Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong’s Brand-New Suite Brings Luck And Wealth

There are more than 90 Shangri-La hotels in the world, but only a select few carry a unique name—and when they do, they are destinations worth experiencing on their own. The Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong is one of them, built in 1991 as a bridge between China and the international capital. This is a hotel that was primarily designed to attract top executives, diplomats, and ultra-wealthy families—simply being another luxury hotel wasn’t enough; it had to be the best of the best.

With a name derived from a James Hilton fictional novel, Shangri-La is inherently whimsical. One of Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong’s most stunning features is the iconic Great Motherland of China mural, the world’s largest indoor silk painting, crafted by a total of 40 artists and depicting China’s landscapes.

In recent years, the hotel has undergone a substantial transformation, introducing modern upgrades with fun surprises, such as its famed family-themed suites, offering adventures into outer space or underwater realms. Alongside the refresh of all other guest rooms, the hotel’s latest addition features the debut of its brand-new Hong Kong Suite.

Even with multiple Shangri-La properties in the city, there exists only one Hong Kong Suite (from HK$60,000 per night). At 1,399 sq ft, the suite offers a spacious living room, a formal dining area, a bedroom with a luxurious dressing chamber, a well-equipped pantry, a mini bar, a master bathroom, and a powder room. There’s an undeniable wow factor the moment the doors swing open. The sheer spaciousness feels wonderfully free, especially in a city known for its compact living. If you happen to arrive during sunset hours, you’d be greeted by a suite bathed in golden light and the most breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour.

Blessings are sure to follow, with Feng Shui guiding the design of the suite. The living area represents the sea, a reflection of the harbour beyond, as flowing water encourages the flow of wealth and good fortune. A striking full-wall mural takes you back in time, presenting Hong Kong’s origins as a 19th-century fishing village. The city’s maritime past is also captured in smaller-scale artworks, such as the charming paintings of traditional Hong Kong sampans, acquired from Christie’s auction house.

In the bedroom, greenery and botanicals adorn the space as the scene shifts to the mountains. Another stunning mural draws you in, this time inspired by the beauty of Victoria Peak and the Botanical Gardens. The mountain theme also extends to the dressing room, with textured wallpaper of Chinese clouds and pines that symbolise prosperity and longevity.

Each room continues revealing more surprises. As you step into the bathroom, the round marble bathtub is an absolute stunner, with a golden ceiling to match. Its backdrop is another remarkable piece of art, crafted with hand-cut mosaics to unveil a wall of magnolias, once reserved only for Chinese emperors. Don’t miss the chance to have your dedicated butler draw a bath for you to revel in the glow of King Midas’ magic.

Hard as it is to leave the suite, the hotel’s newly refreshed spaces offer experiences that are worth stepping out to explore. Among its seven restaurants, Ming Pavilion is Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong’s latest dining destination and is a beautiful spot for brunch. As a nod to the founder, the restaurant showcases the authentic Hokkien flavours of the Kuok family’s roots, where each dish tastes as good as it looks—particularly the Minnan-style steamed fish.

After a feast at Ming Pavilion, Yun Wellness—the hotel’s new wellness concept—is just steps away, ready to revitalise and refresh. Rather than retreating into private rooms, the spa here embraces a community atmosphere, where personal treatments are followed by unhurried chats in the infrared sauna and post-treatment tea. If the mood strikes, the city is yours to explore; if not, you can always unwind back in the comfort of the Hong Kong Suite.

Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong