The Sumptuous City Never Sleeps

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The Sumptuous City Never Sleeps

Dubbed as one of the first ‘Four Asian Tigers’ of Asia, Hong Kong was previously a British Colony for nearly 150 years. After the transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997, Hong Kong has continued to grow as a regional financial hub. With so much money flowing into the city-state, the luxury bar is set high in this prosperous city with the finest establishments competing to stay on top of each other, making Hong Kong one of Asia’s top city destinations for luxury travellers.

A VISUAL FEAST OF LANDMARKS AND ATTRACTIONS

As Hong Kong’s raison d’être, Victoria Harbour is one landmark not to be missed. A historic harbour that made Hong Kong what it is today, the deep waters between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula are reasons why fi shing villages in the early days thrived and grew to become an international trade hub that it is known today. As the city’s throbbing heart, it is still one of the most stunning urban landscapes in the world. For travellers, taking one of these private and exclusive harbour cruises for a luxurious experience is highly recommended.

At 8pm every day, watch out for A Symphony of Lights. According to the Guinness World Records, it is the “Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” in the world where over 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour put up an unforgettable light and sound show. To listen to the show’s music and narration, visitors can go to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront between Avenue of Stars and Hong Kong Cultural Centre every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night.

The highest point on Hong Kong island, The Peak has been the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood since colonial times, home to the rich and famous. Offering spectacular city views of Hong Kong, it is also a very popular attraction in Hong Kong. During the day, view the stunning skyscrapers dotted along the Victoria Harbour all the way up to the green hills of New Territories. By night, watch this panorama view melts into a dazzling scenery of lights. If you are planning for a romantic dinner with a loved one, some of the city’s best bars and restaurants can also be found here.

For those interested in the colonial history of Hong Kong, check out the famous landmark, Clock Tower at Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Erected in 1915, the 44-metres tall Clock Tower serves as an elegant reminder of the Age of Steam.

ASIA’S SHOPPING PARADISE

For luxury shoppers, check out the major shopping districts such as Admiralty, Central and SoHo areas, where the rich and famous swipe their plastic in style. Begin your shopping spree in this neighbourhood with the beautifully designed Pacifi c Place, located along Queensway. A swanky mall for high-end men’s and women’s fashion, the complex is noted for premium skincare shopping at the Beauty Gallery, home to the first standalone boutiques of Natura Bissé, Yves Saint Laurent and La Mer in Hong Kong.

Moving West, you reach the Landmark, an exclusive luxury mall in Central. Known for their attractive window displays and Louis Vuitton’s Asia fl agship, dining is prestigious here as Michelin-starred restaurants welcome you with open doors. When done, move on to other up-market shopping centres such as the Landmark Alexandra, Landmark Charter, Jardine House, Exchange Square, Landmark Prince and the spectacular harbour front IFC mall via connected passageways.

Still not satisfi ed? Go down to Causeway Bay. Hailed as the ‘Olympic Games’ of the shopping sport due to the numerous retailers, this is a place that dances to the beat of international trade. For up-market fashion, check out Lee Gardens One & Two, Hysan Place, Lee Theatre, Times Square and Fashion Walk.

PAMPER YOUR CULINARY SENSES

While in Hong Kong, trying out the local Cantonese-Chinese cuisine is a must do in any list. At Lung King Heen, Four Season Hotel’s reputed fine dining Cantonese restaurant, be prepared to be pampered with impeccable service standards and dishes such as the Lung King Heen roast chicken and the Peking duck.

Craving for Italian-Spanish cuisine? Vasco located in Central would satisfy you. A stylish restaurant headed by Michelin two-star chef Paolo Casagrande, the establishment’s flavourful menu features high level Basque cooking done with inventiveness and an artistic flair.

Located on the seventh floor of Landmark Mandarin Oriental hotel in Central, Amber is a beautiful two Michelin star restaurant designed by Adam Tihany. The refined and elegant dining room is comfortable and attractive while it serves up some of the best French food in town.

To have a taste of the best sushi, check out Sushi Ta-ke situated at Causeway Bay. Its signature Omakase and grilled grade A5-12 wagyu beef are guaranteed to blow your mind away.

For an evening drink in Central, chck out Bar Six, Armani/Privé and Azure for some of the best bar atmosphere in town with stunning city skyline to complement your champagne drink.

RELAX YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL

For business travellers looking for a luxurious stay, think Four Seasons Hotel. Located in Central, the iconic landmark hotel has 54 luxury suites, two outdoor pools and houses two Michelin three-starred restaurants. Most of the rooms also offer stunning views of the Victoria Harbour.

Situated at Kowloon waterfront, the Intercontinental Hong Kong offers 87 suites with sensational views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Known for its largest and most expensive Presidential Suite in all of Hong Kong, this is a top-notch accommodation for the most discerning luxury travellers.

A legendary hotel in this fine city, The Peninsula Hong Kong is a Kowloon landmark that represents the epitome of Hong Kong luxury since 1928. Known for its fleet of Rolls Royce limousine service, the hotel is reputed among the rich and famous for its afternoon tea in the lobby.

Standing at 490-metres, the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, is one of the highest hotels in the world. Taking up the 102nd floor to 118th floor of the ICC Tower, Hong Kong’s tallest building, the Ritz offers the highest aerial view of Victoria Harbour for luxury travellers with an “upper-class” taste.

A business hotel of 61 floors, the Conrad Hong Kong is located in the bustling district of Central. From premier service, hi-tech amenities to award-winning dining, the Conrad Hong Kong is the top choice for many.

Tired of big names luxury hotels? Why not check in with The Upper House? Located in Admiralty, the Upper House is a luxury boutique hotel that offers travellers a different opulence experience. The Upper House also owns an impressive art collection with pieces done by some of Asia’s finest artists.

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