Above the clouds: inside Rosewood Guangzhou’s sky-high sanctuary

Rising within Guangzhou’s tallest tower, Rosewood Guangzhou occupies the upper floors of the CTF Finance Centre and marries soaring views with refined design, Michelin dining and elevated wellness

Perched on the top 39 floors of the 108-storey CTC Finance Centre, the Rosewood Guangzhou is the highest five-star hotel in southern China, and in one of the world’s tallest buildings. It’s a hotel defined by understated elegance, and this is apparent the moment I arrive. Smiling staff open the gargantuan vermilion wooden doors, whisking me past a cheery concierge desk and into a lift that soars to the 95th floor reception. Within minutes, I have my room key and am escorted to my 101st floor room, where a crystal decanter with a welcome cocktail awaits, along with three salmon canapes topped with caviar.

In the room

With floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the glittering IFC Tower, bedazzling city skyscrapers and beyond to the pretty Pearl River, I’m tempted to lay in my Deluxe King Room bed with the blinds open all night. Instead, I am seduced to sleep by one of the most comfortable mattresses I have ever experienced in almost 40 years of international travel. I do, however, grapple with the flat, European-style duck down pillows, which require wonton-style folding to maintain shape – but it’s a small price to pay. 

Despite being billed as a room, the expansive space feels more like a suite with a hallway leading to a small table and stool, a walk-in wardrobe and an elegant bathroom with Japanese-style toilet, shower and freestanding bath. The spacious bedroom spans some 40 square metres, with a corner chair and desk – where I can imagine writing long letters with the supplied calligraphy pen –  and a purple kidney-shaped chaise, ideal for lounging and watching a late afternoon thunderstorm roll in over the city.

An artful stay

There are more than 600 pieces of art dotted around this heavenly hotel, making it an attraction in its own right. Head to the Sky Lobby on the 95th floor to view the curvaceous sculpture dedicated to balance, something this elegant establishment seemingly manages with grace and ease.

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Wining and dining

At the Rosewood’s luscious Lingan House, which has held onto its Michelin-star status since the hotel opened in 2019, I settle into a Cantonese meal created under the stewardship of one of China’s most celebrated chefs, Bill Feng. Surrounded by earthy timber tones, with a roast duck hanging like laundry neaby, I feast on braised oyster with eggplant and preserved vegetables; sea whelk with black truffle; and the surprisingly simple fresh shrimp with angel hair noodles with Sichuan pepper, the delicate spice of which makes my lips tingle. Lingnan House also offers private dining garden villas and rooms with giant round tables, bars and separate lounge rooms.

This hotel punches above its weight with another six dining options on offer including the Patina European Brasserie & Terrace with its eye-watering breakfast buffet and dim sums galore; The Butterfly Room, whose afternoon tea is served with a side of sunset and a view of Canton Tower; and the Japanese-inspired Black Iron, whose cheeky cocktail of the same name is a satisfying punctuation mark on the evening when the Too High sky bar is closed. For more casual cuisine, head to The Butterfly Patisserie or Brick Lane, for fancy pub grub.

Spa time

Set over two levels on the 93rd and 94th floors, Asaya Active sports a classy concierge desk that sets the tone: inside I find a 25-metre swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre. I book into a private yoga session with an English-speaking instructor (which I’m told is rare here), but despite being  told it would be a “gentle flow” class, it turns out to be a little more active than I would have liked (particularly straight after my Michelin feast) – and with nowhere to hide in a class for one, I ask the teacher for some simple meditation instead. There’s also a kitchen and private relaxation pods in Asaya Active, and you can enjoy spa treatments and classes such as Tibetan Singing Bowl meditation.

Inside secrets

When The Rosewood Guangzhou first opened, it boasted the fastest elevators in the world, travelling at 21 metres a second, a dizzying metaphor for this hotel’s meteoric rise. Today, this ride has been slowed down to 10 metres a second, and pays homage to the respite it is trying to create from the city’s bustle.

Out and about

With its location in the heart of the swanky Tianhe District, you’re surrounded by luxury brands and big shopping experiences, including the K11 Art Mall which you can access directly via a discreet door on the Rosewood Guangzhou’s ground floor. This “artsy” looking mall is home to galleries, sculptures, and plenty of shops and eateries.

A short drive away you’ll find the acclaimed Takhoo Hui with its Who’s Who of luxe including Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Givency, Tiffany & Co, Dior…the list goes on. And if you’re still hungry for more Michelin meals, you’ll find them here in the likes of the one-star Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine.

Shopping aside, the 600-metre-tall Canton Tower is about 5 minutes by car from the hotel or those seeking a more sedate sensory experience might opt for a 10-minute walk to the Pearl River along which multiple tourist boats operate both day and night.

In Mandarin, Tianhe means “Harmony of the Heavens” or “River of Heaven” and a stay at the elevated Rosewood Guangzhou is indeed heavenly, in every sense of the word.

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