SHANGRI-LA Secrets…
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… Contents
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Shangri-La The Shard, London Shangri-La Paris Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul Shangri-La Toronto Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Shangri-La Dubai Shangri-La Jeddah Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Shangri-La Bengaluru Shangri-La Colombo Shangri-La Hambantota
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from London
History
• In 2011, while The Shard was under construction, a fox was found living on the 72nd floor. • The animal, nicknamed Romeo, entered through one of the stairwells and made his way up to the top floor – just below London’s highest open-air Skydeck. It took two weeks to safely capture him before releasing him onto the streets of Bermondsey. • Romeo is now regarded as the hotel’s mascot, and a cuddly toy tribute to this crafty fox is given to our Mini VIPs.
Location
• Our Sky Pool on level 52 is the highest pool in Europe where guests can swim overlooking St Paul's Cathedral. • The restrooms on level 34 have become famous for offering one of the best views of London's skyline! • Beneath the hotel is London’s oldest working market - Borough Market - where guests can enjoy a private tour with our Executive Chef and retrace the footsteps of tradesmen from over 1000 years before.
All In The Detail
• The Shard stands at 309.6 metres with 95 storeys, making it the tallest building in the UK and the fourth tallest in Europe. • The building features 11,000 glass panels and 44 lifts. 95% of the building materials used were recycled, making it one of the most environmentally conscious architectural masterpieces in London. • Designed by Renzo Piano, who first sketched the concept on the back of a napkin during the project’s initial meeting, The Shard's form resembles a 16th-century pinnacle or a ship’s mast, with a broad base that narrows towards the top. A Touch of Stardom • Long celebrated as London’s home to celebrities and style icons, the hotel hosted Spice Girl Mel B’s star-studded wedding in the summer of 2025, creating a fairytale celebration in the clouds. • Home to several sky-high photoshoots, fashion shows and filmings, a local highlight was hosting the cast photocall for Paddington 2 on Level 34, featuring two of Britain’s finest - Hugh Grant and Hugh Bonneville.
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from Paris
History
• Built in 1896 as the private residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, Napoleon’s grandnephew and a renowned botanist, his legacy is honoured through Le Bar Botaniste, his former quarters preserved as L’Appartement Bonaparte, and the 17m pool was once the site of his original stables. • A masterful expression of Louis XIV grandeur, the stone façade - carved by Louvre artisans - still bears the Bonaparte coat of arms. • The lobby exudes refined opulence, featuring five rare marbles from the Pyrenees, Alps and Tuscany, complemented by Ming Dynasty-inspired vases that bridge Parisian elegance with Asian heritage.
A Touch of Stardom
• As the host of the glittering Bal de Débutantes, each year the hotel welcomes an international guest list of royalty, aristocracy and global tastemakers - from Apple Martin to the granddaughter of Sofia Loren. • With unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower, the signature suites serve as a striking backdrop for high-profile fashion and editorial shoots, with the casts of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ and ‘Bridgerton’ recently photographed. • A firm favourite of celebrity guests during Paris Fashion Week, such as music star Pharrell Williams - who dines with his inner circle at Shang Palace, offering a chic & discreet retreat for Chinese fine dining. • The opulent ballroom and salons were featured prominently in ‘Emily in Paris’, further showcasing Shangri-La Paris as one of the city’s most desired fashion and cultural destinations. •
It’s all in the Detail
• The beloved Bee appears throughout the hotel, chosen by Napoleon as a symbol of strength and hard work to restore stability to post-revolutionary France. • During the restoration, whilst removing one of the ceilings, a glass and steel structure was uncovered - inspired by the Eiffel Tower. It now serves as the focal point of La Bauhinia. • The 2nd discovery was made in the Salle à Manger. Hidden beneath layers of electric blue lacquer were hand-carved panels of fine mahogany, commissioned by Roland Bonaparte.
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from Istanbul
History
• Istanbul is a magical city where contemporary and ancient cultures meet with tantalizing energy across Europe and Asia. It is the only city in the world to span two continents. • Our hotel, on the European side, is a building as layered as Istanbul Itself. Once a 1929 tobacco warehouse and later a TV factory, this site has evolved into a sanctuary of elegance on the Bosphorus. • Like the city, it honours its roots while embracing the future, seen in the L-shaped ballroom built to preserve an ancient sycamore.
Art
• Suspended in the heart of the hotel, our grand chandelier cascades nearly 8 meters in height and 2 meters in width, illuminating the lobby like a waterfall of light. Adorned with over 35,000 hand-crafted crystals, each strand reflects the artistry and precision of timeless design. • The Barbaros Suite honours Ottoman admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa and Istanbul’s maritime legacy. • The hotel’s 1,000+ artworks bridge East and West - including an 18-meter silk painting inspired by Qing Dynasty paradise, intricate Chinese lacquer art of the Bosphorus, and a contemporary cityscape by Turkish master Devrim Erbil. • The hotel’s architecture features 19,500 sqm of marble, including 35 different types – with 95% sourced in Turkey, creating an ambiance as grand as the Dolmabahçe Palace.
All In The Detail
• Witness the pulse of the city over a traditional Turkish coffee on the Bosphorus. Just in front of the hotel, the Beşiktaş Ferry Station connects Europe to Asia. Every half hour, hundreds of people stream across the strait. With over 32,000 journeys a day, and 11 million a year – our terrace offers a window to a timeless ritual that immerses guests in local life. • At our entrance, two 300-year-old plane trees stand tall. Sacred to Hera, the goddess of marriage, the plane tree is a powerful and poetic start to a lifetime together. • One of them has become especially beloved, particularly with our wedding couples who arrive beneath it in a classic Rolls-Royce, saying this is where their journey together truly begins.
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from Toronto
A Touch of Stardom
• The hotel is one of the official hospitality partners of the Toronto International Film Festival and hosts the opening night galas with 1200 guests including celebrities, media, tastemakers and industry stalwarts. • Synonymous with Hollywood glamour, the hotel has welcomed movie maestros from Tom Cruise and Jake Gyllenhaal to Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. During the annual festival, the hotel transforms into a cinematic haven, where Rihanna’s iconic golden Met Gala gown once set the stage for dazzling soirées. • Just steps from the TIFF red carpet, this is Toronto’s most glamorous address for celebrity encounters. • The Rising by Zhang Huan, one of China’s leading contemporary artists, stands proudly at the entrance. Commissioned with the Art Gallery of Ontario, this 22-ton stainless steel sculpture, featuring peace doves and dragon-like branches, was Zhang’s first public work in Canada. • In the Lobby Lounge, four bold paintings by Wang Xu Yuan are displayed offering modern interpretations of legendary Peking Opera heroines. • Throughout the hotel, 480 unique lithographs and award-winning ceramic works by Wang, a revered Shanghai-based artist and professor, create a seamless fusion of tradition, craftsmanship, and contemporary design. Art
All in the Detail
• Artistry and innovation take center stage. In the Lobby Lounge, a one-of-a-kind Fazioli piano, handcrafted in Italy over 11 months and more than 2,000 hours, is a showpiece of exceptional craftsmanship where local pianists delight every night. Finished in white oak and engraved with the first verse of Joni Mitchell’s My Old Man, it reflects the perfect harmony of music, design, and Canadian heritage. • Rotating fashion exhibits in the Lobby Lounge showcase vintage couture from legends like Versace, Alexander McQueen, and Yves Saint Laurent. • On the third-floor Garden Terrace, 50,000 honeybees thrive in our urban beehive - created in partnership with Birks and Alvéole, supporting pollination and sustainability in the heart of the city.
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from Mauritius
History
• Dating back to 1915, Le Touessrok began when a sugarcane farmer, Henri Wiehé, and his wife built a beach house to host social gatherings, which was then converted into a five-room guesthouse. • Defining the golden age of French influence on the hospitality scene, the resort became a glamorous hideaway for jet-setters, aristocrats, and European royalty. • Still the only resort in Mauritius to have a private Island - Ilot Mangénie - once nicknamed ‘Robinson Crusoe’. • At the entrance stands a majestic Banyan tree over 60 years old.
Legendary Guests
• Home to three giant tortoises, including Toto who is almost 120 years old and has lived here since before the hotel was built and before Mauritius gained independence. • Since 2013, loyal guests have celebrated their connection to Shangri-La by creating a unique orchard and planting 54 heritage fruit trees, a tradition now continued by their children. • Some of our dedicated colleagues have been with us for over 35 years, forming special bonds with returning guests and their families. • We host the largest bee population in the country’s hospitality sector, with 16 beehives and over 700,000 bees.
A Touch of Stardom
• Long celebrated as the island’s most glamorous address, Le Touessrok has welcomed an extraordinary roll call of global icons from Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, to Catherine Deneuve. • From Brigitte Bardot frequenting the resort’s restaurants in the 1960s and 70s to the glittering launch party attended by music legend, Bryan Ferry. • Over the decades, Joseph Fiennes, Whitney Huston, Alexa Chung, Twiggy and even statesmen such as Nelson Mandela have been drawn to its timeless elegance, pristine shores, and world-class gastronomy.
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from Abu Dhabi
Our History
• Set in the storied Qaryat Al Beri area, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi stands where the city’s journey began, designed by Northpoint Ltd and opened in 2007. • Just steps away, the 200-year-old Al Maqtaa Fort rises from the water- a striking relic built to guard against bandits when Abu Dhabi was a humble port. • Tides once made mainland crossings perilous and before roads were created, locals laid stones to journey across the water. That changed in 1967 with the opening of the Al Maqta Bridge, a 300-meter marvel championed by the late Sheikh Zayed - connecting the island to the mainland and marking a bold new era for the capital.
A Touch of Stardom
• Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi has played host to an array of iconic guests - from world- famous rock band members and Hollywood celebrities to celebrated athletes and Formula 1 drivers. • During the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2025, where we proudly served as the official hospitality partner, top tennis players such as Caroline Garcia and Polina Kudermetova enjoyed exclusive experiences at the hotel, including a cocktail-making masterclass and a live cooking session.
It’s all in the Detail
• An Arabian Oasis in the heart of the capital, our hotel masterfully blends modern Islamic architecture with traditional Arabian design. • Sailing intro tradition, ride an authentic abra through the 750m of winding canals of our Qaryat Al Beri complex - transporting you into a living postcard of Arabian heritage. • The blend of traditional wooden boat travel with lush landscapes and iconic Arabesque architecture hints at a bygone era of the Emirati culture. • Enjoy our Souk Qaryat Al Beri, a contemporary adaptation of a typical Arabian market. • Al Hannah Bar has 552 crystals hanging on the wall, which takes our team two days to clean.
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from Dubai
History
• Set on legendary Sheikh Zayed Road, Shangri-La Dubai puts you at the heart of the city’s energy - where towering skyscrapers, high fashion, and rich culture collide. • Just minutes from the iconic Burj Khalifa, this vibrant boulevard transformed from desert to global metropolis thanks to visionary planning and the 1970s’ Sheikh Zayed Road. • More than a hotel, Shangri-La Dubai is your front-row seat to the city’s escalation - blending modern luxury with authentic charm in one unforgettable address.
Location
• At Shangri-La, luxury meets Dubai’s dynamic energy and rich culture.
• At Dubai’s vibrant core, explore landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Opera just minutes away. • Experience tradition with an abra ride on Dubai Creek or wander the historic Al Fahidi district. • Relax in serene spots like Dubai Garden Glow or soak up creativity in Dubai Design District. • Our team epitomizes multiculturalism with colleagues from over 44 nationalities and speaking 40 different languages within our hotel.
A Different Point of View… • With jaw-dropping views of the Burj Khalifa and the glittering skyline, Level 42 is the city’s ultimate backdrop - for photoshoots, movie sets, exclusive events, and marriage proposals – with over 200 a year! • Influencers and content creators come from far and wide to capture our ‘Flying Dress Experience’, where guests can wear an iconic flowing red dress for a dramatic photoshoot overlooking the Dubai skyline. • More than a view, it’s a statement where luxury meets Dubai’s vibrant, high-end lifestyle - making every moment unforgettable.
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from Jeddah
Location
• For over 1,300 years, Jeddah has been a timeless gateway which has welcomed Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, standing as the historic entry point to the holy cities. • We are proud to be located at a crossroad of civilizations, a melting pot of cultures, shaped by merchants, travellers, and immigrants from every corner of the world. • Once a thriving commercial port, Jeddah remains a vital hub of global trade along the Red Sea. • Our hotel is part of the city’s living heritage – from fishing and trade to architecture and artisanal crafts, the city has blossomed into a vibrant showcase of tradition and innovation. • Where the fast lane meets luxury - Shangri-La Jeddah is the go-to destination for F1 insiders, racing champions, and automotive enthusiasts. • Our hotel is the proud host of private supercar and race car gatherings that bring the motorsport world to life. • From Hollywood and Arabic cinema stars with the Red Sea Film Festival to top DJs and fashion tastemakers, our guests define global style. • National festivities come alive with award winning culinary creations and bespoke chocolate artistry from our pastry chefs. • We offer a home for trendsetters, influencers, and visionaries seeking luxury, excitement, and exclusivity. • This is where privacy meets prestige – at Shangri-La we offer discreet, world-class service ensuring every high-profile stay is seamless, secure, and unforgettable. A touch of Stardom
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from New Delhi
History
• In the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi rises as a striking blend of modern luxury and historic charm. • Steps from India Gate, President’s Palace, and Connaught Place, it offers unrivalled access to the city’s power and culture. • Surrounded by embassies and heritage sites, this architectural icon is both a nod to Delhi’s storied past and a window to its dynamic present.
Lights, Camera, Action
• Shangri-La Eros New Delhi has played a starring role in Bollywood hits - from the refined charm of Cheeni Kum with Amitabh Bachchan to the youthful energy of Half Girlfriend starring Shraddha Kapoor, and the action-packed Fateh with Sonu Sood. • A go-to location for filmmakers, the hotel continues to be a cherished part of Bollywood’s cinematic story. • The gardens have framed photoshoots for Bollywood royalty, including Sonam Kapoor and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ star Freida Pinto, cementing the hotel’s status as a beacon of luxury. • Shang Palace has welcomed many stars in Delhi including Ranvir Singh, Karan Johar, along with luxury designers like Suneet Verma, Shivan & Narresh to name a few.
In Good Company
• The hotel has long been a magnet for India’s brightest stars and style icons. From hosting the Indian Idol auditions in 2007 with music legends like Alisha Chinai, and Anu Malik, the hotel has set the stage for glamour at every turn. • We also welcomed global leaders for the G20 Summit along with several dignitaries and Heads of State including Rishi Sunak and her Highness Sultanah Kalsom, reinforcing our place at the intersection of diplomacy, culture, and glamour. • We proudly partner with the Noida Deaf Society in New Delhi, employing eight full-time team members and one apprentice from NDS. Through this partnership,
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from Bengaluru
Location
• Nestled in the heart of India’s Garden City, Shangri-La Bengaluru is a refined oasis of Asian hospitality and local charm. • The city’s lush parks, tree-lined avenues, and pleasant year-round climate create an inviting urban retreat. • Guests enjoy iconic landmark views from the hotel, capturing Bangalore Palace and Cubbon Park from rooms and the rooftop, linking the property to the city’s regal heritage. • Bangalore, known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” blends a thriving tech scene with rich cultural traditions, from royal architecture to vibrant artisan crafts. • Its cosmopolitan energy, culinary diversity, and creative spirit make it a unique destination for luxury travelers.
It’s all in the Detail
• Our lobby comprises of nine spectacular cylindrical chandeliers weighing half a ton each. Towering marble columns and 4 × 9 metre sandstone installation in the Lobby Lounge crafted with gold palm motifs. • The décor is a combination of locally sourced textiles, designs and artisan crafts which reflect a blend of Bangalore’s aesthetics and Shangri-La’s global elegance • Known for hosting dignitaries, elite weddings, and creative city events, our hotel stands as Bengaluru’s most iconic vertical retreat for both business and leisure.
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from Colombo
History
• Shangri-La Colombo stands at the heart of the city with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, Beira Lake, and the capital’s skyline. • Located in One Galle Face - built on reclaimed land by the Government of Sri Lanka, this property transformed Colombo’s waterfront as a mixed-use development, combining our luxury hotel with a shopping mall, offices, and residences. Designed to offer “one destination to live, work, and play” • Explore Gangaramaya Temple, Old Parliament, vibrant Pettah, or relax at Galle Face Green. Where colonial charm meets modern sophistication. • Shangri-La Colombo opened in November 2017 with a landmark celebration led by President Maithripala Sirisena and key dignitaries.
Art & Nature
• The lobby’s grand chandelier, inspired by the lotus flower - a symbol of purity and resilience - unfolds like delicate petals, creating a serene, welcoming atmosphere. With over 3000 crystals, the chandelier takes two hours to clean by air blowing. • A beautifully sculpted life-size metal infant elephant, greets guests - a beautiful creation by Chinese artist Man Fung-Yi. • Together with our sister hotel in Hambantota, we support El-La - an orphaned elephant undergoing a rehabilitation program at the Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawe National Park. Guests can visit the center to observe feedings and contribute to this vital conservation effort.
A touch of Stardom
• Shangri-La Colombo has firmly established itself as Sri Lanka’s premier address for celebrity royalty. • From Bollywood and beyond, the hotel has welcomed a dazzling line-up of stars, including Jacqueline Fernandez, Hina Khan, Prabhu Deva, Emraan Hashmi, and Vaani Kapoor. • Adding to this star power, Sri Lankan actress Yureni Noshika, American musician Chris Rodrigues, Brazilian comedian Fábio Porchat, and German actor Matthias Schweighöfer have all chosen the hotel for its perfect balance of luxury and world-class hospitality.
SHANGRI-LA Secrets… from Hambantota
History
• Spanning 58 hectares along the stunning southern shore, Shangri-La Hambantota overlooks the sparkling Indian Ocean, nestled in a land rich with natural wonders and timeless culture. • Step beyond the resort to uncover Hambantota’s vibrant heritage - from the ancient serenity of Sithulpawwa Rock Temple and majestic Tissamaharama Stupa to the awe-inspiring Mulkirigala Rock Monastery. • Each site tells a story of centuries-old Buddhist traditions and architectural genius. • This is where nature, history, and luxury come together for an extraordinary escape.
Location & Nature
• Shangri-La Hambantota opened in June 2016 with President Sirisena and dignitaries, marking a new chapter for Sri Lankan tourism. • Set on a former coconut plantation, our hotel features Sri Lanka’s only resort 18-hole golf course designed by renowned architect Rodney Wright and lies near iconic Yala and Bundala National Parks. • Wild peacocks roam freely, with 20 to 30 often spotted in the gardens. • Monkeys, including purple-faced langurs and toque macaques, are also regular visitors. • Together with our sister hotel in Colombo, we support El-La - an orphaned elephant undergoing a rehabilitation program at the Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawe National Park. Guests can
Art
• Shangri-La Hambantota is a living gallery of Sri Lankan heritage, featuring original art, sculptures, and handcrafted decor that celebrate the island’s culture. • Traditional craftsmanship shines in every detail, including hand-painted elephant artwork in each room - a local tribute to strength, wisdom, and prosperity. • Our Artisan Village offers an immersive cultural journey to discover exquisite pottery, batik, wood carving, and lacquer work while directly supporting local the community. As the sun sets, the village comes alive with vibrant performances of traditional music and dance, creating an unforgettable celebration of Sri Lanka’s heritage.
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