Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, the Asia-based luxury hotel group, has signed a 30-year lease agreement for a new-build development at London Bridge Tower, UK.

Due to open in 2009, this marks the first European hotel for Shangri-La, and is, says the group, the first new-build, five-star hotel in central London for more than a decade.

The 195-room hotel will occupy 18 floors (from 34 to 52) of the 70-storey ‘Shard of Glass’ building, as London Bridge Tower has become known.

At 1,016ft (310m), the building, which is situated on the south bank of the Thames, is claimed to be the tallest in Europe. It has been designed by award-winning architect Renzo Piano.

The hotel will also feature Europe’s first Chi spa, Shangri-La’s signature wellness brand.

Located on the 52nd floor, the spa will cover 6,030sq ft (560sq m). Ian Brewis, director of spa development at Shangri-La, says the spacious private spa suites will be among the largest in the city, creating a ‘spa within a spa’ atmosphere.

Other facilities will include an indoor infinity swimming pool and a fully equipped fitness centre affording panoramic views of the London skyline, as well as a whirlpool, steamroom and sauna.

“With the City of London minutes away, and Canary Wharf easily accessible, the location is ideal for the business traveller,” said Brewis. “It will also be a convenient base for leisure travellers to explore London, because it is situated so close to key tourist attractions.”

Additional facilities at the Shard of Glass include shops, offices, restaurants, residential accommodation and public viewing galleries. Planning consent for the development was obtained in November 2003, by the Sellar Property Group, acting on behalf of property investment group Teighmore.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently manages 46 hotels and has a further 20 under development, predominantly in the Asia-Pacific region. Shangri-La opened its first Chi spa at its Bangkok hotel in July 2004.

There are two more in the Philippines and China and plans to develop 26 more, including the one in London. Details: www.shangri-la.com

See also Spa Business 2006,Q2: The Race For London p21

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