GHM develops historic Chinese portfolio
Luxury hotel management company, GHM, has signed a new deal to expand its portfolio in China.
The company’s new Chinese subsidiary, Ahn Luh Resorts & Residences, has penned management contracts for two traditionally-styled upscale hotels in Shanghai and Zhejiang province.
First to open in autumn 2014 will be the Ahn Luh Lanting – a 99-room development incorporated into 35 heritage houses in Shaoxing, 30 minutes from Hangzhou. The hotel will feature authentic Chinese restaurants, a library, meeting area, medical centre, spa and a tai chi facility.
Then in spring 2015, the Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao will open in a historic Shanghai suburb. The property will consist of 35 villas built in a traditional Chinese style plus a museum, restaurants, a library, meeting space, and spa and tai chi centre.
“Shaoxing and Zhujiajiao are both ancient river towns with arched stone bridges [and] a warren of canals. Ahn Luh Lanting in Shaoxing will feature historic Hui-style homes that date back as far as the 1600s while the Zhujiajiao project aims to reflect the rich cultural traditions of this ancient water town,” said Akira Moreno, Ahn Luh’s CEO. “In line with the company’s vision and brand philosophy, the environment and setting will strongly influence the design of each hotel.”
The two hotels are owned by the Qinsen Group, whose chairman, Qin Tongqian, has been collecting historic Chinese artwork and antiques for the last two decades. Part of his collection of art, furniture and stone carvings will be showcased in the two hotels.
“Through the plans and designs for Ahn Luh Lanting, we see the soul of what we had envisioned for the Ahn Luh brand,” said Adrian Zecha, co-founder of GHM. “This is definitely what everyone is eagerly awaiting to see as well.”
Ahn Luh was founded by May 2012 as a joint venture between GHM, the Beijing Tourism Group and China-based Great Ocean Group. It is also currently developing properties in Beijing, Tibet and Sichuan province.