SHANGHAI, China, Sept. 4, 2012 -- Like the confident, youthful and energetic area it calls home, and the metropolis that surrounds it, the new Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai joins high-powered business and glamorous style in an exclusive enclave where guests can work and play, live and stay.

"Pudong literally did not exist twenty years ago – its rapid ascension to the pinnacle of Shanghai's business and cultural life illustrates the spirit that drives the city's success and ambitions for the future," says Regional Vice President and General Manager Rainer Stampfer. "It's this energy, this sense of possibility, that we have sought to capture at our new Four Seasons – a place where people can be inspired by the city's past and future, further their own ambitions, and enjoy life to its fullest."

"It's a day of celebration when a new Four Seasons hotel opens its doors to the public for the first time," says Stampfer. "We want to share our joy and give our guests the opportunity to try everything we have to offer."

Centrally located in Pudong's Lujiazhui business district in the newly-built 55-story 21st Century Tower – locally known as the "jewel box" - Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai rises above the urban melee with art-filled interiors that are inspired by Shanghai's Golden Age during the 1920s and 30s Art Deco period. The Hotel features 187 rooms and suites, fabulous options for dining and drinking, an exclusive spa and health club, and what are already becoming some of the city's most popular event spaces.

Travelling in Four Seasons Style

A Four Seasons experience can begin before guests even arrive at the Hotel. Those booking transfer services will be greeted at the airport or train station and shown to their choice of a Mercedes-Benz or Bentley that is filled with thoughtful amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, iPads loaded with programs for adults and children, chilled water and towels, and copies of Four Seasons magazine. Business travellers will appreciate time spent efficiently, and families will be grateful for a choice of car seats suited to the age and size of their children.

Upon arrival, many guests head straight to the concierge desk for suggestions in the city, or to confirm plans made in advance. Leading the concierge team is ten-year Four Seasons veteran and Shanghai native Tristan Huang, who was most recently in Macau. "Shanghai is such a vibrant city that many guests want to try and see and do it all," he says. "This month is the Shanghai Tourism Festival featuring a Mardi Gras-style parade and other festivities, and September is also when the streets of Shanghai are perfumed with osmanthus – you can even buy cakes from street vendors flavoured with the flower. Also not to be missed is the Shanghai International Arts Festival running October through March, and the JZ Music Festival in late October."

For guests who prefer to stay in, the Hotel's food and beverage team surprises guests with something special in their room. Director of Food and Beverage Andy Wong explains: "All guest rooms and suites have a residential-style private bar that includes all the ingredients to make our signature cocktails – or to play mixologist and come up with their own original drink. And, we're offering the new Four Seasons 15-minute room service menu for those in a hurry."

Also in each of the rooms and suites: fresh flowers, bespoke Lorenzo Villoresi bath products from Italy, an Illy coffee machine, and of course the signature Four Seasons bed. Director of Housekeeping Juven Yu's insider tip: "Try to book one of the Premier or Deluxe Pearl View Rooms, which offer the clearest views of Pudong's fantastical urban landscape – including the famous Oriental Pearl Tower, and The Bund across the river."

Shanghai's Newest Culinary Destinations: Camelia and Shang-Xi

Whether in town for a few days of work or play, or a local resident meeting colleagues and friends for dining and drinks, Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai offers a variety of enticing options.

For the city's most sophisticated dining experience, Executive Chef Weimar Gomez recommends heading upstairs to Shang-xi. Along with its intimate main dining room, the restaurant actually accommodates up to 50 more behind the discreet doors of five private dining rooms. Each is named for a precious gemstone that inspires its sumptuous decor – Pearl, Amber, Purple Jade, Agate and Jade.

Showcasing the very best modern and traditional Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisine in a la carte and dim sum menus, the high style restaurant is the place for those who appreciate the finest ingredients prepared to perfection – whether an intimate dinner with friends, or a private business meeting or celebration in one of the private dining rooms.

On the first floor, Camelia beckons guests from the busy streets of the Lujiazhui financial district. In addition to inside seating, guests preferring to dine in the open air will find additional seating outdoors. "The terrace is a wonderful place to indulge in traditional Afternoon Tea featuring Pastry Chef Nicolas Maugard's sweet creations, or to enjoy a spirited evening under the stars and city lights with friends or associates," says Assistant Food and Beverage Director Reza Jafari.

Camelia also features a wine bar and lounge. Sommelier Ying Guo has been shopping the world to stock the wine cellar, and guests can expect to hear the sounds of corks popping accentuating the restaurant's contemporary soundtrack thanks to the enviable list of Champagnes, including the city's best selection of Salon Champagnes. Not to be outdone, bartenders George and Ferry will expertly pour the world's best scotches, bourbons and ryes as well and other spirits, or offer their exclusive creation, the Camelia Whisper, a delightful libation of dry sparkling wine, gin, sugar and lemon juice.

The all-day menus at Camelia are cooked by Executive Chef Weimar Gomez and Restaurant Chef Benjamin Brial, who both hail from the two Michelin star restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris. In addition, an encyclopaedic selection of Japanese nigiri, maki rolls and sashimi prepared by Kyoto master chef Takizawa are offered.

GUERLAIN at FLARE Spa at Four Seasons

There's great news for residents and visitors to the city as Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai and renowned French beauty and skincare brand GUERLAIN partner to offer a menu of exquisite facial and body treatments at FLARE Spa.

"We are thrilled to bring guests the benefit of GUERLAIN's extensive research and experience combined with personalized Four Seasons service in the intimate setting of FLARE Spa," says Martin Hilton, senior director of spas, Asia Pacific for Four Seasons, noting that GUERLAIN's signature Orchidee Imperiale Facial will headline FLARE Spa's extensive menu of treatments.

The intimate FLARE Spa, which includes two luxurious VIP suites among its six treatment rooms, is complimented by a 24-hour fitness studio and an 18 metre (59 foot) indoor lap pool with skyline views.

Wedding Bells Are Ringing at Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai

In the weeks and months leading up to the Hotel's opening, one person's phone was ringing constantly. "We've already booked a substantial number of weddings in 2012 and 2013," says Director of Catering Camellia Liu. "Site unseen, the reputation of Four Seasons in Shanghai and around the world has assured bridal couples that this is the perfect place to celebrate the beginning of their lives together."

The biggest selling point? Exclusivity and the Hotel's glamorous Art Deco style. "Our ballroom is ideally sized for about 20 tables, so couples planning more intimate receptions are pleased to have the place to themselves, rather than sharing their important day with another party on the other side of a partition," notes Liu.

Doing Business at Four Seasons

For those doing business in Pudong, Four Seasons offers 800 square metres (8,611 square feet) of meeting space, including four salons and a boardroom in addition to the ballroom, plus six private dining rooms in the restaurants. Individual business travellers will find a home in the 35th floor Executive Club, offering a gracious setting for breakfast and light fare throughout the day, a private boardroom and a dedicated concierge.

Four Seasons in China

Meaning "upon the sea" in Chinese, Shanghai is the country's largest city by population and the busiest container port in the world. An important global centre of commerce, culture, fashion, technology and finance, Shanghai has attracted international business and tourism since the port was first opened to trade in the 19th century.

Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai is the second Four Seasons in the city, and the second of three Four Seasons openings in China this year. Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou opened in July, and Four Seasons Hotel Beijing is scheduled to open in September.

Ten years ago, the company's strategic expansion into China began with its first location, Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai in the historic Puxi district just steps from the French Concession, and was soon followed with hotels in Hong Kong, Macau and Hangzhou. A dozen additional Four Seasons hotels and resorts are currently in advanced stages of development in China, including the first property in Shenzhen, scheduled to open in 2013.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees - people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. With 90 properties in 36 countries, and more than 50 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more information on Four Seasons, visit http://press.fourseasons.com.