BESTINTRAVELMAGAZINE.COM DISCOVER | EXPLORE | VISIT HONG KONG
DISCOVER
HONG KONG
WELCOME TO HONG KONG Modern skyscrapers sit alongside historical sites in Hong Kong, showing what happens when the Western world successfully collides with the Orient.
For the urbanite, there’s hip hotels, top-notch dining, chic bars and modern shopping malls crammed with delights.
Yet conversely the city can also be appreciated as much by travellers in search of authenticity, as by marathon shoppers. In Hong Kong you can join in dawn taichi, dance to the drumbeat of a dragon boat, catch Chinese opera in a bamboo theatre and take a ride on a historic double-decker tram, before gazing out at the glorious harbour.
Nature lovers aren’t neglected either: over 70 per cent of Hong Kong is mountains, while nature reserves and the outlying islands (offering beautiful walks and hike trails) are never far away. Spend even the smallest amount of time in Hong Kong – a city worth stopping in rather than using just as a transit hub – and you’ll quickly discover that you have a city break of epic proportions. It’s not a cheap destination by any means, and you’ll certainly return with rather less cash than you set out, but as a clean and hassle-free introduction to Asia, Hong Kong can’t be beaten. Read Best in Travel’s guide to help you plan the perfect trip to the high-rise metropolis of Hong Kong…
Publisher Kevin Rolfe
Special Features Editor Kaye Holland
Editor Siddharth Thaker
Production team Rasha Akar Nadeem George Denis Halilaj Tracy Rolfe
Designers Mike Gibas Mark Askam Editorial Team Ana Strack Christopher O’Toole Rebecca Cohen Phil Blizzard Photography Mark Hakansson Ben Roberts Anjjelo San Buenaventura Business Development Chris Frost Sion Rapson Gina Reynolds Mike Sawicki
Content management Marfee Ybañez Laarni Mendoza Suguitan Heizel Amora Juvilyn Camello Virendra Singh Bhanu Roel Christian Yambao Ai Ling Foong Trishia Delas Alas Kaycee Melon Jel Varca Athena Davadilla Online George Cooke
Best In Travel is published by World Media and Events Ltd 2nd Floor, Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BD, United Kingdom T: +44 (0) 207 887 1410 E: advertising@bestintravelmagazine.com www.bestintravelmagazine.com The use of our Website and Digital Magazine are all subject to the following: All rights reserved. No part of www.bestintravelmagazine.com may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmied, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from world luxury daily. Whilst every effort has been made to check the information contained in this issue of world luxury daily magazine, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of world luxury daily publishing. Unless otherwise stated, the copyright of the individual contribution is that of the contributors. Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders of images. We apologise in advance for any unintentional omissions and would be pleased to insert the appropriate acknowledgment in any subsequent publication.
© 2018 Best In Travel Magazine
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SPOTLIGHT ON THE WORLD TRAVEL A AsiA & AustrAlAsiA AWArd CereM AsiA And AustrAlAsiA’s leAding trAvel brAnds reveAled in Hong Kong on 4 september 2018, Asia and Australasia’s finest travel brands were unveiled at World travel Awards (WtA) Asia & Australasia gala Ceremony 2018 in Hong Kong. Winners at the red carpet gala evening included Vietnam, which fended off stiff competition to be named “Asia’s Leading Destination”. Meanwhile Sydney, with its iconic cityscapes and beautiful beaches, was named “Australasia’s Leading Destination”. Hundreds of the leading figures from Asia and Australasia’s travel and tourism industries aended the red-carpet ceremony, which was staged at the newly-refurbished InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong. Graham Cooke, Founder & President, World Travel Awards, said: “What an incredible evening it has been here in the enchanting metropolis of Hong Kong. We have had the privilege of recognising many of the leading hotels, airlines and hospitality providers from destinations across Asia and Australasia and my congratulations to each of them.” In the aviation sector, Hainan Airlines proved a multiple winner, collecting awards for “Asia’s Leading Airline Brand”, “Asia’s Leading Airline – Business Class” and “Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew”. Meanwhile Cathay Pacific was named “Asia’s Leading Airline”, Singapore Changi Airport collected “Asia’s Leading Airport”, and Air New Zealand was voted “Australasia’s Leading Airline”.
Hospitality winners included Korea’s Conrad Seoul, which picked up “Asia’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel” and “Asia’s Leading Luxury City Hotel”. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts was also victorious, collecting “Asia’s Leading Hotel Brand” and “Australasia’s Leading Hotel Brand”. The Asco Limited won “Asia's Leading Serviced Apartment Brand” whilst Frasers Hospitality was voted “Australasia's Leading Serviced Apartment Brand”. Vietravel was recognised by voters as “Asia’s Leading Tour Operator” for the third consecutive year, whilst Abercrombie & Kent China was named “Asia's Leading Travel Agency”. The evening marked the third leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 – a series of regional events to acknowledge the world’s outstanding travel brands. Events on the tour include Ras al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates), Athens (Greece), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Durban (South Africa). The regional winners will progress to the Grand Final 2018, which is being hosted in Lisbon (Portugal) on 1st December. Find a full list of winners on the official World Travel Awards website: www.worldtravelawards.com
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WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS ASIA & AUSTRALASIA GALA CEREMONY 2018
AWARDS MonY
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WHAT’s ON: HONg KONg’s HigHligHT ev
Hong Kong Tennis Open 2018 6-14 October 2018
The Hong Kong Tennis Open is a WTA-sanctioned International Series Event and the eighth stop on the WTA Asian swing, returning for its fih year in 2018. A number of world-class professional female tennis players will take part in the tournament from 6–14 October 2018. More than 50 of the world’s best female players will compete in singles and doubles for prize money of USD 500,000 at the iconic Victoria Park Stadium in the heart of the city. www.hktennisopen.hk/en
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s veNTs
Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon 14 October 2018
CulTural CelebraTiONs, fesTivAls, spOrTs, eNTerTAiNmeNT, sHOppiNg ANd diNiNg – AsiA’s WOrld CiTy lOves A pArTy ANd Offers A yeAr-rOuNd CAleNdAr Of eveNTs. As WiTH sO muCH iN HONg KONg, THe CHAlleNge is iN THe CHOOsiNg. sTArT WiTH THese mAjOr CrOWd pleAsers ANd TAKe iT frOm THere.
This year, some of the world’s top professional cycling teams will vie for glo-ry in the first Hammer Series Race in Hong Kong. The start/finish line is on Salisbury Road at the scenic Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, so be sure to pop by and cheer on a galaxy of cycling stars on their first race in Hong Kong.
The 2018 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon will kick off on 14 October morning, with thousands of amateur and professional riders from all over the world joining the popular 50 km ride. Those looking to challenge themselves can speed across iconic landmarks in Hong Kong, while young riders and families can take part in leisurely rides in the city centre.
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CCB (Asia) Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 25-28 October 2018 The 10th edition of the CCB (Asia) Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival brings together world-class food, drinks and entertainment right next to the stun-ning Victoria Harbour skyline. Aside from wine-pairing meals designed by master chefs and tasting classes by industry experts, there are well over 400 booths featuring everything from single malts to craî…š beer to keep your palate refreshed. hkwdf.discoverhongkong.com
Hong Kong Great November Feast 1-30 November 2018 Set your tongue tingling with Hong Kong Great November Feast — a month-long series of gourmet happenings, with everything from special tast-ing menus to world-class wine and spirit expos, and from gourmet carnivals to local gastronomy tours.
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Hong Kong WinterFest December 2018 In winter, Hong Kong gets dressed up with citywide decorations and celebrates with spectacular light shows, seasonal events at top aractions, spe-cial shopping offers and festive menus! To top it all off, it rings in the new year with a fantastic fireworks display over Victoria Harbour in the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations. It’s Hong Kong WinterFest, so shop, eat, drink and be merry!
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CTS Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations 31 December 2018 Every New Year’s Eve, the radiant Victoria Harbour is the belle of the ball for Hong Kong’s spectacular countdown. A party atmosphere will reign su-preme as a stunning pyromusical lights up the skies. Whether you watch it along the shoreline, from a boat on the harbour or on-high in a skyscraper, it’s definitely worth planning early to ensure a prime spot.
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Chinese New Year 5-12 February 2019 Lucky you if you’re in Hong Kong during Chinese New Year, the city’s big-gest and most colourful festival. It is impossible to not be caught up in the energy as you squeeze into crowded temples to pray for good fortune, browse festive markets selling auspicious foods and blooms and photo-graph the shock-red lanterns that adorn the city. This ancient festival also gets a makeover that is uniquely Hong Kong. So, you will experience a Chinese New Year like no other, with a fabulous pa-rade of floats, international and local performers, a stunning fireworks show over the harbour, heart-pounding action at the race track, and so much more.
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Hong Kong Arts Month March 2019 Every March, the city revels in the annual Hong Kong Arts Month, when lo-cal and overseas artists converge to bring about inspiring programmes in-cluding exhibitions, dance, music, theatre and more. In addition to major international events, take time to explore vibrant neighbourhoods and art communities where hidden masterpieces are waiting to help you discover the soul of Hong Kong.
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Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival 14-16 June 2019
Kong International Dragon Boat Races — three days of intense racing that fill the harbour with heart-pounding action, a profusion of colour and the sounds of drummers and fans cheering paddlers on to the finish line.
Follow the lead of Hongkongers and make a party out of an ancient Chinese festival under the modern skyline of Victoria Harbour.
Only Hong Kong could take an ancient Chinese tradition and transform it in-to a modern sport and international party..
Every year, thousands of the world’s top dragon boat athletes bale it out at the CCB (Asia) Hong
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Lan Kwai Fong HoteL Award-winning Hong Kong luxury hotel the Lan Kwai Fong Hotel is situated in the bustling central district of Hong Kong, with stunning views over the city, mountains, and harbor. It provides easy access to the shopping precinct, Causeway Bay, and sightseeing areas, as well as the popular dining, drinking, and entertainment districts of So Ho and Lan Kwai Fong. Occupying 33 floors of a medium-rise building, the Lan Kawi Fong Hotel Hong Kong is a boutique hotel renowned for its facilities and hospitality. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness centre, a restaurant serving
Cantonese cuisine, and executive travelers can set up office in the stateof-the-art business centre. The Lan Kwai Fong Hotel's 162 rooms and 5 suites are decorated in traditional Oriental style, with high speed internet and cable TV, magnificent views, and even the option of a traditional Chinese massage. To find and reserve the perfect room at the Lan Kwai Fong Hotel Hong Kong, why not look at our rates and availability? www.worldhotels.com/en/hotel/lankwai-fong-hotel
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Lanson PLace HoteL
Hong Kong. Thrills, excitements, one aweinspiring city skyline, a bustling blend of east meets west. Surely few city locations can offer as much wonderment as this destination, with seven million industrious residents packed into just over 1000 square kilometres. A tour of the city will take you through a visual culture that blurs ancient Chinese tradition, colonial heritage, a towering financial centre and the
world’s leading brands housed in gleaming stores. You might stop to nibble on local delights or splurge on a big name Michelin-starred chef. One thing is for sure, your stomach will be as spoiled as your senses. In this city, where the sights change as oen as the sounds, each new discovery is as breathtaking as the next. hongkong.lansonplace.com/
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Tai O HeriTage HOTel
It all traces back to 1902, when a permanent police station was built on the small hill next to Tai O Ferry Pier, to reinforce the police forces on Lantau Island. As one of the earliest police stations on the outlying islands of Hong Kong, it was established to combat pirates prevalent in the neighbouring waters. Yet, the policemen's lives did not centre around crime
as such, rather, it served as an administrative centre. The police had quite a community role of the rural seî…&#x;ing in Tai O. They were brought in to help with family disputes and arguments between villagers. www.taioheritagehotel.com/eng/homepage/ Homepage.html
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The Luxe Manor is a luxury boutique hotel in Hong Kong with enriching european grand house-style grandeur and a dash of quirky charm. A stylish place of tranquility in the heart of Hong Kong. Make your booking and start the memorable journey now.
THe Luxe MAnOr
www.theluxemanor.com/default-en.html
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✶
HONG KONG’S
BEST BUSINESS HOTELS 12 business hotels that prove executive travel doesn’t have to be boring.
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✶ CONRAD HONG KONG High above Pacific Place, Conrad Hong Kong offers impeccably designed guest rooms and suites, each with a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour or the Peak, as well as first-class facilities, including an outdoor heated pool, a 24-hour health club and extensive event space. Exceptional hospitality is complemented by enticing
dining options at the hotel’s six restaurants and lounges, including award-winning Golden Leaf, which serves innovative Cantonese fare. conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/china /conrad-hong-kong-HKgHCCi
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✶ CORDIS, HONG KONG Located in Hong Kong's downtown area of Mongkok, enjoy Michelin star food, a rooop pool with brilliant views, thousands of Chinese artworks and a spa. All of the rooms offer luxurious, contemporary decor, a 42 inch plasma TV, a DVD/CD system (on request) and a Dream Big bed. The marble bathrooms are separated from the rooms with a glass partition and feature an indulgent rain shower.
Facilities include the Chuan Spa, a pool, an Oriental hot tub and a steam room. Aer you have detoxed your body, fill it back up again at one of hotel’s excellent restaurants and bars. cordishotels.com/en/hong-kong
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✶ INTERCONTINENTAL GRAND STANFORD HONG KONG Internationally renowned, this hotel offers both business and leisure travellers the highest levels of service in a friendly, yet elegant five-star hotel environment. Luxury guest rooms and suites offer spectacular city, harbour or garden views, tempting you to explore this unique city. Equally tempting are its wide selection of world-class dining outlets, together with the wellness facilities, including the outdoor heated pool, gym and relaxation lounge (for treatments and massage).
hongkong.intercontinental.com/en/aboutintercontinental-grand-stanford-hongkong
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✶ INTERCONTINENTAL HONG KONG Recognised as one of the world’s outstanding hotels, this Hong Kong hotel is renowned for its dramatic location on the Kowloon waterfront, with spectacular views of the island. Ideally located near Kowloon’s business, entertainment and shopping districts, the hotel boasts Asia’s spectacular Presidential Suite and over 500 luxuriously appointed rooms, each with spacious bathrooms. Internationally acclaimed, award-winning restaurants pay testament to this Hong Kong hotel’s impeccable credentials.
www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/ en/hong-kong/hkghc/hoteldetail
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✶ JW MARRIOTT HOTEL HONG KONG Situated in the bustling Admiralty district, the exceptional location and impeccable connectivity easily make this hotel a perfect home base for your journey to Hong Kong. From your arrival at the airy lobby filled with ample natural lights, to residing at one of the 602 elegantly appointed and refurbished non-smoking rooms and suites, the hotel continues to exceed expectations with warm and inviting seings, and aentive and intuitive services.
available to further elevate your stay and event experience, while a myriad of exceptional and diverse dining venues provide plentiful options for gourmands to explore. A stone’s throw away from all the major tourist and business destinations, the hotel atop Pacific Place Mall is seamlessly connected through the city’s Mass Transit Railway system for you to discover what Hong Kong has to offer. marrio.co.uk/hotels/travel/hkgdt-jwmarrio-hotel-hong-kong
A well-equipped Executive Lounge and a newly elevated JW Marrio Ballroom are
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✶ LE MÉRIDIEN CYBERPORT Le Méridien Cyberport is a hotel on Hong Kong island with 170 effortlessly stylish and impeccably-designed rooms, offered alongside cuing edge technology and upscale amenities. Located on Hong Kong Island’s south side, this luxury hotel is nestled in greenery while overlooking the South China Sea, ideal for those looking to stay in a quieter part of the island, yet only 20-minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Central. The collective LM100 artist-designed key cards open more than just doors: they unlock a local contemporary cultural
institution and open minds. Five restaurants and bars are set to cater for the city’s creative minds along with 17 high-ceilinged function rooms with abundant natural day light to be the prime business hotel for conferences and events in Hong Kong. As the unique Information Technology and startup hub in Asia, Cyberport is home to many of the world’s most successful companies, making Le Meridien Cyberport hotel the ideal location for those travelling on business. lemeridiencyberport.com
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✶ MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG For breathtaking style, legendary service and an unbeatable reputation, it just has to be Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. One of the world’s most famous hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is a five-star urban retreat in the heart of the city. By combining traditional Asian service with a sleek contemporary design, excellent dining and cuing-edge facilities, Mandarin Oriental has created a luxury hotel for the 21st century. mandarinoriental.com/hongkong/victoria-harbour/luxury-hotel
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✶ MARCO POLO HONGKONG HOTEL Overlooking the spectacular Victoria Harbour, Marco Polo HongKong Hotel is located along Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, at the heart of the city’s busiest commercial, shopping and business hub. The Star Ferry and Hong Kong’s cruise terminal are the doorstep, while shopping is right next door with the hotel forming part of Harbour City – Hong Kong’s largest shopping complex. Aer an exciting day of sightseeing or business meetings, sele into one of the property’s 665 guest-rooms and suites while staying connected via complimentary Wi-Fi Internet.
Enjoy Hong Kong to the fullest with your personal handy, a complimentary smartphone with the power to keep guests totally connected while exploring the city. Built-in benefits include unlimited 3G mobile internet, unlimited local and international calls, Wi-Fi hotspot and tethering, a dining and city guide and exclusive ticketing offers. Catch up with the latest blockbusters from the wide selection of movies while enjoying the hotel’s In-room Dining service. marcopolohotels.com/en/hotels/hongkon g/kowloon/marco_polo_hongkong
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✶ SHERATON HONG KONG HOTEL & TOWERS Located along Victoria Harbour, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers is in the heart of Kowloon’s business, shopping, and entertainment district. The ferry terminal and subway (MTR) stations are only steps away, and Hong Kong International Airport is only 35 minutes from the Hotel.
The hotel’s 782 sleek, inviting guest rooms and suites are ideal places to relax, work, or play. Many offer a postcard view of Victoria Harbour. Sheraton Towers features private reception and the exclusive Towers Lounge on the 16th floor. sheratonhongkonghotel.com
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✶ THE LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG Intimate, contemporary and ideally located in the vortex of Hong Kong’s financial and luxury shopping districts, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong sets the standard for personal service and stylish sophistication. State-of-the-art technology compliments alluring interiors in all 111 spacious rooms and suites, each one a tranquil retreat for business and leisure travellers. mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/thelandmark/luxury-hotel/presentation
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✶ THE PENINSULA HONG KONG Building on its 90 years as a global beacon of hospitality, the legendary ‘Grande Dame of the Far East’ continues to set hotel standards worldwide, offering a blend of the best Eastern and Western hospitality in an atmosphere of unmatched classical grandeur and timeless elegance. A stay at the hotel allows you to re-live the glamour of travel of a by-gone era and explore the many antiques and historical artefacts on display around the hotel.
This year, the hotel celebrates its 90th anniversary in signature style, with a calendar of special events – from a culinary adventure through the hotel’s top dining establishments to spectacular classic events that have always been much loved by its patrons. hongkong.peninsula.com/en/default
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✶ THE RITZ-CARLTON, HONG KONG At The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, 80 seconds is enough to journey to a different world. The elevator ride to the 102nd floor of Kowloon’s International Commerce Centre brings guests to the hotel lobby, where a ceiling mural and panoramic city view are among the first things to capture their aention. This inclination to look outward pulls at guests throughout their stay, as nearly every area of the hotel embraces its location among the clouds. ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/hongkong
Discover Hong Kong
Allow us to take you round Hong Kong, a diverse and wonderful destination, a sparkling metropolis in China, with wonderful places, attractions, places to dine, places to see and be seen, we aim to help inform and educate you as to the wonders of Hong Kong through the most popular social media networks.
hongkong.discoverexplorevisit.com/ www.facebook.com/365-Hong-Kong-2253413391354876/ twitter.com/HongKong_365 www.instagram.com/discoverhongkong365/ www.weibo.com/discoverhongkong365?profile_ftype=1&is_all=1 www.pinterest.com/discoverhongkon/
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tHe MiRa HONg KONg Our design hotel The Mira Hong Kong in the heart of Hong Kong’s popular Tsim Sha Tsui has been craed to ignite your senses. We invite you to enjoy a luxury hotel stay where not a single detail has been missed, from our sleek, comfortable rooms, to the exquisite dishes served in our Michelin-recommended
restaurants, to our state-of-the-art facilities. relax, indulge, and be our guest at The Mira Hong Kong – part of the Design Hotels™ network of exclusive global properties. www.themirahotel.com/
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THE POTTI HONg
INGER KONg
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Steeped in the charming old Hong Kong’s history, The Pottinger Hong Kong, a 68-room luxury hotel situated in the city’s first historic stone slab street, welcomes visitors to experience the dynamic and vibrant neighbourhood of Central. The Pottinger Hong Kong is where East meets West, where Modernity meets Heritage. Rising on the uphill elevation of the Pottinger Street, The Pottinger Hong Kong is centrally located in the heart of Central, a pivotal hub of business and finance, shopping, dining, culture and entertainment. www.thepoinger.com/en/
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HONg KONg’s COOlesT pOOl We've splAsHed Our WAy ArOuNd HONg KONg TO briNg yOu THe CiTy's mOsT AmAziNg sWimmiNg pOOl
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iNTerCONTiNeNTAl HONg KONg, CHiNA Headed to Hong Kong? Be sure to check into lnterContinental Hotel if only for the incredible infinity swimming pools. Situated on the third floor spa deck, the lnterContinental Hong Kong has three infinity pools maintained at different temperatures - cold, warm and hot - offering a front-row view of the Hong Kong skyline. By day, you will feel like you’re floating
on Victoria Harbour; by night, take in the shimmering lights of the Hong Kong Island skyline. The icing on the cake? Pool butlers magically appear to supply facial mists and replenish drinks. Result. www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/hon g-kong
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tHe UPPeR HoUse
Located in Hong Kong, The upper House was designed by architect Andre Fu. A calming contemporary hotel, The upper House is a haven within the city. The hotel’s 117 studios and suites are surprisingly spacious, featuring natural materials and gorgeous bathrooms. www.upperhouse.com/en/default
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CORDIS HONg KONg Meticulously tailored to your way of life, Cordis, Hong Kong is uerly devoted to making your stay perfect. We have it all, from plush bed linen and stunning installation art pieces to poolside icepops and interactive fitness studios, this is a hotel devoted to you.
www.cordishotels.com/en/hongkong/overview/hotel-at-a-glance/
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CHiNA iN yOur HANd disCOver HONg KONg ANd beyONd China has always loomed large in the imagination but for a half a century aer Mao Zedong led the Communists to power, the Middle Kingdom was closed off to the world. The Eastern superpower relaxed its restrictions on tourist visas in the late 1990s leading to a travel boom that is here to stay – and grow. Make no mistake: it’s impossible to ignore the most heavily populated nation on earth whose mix of history and heritage, mountain lakes, Buddhist cave statues, dreamy karst peaks, paddy fields and out of this world flavours combine to make the Middle Kingdom such a mesmerising travel destination.
Most first time visitors to China tend to make a beeline for Beijing which, in the aermath of the 2008 Olympic Games, is known as much for the Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube, as the tanks on Tiananmen. Aer a few days in the Imperial City, first-timers push onto Pingyao – an old walled Shanxi town that matches the China of your imagination. From here they’ll typically head to Xi’an to view the Terracoa Army before finishing up in Shanghai. Certainly the ‘Paris of the East’ serves as a fiing epilogue to any China experience: with its funky art deco architecture and fashionable shops and restaurants, Shanghai is where China’s future lies.
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Other popular tours include the Yangtze River Cruise, offering as it does a rare chance to relax in the Middle Kingdom, and the Silk Road Tour: an epic journey following in the footsteps of Marco Polo. Yet while these classic itineraries are as popular as ever, the rest of the country is opening up. This is particularly true of the southwest which offers a wide variety of cultures and cuisines unmatched elsewhere in China. The tropical island of Hainan has also seen a surge in visitors - not only from tourists who want to return home with a tan, but also from golf enthusiasts for the ‘Hawaii of the east’ has developed a reputation as a golfing paradise. And 21years aer Britain handed Hong Kong back to China, the former British colony is back on the map. The quest for authentic experiences – be it learning to cook Chinese dumplings, spending a night in the
mountains with Buddhist monks, aending a tea ceremony or practicing Thai Chi with locals – is another trend du jour. Yet while it’s easier than ever to experience China, travelling around this colossal country isn’t without its challenges. Car hire has yet to catch on and trains, although an affordable and adventurous way to navigate China, can be crowded. Buses reach the places trains cannot get to, but rural roads remain in poor condition and breakdowns are common. Added to this are the frustrations of travelling in a foreign country where few speak English, making flying the most convenient form of internal travel. Nonetheless despite the frustrations involved, don’t be deterred from visiting for the Middle Kingdom remains Asia’s most fascinating country… Best in Travel has put together some sample itineraries to help you make the most out of your time in China and Hong Kong.
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CHiNA iN yOur HANd
THe besT Of beijiNg ANd THe greAT WAll China’s capital is rich in history – from the magnificent Forbidden City (which took one million labourers over 15 years to build) to Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven, traditionally a place of worship for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Travellers will also encounter the Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Once you’ve got the longest wall in the world out of the way, rewarding day trips include Tianjin (Beijing’s port city neighbour), Chengde for its unrivalled collection of Buddhist temples and the ancient village of Chuandixia.
HigHligHT: Beijing’s star aractions garner the headlines but make time to go beyond the guidebook: get lost in the labyrinth like hutongs (alleyways), haggle for antiques at Panjiayuan Market and feast on Beijing’s signature dish, Peking duck. BesT for: History.
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NOrTHerN ligHTs Starting in Xi’an – the former capital of the Tang dynasty – spend a couple of days exploring the city’s atmospheric Muslim quarter, beautiful pagodas and temples before visiting Xi’an’s top tourist draw: the Terracoa Warriors. Take a look at the Buddhist cave site of Longman in Luoyang, then seek out the Shaolin Temple, famed for its monks' expertise at kung fu. Time warped Pingyao is up next, before the Buddhist mountains of Wutai Shan beckon. For a break from Buddhism, unwind in Qingdao – known for its beaches and its Tsingtao beer.
HigHligHT: The premier sight – and one of the most famous archeological finds in the world – is the Terracoa Warriors. The lifelike army (no two warriors have the same features) was built over 2,000 years ago to serve Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the aerlife, but it wasn’t until 1974 that the army was discovered by villagers digging a well. BesT for: Karma.
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CHiNA iN yOur HANd
sHANgHAi KiCKs Shanghai is China’s most modern city, so don’t expect to see any Buddhist monks. But what you will find is the country’s best bars, clubs, hotels and shopping malls. Shanghai is not all about modernity though: The Bund (the symbol of Shanghai’s colonial past) and graceful French Concession serve as the perfect antidote to Shanghai’s skyscrapers. Within easy day tripping distance are Suzhou, celebrated for its classical Chinese gardens, and postcard perfect Hangzhou. Stop off in Nanjing en-route to Wuyan, the gateway to the Yangtze River and the magnificent Three Gorges.
HigHligHT: Shanghai, China’s largest city, is evolving at breakneck pace. Imposing skyscrapers sit alongside historical sites showing what happens when the Western world collides with the Orient. BesT for: Retail therapy.
HONG KONG
HONg KONg ANd THe sOuTH Hong Kong is more than just a gateway to the Middle Kingdom. The Pearl of the Orient is where China and Britain have melded and the result is a fascinating fusion of east and west. Explore Hong Kong’s Central district, take the tram up to Victoria Peak, cross Victoria Harbour on the iconic Star Ferry and dine out on dim sum before moving onto Macau. The former Portuguese colony is Asia’s answer to Las Vegas (Macau is the only legal place to gamble in China) but the real appeal lies in the historic centre, a cathedral to both Chinese and Portuguese architecture. For a holiday, not a history lesson, head to Hainan to soak up the sun on one of Sanya’s beautiful beaches.
HigHligHT: Crossing Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry offers spectacular views of the city’s soaring skyline against a backdrop of mountains. BesT for: Families.
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CHiNA iN yOur HANd
THe sigHTs Of siCHuAN The Sichuan city of Chengdu is home to China’s most famous face, the panda bear. Pandas aside, check out the Chairman Mao statue in Tianfu Square and indulge in the dishes of Sichuan cuisine - famous for their hot and spicy flavour. Close by in Leshan lies the Giant Buddha Statue. The world’s tallest Buddha began to be carved into the mountain in AD713, but wasn’t completed until 90 years later. And don’t miss the famous Buddhist mountain of Emei Shan. Staying in Sichuan province, journey south to another famous site, Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve, famed for its bright blue lakes.
HigHligHT: Meeting the black and white celebrities at Chengdu’s Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. BesT for: Geing up close and personal with giant pandas, China’s cuddly national icon.
HONG KONG
THe beAuTiful sOuTH For fans of the great outdoors, southwest China is where it’s at. Guilin is the starting point for the popular Li River trip to Yangshuo, whose stunning limestone peaks will have you scraping your jaw off the floor. Backtrack to Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, one of China’s most photographed landscapes, before travelling to Sanjiang. The capital of the Dong community affords the opportunity to meet one of the region's most colourful ethnic minorities. Continue onto Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province which is geographically and culturally close to Tibet. The towns of Dali (stunning scenery) and Lijiang (home to the Naxi people) reward a visit en-route to Tiger Leaping Gorge - China’s greatest trek.
HigHligHT: Yangshuo’s dramatic karst landscape. Gawp at the towering limestone peaks from a bamboo ra or hop on a bike and cycle through the dreamy valleys for yourself. BesT for: Beautiful countryside.
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InTerCOnTInen GrAnD STAnFO HONg KO
HONG KONG
TAL OrD ONg nestled in the heart of the bustling shopping, business and entertainment district of Tsimshatsui east, the award-winning InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong oers sophistication and heritage amidst the breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour. The luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, the excellent meeting and event facilities in a comfortable seî…&#x;ing as well as a host of world-class restaurants make it the perfect choice for business and leisure travellers alike. www.hongkong.intercontinental.com/en/
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INTERCONTINENTAL  GRAND  STANFORD HONG KONG Nestled in the heart of the bustling shopping, business and entertainment district of Tsimshatsui East, the award-winning InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong offers sophistication and heritage amidst the breath-taking view of Victoria Harbour. The luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, the excellent meeting and event facilities in a comfortable setting as well as a host of world-class restaurants make it the perfect choice for business and leisure travellers alike. https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=r8JyFsh49db&utm_source=4
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inteRcontinentaL Hong Kong
HONG KONG
recognised as one of the world’s outstanding hotels, this Hong Kong hotel is renowned for its dramatic location on the Kowloon waterfront, with spectacular views of the island. Ideally located near Kowloon’s business, entertainment and shopping districts, the hotel boasts Asia’s spectacular Presidential Suite and over 500 luxuriously appointed rooms, each with spacious bathrooms. Internationally acclaimed, award-winning restaurants pay testament to this Hong Kong hotel’s impeccable credentials. www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/hongkong/hkghc/hoteldetail
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Jw MaRRiott Ho Ideally situated in the bustling Admiralty district, the exceptional location and impeccable connectivity easily make our hotel a perfect home base for your journey to Hong Kong. From your arrival at the airy lobby filled with ample natural lights, to residing at one of the 602 elegantly appointed and refurbished non-smoking
rooms and suites, the hotel continues to exceed expectations with warm and inviting seings, and aentive and intuitive services. A well-equipped executive Lounge and a newly elevated JW Marrio Ballroom are available to further elevate your stay and event experience, while a myriad of exceptional and
HONG KONG
oteL HONg KONg diverse food & beverage venues provide plentiful options for gourmands to explore. A stone’s throw away from all the major tourist and business destinations, the hotel atop Pacific Place Mall is seamlessly connected through the city’s Mass Transit railway system for you to discover what Hong Kong has to offer.
www.marrio.com/hotels/travel/hkgdt-jw-marriohotel-hong-kong/
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An urban resort along the sea nestled in the Southside of Hong Kong Island, surrounded by the greenery backdrop of Pok Fu Lam reservoir and Victoria Peak. The outdoor swimming pool, the five restaurants and bars and a convenient hourly shule bus service to Central Hong Kong make this hotel an ideal destination for holidays, staycations or a more relaxed business trip. All 170 effortlessly stylish designed rooms feature abundant sunlight through floor-to-ceiling windows with upscale amenities. Stay connected with complimentary high-speed internet access and Handy phone which offers unlimited 3G mobile internet data, unlimited locals calls and international calls to 5 selected countries. Boutique-style meeting rooms with natural daylight, equipped with multimedia connectivity panels, intelligent conference and entertainment spaces provide a perfect seing for personalized meetings & events of all sizes. The versatile outdoor venues are ideal for social gatherings, weddings and creative events. www.marrio.com/hotels/travel/hkgmd-le-meridiencyberport/
le MéridieN c
HONG KONG
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MandaRin oRientaL HOnG KOnG
For breathtaking style, legendary service and an unbeatable reputation, it just has to be Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. One of the world’s most famous hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is a fivestar urban retreat in the heart of the city. By combining traditional Asian service with a sleek contemporary design,
excellent dining and cuingedge facilities, we have created a luxury hotel for the 21st century. www.mandarinoriental.com/h ong-kong/victoriaharbour/luxury-hotel
HONG KONG
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HONG KONG
MaRco PoLo HONgKONg HOTel Overlooking the spectacular Victoria Harbour, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is located along Canton road in Tsim Sha Tsui, at the heart of the city’s busiest commercial, shopping and business hub. The Star Ferry and Hong Kong’s cruise terminal are at our doorstep, while shopping is right next door with the hotel forming part of Harbour City – Hong Kong’s largest shopping complex. Guests enjoy easy access to the area's major tourist aractions such as Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum and Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
www.marcopolohotels.com/hotels/hongkong/ kowloon/marco_polo_hongkong/index.html
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BOUTIQUE
HOTELS HONG KONG’S BEST Hong Kong is home to some of the most alluring boutique hotels. Here we’ve rounded up some of the very best places to stay. If you’re looking to stay somewhere small, stylish and individual, this selection won’t disappoint.
HONG KONG
LAN KWAI FONG HOTEL Lan Kwai Fong Hotel at Kau U Fong is an awardwinning boutique hotel in central Hong Kong whose rooms and suites are exquisitely appointed with oriental dÊcor, oering guests a touch of Asian hospitality. Elsewhere Cantonese Restaurant, Celebrity Cuisine which has proved popular with Hong Kong celebrities, has been awarded a Michelin One Star. The concept is about being stylish, and as comfortable as you want to be. Within easy walking distance to Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo areas of Hong Kong, the location is perfect for designer boutiques,
art galleries and antique shops, trendy dining, nightlife and entertainment. MTR, Airport Express Hong Kong Station, Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminals and Star Ferry are only moments away, providing the most convenient transportation network. With art galleries, designer boutiques and antique shops around creates an unique artistic and cultural atmosphere. lankwaifonghotel.com.hk
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LANSON PLACE HOTEL Walking into Lanson Place Hotel, Hong Kong brings respite. An urban retreat, the boutique hotel is tucked discreetly on a quiet street just a stroll from Times Square and Hysan shopping centre. Your first sight as you pull up to the hotel is its European façade. Upon entering the hotel, the theme continues. The Leighton, at ground level, is a calming
courtyard area, with cool stone surrounds and prey greenery, where guests are invited to while away time whenever they please. An onsite concierge based at the hotel’s entrance takes care of any needs and concerns. hongkong.lansonplace.com
HONG KONG
TAI O HERITAGE HOTEL Nestling on a secluded headland abuing Shek Tsai Po Street in the west of the village, the Hotel enjoys a spectacular view of the South China Sea and the tranquil Tai O fishing village. With its refined colonial-style façade and chic interior, the Tai O Heritage Hotel – a colonial edifice built under British colonial rule in 1902 as a police station to guard the shore against bandits – defines perfection in the fruition of time.
glass-roofed open view restaurant and indulge in an unparalleled dining experience prepared by our chefs. Travel back in time in the Heritage Interpretation Centre to uncover the wonders of the historical Tai O. Tai O Heritage Hotel does not merely accommodate its valued guests, but weaves for them a cherished Tai O experience. taioheritagehotel.com
Revel in the comfort of the nine uniquely appointed rooms. Reminisce about the police force protecting the fishing village below as you look out from the
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THE LUXE MANOR Seeking a stylishly surrealism-inspired boutique hotel? Look to The Luxe Manor. Nuzzled amidst the bustling nightlife of Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui boasts 153 stunning guest rooms and six themed suites offering a distinct feeling of adventure within Hong Kong’s urban jungle.
FINDS is the iconic Nordic restaurant featuring Scandinavian cuisine by chef Jaakko Sorsa. Dada Bar + Lounge, the property’s bar and lounge, is creatively reminiscent of the elusive Dada art movement, catering to the stylish segment of both the luxury leisure and business travellers. theluxemanor.com
HONG KONG
THE MIRA HONG KONG This design hotel in the heart of Hong Kong’s popular Tsim Sha Tsui district has been craed to ignite your senses. Enjoy a luxury hotel stay where not a single detail has been missed, from sleek, comfortable rooms, to the exquisite dishes served in Michelinrecommended restaurants, to the state-of-the-art facilities. Relax and indulge at The Mira Hong Kong – you won’t regret it. themirahotel.com
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THE POTTINGER HONG KONG Steeped in the charming old Hong Kong’s history, The Poinger Hong Kong, a 68-room luxury hotel situated in the city’s first historic stone slab street, welcomes visitors to experience the dynamic and vibrant neighbourhood of Central. Rising on the uphill elevation of the Poinger Street, The Poinger Hong Kong is centrally located in the heart of Central, a pivotal hub of business and finance, shopping, dining, culture and entertainment.
Radiating from its front portal, The Poinger Hong Kong has been adorned by a collection of specialty street stalls, paving a heritage landscape of a classic elegance of Hong Kong. thepoinger.com
HONG KONG
THE UPPER HOUSE Conveniently located at the heart of Hong Kong’s business district, just 40 minutes away from the airport and within walking distance of many tourist aractions, The Upper House is a highly individualised small luxury hotel designed by Hong Kong architect Andre Fu.
The hotel’s 117 rooms (including 21 suites and 2 penthouses) start at 730sq – the largest in Hong Kong. They feature wonderfully spacious bathrooms and dressing areas and offer either scenic harbour or island views. Calming and contemporary, the rooms are designed to provide a sense of relaxation, warmth and understated luxury. upperhouse.com
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Hong Kong hongkongtv.co
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sHeRaton Hong Kong
HoteL & toweRs
Located along Victoria Harbour, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers is in the heart of Kowloon's business, shopping, and entertainment district. The ferry terminal and subway (MTr) stations are nearby, and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is 35 minutes away. Outdoors, a temperaturecontrolled pool and Jacuzzi as well as a lounge afford unparalleled relaxation year-round. Take time for yourself in our spa, sauna, and health club with professional instructors. Stay in touch at our
full-service business center. The hotel's 782 sleek, inviting guest rooms and suites are ideal places to relax, work, or play. Many offer a postcard view of Victoria Harbour and the dynamic skyline. Sheraton Towers features private reception and the exclusive Towers Lounge on the 16th floor. www.marrio.com/hotels/travel/hkgsi-sheratonhong-kong-hotel-and-towers/
HONG KONG
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THe LAnDMArK MAnDArIn OrIenTAL HONg KONg The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is a chic boutique retreat in the heart of Hong Kong’s business and fashion districts. Famed for our stunning contemporary design, peaceful ambience and impeccable service, we offer guests a highly exclusive experience that exudes style and serenity.
www.mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/thelandmark/luxury-hotel
HONG KONG
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tHe PeninsU HONg KONg
HONG KONG
Building on its 90 years as a global beacon of hospitality, the legendary “Grande Dame of the Far east” continues to set hotel standards worldwide, offering a blend of the best eastern and Western hospitality in an atmosphere of unmatched classical grandeur and timeless elegance. A stay at the hotel allows you to re-live the glamour of travel of a by-gone era and explore the many antiques and historical artifacts on display around the hotel. www.peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/5-starluxury-hotel-kowloon
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UNIQUE ATTRACTIO AND FACILITIES IN CHANGI AIRPORT
SUNFLOWER GARDEN ROOFTOP SWIMMING POOL
Home to 500 sunflowers that are grown in the airport’s in-house nursery, the Sunflower Garden is the place to be to catch a healthy dose of Vitamin D in between your flights.
Located in Terminal 1, a rooop swimming pool, jacuzzi, and fitness centre make for an unusual area to watch planes take off and land.
Admire the majestic view of the runway and aircra parking bays from this rooop haven.
It’s the perfect place to sunbathe or take a refreshing dip while waiting for a connecting flight.
• Free of Charge • Location: Terminal 2 – Departure Transit Lounge, Level 3
• Cost per person: SGD17* • Location: Terminal 1 – Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel, Level 3 * Guests of Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel can enjoy these facilities on a complimentary basis.
BUTTERFLY GARDEN Stroll through the world’s first airport Buerfly Garden and let the buerflies fluer around you. This two-storey enclosed garden is home to more than 1,000 buerflies from as many as 40 species, and a 6 metre groowaterfall. You can also observe the life cycle of buerflies at close range at the Emergence Case, which houses about 500 pupae. • Free of Charge • Location: Terminal 3 – Departure Transit Lounge, Level 2&3
ONS
HERITAGE ZONE The Heritage Zone showcases Singapore’s traditional retail and dining brands alongside the evolution of the city-state’s distinctive Peranakan shophouse facades. A giant LED screen here transforms two shophouse bays into a digital theatre stage, presenting a 6 minute cultural minitheatre show, the Peranakan Love Story. • Free of Charge • Location: Terminal 4, Departure Transit Lounge, Level 2
24-HR MOVIE THEATRES Looking for some entertainment to pass time between your flights? Catch some of the latest blockbusters for free at the 24-hour movie theatres. Die-hard movie fans will find the Movie Theatres in Terminals 2 & 3 the best place to spend their time when transiting at Changi Airport. • Free of Charge • Location: Terminal 2 – Departure Transit Lounge, Level 3 Terminal 3 – Departure Transit Lounge North, Level 3
THE RITz-CaRlTON HONG KONG
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HONG KONG
Let The ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong open your eyes to a horizonless view and elevate your spirit with genuine awe from one of the most prestigious luxury ďŹ ve star hotels in Hong Kong. Located on oors 102-118 in the West Kowloon district's International Commerce Centre, the hotel overlooks Victoria Harbour, revealing a virtual map of the city where guests can see a destination full of unlimited possibilities from 360-degree panoramic views. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/hongkong
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geT TO KNOW HONg KONg iNTerNATiONAl AirpOrT Designed by acclaimed British architect Lord Norman Foster, this awesome state-of-the-art structure completed in 1998 was voted one of the top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century by the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association. Situated at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport is linked to the city’s urban areas via an impressive chain of highways, railways and bridges. Hong Kong Island is less than 30 minutes away by the MTR Airport Express train. Uncluered spaces and lots of natural light are what make this an impressive entranceway to Asia’s world city. It also remains one of the world's busiest airports, and has been recognised as the world’s best airport around 60 times. Located within five hours’ flying time from half the world’s population, the airport houses over 100 airlines from all over the world. In addition to connecting to 220 destinations by air, the airport easily connects to over 100 cities and towns in Mainland China via road and sea transport links. The terminals contain extensive facilities for shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment.
HONG KONG
five THings To do aT Hong Kong inTernaTional airporT
puing techniques or drives. Choose between a ninehole game or take on a full 18-hole course.
Flight delayed? Put the panic on hold. There’s plenty to keep you occupied and entertained at HKIA.
CHow down
CaTCH a BloCKBusTer movie in imax If you’ve got a couple of hours to kill, why not catch a film and experience a blockbuster in full Imax glory? Terminal 2’s Imax can seat up to 350 customers and has the biggest cinema screen in all Hong Kong.
sHop To iT Want to upgrade your wardrobe? You’re in the right place. Balenciaga, Baleno, BALLY, Burberry and other big name high-end brands are all correct and present at HKIA, to ensure you travel in style.
HiT THe greens In recent years, golf has undergone a renaissance and has shaken off its tweed trousers and brogues image. If you want to follow in the footsteps of golf loving celebrities like Samuel L Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Catherine Zeta Jones, check out GreenLive Air. This indoor golf club offers entertaining golf simulation games that allow you to practice your
Hands up if you don’t like airplane food? That’s all of us then. Happily you can fill your boots at HKIA’s food court which is home to an array of cafes and restaurants including Caviar House & Prunier, ItamaeSushi and Hung Fook Tong. Best in Travel’s tip? Tsui Wah whose signature beef brisket curry, pork cartilage with tossed instant noodles and Swiss sauce chicken wings washed down with Hong Kong-style milk tea, will have you keeling over in bliss.
enjoy some me Time Got a couple of hours to kill in HKIA? A few hours hidden away in a seriously good spa should feature on everyone’s Hong Kong layover list. In this gem of the airport, guests can enjoy pamper services such as a shoulder and back massage, foot massage, manicures and pedicures, blow-dry, haircuts and a series of salon services in Terminal 2 at Wellness.
www.hongkongairport.com
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HONg KONg’s besT serviCed ApArTmeNTs dO yOu WANT TO live liKe A lOCAl, buT AreN'T sO KeeN ON THe ideA Of liviNg iN sOmeONe else's HOme WHeN yOu Travel? CONsider sTAyiNg AT A serviCed ApArTmeNT: ACCOmmOdATiON THAT pAirs THe COmfOrTs Of HOme (THiNK A KiTCHeN, liviNg rOOm ANd OffiCe) WiTH THe luxury ANd AmeNiTies Of A HOTel (reAd rOOm serviCe, A spA ANd CONCierge). We’ve rOuNded up six Of THe besT serviCed ApArTmeNTs fOr yOu TO CONsider fOr yOur NexT Trip TO HONg KONg.
HONG KONG
sHAmA CeNTral HONg KONg
fashionable restaurants, antique shops and stylish boutiques all nestled side by side and offers a slice of Hong Kong life.
Located on Peel Street in the heart of central Hong Kong, Shama Central’s 56 chic contemporary serviced apartments provide calming retreats in the perfect location. The city’s vibrant neighbourhood boasts traditional market stalls,
Owing to the unparalleled location, lavish furnishings and care of the staff, Shama Central’s apartments exemplify luxurious urban living. shama.com/central
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sHAmA midlevels These huge apartments are one-per-floor of the Shama Midlevels property, and boast bright open space and a luxurious feel with furnishings and fiings second to none. The lavishly designed apartments have sumptuous beds and elegant furniture with brilliant views. You'll receive a personalised housekeeping service and 24-hour security for your utmost comfort, allowing you to completely relax during your stay. Situated on Kennedy Road, one of most sought-aer residential districts in Hong Kong Island, you'll have convenient access to the Admiralty MTR station, and the stylish eateries and bars within the Starstreet Precinct. All told, Shama Midlevels offers you a fantastic lifestyle in an exclusive residential environment. shama.com/midlevels-kennedy
HONG KONG
sOmerseT viCTOriA pArK HONg KONg Located in the gourmet food district of Tin Hau, Somerset Victoria Park Hong Kong offers travellers 68 cozy studio and one-bedroom serviced apartments. Somerset Victoria Park is a mere five minute stroll away from the Tin Hau MTR Station and a 15-minute drive to Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal. Experience balanced living in Hong Kong’s urban metropolis complemented by the lush greenery at Victoria Park nearby the residence. Other places of interest nearby include the Happy Valley Racecourse and Hong Kong Stadium.
Back at the residence, relax in comfortable rooms that come in various sizes, ranging from cleverly designed studios to spacious one-bedroom apartments each of which is fied with a kitchenee, separate living and dining areas, and an en-suite bathroom. To further enhance your staying experience, as a Somerset resident, enjoy complimentary access to a comprehensive list of facilities available in-house such as a full-serviced gymnasium, launderee and a Resident’s Lounge. somerset.com/en/china/hong-kong/somersetvictoria-park-hong-kong/index.html
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THe bAuHiNiA ApArTmeNTs CeNTral These Hong Kong serviced apartments are in the centre of the city, just a two minute walk from Sheung Wan MTR (mass transit railway) station. The studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments are all equipped with a kitchenee and living area. All of the apartments come with one bathroom, apart from the three bedroom apartments which come with two.
Each apartment boasts a flat screen TV with cable channels, a DVD player, free wired or wireless broadband and a direct dial phone. On-site facilities include a free fitness centre, a residents' lounge and a communal laundry room, while some apartments feature washer/dryers. Maid service is three times a week with a linen and towel change twice a week. hebauhinia.com.hk
HONG KONG
v CAuseWAy bAy2 V Causeway Bay2 is an exclusive collection of 20 designer one and two-bedroom apartments, each oering stunning mountain views over Hong Kong. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is located just 1.8km away, while the city centre lies within 4km from the venue, and the Tin Hau temples and the Hong Kong Central Library are just 10 minutes away on foot. The air-conditioned apartments at the property are modern and equipped with a safe, television, a balcony and a kitcheneî…&#x;e. v-causeway-bay2.inhongkonghotels.com
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AirliNe spOTligHT:
HONg KON
We sHiNe THe spOTligHT ON THe HONg KONg bAsed AirliNe
Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a fullservice airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. From ground operation to inflight service, the airline is commied to delivering an exceptional customer experience with a unique flair of its home base. In recognition of its ongoing pursuit for excellence, Hong Kong Airlines has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011. Hong Kong Airlines boasts an ever-expanding international network covering nearly 40
HONG KONG
Ng AirliNes
destinations across Asia Pacific and North America. The airline also maintains 77 interline and 18 codeshare agreements with multiple airline partners, offering its customers more choice and convenience across the continents. As it transitions from a regional to a global carrier, the airline continues to embrace its strong roots in Hong Kong. The Company’s logo is inspired by the bauhinia flower, an emblem of Hong Kong, while the ‘Brand Hong Kong’ signature is painted proudly on all Hong Kong Airlines aircra.
Hong Kong Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet, comprising of 36 passenger aircra and two freighters. With an average age of around five years, the airline has one of the youngest and modern fleets in the world, following the arrival of its first of 21 Airbus A350 aircra in September 2017. www.hongkongairlines.com
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conRad Hong Kong
HONG KONG
If you had 1/3/5 hours to explore Hong Kong, what would you do? Make the most of your journey at Conrad Hong Kong with our curated list of 1/3/5 experiences. explore 1, 3 and 5 hour itineraries that reflect a local take on culture, art, food, and adventure at StayInspired.com, and enjoy a truly inspired stay. Superb. Genuinely firstclass. Today's travelers agree stays are memorable at Conrad Hong Kong. Soaring 61 stories above Pacific Place in the
business district, the hotel offers sleek guest rooms and suites, a blend of homelike comforts and high-tech amenities. conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/chin a/conrad-hong-kong-HKGHCCI/index.html
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doRsett wanc HONg KONg
cHai
HONG KONG
Located between Causeway Bay and Wanchai – the vibrant heart of commercial and business Hong Kong – the hotel is only an 8-minute walk away from the nearest MTr station and the vibrant Causeway Bay shopping and entertainment area where Times Square mega shopping mall, restaurants, and nightlife can be found. With the discerning business and leisure traveller in mind coupled with Asian-style courtesy and efficiency, our hotel offers “beyond
thoughtful” services such as a 26-hour full stay (check-in any time of the day and enjoy a full 26 hours with us), 1-hour response Guaranteed (ensure your queries to be answered and assistance is provided within 1-hour) and a free shule bus network that takes you to 14 different must-see destinations in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Central, Admiralty, Quarry Bay and Tai Koo. www.wanchai.dorsehotels.com/
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gateway HOTeL
rising over Hong Kong's commercial and entertainment district of Kowloon is Gateway Hotel, a Marco Polo hotel. Housed in Harbour City – Hong Kong's largest shopping complex – Gateway Hotel combines superb leisure accommodation with thrilling shopping and cultural experiences. In September 2013, Gateway Hotel introduced an innovative new hotel design concept. All 400 guestrooms and suites underwent a
complete redesign, which won a Global excellence award for Best Hotel by the International Interior Design Association in December 2012. The celebrated renovation also included the hotel’s Continental Club Lounge and lobby, as well as restaurant Three on Canton and al fresco dining area Be on Canton. www.marcopolohotels.com/en/hotels/h ongkong/kowloon/gateway/index.html
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gRand Hyatt
HONG KONG
t Hong Kong
Coupled with our impeccable services, Grand Hya Hong Kong redefines hotel luxury and offers facilities and amenities to meet your every need. Free Wi-Fi and Internet is available for all registered guests to stay connected. Our concierge team is dedicated to ensuring that your stay on Hong Kong Island is as successful as possible. enjoy 5-star perks including air
ticket confirmation, restaurant bookings, visa arrangements for travelling in China, sight-seeing tours around Hong Kong Island and the city, messages, car hire, bell-desk and parking services, mailing and photo-processing. hongkong.grand.hya.com/en/hotel/home.html
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HArBOur GrAnD HONg KONg
HONG KONG
The hotel group is a major player in the Asian hospitality industry by providing a distinctive blend of comfortable elegance, understated luxury and value for money in all of its hotels. The company currently manages eight full service hotels in Hong Kong, namely the 828-room Harbour Grand Hong Kong, the 555-room Harbour Grand Kowloon, the 822-room Harbour Plaza Metropolis, the 714-room Harbour Plaza north Point, the 1,102-room Harbour Plaza resort City, the 704-room Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees, the 240suite unit Kowloon Harbourfront Hotel and the 736-room The Kowloon Hotel.
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six musTeAT disHes if yOu WANT A ‘musT-eAT’ fOOd guide fOr HONg KONg, ANd WHere TO Try THem, lOOK NO furTHer. frOm dim sum TO milK TeA, puT AT leAsT sOme Of THe CiTy’s reNOWNed musT-eATs ON yOur meNu
CHiNese bArbeCue Known as siu mei, restaurants serving Chinese barbecued meats are your window into traditional Chinese roasts. It is impossible to miss this cuisine in Hong Kong because aer the highly seasoned meats are roasted on spits over an open fire or in a rotisserie ov-en, they are hung inside the restaurant and visible from the street. You’ll see siu mei hanging in fast-
food chains, high-end restaurants and supermarkets. It is a sight — and taste — that is ubiquitous wherever there are Chinese communities. Chinese barbecue restaurants usually have highly flexible menus that allow you to pair your roast meats with rice, noodles or rice noodles. Combo plates enable solo diners to sample several meats in one meal.
HONG KONG
dim sum Dim sum means ‘touch your heart’ and with as many as 150 items on a res-taurant menu, and 2,000 in the entire range, it is a challenge to not find something you love. As Cantonese people tend to avoid fried foods early in the day, steamed dishes dominate most dim sum menus. There are also snack-sized portions of pan-fried, deep-fried, and baked foods served in bamboo containers, which are designed to be eaten communally and washed down with tea. Hence, going for dim sum is known as yum cha, which literally means ‘drinking tea.’ Usually a brunch or lunch affair, it is a common form of family, coworker and other group get-together.
Today, dim sum restaurants come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional to innovative. Start with one of the large mid-priced eateries where in the midst of boisterous conversations you will see multiple generations gather around the table for a no-nonsense family feed and office workers enjoying a short but effective break from the daily grind. When you enter, let the waiter know how many people are in your group, be seated, decide on what type of tea you want, order your dim sum, and enjoy a quintessential Hong Kong experience.
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HONg KONg-sTyle milK TeA Chinese tea culture features strongly in Hong Kong but the local milk tea is a more recent concoction, having only come on the scene in the 1950s. Various blends of Sri Lankan black tea are infused with evaporated or condensed milk. It is called Stocking milk tea because it is percolated in a stock-ing-like filter. The brew is smooth and creamy in texture. The local passion for this beverage cannot be understated: it drives the consumption of hundreds of millions cups of milk tea every year, has in-spired competitions to find the best vendors and turned the beverage into an icon of Hong Kong’s food scene.
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lOCAl sNACKs Snacking in Hong Kong is a diverse business, with everything from slush drinks and egg tarts to octopus balls available on the streets. Graze your way around the city for a really local experience. Just look out for the long lines of customers and you’ll be onto a good thing. Snacks to try include Pineapple buns, Egg tarts, Faux shark’s fin Soup (a version of the expensive banquet soup using other types of fish, black fun-gus and cellophane noodles for a similar effect) Wife cake (a bun filled with sweet winter melon paste), Mini egg puffs, Put chai ko (sticky rice pudding), White sugar cake, Fish balls, Stinky tofu and Beef offal.
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NOOdles ANd CONgee Noodles and congee (rice porridge) are oen served under the same roof. Some of the more traditional restaurants that serve both will have two open kitchens flanking the entrance. One kitchen will be dedicated solely to mak-ing congee, the other to making noodles. Congee ranges from the plain starchy variety to the lighter versions that in-clude vegetables and meat and even hot-pots in which the ingredients are cooked in a congee soup. The huge variety of noodles and congee availa-ble can be enjoyed 24 hours a day in the city. In fact, these are popular late night eats.
sWeeTs Every now and then, Hongkongers take time from the rush of urban life to enjoy the rush of sugar in the city’s dessert shops. Everything from light traditional Chinese sweet soups to Hong Kong fusions are served day and night. Take a break from your to-do list to enjoy sweet treats such as Red bean soup, Tofu pudding, Tongyuen (a kind of sweet rice dumpling) and Mango pudding.
HONG KONG
WHere TO Try THem
dAi pAi dONg Dai pai dong are open-air street stalls that serve cooked food. The name lit-erally means ‘restaurant with a big license plate’, referring to the large size of the licenses they were issued in the past. Today, the term is applied to all open-air food stalls, and not just the ones with this specific license. Dai pai dong will serve just about any snack or food but they are best known for stir fries. Although stir fries are a humble home dish, they are quite difficult to pull off. To make a good stir fry, the chef has to have excellent cuing skills and ensure there is sufficient heat, precise seasoning, quick thickening and plenty of ‘wok hei’ (the subtle combination of aroma and taste that a well-used wok imparts to food). Dai pai dong also commonly serve the unique
From eating seafood at a waterfront fish market to sharing a rustic ‘big bowl feast’ with friends, the best way to get into the true food culture of Hong Kong is to try the unique food experiences it offers.
cuisine of Chiu Chow people, which includes fried oyster omelee, braised dishes and chilled crab and fish. Eating at a dai pai dong is also a truly Hong Kong dining experience as you will probably end up sharing a table with strangers during busy hours, can cross order from different vendors and get a frontrow view of the local street life. Dai pai dong can be found almost anywhere in the city. Side streets and lanes are the most likely place to spot them. You can find ones that are decades old near the the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator in Central on Hong Kong Island and in the neighbourhood of Sham Shui Po in Kowloon.
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HONg KONg-sTyle diNer Hong Kong-style diners, or cha chaan teng, are a unique result of city's modern history. Aer the Second World War, Western food became increasingly popular in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, it remained beyond the fi-nancial reach of many people. Local diners started offering dishes with Western influences and, more important, reasonable prices and the trend took off. Hong Kong’s dining scene has since changed dramatically but the Hong Kong-style diners continue to serve their hybrid creations to a captivated audience. Part of the reason for their success is they meet the local relent-less demand for convenience and flexibility. Wherever you are in
fOOd TruCKs Feeling peckish while touring Hong Kong’s many aractions? Keep an eye out for the fleet of food trucks on rotation, cooking up everything from local street foods to international classics. You will find
the city, there is usually a cha chaan teng within walking distance. Moreover, most stay open into the wee hours, while many operate around the clock. And they serve a variety of food to suit most hankerings, from stir fries to pine-apple buns, Chinese barbecue to the local fusion style known as Soy sauce western. As a result, the cha chaan teng aracts a diverse crowd, and it is not unu-sual to see brickies siing across from business executives, and school kids alongside pensioners. Quite a number of cha chaan teng have English menus, making this institution of Hong Kong dining culture totally accessible to foreign visitors. Drop in, grab a booth and enjoy the food and the people watching.
them at visitor hotspots in-cluding Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, the Central Harbourfront Event Space, Ocean Park, Salisbury Garden, Art Square, the Energising Kowloon East Venue 1, Wong Tai Sin Square, and Hong Kong Disneyland.
HONG KONG
seAfOOd sTreeTs The pinnacle of Cantonese cooking is fresh seafood and Hong Kong has a well-earned reputation for the quality of its seafood restaurants. An espe-cially interesting and enjoyable way to enjoy seafood here is to head out of the city and find a ‘seafood street’ — a cluster of seafood restaurants oen found along a seafront or near a fish market. The restaurants will oen have large tanks of live fish and crustaceans from which you can choose. In some cases, you can buy your fish fresh from a market or off a fishing boat and have a nearby restaurant prepare it for you. Most seafood streets are found in the New Territories and on outlying is-lands. Some of the most popular include Lei Yue Mun in Kowloon, Sai Kung Seafood Street, Sok Wu Wan Village on Lamma Island and Pak She Praya Road on Cheung Chau. Prices of seafood items are oen charged by weight and can vary by sea-son. Different restaurants use different systems to weigh the food, so be sure to confirm the price before ordering. Also, in situations where the fish is purchased outside the restaurant, such as in Lei Yue Mun, cooking charges are added to the price.
fiNe diNiNg Hong Kong aracts the world’s most elite chefs and restaurateurs, resulting in a dining scene that’s heavily decorated in prestigious accolades. The first city in China and second in Asia to earn a Michelin star, Hong Kong now has more than 60 Michelinstarred restaurants and regularly features strong in Asia’s top restaurant picks.
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✶
THE BEST
ROOFTOP
BAR
IN HONG KONG Asia’s world city is packed with rooop restaurants and bars that are perfect for al fresco eating and drinking. Since you ask, however, here’s the low-down on the rooop bar Best in Travel believes is worth geing vertigo for.
HONG KONG
✶ OZONE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON HONG KONG Headed to Hong Kong? Be sure to end at least one evening on top of the world at Ozone, the most celebrated rooop sky bar in Hong Kong. Expect bold and funky decor courtesy of acclaimed designer, Masamichi Katayama, inventive cocktails, delicious Asian tapas (best enjoyed on the outdoor terrace) and dance parties featuring some of the most well known DJs in Hong Kong. However it’s the dizzying views over Victoria Bay and Hong Kong Island that will keep you coming back for more.
During the scorching summer months, Ozone relaxes its dress code policy to match the weather. Ozone now welcome guests wearing tailored shorts, capri pants or similar and at the discretion of Ozone management. Enclosed shoes must be worn at all times and no casual slippers/ open-toed footwear are permied. This policy applies over the summer season until 30 September 2018. Ozone welcomes guest below 18 years of age between 5pm-9pm daily and for Sunday brunch. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/hon g-kong/dining/ozone
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HOTel icon
The perfect Hong Kong harbour view, delicious local and international cuisine, cocktails on the club floor, the ultimate rooms for comfort and style, heartfelt service, a stylish pool and spa floor, thoughtful details and all right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. www.hotel-icon.com/
HONG KONG
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W
HONg KONg
HONG KONG
Where glamorous trends meet colonial style, W Hong Kong amplifies the city's vibrancy, with the Airport express just below. Immerse yourself in the artistic ambience of West Kowloon Culture Centre, the vital cultural hub next door. Indulge your senses at the authentic Sing Yin Cantonese Dining, the dazzling KITCHen and the chic WOOBAr. See and be seen around the heavenly rooop WeT® pool, chill out at Asia's first Bliss® Spa and work out among the clouds at
FIT. With skyline views from all 393 rooms, sightsee from the signature W bed or check out our fabulous entertainment. Plug into fullywired technology or delight in the W MixBar. For every other wish, our Whatever/Whenever® service is at your command. www.marrio.com/hotels/travel/hkgwh-whong-kong/
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FOur SeASOnS H
HONG KONG
HOTeLHONg KONg
An urban powerhouse encapsulating Hong Kong’s irresistible energy, our landmark home is the preferred address for guests who want to stay in the middle of it all. With ďŹ ve Michelin stars and a Zen-inspiring Spa under one roof, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is a culinary and wellness destination at the edge of storied Victoria Harbour. www.fourseasons.com/hongkong/
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HONG KONG
HaRboUR gRand KOWlOON Harbour Plaza Hotels and resorts is a member of CK Asset Group. The hotel group is a major player in the Asian hospitality industry by providing a distinctive blend of comfortable elegance, understated luxury and value for money in all of its hotels. The company currently manages eight full service hotels in Hong Kong, namely the 828room Harbour Grand Hong Kong, the 555-room Harbour Grand Kowloon, the 822-room Harbour Plaza Metropolis, the 714-room Harbour Plaza north Point, the 1,102-room Harbour Plaza resort City, the 704-room Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees, the 240-suite unit Kowloon Harbourfront Hotel and the 736-room The Kowloon Hotel. kowloon.harbourgrand.com/
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tHe exceLsioR HONg KONg
Overlooking Victoria Harbour, The excelsior is an affordable luxury hotel in Causeway Bay. Combining elegant accommodation with a choice of restaurants, fitness facilities and meeting rooms, we are the perfect hotel for your Hong Kong adventure. www.mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/the-excelsior/luxury-hotel
HONG KONG
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HONG KONG
THe laNgHaM HONg KONg embodying luxury with its european inuence and Traditions of excellence, The Langham, Hong Kong holds court in the prime shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. A paragon of timeless elegance and poise, this luxury Hong Kong hotel was honoured with the Forbes Five-Star Award, named Top 5 Best Hotels in Hong Kong by Travel + Leisure 2016 and a winner of the TripAdvisor CertiďŹ cate of excellence.
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HellO HAiNAN
WHisper iT quieTly buT THere’s mOre TO CHiNA ANd HONg KONg THAN THe Temple Of HeAveN, TerraCOttA WArriOrs ANd viCTOriA HArbOur. besT iN Travel disCOvers THe islANd OAsis Of HAiNAN.
HONG KONG
A month from now you could a) be stuck at your desk or b) lying on the sand in Sanya, Hainan, topping up the tan. We know which we’d pick… The oriental Hawaii – so called because it sits on the same latitude as Hawaii – hasn’t received the recognition it deserves, having only been opened to visitors roughly 25 years ago. As a result, it’s not as fashionable as other Asian beach destinations, but this just means you don’t have to share the sand with reality TV stars. Result. Sanya marks the southernmost tip of the island that’s roughly the same size as Belgium. Dubbed ‘the end of the earth’ (or the ‘tail of the dragon’ due to its remoteness in relation to mainland China), this tropical city is famous for its bounty advert beaches and doesn’t disappoint. Sanya Bay and Dadonghai Bay are both fine spots for those who want to fly and flop but Best in Travel recommends basing yourself 15km east at exclusive Yalong Bay. The beach here is top notch and, unless you’re mad enough to go over Chinese New Year, it’s virtually empty. There’s a slew of swanky hotels and resorts to choose from along Yalong Bay including World Travel Awards nominated Atlantis Sanya, Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay, InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, MGM Grand Sanya, Park Hya Sanya Sunny Bay Resort, Renaissance Sanya Resort & Spa, St Regis Yalong Bay, The Royal Begonia, Sanya and The Westin Sanya Haitang Bay Resort to name but a few… phew.
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Checked into your chosen abode? Make a beeline for the beach where you can relax on sand the colour of icing sugar in between cooling dips in the sky blue water, admire the colours in your cocktail delivered by a wide smiled waitress and allow Sanya’s slack pace to work its subtle, inexorable magic. However while you’d be forgiven for staying on your sun lounger listening to the lapping sounds of the sea, make the effort to venture further afield – for there’s more to Hainan than sun, sand and sea. For a change of pace, take a trip to Nanshan Temple, tramp through Jiangfeng Ling Forest Reserve (voted one of the top 10 most beautiful forests in China by National Geographic Magazine), climb a mountain such as Mount Wuzhi, Mount Diaolu or Mount Qianxianling or hike to Hainan’s highlands – a collection of postcard prey villages, situated slap bang in the middle of the island. It’s here that you’ll encounter the fabled Li and Miao minorities, who were among the first to sele permanently on the island some 3,000 years ago, and still live in the same boat shaped, thatched bamboo houses as they have always done. Aer you’ve had your fill of culture, why not sweep a tee shot down a manicured fairway? Golf may have been banned in China as recently as three decades years ago, but today the country is obsessed with the sport and nowhere more so than Hainan which is bidding to become a golfing paradise. Two courses to try are Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula - West Course and Mission Hills Haikou - Lava Fields Course, both of which have been nominated in World Golf Awards ‘China’s Best Golf Course 2018’ category.
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Factor in near perpetual blue skies, a host of restaurants serving up delicious dishes like Hainanese chicken and you’ve got a dream destination. Ironic really, given that Hainan was once hailed as the ‘gate of hell’ in honour of it being a place to banish rebel officers!
chance to be the one who got there first. Explore and enjoy – before word gets out that Hainan is open for business…
As to when to go, there is no time like the present. At some point we’ve all gone green with envy listening to a lucky so and so regale us with tales about what a place was like back in the day. Well Hainan is still in the early morning of its day and hasn’t really registered on the travel radar.
Direct flights from Hong Kong to Haikou, the capital city of Hainan, are operated by Hong Kong Airlines, Hainan, Dragonair and Cathay Pacific.
So whether you head to Hainan for the sunshine, the fresh seafood or the forest now is your
geing there
The average flight time from Hong Kong International Airport to Haikou (Hainan Island) is 1 hour, 25 minutes.
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