Life update: I have been in China for three weeks – my Mandarin proficiency is shaky at best, most of my time is spent finding matcha ice cream and I am having major skin breakouts because of the pollution.
On a brighter note, I’ve met amazing people, had the most mouthwatering banquet meals that come at a cost of no more than a fiver and most importantly, I have been invited by the Shangri-La Qingdao for a luxurious weekend stay as I have been appointed as their new Digital Influencer. With 95 resorts globally, and an extravagant reputation of having an unimpeachable standard of excellence in hospitality, this is a huge opportunity for me! #PINCHMENOW!
The day kicks off with the lovely Mr.Lu Chu picking me up from work. After a 15 minute drive and a few new Mandarin words under my belt, we arrived outside the Valley Wing. The Valley Wing is the Shangri-La’s brand new, exclusive landmark in Qingdao and prides itself on its spacious lodging. You can expect a higher level of service at the Valley Wing than the City Wing, with all rooms exquisitely designed to offer all the modern conveniences that a traveler would desire. Some of the privileges include fresh fruit delivered to your room daily, suit pressing and shoeshine services, beverages served all day at the Valley Wing Lounge and evening cocktails with canapés, meeting rooms for 2 hours daily as well as Concierge services.
I was welcomed by the General Manager Susanna Li and her team of colleagues in what I believe was the most beautiful hotel lobby I had seen in Qingdao.
Photograph taken at Check-in
Photograph of the Valley Wing Lobby
Following a swift check in, formalities over, and a personal tour of the hotel, I was escorted to my room on the 17th floor. Each Valley Wing Premier Room offers 581 sqf of sheer luxury. I had a great view of the tranquil sea and was happy with all the amenities and personal gifts provided. What stood out to me was the fact that the manager ensured that the room was equipped with a prayer mat, a Quran and a compass. I’ve collaborated with many hotels, and I am yet to find one that has been that attentive.
Photograph of Premier Room Suite
Photograph of a photograph…
Following a hectic week, I couldn’t wait to unwind in the hotel spa ‘Chi’. The Spa became my personal sanctuary where I spent most of my time being pampered by various holistic treatments based on time-honored methods shared by many Asian cultures. It hit 7pm, and I WAS IN ANOTHER WORLD! To begin, a bath was prepared for me with rose petals. Following a 20-minute soak, I was given a foot massage with Qingdao beer oils, and then a 50-minute full body deep tissue massage. I felt so relaxed and revitalised.
Photograph taken at Chi Spa
Photograph taken at Chi Spa
Due to how bad my skin got because of the pollution in China, I took advantage of the sauna and steam room to clean out my pores and release all the bad toxins that had built up. Additionally, the fitness centre and indoor swimming pool all of which open at 6am and close at 11pm were fantastic. However, while travelling to China, be sure to be aware of the culture difference. Some guests were deeply offended that I wasn’t butt naked in the spa. YES, I WAS SURPRISED TOO! I had a woman tugging at my swim suit saying “take off”. Completely baffled, I later understood that its a tradition to be bare all…to cleanse all. However, it is worth noting that the staff completely championed the cultural difference and made me feel at ease, despite some really evil looks lol.
Photograph of the pool
Post spa treatments, I slept like a baby! The next morning, I woke up at 9am and was keen to check out the breakfast. For residents of the Valley Wing, breakfast is served every day from 7am-10am in the Valley Wing Lounge. Situated on the 18th floor, the panoramic views of Qingdao were insane! They have a wide selection of options to suit all needs. While there is a buffet breakfast option, I opted for vegetables omelets, pancakes and egg royales with a loyal bowl of coco pops every morning from the ala carte menu.
Photograph of breakfast offered in the Valley Wing
Photograph of ala carte breakfast options
Following breakfast, I went to play Tennis with the surrounded by reflective sky scrapers. Coming back to the room, I enjoyed eating my fruit overlooking the distance giving me time to reflect on life’s endless blessings. In the evening, I was invited to a dinner in a private room in the Flying Catch Restaurant that serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine. I had the Greek inspired marinated tunna tartar and watermelon. Following dinner I had drinks at Q Bar and had the best time with live entertainment.
Had to add a cheeky one…
Photograph from Valley Wing View
I’m really looking forward to sharing my other experiences from China with you all! It was a rollercoaster two months and feel so thankful that I spent two months there, to have such an amazing opportunity, and Susanna Li that recognised my work and set up a collaboration that I will never forget!
HS xo