Garden party offers a luxury path to mindfulness

The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong marked the arrival of summer with its "Summer Solstice JW Garden Party", inviting guests to slow down, embrace nature, and reconnect with their surroundings in an evening of mindful luxury.

The event, part of JW Marriott's wellness-inspired brand program, reflected the brand's heritage and ethos. Named after J Willard Marriott — the founder of Marriott International — JW Marriott was created by Bill Marriott in 1984 as a tribute to his father's vision for a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Today, the brand's signature JW Garden is found across its properties, including the Shanghai Pudong hotel, serving as a living testament to that legacy, offering a space to rejuvenate the body and mind.

At the Shanghai Pudong celebration, guests began the evening with a sunset toast and guided meditation session on the hotel's Le Manoir Ling rooftop. Against the backdrop of cicadas singing and a gentle summer breeze, participants were led to focus on their breathing, fostering a sense of connection to the natural world.

The festivities continued with a four-course gala dinner highlighting seasonal ingredients, including rosemary, thyme, and mint freshly harvested from the hotel's JW Garden. In a nod to sustainability, menus and place cards were crafted from recyclable seed paper, while details like rosemary-infused butter candles underscored the brand's commitment to natural wellness and environmental responsibility.

"Our JW Garden cultivates fresh produce and herbs, including passion fruit, rosemary, mint, and lemons. These ingredients are featured in our welcome cocktails and healthy salads, offering guests a dining experience that's closer to nature," said Alfred Gao, general manager of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong.

"Through our signature JW Garden and brand initiatives, we fully embody the concept of mindful living, ensuring every guest can live in the moment and feel truly alive during their stay."

The Summer Solstice JW Garden Party underscored the brand's approach to resonating deeply with today's travelers seeking meaningful experiences.