It is that subtle signature that sends out signals that you are about to sit in the lap of luxury, and the first volley fired in a full sensory attack. Xu Junqian looks at the lengths some hotels go to, to capture your imagination and loyalty.

The fictional Shangri-La created by English author James Hilton in his 1933 novel Lost Horizon is described as a valley of serenity, myth and harmony. Under his pen, images of paradise come alive with rippling brooks, verdant foothills, hanging balconies of green and flowering gardens.

But have you ever imagined how it would smell like?