EDITOR’S LETTER

As we head into 2022, the school community in Hong Kong is brimming with excitement. From French International School preparing to unveil a dedicated early years campus (page 16), to Island School relocating back to their state-of-the-art campus in Borrett Road (page 12).

Meanwhile, if you’ve got a budding Picasso in the family, or a kid with a craving to learn French, check out our pick of the best after school activities and clubs on page 26.

For little ones, playgroups are becoming trendier than ever. From the barista-style coffee served at Baumhaus to Zumbini lessons on offer at Casita, we’ve got the lowdown on which parent and baby groups to join to keep your little one’s street cred in check (page 20).

And we start the new year with a sunrise over Sai Kung on a hike in Man On Shan. (page 32).

Happy New Year!

Editor’s picks

Floating Aromatic Sound Bath

Malbert Lee will host a series of sound baths at The Yoga Room incorporating restorative hammock yoga, aromatic meditation and nourishing soundscapes. Priced at $350, these sessions promise to promote circulation, relaxation and rejuvenation. yogaroomhk.com

Malabar Cotton Knit PJs

Founded by Hong Kong mama Anjali Harjani, Malabar Baby’s toddler and big kid cotton knit PJ sets are perfect for cosy days at home. We’re in love with the Pink City print which is inspired by Jaipur’s pink city walls and sweet vibes. $374 for a set.

malabarbaby.com

Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com

Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater

Senior Writer Charmaine Ng Editor Gemma Shaw

Design jason@hongkongliving.com

Graphic Designer Jason Lau

Partnerships talk@hongkongliving.com

Director of Content Hilda Chan

Event Manager Pranali Gupta Partnership Manager Janessa Chan

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com

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expat-parent.com January 2022

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Expat Parent is published by Hong AFTER SCHOOLACTIVITIES GUIDE 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 French International School Unveils new early years campus 1a EP Cover.indd 1 22/12/2021 5:35 PM Photo: Jill Carter this publication. Expat Parent 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.

With travel out of the question, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park is the place to be with plenty activities for the family. Head down to the city's iconic landmark on the Harbourfront for the brand new AIA Vitality Hub, Winter at the Wheel, and a journey to the past with an exciting AR App.

AIA Vitality Hub

In the face of the pandemic, what Hong Kong people needs is a balanced health and wellness lifestyle. This is why the AIA Vitality Hub has been created.

AIA Vitality Hub, an augmentation of AIA Vitality Park, is a unique venue that makes traditional, modern and progressive health and wellness activities accessible to the Hong Kong community, with classes happening daily.

Catering to all demographics, from children to the elderly and beginners to the experienced, the programme at AIA Vitality Hub is designed and taught by Hong Kong’s leading wellness and fitness industry professionals. You’ll find knowledge classes on topics like nutrition and sleep; and activities that support mindfulness like tai chi and yoga. Throughout the year, AIA Vitality Hub will work closely with charities and organisations to support disadvantaged members of society, as well as generate both online and o line content educating the public on taking charge of fitness, wellness and a healthy lifestyle.

A monthly programme of special wellness events and classes will be updated regularly throughout the year. View the schedule for January and sign up for your favourite classes at zicket.co/aia-vitality-hub-venue

Winter at the Wheel

Conceptualised by the team behind The Grounds, The Lawn Club and Summer at the Wheel, Winter at the Wheel is here for three months with changing themes and decorations across the di erent holidays, festivals and celebrations. immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s most beautiful, European style ‘Luminarie’ Christmas light display. Shop for your loved ones (and yourself, of course) at the traditional Christmas Market filled with uniquely handcrafted, locally sourced lifestyle gifts, sweets and savoury bites, presented by Calioo. Test your finesse at the skill game booths – Hot Shot Basketball, Lobster Bot, Spill the Milk and more – for the chance to win among 300,000 plushie prizes.

Reserve tickets in advance at zicket.co/winter-at-the-wheel-tickets-hon g-kong.

Historical AR App

Launched in November, the brand new Hong Kong Observation Wheel AP App o ers historical perspectives on Hong Kong’s skyline. Visitors will experience visual immersions of Hong Kong from three viewpoints: Beyond the Beginning (1890-1920); City in Transition (1960-1980); and Present Day.

The 1890s-1920s presents iconic landmarks such as the original Peak Tram, Lion Rock and the first-generation Star Ferry Pier.

The 1960s-1980s showcases Hong Kong’s economic progress with squa er villages of Lion Rock, The Hilton International and Kai Tak Airport.

The journey finishes in the present day, displaying an array of modern-day interpretations of the city’s classic landmarks and newer developments around the harbour.

The free mobile application, Hong Kong Observation Wheel AP App, is now available on IOS and Android in English, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.