The name of Banyan Tree’s first “urban resort” in China, Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund (19 Gongping Lu; 86-21/  2509-1188; banyantree.com; doubles from US$480), is a bit of stretch: the riverside property is not located on the historic Bund, but in the up-and-coming North Bund area about 10 minutes’ drive downstream. The vantage, however, yields views of the meandering Huangpu River, framed by Neoclassical, Art Deco, and Beaux-Arts facades on one side and neon-lit towers on the other. It’s particularly magical at night. All 130 rooms have river views, but request one with a number ending in 10 through 18, which are oriented toward the Bund (and away from construction sites). Wafting aromatherapy scents, a three-story Banyan Tree Spa, and large subterranean swimming pools add to the resort feel, as do window-side soaking tubs. The best of these are found in the Panorama Oasis rooms: three-meter-long heated dipping pools set into the window ledge. It’s the perfect place to soak up the Shanghai vistas. –Amy Fabris-Shi

Originally appeared in the December 2012/January 2013 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Banyan Days”)