There is no denying that Hong Kong is one of the most exciting places on Earth. After being loaned to Britain for a century, the territory has a unique identity, suspended between British and Cantonese culture, old and new, with modern and tall skyscrapers, ancient temples, lush green peaks and Victorian-era tram lines.
The city and special administrative region in China is a center of finance and trade, attracting expatriates from all over the globe to experience it. I have friends who left London for Hong Kong “for a couple of years” in 2015 – never came home. I can see the appeal: although it has an undeniably hectic centre, with an impossible number of people living on top of each other in tower blocks (it’s officially one of the most densely populated places in the world), just drive a short distance to reach a beautiful coast. There are many islands, such as Lantau, to sail to for a weekend beach break and, of course, frequent short-haul flights to almost anywhere in Asia. It also has a Disneyland.
For some greenery, just head to Victoria Peak, via a hiking trail that is surprisingly green despite its urban backdrop, with amazing views to reward those who make it to the top. There is a vintage (but recently renovated) tram for a more sedentary route to the top.
The city took a big hit during the Covid pandemic, with its borders closed and strict restrictions in place for years – but now it’s back and welcoming visitors again.
Here it is Bazaar edition of Hong Kong’s latest luxury hit list…
Come to the Peninsula
Whether you stop by for afternoon tea in the time-travelling lobby, dine in one of its many restaurants (with several Michelin stars among them), swim in the colonnaded indoor pool, or enjoy a treatment at the stellar spa, is a must to call this Hong Kong legend during your time in the city. The Peninsula has been a Kowloon icon since it opened a century ago, with a new tower added seven decades later to keep up with the buildings popping up around it. Today, the great lady it’s as stylish as ever, with stylish bellhops ready to hail a taxi once you’re eventually ready to leave, a lobby that will take you back in time a few decades, and plenty of restaurants and bars – for the best views. towards the island, it should be Felix, a double-height space with a harbor bar for pre-dinner cocktails.
Stay at the Regent
Another legend of the Hong Kong hotel scene, the Regent opened 40 years ago and has recently been restored to its former glory, with the help of new interiors by Hong Kong designer Chi Wing Lo. The rooms and suites, many of which overlook Victoria Harbor and the island from this Kowloon location, have a sort of Muji-store-gone-luxe feel, with pale wood walls, soothing views of the water and a supreme sense of calm. , which will be especially helped by a dive in a bathtub of the port.
The hotel is close to the K11 complex, which combines the museum and retail areas, and has a prime location TST (officially Tsim Sha Tsui), right on the sea. But there’s plenty to see and do at the hotel first – guests of certain rooms have access to the Club Lounge facing the harbour, where they can enjoy everything from breakfast to afternoon tea and cocktails in the evening The hotel is home to several dining destinations, including a famous steakhouse and a Nobu, but if you want to enjoy fine Chinese cuisine with a view of the TST promenade, book a meal at Lai Ching Heen, who is the proud owner of two Michelins. stars
The lobby at the Regent
You may have just arrived from a long journey, but you can head to Qura, the hotel’s standout bar, which has even more incredible views of the harbor, and various trinket-adorned corners (courtesy of ancient monkeys) to move around. between as you continue your journey through the night. The impressive curated selection of drinks will take some time to work through.
Master the art of the free-flow brunch at Zuma
It won’t take you long to realize that many ex-pats seem to spend half their weekend (or more) in a free-flow brunch and one of the best places to try the experience is in Zuma in the Center, where you can keep the sushi and sashimi coming, alongside bottomless champagne top-ups. Other dishes on the menu, which can be ordered in excess (there really is no limit), include tuna tartare with miso and lotus chips; fried salmon with lemon, shiso and soy; and avocado salad with tenkasu and a spicy citrus dressing. And this is just the beginning – for the main course, choose from dishes such as beef tenderloin with sesame, chilli and sweet soy; miso marinated black cod; and teriyaki salmon.
Stay at Casa Alta
If you’re thinking of staying on Hong Kong Island, rather than what the ex-pat locals like to call “the Dark Side” (ie Kowloon), there’s no better accommodation than the Upper House – just ask the various celebrities who are known. to call home while in town. It is elevated in more than the name alone (although this moniker is more definitely a case of nominative determinism in action); Guests enter and then ride an elevator illuminated in a warm orange light to be transported into the supremely serene space, which was created by star designer André Fu in 2009.
I arrived after a night flight and the contrast from the bright lights of the airport as I crossed into the realm of Casa Alta could not have been stronger (the sheer relief when we were driven out of the airport at the dawn and in the elegant car of the House). was quite transcendent). It’s about as flawless as a hotel can be, with more of that tranquil orange lighting that helps ensure everything is lit to mood perfection come night, magnificent views of Victoria Harbour, and a central atrium with a multi-story steel sculpture. At Salisterra, guests can enjoy everything from pancakes and pastries at breakfast, to pre-dinner cocktails with a view and delicious Mediterranean dishes – a particular hit has been the mushroom gnocchi, and be sure to save space for the lavender and lemon madeleine.
Have a cocktail at the highest bar in the world
There are many top destinations for drinking and dining in Hong Kong, but above them all (literally) is the Ozone bar at the city’s Ritz-Carlton hotel. On the 118th floor of the ICC, it is officially the highest bar in the world. This high, you will obviously be at the mercy of the elements, so make sure you choose a cloudless day for your visit – because when the weather is good, there is a terrace for the brave and without vertigo to enjoy.
Celebrate all things soy at Mora
Hong Kong has an incredible food scene, whether you want to try local street food, authentic dim sum or a multi-star high-end fine dining. One of the city’s most exciting restaurants is actually at street level, but what it lacks in harbor and skyline views, it more than makes up for in innovative cuisine. Moor has a brilliant young female chef at its helm and a tasting menu that pays homage to simple soy, with creative dishes such as udon noodles in a soy milk lobster broth and layered tofu with roasted maitake and black garlic The restaurant is just off historic Upper Lascar Row, which is where you go to shop for antiques.
Cruise Victoria Harbor on a traditional junk
There are many more modern ships in the city’s harbor these days, but for a taste of old Hong Kong, book an evening trip aboard Aqualuna, a classic wooden boat with distinctive red sails. You can get off at various points, including – useful for guests staying at the Regent – Tsim Sha Tsui’s Pier 1.
Get here
Direct return flights from the UK to Hong Kong start from £632 return in economy, £1,176 in Premium and £3,550 in Business with Cathay Pacific (with up to five flights a day from London and four a week from Manchester). The airline’s Ilse Crawford-designed lounge in Heathrow’s Terminal 3 will help put you in luxury mode while enjoying a plate of dan dan mian noodles with a view of the runway, but it’s the Hong Kong hub that’s better equipped, since It has four lounges – the most famous of which is the Pier, where the premium champagne flows and you can enjoy the soothing, wood-paneled, dimly lit Asian aesthetic one last time before your flight house It’s the perfect Zen place to hide before a long night drive, with a tea house, noodle bar and pizzeria providing sustenance. It’s also useful as it gives you one last chance to stock up on dim sum.
For more information about Hong Kong, visit discoverhongkong.com. And for a brilliant introduction to the city, book a walking tour with Greetings from Hong Kong.
