When you’re in need of a holiday, but short on annual leave, there’s only one thing to do: a staycation. Hong Kong’s first-class hotels aren’t just for visitors, they make great escapes for residents too! Whether you’re looking for some peace and quiet, a little pampering or just a soak in a beautiful bathroom, there is a perfect hotel stay for you. Book in for a night (or three) and fall in love with Hong Kong all over again. Bonus: every hotel on this list has stunning harbour views!
The Mandarin Oriental
We’re huge fans of the Mandarin Oriental, everything from their iconic vintage Mandarin Barber, to their HK$1,555 Champagne cocktail. So, when it comes to an indulgent staycation, they’re very high on our list. Start your visit with a luxurious soak in a giant marble tub. Then get pampered at The Mandarin Spa or Mandarin Barber for the afternoon – either will leave your body and mind feeling totally refreshed. For lunch, you have your pick of Michelin-starred restaurants, but we’d go for Man-Wah, flawless Michelin-starred dim-sum in an old-school decadence. After that, the afternoon is yours, do a few laps in the pool, sweat away the worries in the spa sauna, or take in the view from your room. When evening roles around, start your night off at M Bar for a cocktail, before heading to two Michelin-starred Pierre on the 25th floor. The innovative French restaurant is the life’s work of one of the world’s top chefs, Pierre Gagnaire, and if that doesn’t sell you, the roaming Champagne cart will! Make the most of your final day with a picture-perfect breakfast en-suite, followed by a decadent Champagne brunch at the Clipper Lounge. An in-depth guide to a weekend at the Mandarin is coming soon, be sure to check back!
The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, 2522 0111
www.mandarinoriental.com
The Upper House
Known for impeccable service and understated luxury, The Upper House is a great option when you need a break from your real life. Despite being just above Pacific Place, it’s zen-like interiors and abundance of natural light will make you feel a million miles away from Hong Kong. You can even immerse yourself in nature, with a run (or stroll) along nearby Bowen Road. Part of Swire Hotels, The Upper House maintains a boutique feel, and the exceptionally-trained team is on-hand to help create your ideal, customised experience. Book their ‘A Weekend That You Deserve’ package for a night’s stay in a Studio 70 Harbour View room, and we promise you’ll enjoy more than just the view. The room comes with a few perks, like a daily HK$800 restaurant and bar credit at their famous Café Gray Deluxe (ask for a window bar booth, and order the Earl Grey Martini and Beef Short Rib!), complimentary morning yoga, and even a potential room upgrade. If you’re one for pampering in private, you will adore the in-room spa services. Schedule one for the morning, and roll straight from your massage into breakfast in bed. Now that is true luxury.
The Upper House Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty 2918 1838
www.upperhouse.com
Hotel Icon
Hotel Icon may just be Hong Kong’s best-kept ‘secret’. It rarely gets the same high-profile attention other hotels do, but really, it should. They have an incredible view over the harbour (facing the skyline!) and their ‘Sweet Suite Moment’ room package is a perfect getaway for you and your person. When you check into your room, you’ll be greeted with a bottle of Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries – how’s that for a sweet start? Then you can pop down to their sunshine soaked GREEN for a beautiful afternoon tea below the towering vertical garden, or hit up one of Hong Kong’s favourite buffets. Watch the sun go down from the heated pool, with a fruity ICON sling cocktail in hand, before an intimate dinner at Above & Beyond. The stunning rooftop restaurant serves up some of the best Cantonese food we’ve had. Oh, and the mini-bar is totally complimentary. #goals
Hotel Icon, 17 Science Museum Road, TST East 3400 1000
www.hotel-icon.com
The Four Seasons
Another favourite at #legend HQ, The Four Seasons is where modern luxury meets old school refinement. You know we love their spa for their forward-thinking treatments and “Masters of Wellness” programme, and we’re huge fans of the work Executive Chef Andrea Accordi does. So obviously we love them for an ultra-luxe staycation. Book the spacious Grand Harbour View Suite for the views (and the PlayStation 3…), then grab your SO and head to the spa for a Double Serenity treatment. It starts with a 30 minute Champagne bubble bath, followed by a full body scrub and a jade stone massage. When you’re fully pampered, you can head to the heated infinity pool or to The Lounge for a stunning Afternoon Tea. For dinner, it has to be Caprice, their gilded two-Michelin starred French restaurant with the cheese-room of your dreams. Order Le Tartare Terre et Mer, a land and sea tartare of Australian Wagyu beef and Gillardeau oyster topped with Kristal caviar, and the striking Pigeon de Racan de la Maison Bellorr (more on the menu here). Finish the meal with an ultra-rare four-year-aged Comté at the Caprice bar, they’re the only ones in Asia to have it! When the morning rolls around, end your lavish staycation with a dim sum brunch at Lung King Heen, and then start planning your next visit in the taxi home. The service here is truly exceptional, and you’ll instantly feel like you’re a VIP from the moment you walk through the lobby.
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central 3196 8888
www.fourseasons.com
The Grand Hyatt
If a passion-filled escape is what you’re after, the Grand Hyatt’s Celebrating Romance Package is what you need. Designed especially with staycationers in mind, it’s 24-hours of opulence and aphrodisiacs. You’ll be escorted to one of their lush Executive Rooms, which have stunning, floor-to-ceiling corner views over the harbour. Settle in while sipping on your bottle of Champagne, or cosy up together with some chocolate and strawberries. The package even includes complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails and all-day Champagne in their Grand Club Lounge, and of course use of their outdoor heated pool and fitness studio. Foodies will love the vast array of options, from award-winning Italian at Grissini to a personal teppanyaki chef at The Teppanroom. There are seven dining choices in total, and a luxurious spa as well.
Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai 2584 7038
www.hongkong.grand.hyatt.com
Kerry Hotel
This weekend escape is on the other side of the harbour from our other hotels, which means you get the best view of all: the stunning Hong Kong skyline. The newly opened Kerry Hotel is located on the bustling waterfront in Hung Hom, and is the definition of an urban resort. Designer Andre Fu created a fluid structure that seamlessly blends inside and out for a spacious feel wherever you go. Start your stay off with an Afternoon Tea in their Lobby Lounge, which features a fun selection of reinterpreted Hong Kong favourites. Then lap up the luxury in their 25-meter long heated infinity pool (perfect for those #instaworthy shots) or a cheeky spin class, before dinner. They have five restaurants and bars on site, but we’d recommend Hung Tong – their signature Chinese restaurant. Check out our February issue of #legend for an inside peak.
Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom
www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry
