Asia-Pacific luxury hotel group Shangri-La is to open its first European hotel and spa – within the ‘Shard of Glass’ in central London.

The five-star hotel will occupy floors 34 to 52 of the iconic London Bridge Tower building – designed by Renzo Piano – and will include Shangri-La’s signature CHI spa brand. The spa, which will combine Chinese and Himalayan healing therapies, will offer some of the largest private spa suites in the city.

“The Shangri-La Hotel at London Bridge Tower will be a dramatic introduction of our signature Asian hospitality and style to Europe,” said Giovanni Angelini, CEO and managing director of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

“Our authentic and gracious Asian style of service will position this new property at the forefront of the world’s finest hotels."

Boasting a total of 195 rooms with 25 suites, the hotel will offer a speciality restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, ‘food theatre’ café with a choice of multiple cooking stations and fitness facilities including an indoor infinity swimming pool and gym with panoramic views of London, a whirlpool, steamroom and sauna.

The hotel will also have extensive business and conferencing facilities and the highest public viewing gallery in London – at 226m (735ft) above the street. Details: www.shangri-la.com