travel guides | H O N G K O N G

WHERE TO STAY

01 | Island Shanghai-La Hotel

An incredible, graceful hotel that is located in the city’s Central district, the Shangri-La towers above Hong Kong’s Pacific Place [a wonderful shopping destination], with spectacular views of Victoria Harbour. With its glistening chandeliers—771 in total throughout the hotel—not a single detail has gone amiss in this prestigious hotel.  Indeed, for the Island Shangri-La even hosts the world’s largest Chinese silk painting, beautifully displayed and spanning an overwhelming 16 storeys within their atrium. While staying, [in one of their 531 guest rooms or 34 expansive suites], guests can enjoy the finest in luxury, with carefully selected Asian-accented European furnishings, complimentary wi-fi, a 24-hour health club, solarium, massage, and many more features and things to do. Whether staying here or just stopping by for lunch, a visit to Shangri-La is certainly a must.

02 | The Peninsula

Considered to be one of the finest hotels in the world, The Peninsula exudes glamour and has a strong reputation for outstanding service. Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, at Victoria Harbour, guests can enjoy the lovely courtyard, with harbour and Kowloon views.  At first glimpse of the grand entrance and lobby, one could certainly be overwhelmed with the incredible molding work, extravagant gilding, pillars upon pillars, and delightful decadence.  There are 300 spacious suites with elegant marble baths, satellite televisions as well as 24-hour room and valet services. Beyond the guest rooms, the hotel hosts an array of fine cuisine, from French and traditional Chines to the famous Afternoon Tea in The Lobby. As the oldest hotel in Hong Kong, [1928], with its many, many amenities, attention to and impeccable service, The Peninsula is classic grandeur at its finest and so entirely inviting and intriguing, it almost a world in itself.

[editor’s note : a few suggestions from felicity, who lived in hong kong for several years : high tea in the lobby of the peninsula /// taster men at gaddis /// drinks at dusk at felix overlooking HK harbour]

03 | W Hotel

The vibrant and ultra-chic 5-star W Hong Kong is located in a slightly quieter area of the city, making it a truly stylish getaway.  With 393 guest room wonderfully designed with furnishings and artwork created by local, up-and-coming artists, as well as lovely toiletries and the latest in technology. After a full day of sightseeing and exploring, guests can enjoy different spaces throughout the hotel, including ‘the living room’—as it is fondly referred to—a comfortably decorated and inviting lounge area of sorts, that offers board games, internet access, snacks, and a full bar. Beyond the hotel walls lies the famed outdoor pool—one of the world’s highest rooftop swimming pools—located on the 76th floor. Spectacular views wonderfully frame the experience, as soft sunlight reflects off of the signature dramatic and whimsical mosaic wall.

[a few additional accommodations to note : the four seasons /// the mira /// the upper house /// a fabulous loft to rent]

WHERE TO EAT

01 | Azure

With soaring ceilings, a sweeping alabaster staircase, custom cabinetry, glittery mirrors, and floor to ceiling windows, Azure is entirely enchanting, with its beautiful mix of traditional  furnishings in warm hues and bits of rich blue reflecting the dusky night sky. The menu offers a lovely twist on more classic European cuisine, artfully presented. Previous guests have noted the most delicious six-layer blue crab salad, with layers of blue crab, avocado, smoked salmon, crispy pancetta, tomato, mesclun greens, and Dijon vinaigrette, as well as the lobster fettuccine with black truffle. Indeed, a meal at Azure promises not only fine dining and a lovely experience, but also an exclusive view from the top two floors of the luxurious LKF Hotel. Beyond the bar and main area of the restaurant, there are also a couple of private rooms available.

02 | Island Tang

Highly  rated as one of the top restaurants in the city, Island Tang is a  warm welcome to Cantonese cuisine. With a gently lit,  inviting ambiance, designed by Sir David Tang, understated luxury  reigns.  Antique chandeliers and mirrors, rich wood tones  and splashes of yellow add a look that almost reminds one of a bygone era, complete with antique condiments trays and silver teapots. As for the food, one can look forward to enjoy Chinese haute cuisine at its finest, with  Cantonese dishes prepared in a classical manner, with an incredible  cellar of some of the finest wines and some exceptional vintages. Though  perhaps not as large and commercial as many other restaurants, this gem  is certainly a favourite.

03 | Zuma

Located on level five and six of the Landmark, Zuma is a wonderful new addition and a must while visiting Hong Kong. Originally created in London, but more recently brought to other cities such as Hong Kong, Zuma offers a contemporary update on the more traditional cuisine of Japan, embracing the izakaya style of eating and drinking, yet in a sophisticated and chic environment. The interior has been crafted from a great deal of natural materials, such as timber, stone, glass and steel, open and airy throughout.  Beyond the main dining area, there are additional spaces, including a lounge and saki bar, sushi bar, robata counter bar, and a lovely terrace. But truly, most spectacular is the spiral staircase that connects to the lower level where the restaurant and outdoor terrace are located.  Noted is the extensive and impressive beverage selection [the wine cellar contains over 2,000 bottles of wine from world-wide premier wine growing districts] and the incredible cuisine—from the zuma-style nigiri : toto and truffle, hotate and pomelo, tako and yuzu unagi and plum, wagyu beef and caviar, to the gindara saikyo-yaki : miso marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaf; a treat for even the most discriminating of guests.

[editor’s note : from felicity : ]

DO : HK harbour red junk tour /// flower market /// walk around the peak (not the viewing deck)

SHOP :