Nestled in the heart of China’s vibrant capital, the Bvlgari Hotel Beijing exemplifies the seamless blend of Italian elegance and Chinese tranquillity. As one of the jewels in Bvlgari’s carefully curated collection of luxury hotels, this property is a demonstration of the brand’s commitment to offering an exclusive, yet understated, experience. In a recent interview with the hotel’s General Manager Jackie Hoo, we explored the elements that make this location truly exceptional.
The General Manager of the Bvlgari Hotel Beijing brings a rich tapestry of international experience to her role. Born and raised in Malaysia, she is a second-generation Chinese Malaysian with 21 years in the hospitality industry.
Her career has taken her from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Macau, and finally to Beijing. This diverse background has given her a unique perspective, allowing her to skilfully navigate the blend of Eastern and Western cultures that define modern Beijing.
Bvlgari Hotels are often likened to finely cut gemstones, where every detail is meticulously crafted to achieve perfection. Jackie emphasised this by comparing the hotel chain to a piece of high jewellery. “To make high jewellery, you need very good raw stones; otherwise, it’s just a piece of jewellery, not high jewellery. It’s not unique,” she shares.
This philosophy is evident in Bvlgari’s approach to expansion. With only nine hotels worldwide and three more in the pipeline, the brand prioritises quality over quantity. “We should have opened our first location in Rome,” she noted, “but because we didn’t find the best location, we postponed it until we found the perfect one.”
The Beijing property is a prime example of this meticulous selection process. Set within a green oasis amidst the bustling city, the hotel offers a serene retreat that is remarkably free from noise pollution. “When you look out from the windows, there are no buildings in front of you,” she pointed out, emphasising the tranquillity that defines the guest experience.
What sets Bvlgari Hotel Beijing apart is its commitment to offering “discreet luxury”. This concept is central to the hotel’s design and operations. “We don’t want to be uptight; we want our luxury to be discreet,” says Jackie.
The hotel is designed to feel less like a traditional hotel and more like a luxurious Italian home. This is achieved through the careful selection of furnishings from prestigious Italian brands such as Maxalto, B&B Italia, and Flexform, which guests can even purchase for their own homes.
The hotel’s culinary offerings are equally impressive, particularly Il Ristorante – Niko Romito. Since opening in 2017, it has been under the direction of three-Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito and has since earned a Michelin star. Jackie highlighted the restaurant’s role in embodying Italian culture. “The restaurant is not just about serving food; it’s about embodying Italian culture and the elegance of ‘Made in Italy, ’” she remarked.
The hotel also features the luxurious BVLGARI SPA, a 1,500-square-metre sanctuary offering exclusive treatments by renowned brands like Augustinus Bader and La Mer. With 11 treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a 25-metre pool with shimmering mosaic tiles, the spa is a key component of the hotel’s allure. “Our spa is a significant part of the guest experience,” the General Manager notes, adding that it offers “a tranquil retreat where guests can rejuvenate.”
Finally, Jackie reflects on what makes Beijing such a special location for the hotel. “Beijing is a city where history is around every corner,” she says. “It’s vibrant yet relaxing, with a unique blend of fast-paced modernity and traditional Chinese culture.”
From the carefully curated Italian interiors to the serene surroundings and top-tier culinary experiences, the Bvlgari Hotel Beijing offers a distinct blend of luxury that feels both exclusive and accessible.
It’s a property that not only showcases the best of Italian design and lifestyle but also embraces the rich cultural tapestry of Beijing. In a city as dynamic as China’s capital, the Bvlgari Hotel stands out as a true gem in the world of luxury hospitality.
