Rocco Forte, chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels has attended a signing ceremony in Shanghai, announcing that a Rocco Forte hotel will open in Shanghai in 2018, constituting the group’s first move into the Asia Pacific market.

Rocco Forte Hotels will partner with Longhua International to be part of the Longhua International Aviation Service Centre, a new urban complex in Shanghai’s Xuhui Riverside area known as West Bund.

Rocco Forte Hotels will be the exclusive luxury international hotel provider to the project.

The new modern area will span 7.2 hectares, with an overall floor space of 510,000 square metres, dedicated to business and government office spaces, retail and fashion outlets, cultural amenities such as theatres, and other beautifully landscaped recreational spaces.

Rocco Forte Hotels have been selected by the founders, Longhua International, who have praised the unique family run managerial approach and the group’s distinctive approach to service.

The hotel, which is yet to be named, will take over the top 15 floors of the tallest building of the development and will include around 280 rooms and suites, all with beautiful views of the city.

There will be three different restaurants, each with its own identity and speciality, led by Lydia Forte, Sir Rocco’s daughter and director of food and beverage for the hotel group.

The hotel will also feature a Rocco Forte spa and health offering complete with a swimming pool.

A grand ballroom will host extensive events, launches and conferences.

These will all be framed by large public spaces, with design overseen by Olga Polizzi, director of design of Rocco Forte Hotels.