Revealed By Sofitel Comes To Beijing, Shanghai And Guangzhou

Sofitel Luxury Hotels is launching the compelling photo exhibition “Revealed” to China for the first time - taking an intimate look at the world’s greatest modern artists at work as they reveal themselves to the photographer. Olivier Widmaier Picasso, grandson of Pablo Picasso and author of Picasso, Portrait Intime (Albin Michel/Arte éditions), has curated the exhibition, hand-selecting 30 photographs from the archives of Paris Match, the famous French weekly magazine.

This worldwide exhibition will be showcased at three Sofitel hotels in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in China from September onwards. The China exhibitions are part of a world tour that has already been to five cities in North America and five in Europe. Aside from China, “Revealed” will also take place this year in Bangkok, Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne.

Among the prized photographs to be displayed is a black-and-white image of Pablo Picasso eyeing a Dalmatian longing to climb upon his lap; Salvador Dalí seen sitting in an animal exhibit at the Paris Zoo; Jeff Koons styling a BMW for the 24 Hours of Le Mans; Pierre Soulages crouching over a work in progress; Kees Van Dongen painting a posing Brigitte Bardot; and other striking images depicting Rene Magritte, Marc Chagall, Fernando Botero, Joan Miro, Jean Cocteau, Francis Bacon, and more.

“As an international ambassador of French elegance, Sofitel links its collection of addresses with culture, and collaborates with celebrated artists, writers and photographers,” says Michel Molliet, Senior Vice President, Operations, Luxury and Upscale, AccorHotels Greater China.

““Revealed” offers a glimpse behind-the-scenes at the artistic process as inspiration comes to life through expression. It is my distinct pleasure to bring “Revealed” to China as this compelling exhibition takes an intimate look at the world’s greatest modern artists at work: from Picasso to Dali, Chagall to Jeff Koons, Miró to Matisse.”

To launch the “Revealed” exhibitions in China, Olivier Widmaier Picasso will be in Beijing to personally meet guests and open the exhibition on September 1st, 2015. “We are delighted to have been able to draw on the talent of Olivier Widmaier Picasso and to have him in Beijing in person to launch “Revealed”,” continues Michel Molliet. “We are also proud to uphold Sofitel’s pillar of culture, which together with gastronomy, design and well-being combines into the French art de vivre that flows through our 120 Sofitel addresses on five continents.”

“Revealed” by Sofitel will be on exhibit in the following hotels in China throughout the Autumn of 2015 at:

Sofitel Beijing Wanda – September 1, 2015 to September 20, 2015
Sofitel Shanghai Hyland – October 13, 2015 to November 2, 2015
Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich – November 13, 2015 to December 3, 2015

Travelore News: Shangri-la Hotels And Resorts Unveils Luxury Property In Historic Nanchang City

BEIJING, China - Shangri-La Hotel, Nanchang opened on 8 February in Honggutan, the new central business district ofNanchang city. Sited on the most sought-after location on the west bank of the Ganjiang River, the hotel has direct views of the magnificent 1,300-year-old Tengwang Pavilion, one of the four famous towers in China, and is a five-minute stroll from the popular Qiushui Square. Within 30 minutes' drive is the train station and Changbei International Airport.

Nanchang's rich art scene has been influential in the hotel's approach to its interior style with a mix of traditional Chinese ink paintings and blue and white porcelain on display in the public areas. Also incorporated in the open spaces are lotus emblems to honour Zhu Da – the city's most prominent calligrapher and painter from the Ming Dynasty – who rendered the flower in many of his artworks, plus a five-metre handcrafted chandelier that was inspired by the beauty of blooming flowers and adds visual intrigue in the lobby.

The hotel's 473 guestrooms and suites ranging from 45 to 149 square metres are modern in cool silvery and beige tones, and complement the Ganjiang River, which can be viewed through full-length windows.

Embellished with porcelain and patterns from traditional Chinese paintings on the carpet, the rooms are also practically equipped with in-room entertainment and free Wi-Fi. At dusk, the colourful sights ofAsia's largest music fountain at Quishui Square and the nightly light display from across the waterway can be seen.

Providing an exceptional standard of quality and service is the hotel's Horizon Club Lounge, where guests can appreciate extra privileges including express check-in and check-out, complimentary breakfast buffet and evening cocktails, and full concierge service. The private space, on level 32 of the hotel, was designed with commanding 180-degree vistas and an airy outdoor terrace.

Five dedicated levels of Club rooms are as sophisticated as they are spacious and easily accommodate a day bed and a walk-in wardrobe that lead into a luxurious marble bathroom.

Dining at the hotel is an opportunity to sample creations from talented chefs at the three restaurants and lounge. Cafe Hong, the all-day dining outlet, features five show-stopping open kitchens that vie for attention alongside an impressive two-metre high and eight-panel porcelain screen, and over-sized porcelain lamps in the customary blue and white colours. On the menu and lavish buffets are Asian, Chinese and Indian selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

One level above the cafe is Zi Yu Xuan, a Chinese restaurant specialising in classic Cantonese and Gan cuisines. ChefEric Yue uses the freshest ingredients to bring out the delicate flavours in his beautiful dishes that rival the river view from the restaurant. Private functions or special occasions can be hosted in eight separate dining rooms.

For informal meetings and get-togethers, the Lobby Lounge offers sweet and savoury options, as well as live entertainment.

The extensive recreational facilities at the hotel's health club cater to guests of all levels of fitness and practices. In addition to multi-purpose gym equipment, a 25-metre indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna room are a beauty salon and spa.

A total of 3,880 square metres of event space capable of holding 1,800 guests includes a 1,683-square-metre pillar-less grand ballroom that is attached to an expansive foyer with a river view. A junior ballroom and five other function rooms complete the hotel's meeting facilities.

Travelore News: Rosewood Beijing Opens

Rosewood Beijing opens, signaling the presence of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® ultra-luxury brand in Asia. The 283-room hotel, located at the core of Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD) of Chaoyang, opposite the iconic CCTV Tower, is a true reflection of Beijing, a city where ancient meets modern.

A Sense of Place® in Beijing
Rosewood Beijing brings to Asia the collection’s A Sense of Place® philosophy which was interpreted by the hotel’s designer, Stewart Robertson of BARstudio. The guest experience subliminally mirrors the ageless Chinese concept of journey and welcome: travelers arriving at imposing city gates and passing through fine gardens, engaging with hospitable hosts, before finally, as though symbolically ascending through a classic Chinese mountainscape, arriving at a private, relaxing retreat.