshan’s National Tourism Resort, this still little-known five-star gem of the Accor hotel family brings its famous taste of French luxury and ‘l’art de recevoir’ to the willing Shanghai masses. Just recently turned one year old, it has been humming along discreetly. We think, however, it's worthy of notching it up to full buzz-of-the-town mode. 

Elegance from the inside out, this classic Mediterranean structure of 368 rooms and suites boasts an East-meets-West medley of traditional touches and contemporary décor. Guests have their choice of in-room theme -– Mediterranean, Chinese or Southeast Asian including on-site villa stays for those seeking the ultimate in lavish living.

Roam, if just a bit… you needn’t go far

You might never want (or need) to leave the hotel, but if you're keen to taste a bit of local culture, several tourist attractions including Shanghai Sculpture Park, Sheshan (the actual mountain and basilica) and Qibao Temple are just a quick ride away.

General manager Tony Colella notes, “On weekends, Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental attracts many foreigners and local families to enjoy the resort facilities. Happy Valley, the largest amusement park in Shanghai, is located only 10 minutes from the hotel.”

Our personal favorite, M Mediterranean, is one genuine experience not to be missed. Luxuriously trendy with a namesake menu as expansive as its dishes’ fresh and organic ingredients; we couldn’t wait to come back for more.

A resort in every sense of the word, there’s a bit of something for everyone to keep you relaxed, fed and amused.

Room recluses won’t be lacking with top-of-the-line amenities and in-room entertainment. Every smidge of comfort is considered from the drop-dead-comfy Sofitel MYB, rain forest shower and complimentary Evian and bathroom goodies from L’Occitane en Provence and Hermès.

Connect with the outside world via private deck views of the 3,400 square meter awe-inspiring lagoon and green and gardens galore, all designed with a distinct air of feng shui. Just be sure to succumb to a lazy dip or two. Ground floor rooms with private lagoon access are summertime favorites so book early. Sandcastles at the man-made beach just across the way can also make for some serious shoreline therapy.

There's also a gorgeous indoor heated pool and SOSPA when that qi ‘kneads’ some extra loving, including spa villa options for an extra splurge. 

More sporty types can sweat it out at SOFIT Health Club or hone their game on nearby tennis courts or over a mini round of golf. Indoor rec rooms also include table tennis and billiards.

Relax while your taste buds keep working

Sharing their passion for fine international cuisine, head chef George Kong and crew have created a fine range of eats fused with gourmet traditions from the French homeland (think bread, wine, cheese and pastry heaven). 

A personal favorite, M Mediterranean, does its namesake body of water -- and the delicious cuisine around it -- proud.

24-hour Vie keeps the masses well fed at any hour, with Fukami Japanese and two adjacent eateries serving up the finer tastes of Asia. Our personal favorite, M Mediterranean, is one genuine experience not to be missed. Luxuriously trendy with a namesake menu as expansive as its dishes’ fresh and organic ingredients; we couldn’t wait to come back for more.

And those striving to drink their stresses away have their choice of five bars and lounges serving premium wines, snazzy cocktails and poolside smoothies -- and let’s not forget a good smoke for those visiting cigar aficionados.

For those planning their next sanity-saving escape, it’s not a question of if you should go here, but when.

So pack up, be it yourself, your partner or the entire brood, and brave those city limits for a bona fide oasis in the burbs.

You’ll be glad you did.