JUST a 60-minute drive from Lujiazui in Pudong takes you to the just-opened Hyatt Regency Chongming, the first Hyatt Regency branded hotel in Shanghai.

The resort is situated on the island famous for its clean natural environment, fresh air and water, beautiful landscape, unspoiled beaches and ample choices of the freshest produce and seafood. Its country cooking is famous.

The island, China’s third largest, is dotted with organic farms, rural villages, a national park and a wetland.

The 235-room-and-suite Hyatt Regency Chongming provides a perfect and easy getaway from the city.

“We are offering a platform to help our guests to better experience Chongming,” Christopher Koehler, vice president of operations, China, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, told Shanghai Daily.

Hyatt Regency Chongming is the latest addition to Hyatt family in China, where the hotel group has already had over 20 hotels, covering four of its major brands.

“In fact, Hyatt Regency is the brand that is growing the most in China at the moment, with quite a few upcoming properties in secondary and tertiary cities,” he said.

Overlooking the ocean on the eastern coast, the hotel is adjacent to the Dongtan Wetlands Park and a migratory bird reserve.

Its contemporary architecture showcases the environment and is integrated with it. Six resort buildings are linked by a traditional-style wooden and glass covered corridor and set in landscaped gardens with flowers, streams and arched bridges.

Positioned as mainly a leisure and MICE hotel, Hyatt Regency Chongming is a standout in Shanghai’s highly competitive five-star hospitality market with a number of unique features.

With 25 dedicated dog-friendly rooms complete with enclosed outdoor courtyards, it is the first Hyatt hotel in China to introduce the brand’s “Dog-Friendly” Program. Guests are welcome to bring their canine companions and it offers doggie luxuries including a doggie bed and treats. Man’s best friend receives a dog welcome letter and a special dog hanger with hotel name and address upon check-in.

The 235 contemporary styled guest rooms — including 21 suites from 107 square meters and above — feature strong designer accents with elements inspired by nature and culture of Chongming, The panels behind the bed are etched with plum blossom branches and the custom-made red Chinese cabinets contain a mini bar and tea set.

Most rooms have private balconies or courtyards with a romantic swing lounge and ocean or garden views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The 312sqm Presidential Suite has a rooftop garden, a granite Jacuzzi, a lawn and outdoor dining pavilion.

Located where the Yangtze River meets the sea and organic farms are flourishing, the hotel offers authentic Chongming country-style cooking, another big draw. Five signature restaurants and lounge venues provide tempting gourmet experiences.

“Hyatt has always been praised by its outstanding food and beverage offerings which we are all very proud of. At Hyatt, we present only the most authentic culinary experience to our guests, through both high-quality food and services,” Koehler said. “Until now there have not been many options in Shanghai to find a hotel where very authentic country-style cuisine is served in a great environment.”

Fresh ingredients include vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, and all manner of fish and other seafood. The food and Hyatt’s reputation for gourmet experience have made the hotel a dining destination.

The Chinese restaurant Pin Yue offers a chef’s daily blackboard menu featuring the finest seasonal ingredients selected by chef early in the morning at fish, produce and meat markets.

Signature dishes on the la carte menu include steamed catfish in thick sauce and wok-fried Yangtze River shrimps, the rare delicacy. Country dishes are given an upscale upgrade in dishes such as sliced pig’s cheek Chongming style, wok-fried river eel, and lablab (hyacinth) beans with Chongming yam.

Meeting facilities also set Hyatt Regency Chongming apart.

Around 80 percent of the weekday business is expected to come from MICE events and 75 percent from leisure guests who drive themselves, according to general manager Douglas Schwab.

The hotel is the first in China to introduce Hyatt’s innovative meetings and events concept, The Campus, a learning and social center to be launched in May.

The Campus combines all the functions for meetings, recreation and entertainment in one hip venue, style to evoke the nostalgia of university life in China. Its contemporary and dynamic setting is designed to foster creative thinking and the exchange of ideas.

Hyatt Regency Chongming is the second Campus destination in Asia, following the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok in Thailand.

Spanning 1,440 square meters on the ground floor, The Campus contains a Lecture Hall for as many as 120 people and three multi-functional classrooms between 47 and 130sqm. Wireless Internet is available throughout and all rooms are fitted with the latest, high-tech audio systems, mood lighting, LED screens and other user-friendly equipment. Exposed brick walls, wooden lecture desks with school chairs and scientific sketches on the walls add to the educational vibe.

At the heart of The Campus, a 253sqm cafeteria is a versatile social and dining space with two open kitchens and an island bar for break-out refreshments, themed dinners, cocktail parties and dances. Six private Song and Games Rooms are equipped with karaoke systems, mahjong tables and lounges.

The 630-sqm Regency Ballroom on the ground floor hosts various events and weddings for as many as 300 guests (banquet) and 500 guests (cocktails). It is accessed via a separate driveway entrance and by descending the grand staircase from the main lobby.

The ballroom, which utilizes natural daylight, has 7-meter-high ceilings and a 279sqm L-shaped pre-event foyer. The separate, 200sqm Regency Lawn is available for larger alfresco events and romantic garden weddings.

Outdoors activities and adventures await. The hotel offers cycling, sightseeing tours to numerous island attractions, and routes where dogs can be walked. The hotel provides 80 mountain bikes, bicycles for two and maternal and baby bicycles for exploring wetlands, villages and temples.

“Hyatt Regency Chongming is for people who want to truly discover the beauty of Chongming Island and enjoy fresh air and organic food as well as natural scenery,” said Schwab.