Mid levels June 2019

FAMILY | DINING | HIKES | SHENZHEN

Mid-levels hongkongliving.com

June 2019

magazine

FANTASTIC STYLISTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

AFTERNOON TEA AT ST. REGIS

INDIAN SUMMER

The best curries in Hong Kong

summer daze out on the water

2 | hongkongliving.com

Mid-levels magazine

The really useful magazine June 2019

2

CONTRIBUTORS

42 TRAVEL

Meet our team

4

SNAPPED!

Raffles hotel opens in Shenzhen

45 HOROSCOPES

Life around Mid-levels

6

WHAT’S ON

Will June be your month?

48 ZIM CITY

Happening in June

Running for change

10 MUST HAVE THIS MONTH Father’s Day gift ideas

12 NEWS Truly local news

10

14 FIVE MINUTES WITH...

Hubert Ho of Kaplan

15 LOCAL Take a walk through Wan Chai

38

32 40

16 COVER STORY Escape on a luxurious junk

22 DINING Spice up your summer at these Indian hot spots

26 CHEF INTERVIEW With Executive Sous Chef Vincent Leroux of St. Regis

28 HEALTH & BEAUTY Hong Kong’s top stylists

32 EDUCATION Summer camp fun for your kids and teens.

Plus spotlight on YWCA.

38 SPORT Dragon Boat Festival fiesta

40 BIG DAY OUT Sai Kung’s favourite seafood spot Yau Ley

16

“DANCE WITH THE WAVES, MOVE WITH THE SEA. LET THE RHYTHM OF THE WATER SET YOUR SOUL FREE.” – CHRISTY ANN MARTINE

hongkongliving.com | 1

editor’s letter

J

Mid-levels

une is upon us. In less than four short weeks it will be exactly six months until Christmas. Seriously Mid levelers, is it just me or where is this year going?

On the plus side, that means that the dreaded Hong Kong summer is actually now officially upon us. In my experience, I’ve found that the anticipation of something bad happening is actually often far worse than the actual event.

With that said, prepare we must - this month we’ve scoured Hong Kong to find the best expat-approved stylists. They know a few tricks to keep the effects of humidity at bay, turn to page 28.

Something that is certain to knock a hair or two out of place is a junk trip. Yes, tis’ the season to hire a yacht. Who to book with, how to arrange the catering and where to throw anchor - it’s all covered on page 16.

And if you’ve got little ones in tow, no doubt you’ll be looking for ways to keep them entertained, check our our guide to summer camps for kids and teens on page 32.

And with that, stay cool and classy!

magazine

Editorial

Managing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Becky Love, becky@hongkongliving.com Media Assistant Jeramy Lee, jeramy@hongkongliving.com Editorial Assistant Nicole Cooley, ncooley@hongkongliving.com

Design

Design Coordinator Sonia Khatwani, sonia@hongkongliving.com Graphic designer Alvin Cheng, alvin@hongkongliving.com

Sales & Marketing

Director of Partnerships Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Senior Sales & Marketing Executive Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com Sales & Marketing Executive Corrie Tang, corrie@hongkongliving.com Mathew Cheung, mathew@hongkongliving.com

Events

Event Executive Ran Chan, ran@hongkongliving.com

Operations

Assistant Operations Manager Charles Lau, charles@hongkongliving.com

contributors

Digital

Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com

Publisher

Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com

Thanks to

Adam White Holly Annie Black Paul Zimmerman Mochi Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772

Becky Love

Amelia Sewell

Paul Zimmerman

Our contributing editor explored Wan Chai for our local story this month.

Our education editor takes a look at the courses on offer at the YWCA.

This month Paul is campaigning for new and improved walking trails across Hong Kong.

What’s your best Hong Kong humidity hack?

What’s your best Hong Kong humidity hack?

What’s your best Hong Kong humidity hack?

I have come to terms with the fact that no amount of product or advice will tame my frizzy humidity hair. So failing that, I just drink a lot of water, use the dehumidifier indoors and eat a lot of popsicles.

I only have one for vanity, which is get a smoothing treatment on your hair to stop the dishevelled, sweaty fuzzball look. Not cheap but 100% worth it.

As humidity and temperatures rise, keep up your outdoor exercise routines. In doing so you allow your body to better adjust to the heat.

Want to write for Mid-levels Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 2 | hongkongliving.com

Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong Cover design by Alvin Cheng Photo credit: Michelangelo

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Mid-levels Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Mid-levels Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

people Mid-levels snaps

4 | hongkongliving.com

say cheese Hong Kong Living Awards 2019 Charity Lunch

Women of Hope Fundraiser Luncheon 2019

hongkongliving.com | 5

planner

JUN 7

Dragon Boat (Tuen Ng) Festival Another public holiday! Cheer on the paddlers! See page 38 for where to watch the races.

UNTIL JUN 29 Bits ‘n’ Bobs

UNTIL JUN 30

Le French May Arts Festival One of the largest cultural events in Asia with more than 150 programmes across two months. Enjoy heritage and contemporary arts, painting and design and music including

6 | hongkongliving.com

Motorino Pizza Making Party Throw on an apron and create your own Neapolitan pizza pies. $248 per person plus 10 percent service charge, includes antipasti, pizza and free-flow Peroni. Add three hours of free-flow prosecco or wine for $58.

Reservations at info@motorino.com.hk.

3-5pm. Motorino, 15 Ship Street, Wan Chai. motorinohongkong.com

Eddie Martinez at Galerie Perrotin

Eclectic works from self-taught artist Eddie Martinez alternate between traditional and unconventional methods of painting. Free.

Galerie Perrotin, 17/F, 50 Connaught Road, Central. perrotin.com

JUN 1

FROM JUN 1

Murakami vs Murakami This contemporary art exhibition features Takashi Murakami - one of the most influential artists in the world. View over 60 diverse paintings and sculptures. 10.30am7pm, (Closes 9pm on Fridays.) $75. JC Contemporary & F Hall Studio, Block 17, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central. taikwun.hk

Photo Credit: Takashi Murakami at JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun Photography by 13thWitness

classical, hip-hop and dance. Ticket prices and venues vary. frenchmay.com

happening in June JUN 1

JUN 7-9

An evening of comedy, games and stunning views of the city all in aid of stray and abandoned dogs for Sai Kung Stray Friends. Tickets are $888 and include a poolside buffet, free-flow drinks and live entertainment. 6.30-11pm. 12B Bowen Road, The Peak. Email pawspartypeak@ gmail.com

A sometimes funny, but heartbreaking play

by A Common Collective on the stories of women who are faced with unplanned pregnancies. Friday & Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets from $180. The Hive Studios, 8/F, Kennedy Town. eventbrite.hk

Paws Party on the Peak

The Waiting Room

JUN 8

Gin Fest 2019 at John Anthony Meet 13 mixologists and taste over 30 different gins. Unlimited tastings for four hours. 12noon-4pm, $250. Cocktails and food bites from John Anthony can be purchased for $50 each. John Anthony, 1 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay. johnanthony.hk

JUN 8 JUN 4

Prestige Summer Lifestyle & Gift Fair

Ginsanity Keep your gin up! Hong Kong's Gin Festival is happening! On offer are over 70 different craft

gins and different tonics to celebrate World Gin Day! 2-10pm. Free. PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. pmq.org.hk

JUN 11

Sip and Shop Summer Fair

Stock up on gourmet foods, stunning jewellery, stylish swimwear, home decor and more. 10am-7pm. Free admission.

Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hong Kong, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. prestigefairs.hk

Sip and Shop fairs are fun, lively, buzzing and filled with incredible niche brands from around the world. Free prosecco is served during happy hour. 11am-7pm. Free. Anita Chan Lai-ling Gallery, G/F Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong. Register at eventbrite.com

JUN 4-8

JUN 13-16

Get Redressed Secondhand Pop-Up Shop Shop for a more sustainable wardrobe with beautiful, unique pre-loved womenswear - there is something for everyone! All proceeds go to Hong Kong Charity Redress.

Tuesday-Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday 10am-2pm. Loft 22, California Tower, 30-32 D'Aguilar Street, Central. redress.com.hk

Evolution Asia Yoga Conference Bringing together yoga masters, teachers and students to inspire the ever-growing

Professor Brian Cox UNIVERSAL World Tour 2019 British Professor Brian Cox, OBE explains the comings and goings of our Universe. 7.30pm. Tickets from $550. Star Hall, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. premier.hkticketing.com

JUN 5

JUN 6

Sing & Swing A fun-filled evening of music and songs from The Hong Kong Women’s Choir and The Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir. 5/F Theatre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre, 345 Queen's Road Central, Sheung Wan. thkwc.org

hongkongliving.com | 7

planner admissions@mountkelly.edu.hk or call 2157 9557. mountkelly.edu.hk

JUN 25-JUL 2

H2 Live Music Festival The 10th Anniversary of Hong Kong's local live music showcase of over 80 artists across seven days. From 6pm. Free entry.

The Wanch, 54 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai. thewanch.hk

JUN 28-29

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

community of yogis. Expect workshops, exhibitions, classes and more. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. asiayogaconference.com

JUN 13

Relax with Reiki & Meditation The class from Corie Chu Healing begins with a short meditation followed by Reiki, a popular energy healing treatment to restore harmony to the mind, body and spirit. 7.308.30pm. Tickets $180. Guccha, 100 Jervois Street, Kong Ling Building 13th Floor, Sheung Wan. eventbrite.hk

JUN 16

Father’s Day Celebrate the main man in your life. See page 10 for gift ideas!

JUN 16

Poseidon Boat Party The biggest party on the seas with 12 junks and two luxury yachts welcoming 400 partygoers with live DJ’s and freeflow drinks. For more information contact justthebiggest@bulldozer-group.hk

JUN 16

Ride for Justice In honour of United Nations World Refugee Day on June 20, Justice Centre Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Cycling Alliance are hosting a unique urban bicycle ride from

8 | hongkongliving.com

Lai Chi Kok to Jordan. Proceeds raised go to Justice Centre Hong Kong, an NGO which provides free legal and psychosocial assistance to Hong Kong’s most vulnerable forced migrants. 8.30am. Entrance is $500 for adults and $250 for children. Bike rentals available. justicecentre.org.hk

Based on the works of C. S. Lewis, join Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy on their icy adventure into Narnia. 7.30pm on Friday and 2.30pm & 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets from $280. McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. ticketflap.com

JUN 22

Mount Kelly Admissions Day Join this special admissions event where interviews and assessments will be conducted on site. Expect info sessions, a campus tour, sample classes and much more. 9.30-12.30pm. Free. To register, email

Hong Kong Living’s Pet Carnival

JUN 8

Hong Kong Living are hosting their very first pet carnival at Dog Dog Come Wonderland. Bring your furry friends and get ready to make a splash at the doggy pool. Professional pet photographers will be on hand to capture the action.

Meet a potential new family member at the pet adoption pop-up, take a first aid workshop and try your hand at pet yoga! All ticket proceeds will go towards supporting Catherine's Puppies and LAP (Lifelong Animal Protection Charity). 12noon-5pm. Standard tickets, $20, VIP tickets including goodie bag, $60. Dog Dog Come Wonderland, 6 Tseng Lan Shue, Clear Water Bay. hongkongliving.com/shop

book now

BOOK NOW OCT 26

NOV 9

This touring pop-up Lego playground will be coming to Hong Kong with over one million blocks featuring sculptures and ball pits. As part of the nostalgia trip, you can also build your own creations too whilst sipping on cocktails and eating Legoinspired burgers. Further details TBC. thebrickbars.com/asia

Dress up and race against your favourite Super Mario characters in this ultimate go karting experience. Further details TBC. mushroomrally.com/asia

Brick Bar

Mushroom Rally

SEPT 26

Hans Zimmer Live On Tour Award-winning German composer Hans Zimmer takes fans on a musical journey featuring soundtracks from blockbusters including The Lion King, Gladiator, and Interstellar. 8pm. Tickets from $588. Hall 5BC, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. hkticketing.com

Got Gotan anevent? event?We Wecan canpublish publishthe thedetails. details.Email Emaileditorial@hongkongliving.com editorial@hongkongliving.com

hongkongliving.com | 9

must have this month

Magnetic Dartboard $199.90 from Toys “R” Us toysrus.com.hk

Father’s Day gifts for the hero in your life

Ferrari Watch Gift Set $1,988 with free Ferrari Power Bank (until July 1) facebook.com/designoftimeHK

Essenza Plus in Limousine Black $1,788 from Nespresso nespresso.com/hk/en Klutz Gumball Machine $250 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk

Hickinbotham Brooks Road Shiraz 2016 $688 from Jackson Family Wines watsonswine.com

Lime Green Folding Bike $10,210 from Brompton brompton.com

Solo Wine Box $1,250 from TREE tree.com.hk

10 | hongkongliving.com

daddy cool Tim Cook: The Genius Who Took Apple to the Next Level by Leander Kahney $180 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk

My Daddy and Me by Roger Hargreaves $96 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk

Men’s Swim Shorts $750 from DEBAYN debayn.com

Treat your dad to his favourite tipple at these whisky and gin bars

Sonos Beam: The smart soundbar for your TV $3,899 from Sonos sonos.com

• Butler Originally opened as a cocktail den, this bar has expanded to include a whisky bar with an extensive collection of rare single malts and premium whiskies. butler-gr.com • Nocturne Stocks more than 150 different whiskies, ranging from single malts from the Scottish Highlands to drams from Japan, Taiwan and India. nocturnehk.com

Alpha Bravo London Roll Top Backpack in Algae $4,590 from TUMI tumi-hk.com

19 Degree Aluminum International Carry-On in Gecko $8,300 from TUMI tumi-hk.com

• Tiffany’s New York Bar Travel back in time to the glamourous world of 1920’s Manhattan with gorgeous interiors and live jazz performances. facebook.com/TiffanysNewYorkBar

• Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour Hidden behind a mock physician’s door, this beautiful speakeasy prescribes some of the best gins in the world. mingfathouse.com • John Anthony Offers more than 400 types of gin and highlights those from distilleries that are socially and environmentally responsible. johnanthony.hk • Origin True to Lai’s brand of multisensory mixology, the cocktails combine exceptional execution with a large splash of creativity. originbar.hk

hongkongliving.com | 11

news

to bee or not to bee Last month, Honestbee announced that they would be ceasing food delivery and grocery services as of May 25. An announcement on their website stated, “It’s been an unforgettable journey we’ve shared with you in the past three years. We hope you’ve enjoyed the services we provided and we sincerely thank you for your support.” Members of the Geo Expat forums have not taken well to the news, with member ‘merchatms’ saying, “Aww man this sucks! I use them a lot” and ‘UK/HK Boy’ stating, “I always thought Hong Kong would be too convenient for them to survive in… but then I thought the same about Deliveroo and Uber too.”

Asia’s most expensive address sells In early May, the developers of Mount Nicholson, famously known as Asia’s most expensive address, found a new buyer for House 16 following a forfeited deposit earlier this year. Selling for HK$720 million to an unidentified buyer, the new deal has allowed for the transaction to be completed within one year rather than 30 days (the standard for

homes sold under this project.) In January this year, a separate unidentified buyer chose not to proceed with the transaction of House 16 after agreeing to pay HK$721.88 million, the buyer forfeited the five percent deposit of HK$36.09 million. Eight houses in Mount Nicholson, located on The Peak, still remain unsold.

Lights on for Hong Kong icon One of Hong Kong’s most iconic heritage destinations, House 1881 reopened to the public last month in an official ceremony by insurance group, FWD Group. The former Marine Police Headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui underwent an extensive revitalisation to be transformed into a cultural hub comprising of five restaurants and a boutique hotel.

“The former Marine Police Headquarters is one of our city’s most timeless and famous landmarks,” said FWD Group Chairman, Ronald Arculli in his opening address at which The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Carrie Lam was also present. He added, “FWD understands the rare privilege we have in preserving this historic site for the community and for future generations.” The grand opening event also introduced a 3D light extravaganza, “Our Harbour - Our Stories”. The synchronised light show celebrates the city’s rich heritage and will be displayed at 8.30pm every Friday to Sunday, as well as on public holidays. house1881.com

12 | hongkongliving.com

Avengers star Chris Pratt in Hong Kong On April 30, Hong Kong played host to Hollywood superstar Chris Pratt. The actor was in town to promote his collaboration with luggage brand TUMI, for which he is an ambassador. Pratt was joined at the VIP event at the TUMI Loft pop-up in Pacific Place by TUMI’s Creative Director Victor Sanz and a host of celebrities. TUMI creates suitcases, bags and accessories for travel, business and lifestyle and retails in a number of stores across Hong Kong.

The event marked Pratt’s first visit to Hong Kong.

DJECO opens at Simply Toys Central Voter registration deadline July 2 In order to have your vote on local issues and changes, you must register by July 2. All permanent residents above the age of 18 are eligible to register to vote.

You can download the form online or register at voterregistration.gov.hk

Specialising in uniquely designed puzzles, toys and games, the DJECO range has something for everyone. To celebrate the French company’s first launch in Hong Kong, Simply Toys is offering a 10 percent discount on DJECO range with purchase of $500 or above until June 30. Simply Toys: Level 1, On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central. simplytoys.com.hk

in your backyard

Maggie & Rose extends public welcome British restaurant, The Leah opened at Lee Garden Two’s Maggie & Rose last month and caters to non-members from 7pm until 11pm for dinner each night. With a menu by James Sharman who has created pop-up restaurants in some of the world’s most unexpected locations such as Mount Everest, guests can expect “British food done right” with a focus on flavour and locally sourced vegetables, quality meat and sustainable seafood. Beef wellington and scotch eggs and soldiers are just some of the comforting Brit classics you will find on the menu. By day, the club caters to Maggie & Rose members only. theleah.co

Sephora in Hong Kong, finally Following a ten-year absence from Hong Kong, global cosmetics chain Sephora plans to open a total of eight stores throughout Hong Kong, with the first opening in August this year. Inside Retail Hong Kong has reported that one of the stores is set to be a 4,200 square foot store located in IFC Mall, with another at Windsor House in Causeway Bay. The last Sephora store traded for just two years in Mong Kok, with retail commentators claiming that the store failed due to location, lacklustre marketing and high rental prices. sephora.hk

Y A W A E GIV

Yakitori story wins book award Co-Owner and Executive Chef of Hong Kong restaurants Yardbird and RONIN, Matt Abergel recently won a 2019 James Beard Foundation Book Award in the Restaurant and Professional category for his book Chicken and Charcoal: Yakitori, Yardbird, Hong Kong.

Published last year by Phaidon, Chicken and Charcoal is the story of how Yardbird came about as well as a comprehensive guide to yakitori. Here, Abergel breaks down each yakitori into step-by-step recipes showing the time-honoured Japanese cooking technique of grilling chicken skewers over binchotan charcoal. He explains, “Yardbird, Hong Kong is our dream restaurant; a place where I can cook the food I love, create the environment I have always envisioned, and be surrounded by both my family and best friends.” Yardbird was founded in 2011 with Co-Owner Lindsay Jang.

More information about the book can be found at phaidon.com

Win a two-night stay at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh in Vietnam!

Perched atop a towering sand dune on the South-Central Vietnamese coast, Fusion Resort Cam Ranh offers a down-to-earth option for those looking for a five-star accommodation without the fuss and formality of a straight-laced resort.

Rest and relaxation are central to the daily lifestyle here thanks to Fusion’s all-inclusive spa menu and complementary wellness activities such as yoga, tai chi and meditation. The chic beachfront villas boast open-plan living spaces, private outdoor infinity pools and terraces with designer hammock bathtubs.

Dining choices include authentic Vietnamese cuisine and international delicacies. All meals are served in intimate yet casual settings. Guests can enjoy Fusion’s signature artisanal cocktails and sundowner drinks while taking in sweeping views of the green and blue natural surroundings. With the resort’s ‘breakfast anywhere, anytime’ concept, you can wake up to breakfast in bed served with unobstructed views of rolling sand dunes and lapping waves.

We are giving away a two-night stay at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh’s Garden Pool Villa (accommodates two) to one lucky winner. The prize includes daily breakfast and spa treatments.

To enter, simply scan the QR code or visit hongkongliving.com/giveaways

hongkongliving.com | 13

five minutes with

Five minutes with

Hubert Ho

The Head, Admissions Consulting Services of Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions on the importance of university preparation We help students think more clearly about what they want to do. We help them to identify their strengths and showcase that to the various admissions committees.

I believe that education can change your destiny. I have a passion for it and I truly believe that education is a revolving door for our students to experience a better life after attending.

My job is very rewarding. I have been working for the college admissions counselling service for five years (two and a half of those years have been at Kaplan), and it is a great feeling to see my students placed into top tier universities like Stanford and Yale.

I went to Sydney, Australia for my undergraduate and master’s degree. I loved it there, the people are so friendly and the weather and sunshine always cheered me up.

I recall one particular student who gained entry into UC-Davis. Initially she told us she only wanted to attend university because that is what her mother wanted. We built up her confidence and encouraged her to think about her skills and interests. She realised that she was very good at Maths and that empowered her to step out of her comfort zone. Suddenly she wanted to challenge herself and she applied to selective and challenging schools.

Kaplan is a great place for me to personally develop my career. Our upper management team are very open-minded.

It is great to see so many professional and creative colleagues. We have also helped a lot of students to achieve their success and create different legends.

I am a coffee lover. I love to find different coffee places in Hong Kong to test out the blends. I love the coffee from the Peak Cafe, it’s my favourite, I highly recommend it!

their own story by reigniting their passion and identifying their attributes, rather than using a standard formula to find a ‘good’ school for them.

Here at Kaplan, we focus on being more human. We help every student to complete

My motto is - “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. The success of the students at Kaplan

14 | hongkongliving.com

is proof of that.

Find out more at Kaplan: G/F to 3/F, E-Tech Centre, 402-406 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. kaplan.com.hk/ktpa

local

Once upon a time...

Free storytelling tours in Wan Chai. Becky Love reports

W

an Chai has it all. It’s one of those places in Hong Kong where you can capture a great photograph at every turn, eat the best dim sum and party until 2am and all these options are just streets apart. There’s something for everyone.

But what people may not know is that with such a varied and vibrant landscape comes so much history and even more corners to be explored.

That’s where Design District Hong Kong, or #ddHK comes in. A threeyear Creative Tourism Project which has recently launched four different curated guided tours of Wan Chai, to lead residents and tourists to explore its local history and designs. And - it’s totally free! The tours are designed in different themes to cater to different audiences with different interests, allowing them to explore and understand the historical Wan Chai in a fun and unconventional way.

Here’s a little more on the four free tours which are now open to the public until late June.

1. #ddSnap - City Snapshot! Discover Wan Chai From a Different Perspective Perfect for photography lovers, this tour is led by “2017 National Geographic Wheelock Youth Photo Competition” winning photographer and well-known local online influencer, Jeremy Cheung. #ddSnap highlights the photogenic hidden gems in Wan Chai, so that the group can discover the urbanscape of the district from the lens whilst exploring the stories of the community.

2. #ddStory - Discover the Stories Behind Local Design and Crafts #ddStory gives participants the opportunity to speak with the second generation of Oi Kwan Barbers, an oldfashioned barber shop started in 1960s. The group will also enjoy the traditional local treats adding a more nostalgic touch.

3. #ddWalker – Discover Wan Chai Architectural Gems and Explore City Design See iconic architecture designs in Wan Chai on the #ddWalker tour. This tour highlights the architectural gems in Wan Chai, taking participants to the post office with the longest history in Hong Kong, the revitalised Wan Chai Market and more. See all types of local buildings and architectural designs, and learn about the heritage sites in Hong Kong.

4. HKACT! Act 1 BeHere AR Tour Time travel to old Wan Chai through AR! “HKACT! Act 1 BeHere by Masaki Fujihata” is an Augmented Reality (AR) public art project. New media artist Masaki Fujihata took reference to Hong Kong old photographs and verbal history of local residents to represent these stories via actors in a studio. Images were then captured and converted into 3D digital figures, bringing people from the past back to the present time in the form of AR via smartphone application. Visitors can even interact, compose and put themselves in the frame with these figures in the two realities and share on social media.

For tour dates and further details, visit designdistrict.hk/en/tourwalk

hongkongliving.com | 15

cover story cover story

ALL ABOARD M Yachts

COMES WITH

This boating experience is rooted A CREW in luxury, with concierge teams crafting personalised itineraries unique to your taste. The majestically stylish and sleek 20-metre long Peninsula Yacht can accommodate up to 20 guests, with a Bose music sound system and five crew members on board. Committed to excellence and quality, watersports can be provided upon request for the ultimate experience. myachts.life

Hong Kong Yachting

WHAT TO BRING ON BOARD: • • • • • •

Sunscreen Sunglasses Hat Swimwear Flipflops Towels

16 | hongkongliving.com

FOR THE

Famous for their Western-style ADVENTUROUS cruisers Jungle Jane and Tarzan, Hong Kong Yachting offers large decks, 20-foot wide swimming platforms, inflatable slides and a free-flow bar. Select the Raft Up Boat Party package, for a real party on the water, which connects three boats, Jungle Jane, Tarzan and Serpent, fitting up to 145 guests. Jungle Jane starts at $15,000 and Tarzan starts at $27,000 per day. hongkongyachting.com

• • • •

Water Motion sickness pills Camera (Waterproof) Spare hair ties

Did we mention, SUNSCREEN?

M Yachts

Holly Annie Black plans perfect summer days out on Hong Kong’s fabulous blue seas

junks Hong Kong Junks

KEEP IT

For a true Hong Kong junk CLASSIC experience, the boats hold up to 40 guests and travel to destinations including Southside and the New Territories. Tunes are provided via the integrated Bose music sound system or you can opt for a DJ on the decks for an extra $5,000. Free-flow drinks and catering packages are available. For the boat only package, pick up from Aberdeen costs $8,000 and $10,000 from Central or TST. hongkongjunks.com.hk

Lazing around on Lazy Days

Lazy Days

SPA AT

Cruise in style on one of the five SEA sleek modern cruisers and a luxury junk, equipped with giant inflatable slides, island loungers and floating platforms.

Guests can customise their experience by adding spa treatments and massages. Little ones are also catered for with infant paddling pools and bumper mats on board. Lazy Days have recently partnered with Plastic Free HK to help clean up Hong Kong’s scenery. Boatonly hire starts at $14,000 for a maximum of 32 guests. lazydays.com.hk Join the party at Hong Kong Yachting

Luxury abroad on Michelangelo

Breakaway Company

BEST FOR

Only lasting four hours, this junk BIRTHDAYS is perfect if you’re planning a kid’s birthday party or playdate with friends! With inflatable toys and a pool, life jackets and kayaks are supplied on request; the little ones will be endlessly entertained.

Fixed rate packages start at $12,450 for 15 people, each additional adult costs $830 and children cost $450. Packages include childfriendly catering options, and for the adults, five bottles of wine or sparkling wine plus free-flow soft drinks. breakawayhk.com

Michelangelo

STAY

The classic 80-foot yacht holds up OVERNIGHT to 59 passengers and measures 4,000-square-foot over three decks. Captain, A On sails seven scenic routes, including to Sai Kung and Lamma Island. Guests can customise their trip by selecting specific islands to visit and a preferred length of stay, with day trips ranging from four to eight hours and overnight stays on offer. Extras such as a private chef, onboard DJ and a jazz band are also available upon request. Hire starts at $32,000. michelangelocruises.com

hongkongliving.com | 17

cover story

WHERE TO ANCHOR? Nam Fung Wan

New Territories Tai Long Wan

Ninepin group (Kwo Chau Islands) Repulse Bay Cheung Chau

South Bay Sok Kwu Wan

Po Toi Island

OUTLYING ISLANDS

The cluster of 29 islands has an expansive view out to sea with endless cliffs and interesting rock shapes to admire from out at sea.

Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island Located on the east coast of Lamma Island, Sok Kwu Wan is renowned for its seafood restaurants and quirky shops.

fabulous views, it’s easy to see why so many choose to dock in Repulse Bay for the day.

Cheung Chau A popular retreat for windsurfers, famously filled with an abundance of seafood along the port and a village lifestyle away from the busy city.

SOUTHSIDE Repulse Bay The most popular beach in Hong Kong, take a swim in the calm waters and admire the

18 hongkongliving.com |

South Bay A smooth ride from Aberdeen harbour, this is a more secluded and peaceful bay, located just a short walk away from Repulse Bay and otherwise unreachable by public transport.

Po Toi Island A long-time favourite location for junk lovers, located approximately 30 minutes from Stanley and a perfect location to take a dip in the sheltered main cove.

NEW TERRITORIES Ninepin group (Kwo Chau Islands)

Tai Long Wan Located within Sai Kung Country Park, this is one of the most beautifully kept and untouched beaches in Hong Kong. The clear waters and white sands make this an ideal location to dock at for the day.

Nam Fung Wan (Millionaire’s Beach) In Sai Kung Country Park, this popular destination is perfect for snorkelling in the freshwater lagoons and hidden coves.

junks

CATERING SERVICES Mama Malouf Lebanese restaurant Mama Malouf will add a little spice to your day in the sun with range of junk catering packages. The Light Lunch package is $170 per person and includes breads, a range of dips and wraps.

Their larger Let’s Feast package includes beef kaftas, skewers and much more, from $300 per person. 93 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town. mamamalouf.hk

Bread & Beast Add some traditional Hong Kong flavours to your day at sea with Bread & Beast’s artisanal sandwich collection.

The restaurant has three different junk sets, the smallest set is the Chill Beast which features one main for each person and four sharing plates for $150 per person. G/F, 3 Swatow Street, Wan Chai. breadandbeasthk.com

Invisible Kitchen For a gourmet experience, Invisible Kitchen uses high quality ingredients to produce a range of canapes and sharing plates. Their junk catering packages start from $200 per person for their essentials set which includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandwiches, pasta salad, two salads and two desserts. Unit 08, 24th Floor Honour Industrial Building 6 Sun Yip Street, Siu Sai Wan. invisiblekitchen.com

six quesadillas and burritos for $2,670. G/F, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong. cali-mex.com

Koh Thai Koh Thai goes above and beyond to serve deliciously authentic Thai food. The restaurant has its own fleet of boats that provide one of the best services on the sea.

Enjoy an impressive, colourful Thai buffet featuring seven pre-chosen dishes including salads, curries and seafood dishes. This junk has one of the best deals in the city costing just $499 per person for boat hire, catering and free-flow drinks. G/F, 38 Shelley Street, Mid-Levels. kohthai.com.hk

Cali-Mex

Monsieur Chatte Jean Yves Chatte’s French gourmet shop Monsieur Chatte, offers a sophisticated French dining experience. The junk boat packages range from $150 to $350 per person and include salads, quiche, a roasted meat dish and multiple cheeses.

Each set is designed for 20 or more people to share. 121 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan. monsieurchatte.com

The California-style Mexican restaurant serves up traditional favourites including burritos, tacos and quesadillas. The restaurant offers three mouthwatering junk sets depending on the number of guests.

The first set, San Francisco is $880 and caters to ten people with a burrito each. For 15 people or more, the Malibu set offers a chips and salsa, a steak and salad platter,

Aqua Luna

KEEP IT

Set sail across Victoria Harbour TRADITIONAL on one of Hong Kong’s few remaining red-sail Chinese junks, an iconic feature along the waterfront. The 45-minute evening harbour cruise starts at $230, where guests can sail across the harbour whilst sipping on a complimentary drink. Alternatively, enjoy a 90-minute Stanley cruise along the Southside coastline.

Departure points at Central Pier 9, Tsim Sha Tsui and Stanley. aqualuna.com.hk

hongkongliving.com | 19

dining

Indian sImmer As Hong Kong heats up, Nicole Cooley cools down with a spicy curry and refreshing lassi Chaiwala Chilled vibes

Hidden in the depths of Wyndham Street, there is nothing secret about Chaiwala’s delicious modern Indian cuisine by Chef Balaji Balachander. The restaurant is hidden within a speakeasy, called Hugger Mugger, accessible through a bright red door. As you descend the dark staircase expect to be transported to a colonial British saloon. From here order pre-dinner cocktails inspired by British cultural legends. From the bar you’ll see large wooden doors, venture through a little further and you’ll enter a spacious casual dining area, with an open kitchen where you can sit and watch the chefs in action. Weekend brunches start from $298 and are colourful affairs of chaats stations, pani puri, dosas and of course curries and sweets, with a build-your-own gin and tonic station and refreshing lassis. Chaiwala takes you on a celebratory journey through India in a cozy, colourful setting - the perfect backdrop to a wonderful meal. 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central. chaiwala.hk

Cardamon Street Banker-turned-chef Tiena Sekharan opened the doors to her latest dining concept, Cardamon Street in mid-May. From Masala Train in Wan Chai to this new contemporary Indian restaurant, expect to see international favourites fused with modern Indian flavours with a healthy spin. Enjoy Indian mezze platters, chicken tikka sliders, lamb keema tacos, paneer croquettes and our favourite, the lamb quinoa biryani. Curries are served with dal, jeera rice, raita and salad and although light, this bento-style thali will make you wish you hadn’t had that second paneer crudite (delicious though it was)! A set lunch deal comes at the very reasonable price of $108 and if you’re in the area for the evening, the patio looking out onto Elgin Street is the perfect place to wind down with a Cardamontini. 38 Elgin Street, SoHo, Central. Facebook: Cardamon Street

Bindaas Bindaas Bar & Kitchen gives traditional Indian foods a contemporary twist. Think pizzas made of naan bread and Bombay style buns amongst classic curries and a delicious selection of Indian street food snacks for sharing, all made to order using fresh ingredients. Head over on a Tuesday or Thursday evening for live music whilst sipping on a cocktail or lassi from their impressive list of drinks with innovative cocktail names. Bindaas certainly lives up to its meaning of ‘chilled out’ and ‘carefree’. LG/F, 33 Aberdeen Street, Central. iambindaas.com

Chungking Mansions 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Some of Hong Kong’s best (and cheapest) curry houses can be found in the notorious Chungking Mansions. Here are some of our favourites: Delhi Club, 3/F, Block C Taj Mahal Club, 3/F, Block B Khyber Pass Mess Club, 7/F, Block E Swagat Indian Restaurant, Shop 103-104, G/F

22 | hongkongliving.com

feel the heat Jashan As the first restaurant in Hong Kong to be mentioned in the Michelin Guide 2013 for Indian cuisine, Jashan has been a staple in the city’s restaurant scene for many years. Last month the restaurant welcomed back celebrity TV Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi to launch a new health-focused menu. Chef Sokhi, who recently became one of the Top 20 Chefs to follow on YouTube, has created a menu which focuses on the nutritional value and benefits of Indian produce in a new selection of curries, seafood specialities, vegetarian dishes and desserts. The Sunday brunch buffet remains a favourite amongst Mid-levels residents, with a selection of curries, starters and desserts for just $168. 1st Floor, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central. jashan.com.hk

CARAT

It may surprise you to know that some of the best Colourful Indian food around can be found on Lan Kwai Fong. brunch Recently-opened bar CARAT has already made a name for itself on the famous party street, serving up freshly shaken cocktails to the sound of chilled background tunes. The kitchen, headed up by Chef Dhiraj is a new addition, offering a modern Indian menu of delicious curries and kebabs made from carefully selected spices. Scallops, tikkas, butter chicken, rotis and a variety of chaats are on offer on the à la carte menu, while at lunchtimes a buffet ($118 on weekdays, $188 on weekends) serves up fresh salads, curries and breads from 12noon-2.30pm. carathkg.com Celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi

New Punjab Club New Punjab Club introduces diners to a variety of traditional Punjab dishes from Northern India and Pakistan. The restaurant is a labour of love from Syed Asim Hussain, a proud Punjabi who wanted to share the rich and buttery flavours of the cuisine with Hong Kong’s adventurous diners.

Tandoors, restored from his father’s former restaurant, The Mughal Room are used by Michelin-starred Chef Palash Mitra to produce smokey Tandoori meats. Recently presented with a Michelin star, New Punjab Club is the first Punjabi restaurant in the world to be awarded one.

34 Wyndham Street, Central. newpunjabclub.com

hongkongliving.com | 23

dining Bombay Dreams Contemporary yet elegant, Hong Kong institution Bombay Dreams serves authentic Indian cuisine from North India to Goa. On the fourth floor overlooking Hollywood Road and Tai Kwun, delve into a sumptuous menu designed by Indian Master Chef Irshad Ahmed Qureshi. Be mesmerised by the skilled chefs as they prepare and cook melt-in-the-mouth meats and light breads using stunning Tandoori ovens in the open kitchen. Curries are full of flavour, spicy but not overpowering and are paired with an extensive wine list that highlights a selection from India. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, classics of galab jamun, kulfi and rasmalai sweetly complete the meal. Open for dinner, weekday buffet lunch ($178) and Sunday buffet brunch ($198), Bombay Dreams is perfect for all occasions. 4/F, Carfield Building, 77 Wyndham Street, Central. diningconcepts.com/ restaurants/Bombay-Dreams

Did you know?

Eating hot, spicy foods is actually cooling as it makes your body sweat more than normal, lowering your body temperature!

Chautari Set in Queen Street Cooked Food Market in Sheung Wan, Chautari serves delicious Indian and Nepalese cuisine in an informal, noisy atmosphere. Curries are reasonably priced, tasty and fresh. The enthusiastic team bring out made to order food quickly - ideal for popping out for lunch or dining in a big group. Feel free to bring your own drinks too!

Set lunches start at $68. Shop CF6, 1/F, Queen Street Cooked Food Market, 1 Queen Street, Sheung Wan. chautari.com.hk

Jojo Indian Cuisine From its humble beginnings, opening as JoJo Mess Club in a small flat in Wan Chai in 1985, JoJo’s has been serving authentic and traditional Indian food since. Last year saw a refurbishment resulting in a colourful and airy venue. Weekly lunch buffets from $128 and weekend brunches from $168 give a flavourful taste of India, while the evening menu provides a large selection of chat to dosa, tandoori dishes to curries, and of course refreshing coolers and sweet desserts. 37-39 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai. jojofood.com

Curry Bay “From our kitchen to your table” is the motto of this Indian-spice-infused private kitchen. Dishes are inspired by the culinary traditions of regions across India, carefully crafted and taste-tested by their families, and are served in a contemporary set-up while still in keeping with the authenticity of the recipes. As a boutique private kitchen, choose from a private sit down dinner for up to 20 guests or a casual Indian canapé evening for up to 40. Wong Chuk Hang. currybaykitchen.net

Did you know?

A tandoor, traditionally associated with Punjab, is a bell-shaped oven usually made from clay. Fired with wood or charcoal, it can reach temperatures of up to 480 degrees Celsius. It’s used to cook various flatbreads and meat dishes such as Tandoori Chicken.

24 | hongkongliving.com

Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) A favourite curry spot among Brits and others who have access to this members-only club. The FCC is known for serving up what is claimed by many members to be ‘the best curry in Hong Kong’.

Favourites include fantastic biryanis, masalas and excellent vegetarian options. The lamb rogan josh, prawn anarkali and Goan fish curry come highly recommended by the Hong Kong Living team. All dishes are served with rice and poppadoms or naan. Available daily for lunch or dinner. 2 Albert Road, Central. fcchk.org

nibbles

Nibbles

Brunch reaches dizzying new heights at The Peninsula

Popular cocktail lounge The Woods closes after five years

Felix on the 28th floor of The Peninsula is now open for Sunday brunch. Executive Chef Juan Gomez has created a health-focused menu whilst mixologist Marko Petrovic creates captivating cocktails and detox juices against the spectacular backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

A live Latin band ensure and energetic atmosphere while the buffet boasts an impressive selection of seafood, eggs, organic salads, breads, cheese and desserts - main courses are cooked to order. Adults, $898, children, $638. Add unlimited Peninsula Deutz Champagne for $192. Sundays, 11.30am to 3pm. peninsula.com/en/hong-kong

The Woods ceased its five-year stint on Hollywood Road on May 31. As with many Hong Kong F&B establishments, the wellloved drinking den was forced to give way to expensive rents. Whilst The Woods no longer commands a brick-and-mortar location, it continues to mark a presence in Hong Kong’s drinking scene as a luxury catering and event management platform. Founder Victoria Chow announced on Instagram that the venue has since been rebranded as “Tailored” by The Woods. “The Woods is not going anywhere, it’s going everywhere” Chow wrote. thewoods.hk

The Old Man awarded top spot on Asia’s Best Bar 2019 The Old Man, a Hemingway-inspired cocktail bar in SoHo, has knocked Singapore’s Manhattan off the top to claim first place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019 list. Opening its doors in August 2017, the upstart watering hole has seen a steady rise in fame. Earlier last month, the three co-founders founders opened a spin-off venue, named The Sea

by The Old Man, in Sheung Wan. A total of seven awards have gone out to the city’s homegrown bars this year including Quinary (No. 10), COA (No. 12), The Wise King (No. 18), The Pontiac (No. 32), Lobster Bar & Grill (No. 33) and 8 ½ Otto E Mezzo (No. 38). theoldmanhk.com

1 WEEK TRIAL CLASS PASS

FREE Attend all our self defence classes for a week for free

Email: training@impakt.hk to receive your weekly pass card hongkongliving.com | 25

interview

Settling in at St. Regis

Chef Vincent on a rare moment outside the kitchen

Fresh from the hotel opening, Executive Sous Chef Vincent Leroux finds a few minutes to catch his breath. By Gemma Shaw

O

f the many reasons to visit St. Regis hotel, food comes high on the list. French fine dining restaurant, L’Envol, led by Olivier Elzer (previously of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Seasons) and upscale Chinese restaurant, Rùn (by renowned local chef Hung Chi-kwong, formerly of Man Wah) have been well-received but it seems that afternoon tea in The Drawing Room is the proverbial cherry on the cake.

“You can pick what you want,” Executive Sous Chef Vincent Leroux gestures as a vintage silver afternoon tea trolley elegantly pulls up tableside. He’s trialing a new concept which puts the guest in charge of their afternoon tea pickings.

Alongside The Drawing Room is the St. Regis Bar which has already shimmied its way into

26 hongkongliving.com |

the hearts of Hong Kong’s music-lovers, the bar serves up craft cocktails to the tune of live jazz.

Chef Vincent oversees dining in much of the hotel including The Drawing Room, the bar and terrace and all other areas of the hotel which don’t fall under the watch of Chef Elzer or Chef Chi-kwong.

Six weeks on, how’s the feedback?

Very nice, we have great feedback and we’re very busy. Of course, we want to be on top.

On the opening night we threw a party and made offerings of suckling pig and bison and after that, we were open. We have already hosted many famous guests, movie stars and celebrities. They are excited by what we are doing.

André Fu designed the space, are you

happy with it?

Absolutely! Our guests love the environment André has created. We worked with him very closely, down to the napkins, and the trolley for the afternoon tea. High society come to see us so the environment has to be just right.

What’s different about your afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea is such an important Hong

chef vincent Kong ritual, a chance for high society to relax, enjoy time with their friends and gossip. I have created a menu which allows the guests to be in charge - they can choose savoury and sweet as they wish from our trolley. If they want all savory that is totally fine and visa versa. Of course there are the scones too - lemon and chocolate. No one else in Hong Kong is doing afternoon tea in this way.

What else is on the menu in The Drawing Room?

André created The Drawing Room as a space for guests to relax and so it is important that our food reflects this. My initial idea was for a fine dining menu, but then I thought, if guests want that, they can go to L’Envol. So I rethought the concept, now we make a nice club sandwich, a juicy minute steak and a

The St. Regis bar

The Drawing Room

lobster roll - a fresh lobster tail, with coleslaw in a soft bun, voilà!

Who has inspired your cooking?

I knew I wanted to be a chef from the age of five or six. My grandma was originally from Algiers, she cooked us fresh market food everyday. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with her and she taught me well. She would say, “Vincent, not only must you eat, you must eat well.” Everyday we ate a very nice breakfast, lunch and dinner and I’d always dress the table.

I wrote my very first recipe at six years old - one tablespoon of mustard, two tablespoons of vinegar, five tablespoons of olive oil. There you have my very first salad dressing.

What were you doing before you joined St. Regis?

I trained in Michelin starred restaurants in Paris and Switzerland. I worked as an Executive Chef in Madagascar where I grew my own garden and learnt more about vegetables and herbs, and I worked in Saudi Arabia. I also spent two years running my own restaurant in France. When Institut Culinaire Disciples Escoffier opened in Hong Kong four years ago, I came to teach. I designed and led the course which has now been replicated in Manilla and Shanghai. This is still the only culinary school in Hong Kong to offer a French diploma. I joined St. Regis this time last year, when we were still in the concept planning stages so I’ve been here from the very beginning.

Other than St. Regis (of course), where in Hong Kong do like to eat?

Edward (Voon) at LE PAN is a friend and I highly recommend a meal at his restaurant, it’s very good. The French brasserie, Saint Germain is very relaxed and great for a casual meal. When I’m working I don’t eat, I taste.

When you taste 19 times, you’re no longer hungry. Creating the menu for St. Regis has involved a lot of tasting!

The St. Regis Hong Kong is located at 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai. marriott.com

hongkongliving.com | 27

health & beauty

Fantastic stylists and where to find them

Photo credit: freepix.com

Gemma Shaw meets the stylists making waves in Hong Kong’s hair scene

Kim Robinson of Kim Robinson salons Australian-born Kim Robinson made his move to Hong Kong in the 1970s and has called our city home ever since. “I’ve grown myself from an average hair stylist from Australia to one of the most expensive well-booked and sought after hair stylists.” Kim tells us.

Having styled the likes of Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford and Princess Diana, you too can have the celebrity treatment in one of Kim’s salons, either by the man himself or a stylist from his highly trained team - for around $13,000 that is. Kim tells us how he justifies his salon pricing.

“Just ask my clients. They tell me time and time again that they get stopped on the street and asked who does their hair - and to them it’s priceless. So to me, along with having over 40 years experience in styling hair in Hong Kong, the client base that we service is justifying why we command that price.”

So what is in store for the future of Kim Robinson? “I don’t see myself living anywhere else but Hong Kong,” says Kim. “I’ve had great opportunities here to do a lot of things and I can see more opportunity moving forward.”

Kim Robinson salon: 106 - 107, G/F, Landmark Chater House, 8 Connaught Road Central. kimrobinson.com

28 | hongkongliving.com

At home with Kim

hair stylists

Alistair Rae, Creative Director of BRUNEBLONDE Originally from Perth, Scotland, Alistair Rae’s hairdressing career began there, before moving to Cyprus to work with Toni&Guy as part of their education team. Following that, he decided it was time to run his own salon - but something was missing. It was then that he decided to make the move to Hong Kong. “I came to Hong Kong three years ago for new career opportunities and have really enjoyed the challenge,” Alistair told us.

Speaking of career opportunities... “A career highlight has to be working with Drew Barrymore on two occasions, the second time being her personal stylist for her Netflix Asia tour. She is so lovely.”

So what has made Alistair stand out in Hong Kong when it comes to hair? “My signature style of highlights has become something I am recognised for in Hong Kong. Having a client leave the salon feeling fabulous and looking like a natural blonde by detailed product application that is super close to the root, is very important to me.”

You can find Alistair Rae at BRUNEBLONDE: Mezz Floor, The Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. bruneblonde.com

Alistair with Drew

Felix Beck, Creative Director of Blonde Boudoir Felix Beck grew up near Cologne in Germany and learned his hair styling skills from some of the top stylists in Berlin. “I collected my experience in Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin, working in theatre, Berlin fashion week, on cruise ships and in St. Moritz.” Felix told us. “But the adventure of opening the Hong Kong branch of Blonde Boudoir is my greatest highlight so far. It feels like bringing together all the achievements of my career.”

Felix opened the salon, Blonde Boudoir in Hong Kong in November 2018. When asked what sets his salon apart from the rest? “My blue eyes, just joking. Consultation is key! Listening to my clients, asking the right questions and being honest. Seeing my clients leave the salon with new confidence and a look they can achieve themselves is my goal and makes me happy.”

So what’s next for Blonde Boudoir? “We’re very excited about Parisian celebrity hairstylist Cyril Loton, who will be joining the Blonde Boudoir Hong Kong team this summer!”

You can find Felix Beck at Blonde Boudoir: 46 Elgin Street, Soho, Central. blondeboudoir.sg

Felix does more than blonde

hongkongliving.com | 29

health & beauty

Toni Ovenden, Owner of Love Hair Toni grew up in Crouch End in North London. At the tender age of 16, she started her career in hair and was very driven to climb the ladder.

Not long after, she moved into high profile Central London salon, Charles Worthington.

Fastforward, and Toni has been living in Hong Kong for almost six years. “I always knew I wanted to live and work abroad as a life experience, ” Toni tells us. “I came here 12 years ago to visit a friend and fell in love with the city.”

It was here that she opened her salon, Love Hair, which she tells us is definitely her career highlight so far. “I love being a salon hairdresser as I love people and find the spectrum of characters fascinating, whilst getting to be creative at the same time.”

So what is it about Love Hair that has got expats talking and recommending the popular Hong Kong salon? “Our stylists at Love Hair go through an intense practice test before we hire. We personalise every haircut and colour to the individuals hair, face shape, maintenance and health.”

Toni loves hair

You can find Toni at Love Hair: 99F Wellington Street, Central. lovehairhk.com

Bradley Thornton, Stylist at Fox & the Barber Bradley Thornton is from Coventry, a little city in the UK and has been a hair stylist for seven years. “I’m a British barber, trained in the UK and I have years of experience looking after European hair,” Bradley tells us. “I was very lucky to have been trained by a very talented hairstylist who was hard on me but gave me the skills I have today.”

A keen traveller, Bradley loved the idea that he could be a barber anywhere in the world and was never sure about Hong Kong until he spoke to the owners of Fox and the Barber, “They told me how brilliant it was. I’ve been in Hong Kong for nearly four months now and it’s amazing!”

Bradley also gets a lot of comments from top barbers from around the world commenting on his Instagram, @barberbradcoventry, with his work also shared on the social media pages of major barber magazines.

So what is it that has given him a name for himself in Hong Kong in such a short amount of time? “I believe the finishing of the hair is just as important as cutting and fading. You need to spend that extra time styling the hair and applying the products and it’s important to explain to your client why you’re using each product so they can get the same result at home.”

You can find Bradley at Fox and the Barber: 41-43, Graham Street, Central. foxandthebarber.com

30 | hongkongliving.com

Slick and stylish

hair stylists

hongkongliving.com | 31

education

School’s out for summer Nicole Cooley rounds up the best camps for kids and teens this summer

All-rounders Canadian International School of Hong Kong The CDNIS Summer Programme offers a whole variety of activities. Choose from over 30 morning and afternoon activities from Cambridge Summer School to Multi Activity to The Timba Swim School, even a Royal Tea Party! Suitable for kids aged three to 18 years old. Bus services available. cdnis.edu.hk

ESF Sports & Languages For activities to engage your kids this summer, look no further than the ESF Holiday Programme. There’s something for everyone with multi-sports, swimming, football, basketball on the sports side and drama, games, STEM, phonics, writing and

32 | hongkongliving.com

more from the language and learning camps.

Sports camps run from July 2 to August 9 and languages from July 8 to August 30. esf.org.hk/camps

Cedar Academy Cedar Summer School provides a nurturing learning environment and interactive activities to help your child explore new interests, develop skills and talents, and have fun! Their proprietary curriculum and multidisciplinary learning experience for children aged 4-12 includes Cedar’s flagship Theatre Certification Programme and the Summer Scholars Programme offering humanities, STEM, phonics, study skills, and character development. Children can also check out the Cedar Institute for Performing Arts for instrumental lessons in keyboard and strings, together with musicianship studies and supervised practice. cedar-academy.com

summer camps YWCA Centre of Learning and Life Enhancement You name it, the YWCA has got it this summer.

Perfect for siblings with different interests, there’s something for everyone: specialist courses in basketball, cooking, gymnastics, drama, STEM and reading. So whether your children want to know more about urban gardening or fancy perfecting their skills in ice skating, there will be something to keep them busy. clle.ywca.org.hk

Academic Ampla Education Ampla Education will be running a two-week immersive residential camp this summer at Durham School in the UK. From July 13 to 20, your 10-17 year old can experience traditional British boarding school teaching, make friends with other children from all over the world, enjoy a rugby taster session and visit exciting famous locations including sites of Harry Potter films. ampla-edu.com

Cooking Whisked Teach your baby, little and junior whisks (aged three to 10) to bake sweet and savoury recipes this summer. Classes are taught in Putonghua or English and each class follows one recipe.

With many fun aspects involved in baking, such as creativity and self-expression, but also development of reading, math, science and communication skills, your kids will be kept busy this summer! whiskedbaking.com

The great outdoors A-Team Edventures Activity-packed water sports camps with surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing and slacklining, suitable for children aged eight to 18. The camps are held at beautiful Tai Long Sai Wan beach and run from July to August. Family adventure programmes are also available. ateamedventures.com

Creative & performing arts

Hong Kong Education Tutoring Services In addition to their popular courses in iGCSE and IB, ETS have teamed up this summer with AI Academy to deliver four new summer courses in Python Programming, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Facial Recognition, Robotics Control and Mobile App Development.

Led by a group of university researchers, AI Academy’s hands-on courses will give students a head-start into the next technological wave. Suitable for secondary school students with no prior experience required. hkets.net

Red Shoe Dance Jazz hands and pirouettes abound at this camp for dance-lovers. Red Shoe Dance Company delivers dance training in everything from classical ballet to Hip Hop and acro-dance to musical theatre from July 2-6. Suitable for those aged five to 18. redshoedance.com

Sport4Kids As well as summer camps in Hong Kong, Sport4Kids are running a Shenzhen Mandarin Immersion Residential Summer Camp at Maple Leaf International Academy. Expect a variety of sports, STEM flight simulation and Mandarin immersion. Week-long camps available from July 14 to August 9. sport4kids.hk

Languages The International Montessori School Looking for Mandarin or English immersion for your children? IMS has got you covered.

Other course options include maths, science, art and sports, all taught in the Montessori style. Each session lasts two weeks between July 2 and August 23, with half-day and fullday programmes available at two campuses: Stanley (ages three to nine) and Mid-Levels (ages three to six). ims.edu.hk

Southside Mandarin Southside Mandarin offers a range of classes for children aged three to 12 years. Children

hongkongliving.com | 33

education Pig, Frozen or Aladdin, children will take part in a variety of activities, including art, musical theatre and magic. kidsgallery.com

Fairchild

will be immersed in a complete Putonghua environment while learning grammar, art, dance, wushu, drama and more via fun and interactive activities. The classes run from June 17 to August 30 for half or full days. For children attending week long or more camps, mini performances will be held on alternative Fridays including poem recitals and Putonghua dramas. southsidemandarin.com

No books needed at this play-based summer camp at Fairchild Junior Academy and Fairchild Kindergarten. From July 2 to August 30, Fairchild is holding morning and afternoon camps for ages eight months to six years.

Different Reggio styled-themes each week help children explore a variety of activities in sports, cooking, reading, storytelling, music, creative arts, sensory exploration and robotics & coding. fairchild.academy

Littlies

Malvern College Pre-School Summer is just around the corner! To ensure your child has an enjoyable and fruitful holiday break, The Malvern Little Star’s Summer Camp introduces basic drama and stage performance concepts, Malvern STEAM classes give an introduction to robotics with a fun and ‘hands-on’ activity and Malvern

Kids’ Gallery There’s something for everyone at Kids Gallery this summer, as they’re offering over 100 camps in Causeway Bay, Kowloon Tong, Yau Tong or Bel-Air. Whether the theme is Peppa

Join Cedar Summer School to explore new interests, develop new skills, stay active, grow in knowledge and character, make new friends, and have fun!

Proprietary Cedar Holistic Education Curriculum | Top Caliber Faculty and Advisors | Nurturing Environment and Engaging Activities

CEDAR THEATRE CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME

CEDAR SUMMER SCHOLAR PROGRAMME

July 17 - Aug 2 AM / PM Sessions

Regular / Weekly Courses from Jun 8 - Aug 24

ENROL NOW

TO ENJOY EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

CEDAR INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS Music Advancement Programme for Violin / Viola / Cello / Piano

FULL BROCHURE AT www.Cedar-Academy.com

9/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong | info@cedar-academy.com | +852 2886-8585 34 | hongkongliving.com

summer camps day is different and includes lots of indoor and outdoor play. For a $500 gift voucher to be used towards Term 1 fees, use discount code “Woodland VIP’, valid until June 21 and subject to availability. This year Woodland are also offering a special Summer Programme for Babies and Toddlers aged six months up. woodlandcamp.hk

Taekwondo classes improve strength and balance. Each class has two sessions a day between July 8 and August 2 at their Yau Ma Tei campus. Perfect for children aged three and above. malvernpreschool.hk

Woodland Pre-Schools Woodland are offering all children aged three to six years an epic summer of fun. From July 2 to August 9, this multi-activity based camp will cover everything from sports and games to construction and cooking. Every

hongkongliving.com | 35

education

YWCA Centre of Learning and Life Enhancement

Amelia Sewell explores an abundance of courses on offer for the whole family

I

f Hong Kong Island had a village hall, it would be the YWCA. Perched on the corner of MacDonnell Road, overlooking the exotic residents of the Botanical Gardens, this is as near to a community centre as one can expect in this everexpanding metropolis. One strand of this YWCA branch is grandly named the ‘Centre of Learning and Life Enhancement’ (CLLE), which runs courses for every member of the family, from children and parents, to helpers and grandparents. So whether it is football or fencing, calligraphy or cooking, Mandarin

36 | hongkongliving.com

or magic, the YWCA has something for absolutely everybody, no matter their age or interests.

For young Mid-levels families in particular, the YWCA’s CLLE programmes are a goldmine of classes to keep little minds active.

We are one of those families. When my son was approaching his first birthday, it dawned on me that he was needing stimulation beyond the four walls of our small apartment.

On the verge of becoming very mobile, he

Masks at the ready

YWCA was learning the art of communication with some eloquent grunts and screeches; and what those harmonious tones were trying to tell us was that he was ready for a bit more than the occasional play date and trip to the playground.

As I try hard not to be a crazed tiger mum, I wasn’t looking to enroll him in a nuclear physics course for toddlers that guaranteed entry to Oxbridge. But I did want him to run off some energy, enjoy some gently structured play and gradually be introduced to the concept of listening to simple instructions - enter the YWCA and its wonderful abundance of classes.

I promptly signed him up for a weekly Kinder Kicks class and we have not looked back.

For children in particular, the list of what is on offer is almost endless. What is your little one interested in? Fencing? Trampolining?

Swimming? Reading? Drama? Maths? All available. For the tiniest people, there is Kindermusik, French playgroup, gymnastics and swimming to name but a few.

Classes start from the age of six months old and the variety, times and options increase as they get older.

One of the wonderful things about the CLLE programme is the sheer breadth of times, making it accessible to everyone, no matter the commitments that the family already has.

Classes run morning and afternoon, often

Having a ball

with multiple sessions of the same age group happening throughout the week.

Another very appealing aspect is the cost: families can sign up for annual YWCA membership which gives a reduced rate across all classes within the programme.

The annual pass holder (APH) is $300 for an individual or $600 for a family, which includes all children under 18 and helpers.

The KinderKicks course that my son attends for example is an hour-long session and costs $200 after membership. The more family members who take part, the greater the benefit of the APH. And on top of the term time classes, they also run holiday camps, making sure that you can make the most of the membership year round.

For parents there are Mandarin classes, tennis lessons and yoga. The YWCA also runs the Helpers Training Academy. This is a comprehensive programme which includes First Aid, financial management and a plethora of cooking classes, whether it be Mexican, Thai, Italian or baking. There is also a six-part course on western cooking and kitchen management, which is structured in order to give reluctant or new cooks some confidence, as well as teaching about kitchen safety and hygiene.

And as mentioned before, the courses are not purely aimed at the children in the family.

There is so much on offer at the YWCA that it is impossible to list it all here. But if you are a parent with small, energetic people nipping at your heels, the YWCA on 1 MacDonnell Road has everything you need under one roof. clle. ywca.org.hk

hongkongliving.com | 37

sport

Fire up the dragon

Nicole Slater catches up with paddlers as they prepare for this year’s Dragon Boat Festival on June 7

F

or many of us it’s yet another public holiday. I know, they just keep on coming right? As for the paddlers, many have been in training for several months. But what’s it all about?

How can you get involved and where to watch this year’s races? Nicole Slater gives the lowdown on this year’s dragon boat festivities.

The legend behind the festival The ‘Tuen Ng Festival’ is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the fifth calendar month. It is the only sporting event in the world to have its own public holiday.

The legend behind the event is centered around Qu Yan of the Zhou Dynasty, who drowned himself in the Miluo River after he was banished and accused of treason. His loyal followers jumped into dragon-style boats frantically racing back and forth to retrieve his body, whilst playing drums to scare away bad spirits in the air. During the festival, rice is scattered into the water to prevent fish from feeding on Qu Yan.

38 | hongkongliving.com

Each year hundreds of local and international teams participate in the annual boat races which are held in commemoration of Qu Yan. The colourful dragon boat races bring waterfronts across Hong Kong to life with chanting, team spirit and a whole lot of fun. In the lead up to race day, we catch up with some of those involved in this year’s action.

Where to watch the races Aberdeen Dragon Boat Race June 7, 9am-4pm, Aberdeen Promenade Cheung Chau Dragon Boat Race June 7, 10am-4.30pm, Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Race and Carnival June 8am-5pm, Tai Pak Beach Mui Wo Dragon Boat Race Open June 7, 9am-3pm, Silvermine Bay Beach Sai Kung Dragon Boat Race Gala June 7, races 8am-2pm, carnival 2-5pm, Sai Kung Promenade Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race June 7, 8.30am-1pm, Shing Mun River Stanley International Dragon Boat Championship June 7, 8am- 5pm, Stanley Main Beach Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade June 7, 8-10am Tai Po Dragon Boat Race June 7, 8.30am-1pm, Promenade at Tai Po Waterfront Park

two dragon to tango boat Karin Bremer Dutch Dragons paddler What is your training schedule like in the run up to the races?

The Dutch Dragons do a social paddle once a month for those who wish to continue paddling for fun, but our real training schedule starts around March. Once a week we meet with an official coach from the Stanley Dragon Boat Association who teaches us the correct competition techniques. It can look daunting to begin with, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a great all body workout, as it’s not so much the arms but a core and leg movement that provides power to each stroke.

What is race day like and what happens throughout the day?

Around 300 teams meet early on the day and each team participates in their womens, mens and mixed races. Depending on how well the team races, each team is placed in a category and races once or twice more. It’s a long day but given the time of year, the weather is usually good and many people enjoy a day out on the beach while spectating. After the competition, the Stanley waterfront is closed to traffic and becomes overrun with jubilant dragon boaters who are ready to celebrate!

Do you have any advice for people

looking to join a Dragon Boat team?

Decide how many training sessions you are able to commit to each week. Some teams train three times a week with or without boot camp, some just once. There are a wide range of teams to suit all schedules.

Dragon boating builds team spirit as timing is everything. Joining a team as an adult will help you find like minded people and as our captain says: “The best team isn’t the team with the best players, but the team that plays best together”, I really like that.

The team spirit definitely is something that attracts me to the sport and has kept me coming back for a fourth year now!

What made you first get involved in Dragon Boat racing?

I have been a member of the Dutch Association since I moved to Hong Kong over six years ago, through the organisation I joined their dragon boat team. We have a mixed team and have filled two boats for the competition this year. It’s a social group but the size and strength of my team members (Dutch men in particular have been named as the world’s tallest!) works to our advantage during the 270m race, so we usually do quite well.

Karin Bremer, celebrating with her team

Suzanne Younan Founder of Green Dragons HK and the Paddle without Plastic campaign When did Paddle without Plastic start and what is the reasoning behind the campaign?

Paddle without Plastic (PWP) launched on March 1 this year, in line with the start of the dragon boat training season. The campaign was born to raise awareness to all dragon boat paddlers to refuse single use plastic for training and race days.

How has the plastic waste problem improved since starting the campaign?

With the launch of PWP we have encouraged teams to take a ‘Pledge’ to refuse single use plastics. As of May 18 we have 44 pledged teams which equates to just under 2,000 individuals refusing single use water bottles and participating in short beach clean ups after every practice. We have already noticed a difference on the training beaches!

What are some tips for people looking to cut down their plastic usage at

events like this?

As well as refusing single use plastic bottles, our pledge asks paddlers to include a reusable cup in their kit bag for the after race parties. This can eliminate hundreds if not thousands of single use beer or wine cups. We also request that paddlers bring lunch from home for race days in a reusable container.

What extra efforts will you be making at this year’s Dragon Boat Festival?

Our aim is to talk to as many teams as possible. Educating the paddlers to the dangers of plastic pollution is still key.

We encourage teams to take the Green Dragons HK Dragon Boat Pledge to help us reduce waste in this iconic sport and also spread the message. We also speak to food vendors to encourage them to offer alternatives to plastic cutlery and food containers at future events.

More information about Paddle without Plastic is available at Facebook: Green Dragons HK

Suzanne Younan with the Green Dragons HK

hongkongliving.com | 39

big day out

Yau Ley,

a different way

Matt Teague treks to a popular seafood restaurant hidden within Sai Kung Country Park

H

idden within Sai Kung Country Park, Yau Ley is one of Hong Kong’s least accessible seafood restaurants, but it’s well worth the trip. The family-owned restaurant is most commonly reached by boat, it’s a tried and tested popular Sunday destination for yachting families and friends and the perfect place to swing by after a hot day out at sea.

Somewhere to fuel up on fresh seafood and a cool Tsing Tao before heading home.

Lesser known, however, is an alternative route to this much-loved seafood restaurant - by foot through Sai Kung Country Park. The hike is beautiful, quiet and quaint and you’ll be able to explore a little of Hong Kong’s history along the way.

For a full day out, having packed enough water and sunscreen, grab the number 94 bus or a taxi to the entrance of Sai Kung Country

40 | hongkongliving.com

Park. For those wanting less of a hike, you can continue the taxi ride through the gate to Pak A, a short distance past the west (first) dam of the reservoir.

The walk from the gate will help you work up an appetite for what awaits you at your destination. You stick to Sai Kung Man Yee Road (also part of the Maclehose Trail Section 1) which takes you around the west of High Island Reservoir. It’s a great educational opportunity for children and adults alike to discover more about this huge body of water.

It now covers what were once settlements of villages and communities of the deeper Sai Kung area. The two dams were built in 1979, before which ‘High Island’ was (you guessed it) an actual island. The West Dam itself gives a stunning view out towards Kau Sai Chau and Sai Kung beyond, a great place to stop for a breather and photos.

Skirting the reservoir takes around two hours before you reach a sign pointing to ‘Pak A’ village that leads you right, off the road and down a footpath. The walk from here isn’t long, but it’s an interesting one, particularly if you’re a sucker for relics - so pace yourself and take it in.

Continuing on the downhill path for around 15 minutes takes you to a pagoda next to the ocean, another place to calmly sit and collect yourself. I love seeing Sai Kung from these different perspectives, it’s unique topography, with jagged coasts and endless hills give innumerable vantage points of the same ocean. Being in nature really gives you a feel of how vast a seemingly tiny area is. In Sai Kung, it’s so easy to find your ‘place’ in space and mind.

After a short rest, take the left-side path along the coast. You’ll pass some old,

yau ley, my way

Taking in the view

abandoned village houses, a basketball court and school. At the next fork in the path, turn right and you’ll soon end up at Leung Sheun Wan Tin Hau Temple. This place of worship dates all the way back to 1741. Stop here to pay your respects and take some time to appreciate how much this site has meant to so many generations past.

You’ll pass a sea urchin restaurant (one for trying next time) before passing another

large abandoned building. Have a peek in the windows at the well-preserved antiques which still remain to this day.

Looking across the water you’ll catch sight of Sha Kiu Pier, your destination. Follow the last bit of coast around the small beach cove, and you’ll soon arrive there.

Yau Ley offer something to satisfy every hungry hiker. Although a seafood restaurant, there’s a decent selection of vegan and

vegetarian dishes too. Kids can enjoy the beach and some time in the ocean. Once you’ve taken in the views, vibes, bites and beers you can either trek back the way you came (not so easy with a full belly) or jump on a speedboat which conveniently takes you back to Sai Kung Pier. The boat itself is around $900 for up to 10 passengers.

hongkongliving.com | 41

travel

Living the high life Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend, return as family - that’s the Raffles way, as Gemma Shaw finds out in Shenzhen

I

t is becoming increasingly difficult to find serenity in Shenzhen. Last year, over 64 million visitors stayed there overnight. This year, Lonely Planet ranked the ever-expanding city second on its top places to visit in 2019. Our gateway to the Mainland, once just a small fishing village is increasingly popular with business and leisure travellers alike.

As luxury hotel groups fight for prime real estate locations across the city, one which has succeeded in securing a top spot is Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

Last month, the group added to a blossoming portfolio with their latest hotel at One Shenzhen Bay, a prestigious 72-storey building in the CBD, from which panoramas dominate in every direction.

INTERIORS The hotel features 168 spacious rooms and suites, a helipad, the world’s highest music hall, a spa which promises to rejuvenate the weariest travellers, and Raffles signature Long Bar on the 71st floor.

“We were challenged to work around the views, we wanted to integrate them

42 | hongkongliving.com

into the design rather than block them out,” says Pia Sen of Dubai’s LW Design who were privileged with creating the interiors.

As with each Raffles property, design draws heavily on local influence and there are creative nods to Shenzhen’s past life as a humble fishing village throughout, water plays a big part in the artwork and colours.

Neutral tones in the lobby, corridors, rooms and suites are accented by occasional pops of colour, local artifacts and feature pieces. “Being able to draw on the surrounding beauty gave us a clear direction from the start,” says Sen. As I checked in on the 34th floor, a sense of tranquility washed over me. Being the opening day I had expected some teething issues, but in contrast I was greeted with the Raffles signature blend of professionalism and familiarism. My personal butler, thrilled to hear my British accent, mentioned he had been offered a place to study hotel management at the University of Surrey just that morning. “Oh, my husband and I got married in Surrey a few months ago,” I tell him. He beams before whisking me up to my room on the 42nd floor. It’s worth noting

here that the hotel only occupies floors 33-45 as well as 70-71 of the 72-story building.

ROOMS

By Hong Kong standards, the rooms which start at 60 square meters, are huge.

Key features include a mini bar stocked with complimentary juices, nuts and chocolate, Nespresso coffee machine, a pillow menu offering nine varieties of firmness and floor to ceiling views.

The bathroom (which is roughly the same

shenzhen sling Panoramic views from the Premier room

5 reasons to visit Shenzhen Art - One of Shenzhen’s top attractions, Dafen Oil Painting Village is dedicated to painting, whether you’d like a reproduction of a Van Gogh or to commission your own self-portrait. For contemporary art galleries, visit OCT Loft Creative Culture Park. Shenzhen even has its own V&A Gallery at Design Society!

Hakka villages - Shenzhen has around 20 villages featuring incredible historical buildings, visit Longtian Shiju, Dawen Shiju or Fengtian Shiju.

size as my Hong Kong apartment) boasts surround sound, Tuscan Soul toiletries and a standalone bath. A word to the wise here don’t turn those taps yourself, call your butler and have him prepare a signature Raffles bubble bath for you, honestly it’s heavenly.

DINING Six signature bars and restaurants serve up Western, Cantonese and Japanese cuisine. All-day dining is on offer in the Sky Café where the breakfast menu is exciting and extensive with sushi, Chinese options and everything you would expect in the West. An incredible selection of freshly baked breads are on offer courtesy of the Raffles Patisserie downstairs.

The Long Bar on 71st floor

History of the Singapore Sling The Singapore Sling was originally conceived in the Long Bar, Raffles Singapore in 1915 by Hainanese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. These were colonial days in Singapore during which the ladies were not permitted to consume alcohol in public and were instead offered juices and teas. Bartender Ngiam created the Singapore Sling as a way to serve ladies an alcohol-based beverage under the disguise of a fruit-based punch.

The refreshing gin-based cocktail also contains pineapple juice, grenadine, lime juice and Dom Benedictine. Cherry brandy and Cointreau give the drink a pretty rosy colour.

Nature - From Dameisha Beach Park, the longest beach in Shenzhen, to Lianhuashan Park, a hilly green park, and the tranquil Nashan mountains, Shenzhen offers it all!

Theme parks - Shenzhen is spoilt for choice from Window of the World with more than 130 miniature replicas of the most famous sights around the world, to Happy Valley with nine themed areas such as Cartoon City and a water park that opens over the summer months.

Shopping - Shenzhen is the place to go for designer goods at high street prices. Luohu Commercial City is the most popular, and offers designer bags, watches, tailor-made suits, and even massages at low prices. For technology treasures in this upcoming city of tech innovation, head to Huaqiangbei Street.

SPA

As the sun sets, fresh sushi, sashimi and perfectly pink Wagyu steaks are served up at the adjoining Japanese restaurant Kokoni. The expertly-scored origami cranes are a welcome and delicate touch.

RUI Lounge, complete with fireplace, offers a place to enjoy a leisurely lunch or an early evening drink. Head up to the 70th floor and the Cantonese restaurant, Yun Jing serves up the finest Chinese cuisine. On the 71st floor, end the evening at Long Bar sipping cocktails against a backdrop of more breathtaking views.

The spa is divided into distinct zones for quiet and active pursuits. “This is a place to truly immerse in relaxation,” describes Sen. The spa on level 33 includes six treatment rooms, saunas and steam rooms, a gym and a magnificent indoor infinity pool that looks out over the bay. For me, a 7am dip in the infinity pool as Shenzhen slowly awakened beneath me was a perfect start to the day.

REASONS TO STAY AT RAFFLES SHENZHEN THE SERVICE At Raffles they have a unique ethos - arrive as a guest, leave as a friend, return as family.

A personalised 24-hour butler service is on

hongkongliving.com | 43

travel

A SHENZHEN SLING AT THE LONG BAR The Long Bar is colonial and iconic to Raffles Singapore, yet each Raffles property offers its own unique take. Located 71 floors up, Shenzhen’s version is breathtakingly

impressive. Raffles Singapore is also the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, to honour this the bartenders at Shenzhen Raffles have concocted the aptlynamed Shenzhen Sling, a lychee-infused local twist on the classic cocktail.

TEA RITUAL BEFORE BED Before bedding down, each guest has the option of a calming tea ritual performed in-room by their personal butler. The tea ritual at Raffles Shenzhen pays homage to

How to get there Over 80 pairs of trains currently travel between West Kowloon and Shenzhen at speeds of up to 200km/h and a journey time of just 15 minutes. Tickets are CNY 68 for a second class seat. It’s worth noting that Raffles Shenzhen is 20-30 minutes drive from Shenzhen North Station (arrange a driver to collect you).

Far closer is Shenzhen Bay Port, one of the road borders between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, which is located just minutes from the hotel.

China’s rich tea culture. Vanilla & Rooibos tea is prepared to help guests unwind in preparation for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Infinite reasons to love this pool

Raffles Shenzhen is located at One Shenzhen Bay, 3008 Zhongxin Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. raffles.com

Ask a vet...

Hair loss and sand indigestion. Dr Pauline answers your pet questions I brush my cat every day but he still sheds so much fur. How can I prevent this?

The hot and humid climate in Hong Kong, coupled with the fact that many cats here are indoor cats, means that they simply do not need a thick furry coat to survive. When the weather gets hot we humans put on fewer or thinner clothes. Our cats cannot do this so they shed some of their hair and it’s quite normal for this to happen every day. They also shed more during the spring and summer when the days are longer. I recommend you keep gently brushing your cat regularly. In doing so you will remove shed hair from the body and prevent some of the hair sticking to your furniture or worse to your cat’s tongue!

A good balanced diet is recommended and if the shedding really appears excessive perhaps you should check in with your vet. Medical problems including stress, infection, parasitic or fungal disease, allergies and even sunburn are a few possible contributing factors.

What is the most unusual case you’ve ever encountered?

When I was living in New Zealand. A middle age dachshund “Kora” presented to my clinic with intermittent vomiting and lethargy. Kora lived at the coast and used to walk a few miles every day with her owner along the beach.

Always be sure to rinse your dog in fresh water after a trip to the beach - especially the feet - to stop the ingestion of sand. M

Upon examination of Kora’s abdomen, a painful swelling as thick as my wrist and over two feet long was easily palpated. X-rays showed a thickened part of the small intestine. The entire gut was solid, instead of being tube like and round to allow the passage of food.

The area was blocked but I had no idea what could be stuck there... What on earth had Kora eaten that looked so solid on X-ray?

Kora went to surgery the same day and what I found was a solid plug of sand through nearly three feet of the intestine. The sand was very crumbly, hard, dry and rock like.

Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com 44 | hongkongliving.com

It turned out the owner rarely washed Kora’s feet after her walks. Kora must have licked her feet to clean them up and had swallowed small amounts of sand for years.

Dr. Pauline Pets Central veterinarian Dr. Pauline Taylor answers your questions.

Photo credit: MTR Corporation

offer for each and every guest, from in-room registration to helping to pack in preparation for departure. This level of service helps to bring the Raffles ethos to life. The butler can be there as much or as little as you like.

horoscopes

Our mystical writer, editor and occasional soothsayer tells us what’s in store this month

Jan 21-Feb 19

May 22-Jun 21

Sep 24-Oct 23

This month is looking good.

I predict that you’ll never get caught at taxi changeover time, you’ll always get a seat on the MTR and your bus won’t get stuck in traffic. OK, maybe these are impossibilities. But I maintain that your transport woes will be lesser this month, which means that your stress levels will be similarly lowered.

The ice lemon tea is simple but elegant. Sweet but tart. Cool but not icy. That’s how I want you to see yourself this month. As a perfect combination of contrasts made all the more unique because you combine them so well.

If you speak to some, Chungking Mansions is a wretched hive of scum and villainy. Speak to others, and it’s a great place to get a curry. This is your reminder that perspective is key. Everyone sees things a little differently.

Feb 20-Mar 20

Jun 22-Jul 22

Oct 24-Nov 22

Romer’s Tree Frog is a tiny, unremarkable brown frog with one special characteristic: it’s endemic to Hong Kong. In other words, this endangered and protected species is native to the territory. So, what do you have that no-one else on the planet has?

That’s also something worth protecting.

Junk season is approaching, and with that comes plenty of insecurity. Are you bikini-body ready? Also - who cares? When you’re on a junk, everyone’s chugging beer in swimsuits. Your six-pack or lack thereof will pass unnoticed. Embrace your body, crack a brew and dive right in.

Remember when the purple plastic $10 note was introduced? Everyone thought that it looked like silly toy money. Now, we use them without thinking twice. Plastic notes have even been introduced in London.

The lesson? Sometimes a small change is just small change.

Mar 21-Apr 20

Jul 23-Aug 22

Nov 23-Dec 21

Drinks are expensive these days.

A beer at a bar will cost you upwards of $60.

So when’s the last time you had a night out… at Club 7-Eleven? Grab a few brews, pay by Octopus and hang out on the street watching the world go past. You’ll thank yourself, and so will your bank balance.

Lantau’s Big Buddha is the world’s largest outdoor bronze Buddha. Pretty great title to be held, huh, Leo? Don’t feel you have to be the world’s best at anything. Pull back this month and take it easy. You deserve it.

Andy Lau is one of the “Four Heavenly Kings” - the God of 90s Cantopop.

He doesn’t seem to have aged at all since then. What’s his secret. It doesn’t matter. What matters is keeping your heart and soul young.

Then it will be Andy Lau asking for YOUR secret.

Apr 21-May 21

Aug 23-Sep 23

Dec 22-Jan 20

This time last year, we were anticipating whether or not a typhoon would come and bust in on our usually smooth running lives. Is there someone you are expecting to bust in on your life this month?

Not sure? Well, be prepared. Tape your windows and hold your ground.

Do you have any Chinese aunties? If so, you’ll know they’re always interested in your health, career and love life.

Irritating? It comes from a place of love, so embrace the attention.

Sai Ying Pun was one of the first districts of Hong Kong. In recent years, it’s become more popular and gentrified. Some worry the neighbourhood is losing its identity.

Do you find yourself changing to suit others?

Try not to be like SYP - no matter how good it feels to fit in with the crowd.

hongkongliving.com | 45

marketplace

marketplace

To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.

46 | hongkongliving.com

To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772

marketplace

GET LISTED!

FAMILY | FOOD | FINLAND | FLOATING AWAY

September 2018

Reach for the stars Stargazing in Sai Kung

Glow up Your guide to the Mid-Autumn Festival

Exploring Finland

MODER MOON N CAK GUIDE E

THE LAND OF 3 MILLION SAUNAS

HONG KONG now reaches 165,000 high-net-worth readers directly in their homes

GET IN TOUCH 2776 2772 talk@hongkongliving.com To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772

hongkongliving.com | 47

designing zim city hk

Run for change Paul Zimmerman on Hong Kong Island’s StaRun to raise awareness for area improvements

O

nce a year Starun organizes a 60km run around Hong Kong Island. Beforehand teams scout for the best route close to the shore and safe for over a thousand runners.

Let’s walk anti-clock wise starting at ‘SoHo East’, the restaurants in Sai Wan Ho. The Harbourfront Commission has funding in place to build a boardwalk from Quarry Bay to North Point. The waterfront of Wanchai is being reopened steadily with the completion of the Central Wanchai Bypass. You can already walk along Victoria Harbour passing through Tamar, the piers in Central, Shun Tak Centre, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, the Western Tunnel Portal area and in front of the Western Wholesale Market onto the Western Cargo Working Area (it is nicknamed Instagram pier, Google it to see why). From there walk along the Kennedy Town Praya and up Victoria Road. This route will continue to move closer to the water as various initiatives come to fruition.

After you pass the renovated ex-Victoria Detention Centre you can walk down the stairs from Victoria Road to Sandy Bay. This is the start of the Southern District Coastal Trail which will be sign posted all the way to Stanley later this year. To bring this route closer to East Lamma Channel we are asking Cyberport to fund a 280m walkway over the

48 | hongkongliving.com

Section 4 asks for a path down from Cape D’Aguilar to Shek O beach

water between Sandy Bay and its waterfront park (1) while the Home Affairs Department is studying a footbridge over Waterfall Bay (2).

Next you’ll pass the 1,000 statues of Wah Fu, the Aberdeen Fish Market and Promenade, Heung Yip Road Nullah, Wong Chuk Hang Station, Ocean Park, Mills & Chung Path, the beaches of Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay, Ma Hang Park and Stanley Plaza. A District Minor Works application to fund improvements of the path between South Bay and Chung Hom Kok (3) is pending approval.

From Stanley the route goes up into the Country Park around Tai Tam Bay and up Dragon’s Back. To improve on this we have asked AFCD for a path down from Cape D’Aguilar to Shek O beach (4) from where you can walk via Big Wave Bay to Chai Wan. Finally, to get back to Shau Kei Wan is at the moment a circuitous route through Chai Wan Gap. This can be significantly and easily improved on if we succeed in convincing LCSD to open a short pathway through the Museum of Coastal Defence (5).

The runners joining StaRun will try to complete the entire route in one day. Other people will walk sections of the “Hong Kong Island Coastal Trail” based on their location and time available. The closer the route runs to the water, the more it will be suitable for

all ages and abilities. Let’s work together to convince government to take on the five identified projects. What do you think? Email me at info@paulzimmerman.hk

Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the coconvenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.