The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao’an by André Fu: A Tale of Two Cities

A dialogue between old-world glamour and contemporary refinement, where the Gilded Age intersects with Shenzhen’s urban velocity

A return trip to China had long remained an inner yearning. Gradually, a theme of architectural pilgrimage began to emerge around this homecoming, inextricably shaping every layer of the experience—where hotels remained at the core, hands down.

My hotel selections in China this time  encompassed a remarkably broad spectrum: from the Middle Eastern extravagance of Jumeirah, to the ethereal Oriental elegance of Park Hyatt, and even extending into the restrained minimalism of the eponymous MUJI Hotel. Yet among them all, The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao'an by André Fu rose to the pinnacle of the experience.

This review carries a twofold symbolism. First, it marks my inaugural review of a hotel located in mainland China. Second, it is a hotel conceived by one of my favourite interior architects, André Fu.

It was André Fu’s debut hotel project in mainland China, unveiled in 2024. Propelled by my innate affinity for hotel experiences and a personal gravitation towards his design language, I traversed half the hemisphere and ventured into uncharted territory.

I have long held this introspection: legacy brands carry an inherent gravitas and grandeur. Grounded in visionary minds, they endure through the passage of time, transcending generations while continuing to evolve toward the future. Among them, St. Regis stands as the epitome of a legacy brand.

Tracing its genesis feels like watching a monochromatic film—an American Renaissance—reverberating across more than a century. At its centre is Caroline Astor, whose iconic gatherings transformed private salons into stages of cultural luminosity, intellectual exchange, and artistic presence.

In 1904, her son John Jacob Astor IV, a visionary in his own right, introduced The St. Regis New York, establishing a hospitality legacy rooted in aspiration, refinement, and enduring vision. From its inception in New York to its contemporary evolution as a global lifestyle brand, St. Regis has continued to carry this distinctive heritage.

Yet the true challenge of legacy lies not merely in preservation, but in translation—how a century-old identity can find resonance within a new cultural and urban context. My intention is to trace the cultural dialogue and vernacular adaptation embedded within this project, viewed through the lens of a design and hotel enthusiast.

This is precisely where André Fu’s interpretation becomes fascinating. His visual and semantic response unfolds as a nuanced, layered concept—a “tale of two cities”—where New York’s timeless glamour vibrates against Shenzhen’s dynamic energy, producing a subtle yet palpable synergy.

In recent years, I have become increasingly attuned to the importance of contextual reading in architecture. I hold a simple conviction: just because one can build architecture does not mean it should be built anywhere—an ethos equally applicable to hotel establishment.

André Fu approaches design as a holistic and empathetic act. His philosophy of “relaxed luxury” reads as a personal signature, yet his cross-cultural influence reveals a broader emotional and intellectual bandwidth. Style and aesthetics do not emerge in a vacuum; they are shaped by a dialogue between interior experience and external context.

The moment I entered the lobby, I was greeted by an expansive commissioned artwork titled A Tale of Two Cities, which immediately elevated the arrival experience

An Arrival Experience: Ushering in A Tale of Two Cities

The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao’an is situated in close proximity to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, making it an ideal setting for both arrival and departure. Rising 51 stories above the city in the heart of the thriving Bao’an District, the hotel comprises 289 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, each framing breathtaking views spanning the city skyline and the bay. There is a well-known saying in the culinary world—A Michelin three-star restaurant offers a gastronomic journey so extraordinary that it becomes a destination in itself — one worth travelling for. I often find myself applying that same principle to hotel experiences.

Finally stepping out of the taxi and standing before the hotel, the building reads as a quintessential skyscraper—quietly composed, a vertical presence that sets a contemporary architectural tone. The moment I entered the lobby, I was greeted by an expansive commissioned artwork titled A Tale of Two Cities, which immediately elevated the arrival experience. It drew me into a dialogue between old-world glamour and contemporary luxury, as though stepping into a parallel world where the Gilded Age intersects with  urban velocity.

André Fu has often described his interest in crafting cinematic hotel experiences, and this is precisely what the mural achieves. Rather than depicting literal cityscapes, it abstracts skyline, memory, and metropolitan rhythm into a single atmospheric composition—a kind of architectural montage rather than illustration.

Scale and proportion are arguably the foremost attributes of memorable spatial space.  Yet beyond sheer dimensions, it is material intelligence that ultimately translates architecture into an emotional experience

The Sky Lobby: Celebration of Materiality

From that moment onwards, I was guided by hotel staff at every touchpoint of the journey. A elevator whisked me directly to the Sky Lobby, where a smooth and seamless check-in awaited. As the experiential arc unfolded, the journey culminated in its first crescendo—the hotel sky lobby.

It was the kind of spatial grandeur that cast an immediate and potent spell, both viscerally and existentially. Marble emerged as the undisputed protagonist, flowing continuously across walls, floors, soaring columns, and sculptural installations. Scale and proportion are arguably the foremost attributes of memorable spatial space. Yet beyond sheer dimensions, it is material intelligence that ultimately translates architecture into an emotional experience. Here, marble is woven into the very fabric of the hotel's being, inducing  a profound sense of awe within me.

Stone reigns supreme, expressing monumentality without becoming overwhelming or resorting to ostentation. Balanced against the gravitas of stone, accents of metal and steel introduce a contemporary precision, creating a dialogue between heritage and modernity. Together, these materials establish a spatial language that feels distinctly St. Regis: dignified, enduring, and quietly confident.

the sky lobby pavilion installation—evoking, at first glance, the silhouette of an Eastern garden pavilion—stands as a stroke of ingenuity in reinterpreting St. Regis identity within a new urban era

The Octagonal Pavilion: Recasting St. Regis Heritage

If brand integrity is retained through a rigorous practice of material honesty and authenticity, then the sky lobby pavilion installation—evoking, at first glance, the silhouette of an Eastern garden pavilion—stands as a stroke of ingenuity in reinterpreting St. Regis identity within a new urban era. Bronze-toned metalwork is articulated within octagonal pavilion. I find myself marvelling at its symmetry and geometry ; A sculptural evergreen tree embedded within the atrium tempers the composition’s monumentality and formality, introducing a profound sense of serenity and tranquillity. Its layered detailing,  strike me as reminiscent of theatrical drapery, operates as a commanding yet softened architectural presence that counterbalances the marble foundation throughout.

I conjures an opulent theatrical archive—golden glamour suspended a century ago—where cultural notables once gathered and ideas permeated the air. Now, that scenography is reimagined in a contemporary eastern context, set against a sweeping cityscape charged with relentless metropolitan energy. The world outside continues its implacable, unceasing motion—yet within, time briefly stands still.

Time may change, but St. Regis evening rituals and tradition persist in perpetuality—the art of sabrage, the hotel’s signature ceremonial gesture, recast against the backdrop of the octagonal pavilion. At 6pm, guests gather to witness the sparkling ritual of champagne opening, a moment of quiet spectacle and celebration.. I was fortunate to encounter it firsthand on the day I  checked in.

Within the sky lobby, the experience extends beyond the pavilion itself into an elegant salon setting — the Drawing Room

Within the sky lobby, the experience extends beyond the pavilion itself into an elegant salon setting — the Drawing Room — where the hotel's premium afternoon tea is served. Here, the pavilion’s language of heritage, theatricality, and refined materiality continues, enveloping guests in a spell of architectural grandeur and interior sophistication.

A striking chandelier descends from the lofty ceiling, its silhouette faintly reminiscent of a medieval candelabra, lending the room a subtle old-world Gothic character. Soaring marble columns rise with quiet confidence, interwoven with bronze-toned detailing that echoes theatrical drapery. Beneath, heritage-inspired parquet flooring introduces warmth and tactility, creating a rich symphony of textures that never ceases to allure its audiences.

Touches of mineral blue are thoughtfully embellished throughout the furnishings and artwork, injecting vibrancy and vitality into an otherwise monumental architectural container. The final elevating touch, the St. Regis signature scent, adds another sensory layer to a full-spectrum experience that transcends the merely visual realm.

If materiality commands authority and anchors the hotel's composed grandeur, what ultimately animates the architecture is light

André Fu’s Lighting: What Ultimately Animates the Space

If materiality commands authority and anchors the hotel's composed grandeur, what ultimately animates the architecture is light. André Fu's masterful orchestration of illumination further elevates the architectural structure into an emotional register, where spatial gravitas meets atmospheric radiance.

Throughout the public spaces, lighting unfolds in distinct forms and scales, yet remains united by a coherent visual language. Whether through wall sconces that softly graze stone surfaces or striking chandeliers suspended within the soaring lobby volume, André Fu's sensibility culminates in his signature lighting composition that casts a poetic and romantic glow throughout the architectural vessel.

Framed by sculptural bronze contours, each lighting fixture reveals an intricate expression of materiality—whether through alabaster stone that emits a soft, luxurious glow or ripple glass that casts a nostalgic shimmer. Together, these elements elevate illumination beyond mere functionality, transforming light into a warm, ethereal radiance, reminiscent of candlelight captured within bronze detailing.

Here, the fixture becomes a small moment of poetry, where craftsmanship, materiality, and light converge to evoke a sense of timeless hospitality. It also becomes an instrument of imagination, activating the individual's imagination while anthropomorphizing architecture into a vessel of narrative, memory, and emotion. Through this transformation, light softens monumentality, reveals texture, and imbues the interiors with a cinematic quality.

Each lighting installation is carefully integrated into a broader spatial vignette, creating moments that feel both mesmerising and emotionally evocative. As night descends, the experience reaches another register. Interior illumination becomes interwoven with the glittering cityscape beyond the glazing, blurring the boundary between architecture and skyline. The hotel enters an almost celestial state, where light, space, and urban spectacle converge into a singular atmospheric experience.

Rather than relying on a conventional hotel corridor, the journey unfolds through a sequence of residentially inspired lounge settings

The Art of Transition- Spatial Sequencing and Emotional Modulation

The sky lobby speaks to André Fu’s ability to craft architectural gravitas and interior grandeur, yet his design intelligence becomes equally evident in the transition towards the guest rooms. What appeals to me most is the designer’s mastery of spatial sequencing and sensitivity towards emotional modulation.

Rather than relying on a conventional hotel corridor, the journey unfolds through a sequence of residentially inspired lounge settings. Warm fireplaces, curated bookshelves, and full-height mirrors transform what could have been a purely utilitarian passage into an intimate spatial interlude. It feels less like traversing a hotel hallway and more like wandering through a carefully composed vignette, one that form into an integral part of a private residence. It even drew me back to this cozy corner later that night after dinner.

The selection of artwork strikes an immediate aesthetic chord. I found myself immersed in the stillness and gentleness of the space, where ambient lighting further softened the atmosphere. I felt compelled to explore the bookshelves, pulling out a volume and flipping through its pages while sinking into the sofa — a gesture quite uncommon for me in a communal space, yet one that felt entirely natural here.

The progression from the openness of the sky lobby to the intimacy of the guest quarters feels deliberate and measured, revealing an acute understanding of how architecture can shape human experience and how carefully considered objects can elicit emotion. This ability to translate spatial composition into emotional resonance is perhaps one of André Fu’s most distinctive strengths.

Yet this architectural choreography operates in reverse as well.

The following morning, as I retraced my steps towards the lobby, my gaze was suddenly drawn towards the horizon beyond the floor-to-ceiling glazing. The city skyline unfolded before me in a breathtaking panorama. One moment, I was immersed in the warmth and intimacy of a residential setting; the next, I was confronted by the vastness of Shenzhen’s bay vista.

The experience was nothing short of transcendent. The emotional contrast catapulted me to an unexpected peak, creating one of those rare moments when architecture, light, and city become inseparable. this was precisely the kind of energy one needs to begin the day.

The Guest Room: Where Luxury Breathes in Refined Ease

I was fortunate enough to receive an upgrade to a Deluxe Room.

It was an instantaneous falling in love with the room—a moment when the atmosphere, materiality, and spatial language aligned instinctively with my aesthetic sensibility. What André Fu describes as effortless yet distinctive was translated here through a subtle delineation between the bathroom and living space: a quiet equilibrium between aristocratic refinement and contemporary chicness, embodying the very elegant yet vibrant lifestyle vision I have long aspired toward.

The room design carries an inherent elegance and cohesive sophistication. Craftsmanship reigns supreme, woven into every detail—from the marquetry headboard and exquisite joinery to the hand-woven rugs and intricate metal screens. Nothing feels excessive; instead, there is a controlled layering of tactility, where the designer’s commitment to material honesty and integrity reveals itself through every texture and touch. From the central marble surface to the dark oak parquet flooring, and down to the meticulously crafted bronze-detailed hardware, every element—upholstery, metal, timber, and stone—has been carefully calibrated to exist within a harmonious visual field.

Lighting is handled with restraint and intelligence, achieving a precise atmospheric balance. I now realise that calibrating light is no small feat; it requires both expertise and a rare sensitivity. It is one of those emotional dimensions of design that I cannot be fully articulate, yet is intuitively felt and resonated.

Even the smallest décor objects and artwork selections exert a quiet but mighty influence on the space. I was especially drawn to the subtle green accents—woven into the veins and grains of the bathroom marble, and embellished in an array of curated objects such as the toilet tissue holder, teapot set plate, water kettle, even down to the bookmark and leather-bound menu. This repetition of green feels serendipitous, and as my favourite colour, each appearance cast potent joy in me.

The guest room reads as a carefully composed study in restrained luxury. What distinguishes André Fu’s work is not merely his mastery of composition, but his intimate understanding of human experience—his ability to capture beauty through both grand gestures and the quiet margins of everyday living, reflecting a rare empathy toward how individuals inhabit space.

A particular artwork on the wall—a 2020 sketch of the sky lobby by André Fu—held my attention for a long while

From Vision to Realisation: How Design Translates into Living Experience

If Upper House bathroom expresses how spatial modulation can evoke poetic transition, then the St. Regis bathroom captures something more immediately intimate—almost a fantasy of refined domesticity and residential warmth. The polished marble surface, the gentle infusion of green, and the enveloping ambience of the bathtub together create a space that invites stillness and decompression.

Cloud-like bedding also contributes to a state of indulgence and decadence. This experience is elevated by another St. Regis signature ritual: the personalised selection of sleep oil and curated bedding menu, transforming rest itself into a carefully designed sensory experience.

In that stillness, I experienced a rare sense of guilt-free slowness—sitting in the bath, pouring tea, and simply observing the designed world around me. Despite my naturally joyful disposition, I became acutely aware of how space, memory, and emotion intertwine, forming the essence of a hotel experience that continues to echo long after.

The designer’s mastery of craft, ultra-refined connoisseurship, and spatial choreography is undeniable. Yet I believe true impact lies beyond technique or visual spectacle. It requires the ability to illuminate something within the individual—to activate a deeper emotional response. This is why certain spaces resonate so profoundly: they speak through bodily sensation and emotional resonance rather than literal explanation.

A particular artwork on the wall—a 2020 sketch of the sky lobby by André Fu—held my attention for a long while. It felt like a window into André’s own process: the midnight oil burning, the disciplined yet bold pursuit of vision, and the transformation of ideas into built form—a storytelling of turning vision into reality, landing in a cinematic climax. In that moment, I was whisked into a lofty and aspirational space—one shaped by absolute conviction, research rigor, and devotion to making. A quiet sense of melancholy and inspiration penetrated me—certain that vision is not fulfilled yet, I regained a sense of resolution: a desire to pursue mastery relentlessly and implacably for the rest of my life, fueled by the designer’s unwavering commitment.

Here, I discovered a striking architectural moment—a spiral staircase linking the restaurant to the sky lobby

Architecture as an Unfolding Experience

After resting in the room, I felt renewed energy pulling me outward again. Not yet ready for bed, I decided to continue exploring the hotel. Dinner awaited at Yan Ting, one of the in-house restaurants, offering Guangzhou cuisine. Between Western steak and Cantonese flavours, I opted for the latter—a deviation from routine.

In my travel mindset, the gastronomic experience became an extension of architecture—another constructed moment of atmosphere and rhythm. I ordered a recommended dish that required slow cooking, and I felt no urgency at all. I did not mind the waiting. Yet I resisted the impulse to scroll during this precious idle moment, choosing instead to meander through the hotel, still loosely guided by my ongoing architectural pilgrimage.

The journey has not yet fully revealed itself—but it is already quietly unfolding.

Here, I discovered a striking architectural moment—a spiral staircase linking the restaurant to the sky lobby. Monumental yet refined, it asserts a sense of authority and rhythm during the day, while at night, it is bathed in soft, nostalgic illumination, intertwining with unparalleled nocturnal vistas beyond the glazing. Ascending and descending the staircase feels like stepping into a parallel dimension of time and space, where reminiscence begins and emotional echoes gradually unfold. The gentle gesture of choreographing a spatial sequence through stairs rather than lifts once again is a testament to the designer’s peerless sensibility—an intimate understanding of how movement through space can become an emotional experience.

Upon my stroll toward the staircase, my attention was naturally drawn toward the dining experience awaiting me. My thoughtfully prepared porridge had just arrived at the table, awakening my palate with its delicate yet sophisticated layers of texture and flavour. Over dinner, I found myself fully immersed in a moment of indulgence—one that nourished both body and mind. Ascending to the rooftop bar felt like a natural continuation of the evening’s rhythm, with award-winning cocktails and an unparalleled night vista unfolding above. As the outdoor breeze grew stronger, the transition indoors preserved the seamless flow of the experience, elevated further by live in-house singer performances—a setting that felt both intimate and relaxed, juxtaposed against the sweeping panorama beyond.

That night came full circle when I sank into bed with the aroma of sleep oil permeating the pillow. It was a night’s sleep that lived up to the St. Regis motto: make each day exquisite, sleep elegantly.

A calm, grounded, almost home-sanctuary atmosphere emerged, one that holds duality: soothing a soul driven by constant motion at night, while also fuelling a being striving for excellence by day

Beyond Design: Space Embodies the Duality Between Sanctuary and Aspiration

The next morning, after an exceptional breakfast, I returned to my room before checkout. In retrospect, it was remarkable how quickly I formed an emotional connection with the space—particularly as someone who is deeply sensitive to the nuances of space, atmosphere, and milieu.

Here, in the The St. Regis Shenzhen room, I experienced emotional congruity, which, for me, is a prerequisite for building intimacy with a place.

At night, I took a long and aromatic bath, played Mr. Sakamoto’s soundtrack through a Marshall speaker on my bedside table, and engaged in a series of unhurried activities that I often surrender to do when there is complete alignment with a space—what I associate with the feeling of being at home.

In the morning, my circadian rhythm naturally shifted into an optimal state of clarity and productivity. The room seemed to transform from a residential sanctuary into a nourishing container—one that stretched my capacity for creative work.

Here, I felt alignment across multiple dimensions: comfort, clarity, and uplift. A calm, grounded, almost home-sanctuary atmosphere emerged, one that holds duality: soothing a soul driven by constant motion at night, while also fuelling a being striving for excellence by day.

It is a profoundly human-centred experience, made possible through compassionate design. Layering opulent ornamentation or sumptuous materials alone cannot elicit such a sense of belonging or provoke such quiet aspiration. I find deep respect and admiration for the quality of thought underpinning the designer’s immaculate execution—the ability to shape perception, influence emotion, and quietly elevate the way one inhabits space.

A tote bag featuring André’s original sketch was gifted to me — a gesture that transcended the object itself, revealing a genuine understanding of a guest’s personal story( Left) ; The warmth of that lemon water, in its simplicity, remained unexpectedly memorable ( Right)

Hospitality — The Invisible Threads of Care

I would like to dedicate this final chapter to the St. Regis hospitality experience, and more specifically, its butler service—a defining feature that continues to anchor the St. Regis legacy. Beyond the architecture and interiors, the legendary butler service also became one of my stay highlights.

From my initial point of contact at the front desk to the concierge team, I was thoroughly guided through the full scope of butler services, including the 24-hour beverage offering, which I utilised twice during my stay: hot lemon water before bedtime.

I would not usually describe myself as someone who frequently requests services. Yet, within St. Regis, it felt entirely natural and intuitive. There is no sense of hesitation in asking, nor any feeling of intrusion. One does not necessarily need to drink lemon water at night—but when a promise of service is delivered with sincerity and care, it is woven into the fabric of an effortless and unique hotel experience, one that André Fu aspires to achieve. Each gesture forms a thread in a quiet tapestry of hospitality. The warmth of that lemon water, in its simplicity, remained unexpectedly memorable.

What also stood out was the hotel’s ability to respond to issues beyond expectation. Before sleep, I needed to complete some work, but encountered internet connection issues with my laptop despite stable mobile internet. I reported it without expecting much, especially given the late hour. Yet a staff member arrived promptly to assist, approaching the situation with calm professionalism and genuine attentiveness.

Although I was initially reluctant to “bother” anyone at night, every interaction I had with the team maintained the same composure—congenial, efficient, and quietly reassuring. When the issue persisted, I was advised to contact the IT department the following morning. The existence of a dedicated IT team itself already speaks to the operational depth behind the experience.

The next day, I followed up and was seamlessly connected to the IT hotline. The issue was resolved without friction. What struck me was not only the efficiency of the resolution, but the scope of the service ecosystem itself—precise, layered, and responsive.

At its core, each interaction reflected a simple yet powerful dynamic: hospitality grounded in mutual ease. The service provider operates with quiet pride and confidence, while the guest remains unguarded, able to seek assistance without hesitation. In this space, service becomes a human exchange—organic, respectful, and unforced.

The butler service at The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao'an fully lives up to its pedigree of attentiveness, benevolence, and accountability. Whether fulfilling a simple request for hot lemon water before bedtime or resolving a technical issue that extended beyond conventional hospitality duties, every interaction was handled with professionalism, warmth, and genuine care.

By the time of checkout, I was guided by a staff member who handled my departure with the same ease and graciousness that had characterised my arrival. During our conversation, I shared my impressions of the stay—the breathtaking views, André Fu's masterful design, and the exceptional dining experiences. With a touch of extra enthusiasm, I spoke about the sketch drawing by André Fu displayed in my room, a piece that had captivated me throughout my stay.

As our conversation drew to a close, we found ourselves once again standing before A Tale of Two Cities in the lobby, completing a full-circle moment. Just as I was about to leave, he hurried after me and presented a thoughtful gift: a tote bag featuring the very same sketch that had lingered so vividly in my memory, accompanied by a St. Regis luggage tag.

Having heard how deeply the drawing resonated with me, he recalled that the hotel had produced a tote bag featuring the artwork. The gesture felt immensely thoughtful rather than procedural. Words can scarcely express the joy I felt in that moment. It transcended the meaning of a conventional gift; it was a gift selected and offered through a genuine understanding of a guest's personal story.

To me, this defines the essence of meaningful hospitality: when a guest's narrative is not merely acknowledged, but embraced and extended beyond the stay itself. What I value most has always been genuine exchange—whether intellectual, emotional, or human. Here, The St. Regis delivered precisely that.

And so, my experience arrived at a full-circle conclusion—or perhaps not quite a conclusion. There are still experiences left unexplored. I have yet to try the legendary Bloody Mary, the signature cocktail synonymous with the St. Regis name. I have yet to experience the signature spa, and there remain restaurants and experiences waiting to be discovered. A single night was hardly enough to immerse myself in every facet of the property.

Perhaps that is why departure did not feel like an ending. Instead, it felt like the beginning of a future return.

Until next time, St. Regis Shenzhen Bao'an.