There have been lots of changes in Shanghai during the past year, especially at the city’s design-savvy, 193-room and 36-suite The PuLi Hotel and Spa in the Jing’an district. Paris-born Executive Chef Ugo Rinaldo joined the hotel at the end of 2021, and the on-site restaurant Phenix was once again awarded a Michelin star in the prestigious Michelin Guide Shanghai 2023 edition for the seventh consecutive year.

Phenix © The PuLi Hotel and Spa

Rooted in the philosophy of modern French cuisine, Chef Ugo’s masterful and innovative culinary creations, layered with the finest and freshest array of premium ingredients and cooking techniques, presents the richness of flavors reimagined with an elegant twist. For an immersive culinary experience, the restaurant offers a specially curated wine list, which received “3 glasses” recognition by China Wine List of the Year 2022.

One of the signature dishes of French cuisine in the Phenix is Le Pigeon. As the name suggests, it has pigeon, foie gras, salsify and shiso. It is highly praised by customers and recommended by the chef.

“The pigeon is a local product cooked in a French style that is used for foie gras,” said Chef Ugo.  “Then we have a Chinese sweet plum sauce, very similar to a French sweet plum. There is really a cohesion between what people will expect in a French restaurant but putting in local ingredients.”

The PuLi offers a nice change of pace from the over-the-top luxury offerings in other areas of Shanghai. Kume Sekkei Japan and Layan Design Group designed the interiors with handcrafted decorations such as silk wall coverings and porcelain vases.

© The PuLi Hotel and Spa

The Puli offers guests special 2023 promotions through Dec. 31, including the Stay Longer Promotion for two nights or more with 10 percent off the daily room charge. A similar promotion offers 15 percent off hotel daily room charge for guests staying three consecutive nights. Room rates for May at The PuLi Hotel & Spa begin at $319 per night. Rates include a stocked minibar; WiFi; and unlimited use of the Health Club’s sauna, steam room and indoor infinity pool.

A few steps from The PuLi is Réel Mall, a contemporary iconic department store located within the same multiuse development as Park Place. Coming into a new era last year with its 10^th anniversary, hotel guests can step into the ultimate beauty destination with an exclusive selection of makeup, skincare and fragrance brands on floor B1.

© The PuLi Hotel and Spa

From beauty product A-listers including Helena Rubinstein, L’Oreal’s YSL Beauty and Lancôme to niche favorites such as Hourglass, Baum, Matiere Premiere and Prada Fragrance, the brand’s first Asia Pacific flagship store, Reel Mall has lots to offer. Assemble launched its new fashion retail store on floor 1F. With unique taste and contemporary foresight, Assemble offers a select international designer brand list to fashion companies such as Khaite, JW Anderson, Jacquemus and Jil Sander. Réel Mall has curated an immersive space that has become a must-stop for The PuLi visitors, as it lies within steps of the hotel.