In a city built on commerce, the Shanghai IFC Mall is right at home. With flagship stores of luxury brands and internationally acclaimed restaurants lining the halls of the six storey mall at the base of the building, the mall has over 180 retail outlets, making it heaven for shopaholics and foodies alike. Yoshiko Ichimiya, the spa and fitness manager of The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, works 55 floors above this hallmark of capitalism, which makes impulse buying an occupational hazard. She shares with TALK her favourite places to shop, eat, drink, relax and more in Shanghai’s latest and greatest mall.

The Ritz-Carlton Fitness Studio

The hotel’s 24 hour gym is stocked with high-tech Italian equipment, free weights and an epic view of the Pearl Tower. “You can work out with these beautiful views that are amazing and encouraging,” Ichimiya says. Scenes like this will get your heart rate up all on their own. A 20-metre infinity pool appears to flow directly off the 53rd floor into the Huangpu and former Expo grounds, and the vitality pool is an upscale Jacuzzi with a swan neck massaging showerhead to beat all the stress out of your aching body.

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, 53F, 8 Shiji Da Dao. Tel: 2020 1818. Web: www.ritzcarlton.com/shanghaipudong

Takoyaki

Just outside the enormous city’super grocery store, a miniature food court of Japanese snacks awaits. Yoshiko gives pause to a stuffed waffle stand, but it’s the takoyaki joint from Osaka that she’s really here for. Literally translated as “grilled octopus”, takoyaki are bite size balls of baby octopus and pickled ginger smothered in a savoury combination of chives, mayonnaise and bonito flakes that Yoshiko appreciates for its authenticity. “I already went twice this week!” she admits.

Shanghai IFC Mall, beside city’super, LG2F, 8 Shiji Da Dao.

Enoteca

Not to be confused with Shanghai’s long-running wine bar of the same name, the Shanghai IFC’s Enoteca is a Japanese wine merchant with an attached café. “I am not much of a drinker – I can’t even finish one glass! But I do like the taste of wine,” Yoshiko says. “I couldn’t find my favourite Cloudy Bay wine anywhere in Shanghai until Enoteca opened up. My favourite is Riesling. It’s very sweet, but very strong.” The largest wine merchant in the world, Enoteca sells a wide variety and the next door eatery waives the corkage fee for bottles purchased in the store.

Shanghai IFC Mall, Unit 21, 4F, 8 Shiji Da Dao.

Palace

The Shanghai IFC’s recently opened movie theatre is definitely palatial with its plush sofas and VIP theatre. Palace’s six cinemas show the most popular movies of the week, creating a quiet respite from a busy day of shopping. “You can pop in for a movie when you’re feet get tired from walking around the mall all day,” says Yoshiko. Shows on Tuesdays and Wednesdays sell half-price tickets for the perfect mid-week escape.

Shanghai IFC Mall, 3F, 8 Shiji Da Dao.