The Luxe List 2015: The Temple House, Chengdu, China

Chengdu’s Daci Temple provides a stunning contrast at Taikoo Li—a millennium-old shrine now surrounded by an outdoor mall dedicated to Gucci, Zara, Apple, and other icons of modern consumption. The restored temple is the centerpiece of a Swire renovation bigger than its landmark Sanlitun project of the same name in Beijing. While the latter spawned the ultra-modern Opposite House hotel in 2008, this development boasts the equally impressive Temple House. Designed by Make Architects (whose founder, Ken Shuttleworth, was formerly with Foster and Partners), the 100 rooms and 42 residences are awash in dark wood and stone, and while stark, they’re spacious: rooms start at 63 square meters and come with large living rooms, giant tubs, plenty of gadgetry, and private balconies with views over central Chengdu. Gorgeous art and sculpture are scattered across a site that includes seven heritage structures, though space constraints forced some facilities below ground, like the indoor pool, cleverly tucked under a courtyard. Other highlights include the excellent Italian restaurant Tivano and a tranquil, apothecary-inspired teahouse that serves vegetarian dishes.

86-28/6636-9999; The Temple House Hotel; doubles from US$300