Hunan Province welcomes first international five-Star "city resort"

SINGAPORE - Famed interior design firm Wilson Associates sets a luxury benchmark in the Hunan Province with the new InterContinental Changsha. Set along the Xiangjiang River in the posh North Star Delta, this hospitality pioneer is sure to become the epicentre of Changsha's culinary and nightlife scene.

"We set out to design the future of luxury in mainland China by referencing the region's rich history," said Leonard Lee, Senior Vice President, Principal of Wilson Associates. "The entire property, while incredibly contemporary, is laced with subtle references to Changsha's bronze culture, the strength and unity of her people, and the Old World glamour of her past."

Boasting seven international restaurants and bars, the InterContinental Changsha offers guests a first class culinary world tour. The three specialty dining venues tell the story of a wealthy merchant and his wife. Xiang Show Hunan Restaurant, with its refined masculine aesthetic, is the merchant's villa. Exposed brick walls juxtapose intricate lattice work and gold detailing, creating a venue full of depth and history. Right down the hall is Obelisco Argentinean Steakhouse. This luxe tavern, with its wood beam ceiling, extensive wine cellar and open-fire kitchen, is an intimate dwelling where the wealthy merchant sends his friends for a taste of the western hemisphere. Zhi Wei Xuan Chinese Restaurant, located on the 3rd and 4th floors of the InterContinental Changsha, is a distinctly feminine venue designed from the perspective of the merchant's wife. Sky 27 Bar, strategically located on the 27th floor, has an outdoor wrap-around drink balcony that offers panoramic views of the river and cityscape. Designed like an upscale whiskey lounge, it is sure to become the epicentre of Changsha nightlife, appealing to both leisure and business guests.

"Everything we design, whether it's pub grub or gourmet cuisine, starts with a story," said Dennis Tan, Design Director of Wilson Associates' Blueplate Studios. "We created a design narrative broad and layered enough to offer guests a taste of the world within one hotel."

The InterContinental Changhsa also showcases a custom piece de resistance that floats atop the five-story atrium. This LASVIT-designed crystalline installation weighs 3,000 kg and single-handedly turns the atrium into an art exhibition.

"Its prismatic natures is transfixing," said Lee. "I can already see it becoming one of Changsha's main attractions."

The InterContinental Changsha houses 391 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms and 11 suites where space is the ultimate luxury. The city resort also includes a grand ballroom, junior ballrooms, wedding centre, business centre, full spa with an indoor swimming pool and rooftop garden, executive lounge and high-end retail.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia