Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou, China

The third largest city in China, Guangzhou is a sprawling metropolis of construction work and adrenaline, with new skyscrapers continually adding to the city’s heaving skyline. Amongst these towers in the city’s growing Tianhe District, the much-anticipated Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou has just opened its doors.

And while the city’s 13 or so million inhabitants elbow their way through the chaos outside, New York-based Tony Chi & Associates have created an urban sanctuary inside, with chic, understated interiors. In the 263 guest rooms, walnut and leather furnishings in a low-key, masculine palette of smokey greys and biscuit tones are enhanced by subtle, considered lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows, while the public spaces are flecked with bold artwork that reflects both the country’s history and its growing modern identity.

Located above TaiKoo Hui, a luxury shopping centre, there is plenty to keep you occupied, but a visit to the quiet confines of the spa, followed by a bite to eat in Jiang by Chef Fei, certainly wouldn’t go amiss.