Celebrity Life

As one of the city's favourite luxury boutique hotels, The Upper House hasn't aged a day.

The Upper House, which was the first Swire Hotels property in Hong Kong, has remained one of the city's stylish destinations for stays, events, food and drink, from the day it first opened its doors in October 2009. Featuring a total of 117 rooms, including 21 suites and 2 penthouses, the hotel reaches impressive heights (with 49 floors) in hospitality.

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Location: 10/10

Perched just above luxury shopping mall Pacific Place, The Upper House not only enjoys the connivence of the centrally-located Admiralty district, but it's also a mere lift ride down to a good collection of restaurants, bars and designer stores, as well as a cinema. What's more, nestled just behind Wan Chai (and walkable distance) is the neighbourly Starstreet precinct, a happening area with lifestyle stores, boutiques and eateries to explore. Plus if you're going to and from Central, then you can opt to walk, board a tram or a taxi.

Design: 10/10

The chic and contemporary hotel was designed by Hong Kong architect André Fu. It was the first hotel design project in which helped propel his career, making him one of Asia's most sought after design talents today. For The Upper House, his concept was to bring a relaxed and modern luxury to the interior, combining Asian influences with timeless design that hasn't aged, and gracefully resulted in a very calming atmosphere in a seriously good looking and refined space, filled with natural materials and subtle lighting.

Ambience: 9/10

Owing mostly to the calming design concept, the serene ambience at The Upper House is supremely zen. The upward journey from the entrance's escalators, towards The Lawn and lounge area, creates a sense of what's to come. The hotel is tempered with repose, setting a peaceful tone as if to make breathing space away from the hustle and bustle of the city below. During our stay, we saw mostly young couples and individuals, while the restaurant during breakfast was occupied by more business folk.

Rooms: 10/10

The rooms, separated into four different categories, range from Studio 70, Studio 80, Upper Suites and Penthouse Suites. Our room, a Studio 70, offered stunning harbour views that seem to slow time down. The spacious studio, about 730 sq. ft. (68 sq. metres), features a comfortable king-size bed which lays low enough for you to continue cloud watching even when horizontal. Over in the spa-inspired bathroom, a gorgeous limestone-clad bathtub makes the room extra special. While a walk-in rain shower, dressing area and amenities add touches of luxury also.

Service & Facilities: 9/10

The luxury service begins the moment a House BMW comes to pick you up from your designated pick up point. Upon entering the hotel, no paper forms need to be filled out and check-in is completed in record timing, before you're escorted to your room to relax, where thoughtfully prepared gifts (such as a leather garment bag and magazines) are laid out for you to discover. Moreover, a selection of chocolates, snacks and fresh popcorn (which they will bring to your room) is available while you watch movies on demand. Other facilities and services at the hotel include a well-equipped gym (not open during our stay), a lawn area for yoga classes, and in room spa treatments.

Food & Drink: 9/10

There may only be one restaurant at The Upper House, but with great modern European dining, and champagne and cocktails available at Café Gray Deluxe, there's almost no reason to leave the hotel at all. There's also The Upper House's grassy lawn area which is a fantastic spot for a picnic and drinks in good weather. During our stay, it's also a great space to take your coffee and cookies, courtesy of the Cookie DPT's pop up, to enjoy. In the evening, however, is when you'll be able to dine at The Nightery, an elevated and intimate in-room dining experience that transforms one of the Upper Suites and services it with a dinner by Chef de Cuisine Krzysztof Czerwinski and drinks with full service. This experience was one of the highlights during our staycation, and one I would like very much like to experience again.

Rates: start from HK$3,900/night for a Studio 70 room with island view and HK$4,500 with harbour view, to HK$18,000/night for the Upper Suite with harbour view. Prices for penthouse options require a quote depending on dates. The price may vary depending on availability and season. Current room packages can be found here.

Rating: 9.5/10

Perfect for: a staycation in understated luxury with thoughtful service that makes you feel at home.

The post Hotel Review: The Upper House Does Understated Luxury That Stays with You appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

"What can I do to stay healthy?" -- seems to be the question on everyone’s mind recently. And with flu season in full swing, it's never been more important to keep your immune system in check. But beyond loading up on oranges and washing our hands frequently, what more can we do? Well, this is where ingredients such as açaí, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cilantro, lemon, and leafy greens come in. Believed to help improve your body’s natural defences, these items could potentially protect you against infections. It is with this in mind that we’ve gathered a list of where to get a shot, smoothie or juice packed with vitamin and antioxidant goodness that can help boost your immunity.

Cafe Gray at The Upper House Hong Kong

Cafe Gray at The Upper House has just introduced two new health drinks as part of their March Month of Wellness. The first is their Immune Booster, a drink infused with turmeric, ginger and lemon, all of which are well known for their antioxidant properties. The second is Clarifying Tea, which is made with pear, sweet date and osmanthus to nourish and hydrate the body.

Cafe Gray Deluxe, Level 49 The Upper House Pacific Place 88, Queensway, Admiralty; +852 3968 1106

Supabowl

Supabowl serves açaí-based smoothie bowls, smoothies and more. Açaí berries are packed with antioxidants that can help build up your immune system and protect your cells against damage from free radicals. What's more, they offer a combination of different superfood ingredients to pack it with the good stuff. Choose from bee pollen, goji berries, chia seeds, and more. You can even create your own customised bowl from their selection of toppings, too.

Supabowl has two locations:

4 Swatow Street, Wan Chai; +852 3565 4379

41-43 Graham Street, Central ; +852 2608 9878

Matchali

For all things, matcha, head to Matchali’s pop-up at the Upper House. Started by cousins Cara and Laura Li, the brand uses antioxidant-packed ceremonial-grade matcha from Uji in Japan to craft unique and refreshing drinks. For something packed with even more immunity boosting ingredients, try the Ginger Turmeric Tonic + matcha shot, and drink to your health. The pop-up will go on until 28 April 2020.

Matchali is open at The Upper House from Tuesday to Sunday 10am-6pm, closed Mondays.

6/F, The Upper House, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; +852 2918 1838

Nood Food

If you're a member of Pure Fitness, you will already be familiar with Nood Food. At each location, they have grab ‘n’ go fridges stocked with cold-pressed juices. But if that's not your thing, you can also order from the variety of raw foods, superfood smoothies, organic juices and shots, including the Royal Flush, which has carrot, celery, cucumber, lemon and turmeric.

Nood Food, 2/F, Kinwick Centre 32 Hollywood Road Central; +852 3691 3271

For all other locations, click through their website here.

Bless Cold Pressed Juice

This cold-pressed juice company has a number of shops located across Hong Kong. You can pick up a bottle from their wide selection of juices including the Immune Warrior. This juice is made up of turmeric, orange, apple and lemon to really take care of your immune system while you quench your thirst.

Bless Cold Press Juice, Shop 5, G/F, Dragon View House, 6-16 Hoi Tai Street & 7-9 Hoi Kwong Street, Quarry Bay; 2877 2226

For other Bless Cold Pressed Juice locations, head to their website here.

Be-Juiced

Be-Juiced worked with a nutritionist to develop a number of juice recipes that give the body the correct nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that may be missing from a standard diet. Our favourite is their Wellness Shot: a blend of ginger, turmeric, lemon, cayenne pepper, oregano and raw honey, which gives us the energy boost we need to conquer the day.

Be Juiced, 45 Peel Street, Central; +852 2668 6231

Tizzy Shots

Made with 100% organic, raw and cold pressed ginger, Tizzy Shots are packed with illness fighting ingredients in a small vial. You can order them online and pick up a pack of three shots or mix them up for variety. Choose from their punchy Classic Ginger, detoxifying Charcoal, or Tumeric and Vegan shots to boost your health and immunity.

Tizzy shots are also stocked at:

BiteUnite, G/F 15 Lung On Street, Wan Chai; +852 2366 3231

Pinnacle Performance, 7/F, Morrison Hill Plaza, 9 Morrison Hill Road, Wan Chai; +852 2469 2000

The post 7 Immunity Boosting Solutions to Try in Hong Kong Right Now appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s (and woman’s) heart is through their stomach”, but most would agree that dining out on Valentine’s Day can be pretty unpleasant: The restrictive prix-fixe menus, overly inflated prices and swarm of couples seem reason enough to stay in. This year, we’ve made going out simple with our list of the best restaurants setting their tables to serve romantic dinners -- without any of the annoyances.

Arbor

Best for: Statement Splurge

Earning its recent Michelin star in the same year of its opening, Arbor is the perfect setting for an indulgent celebration. For this special occasion, Chef de Cuisine, Eric Räty has designed a red-themed 8-course menu blending French culinary techniques and premium Japanese ingredients such as oysters, sea urchin, Wagyu beef and the famously prized Amaou strawberries of Fukuoka — all best enjoyed alongside the sweeping views of Hong Kong’s cityscape.

HK$2,888 + 10% per person (including a glass of rosé champagne)

Arbor, 25/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong; +852 3185 8388

BEDU

Best for: Casual Vibes

The night kicks off with a complimentary glass of prosecco followed by a four-course dinner of Middle Eastern flavours. The casual chic interior with laidback vibes is ideal for those who are looking for a relaxed and intimate evening. The meal begins with the blushing Beetroot and mint Labneh, Slow baked salmon with tahini yoghurt, Charred cauliflower served with hazelnut dukkah, and is finally finished on a sweet note with the all-new White chocolate clafoutis presented with homemade honeycomb and topped with pistachio ice-cream.

February 14: HK$400 per person

In celebration of love, BEDU will donate HK$25 from every meal to support local charity “Pink Alliance” that promotes equal rights for the LGBTI community.

BEDU, 40 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2320 4450

Café Gray Deluxe

Enjoy a traditional candlelit dining experience with breathtaking views at Café Gray Deluxe. The modern European dinner takes the restaurant’s most popular dishes to curate an exciting menu that won’t disappoint, and includes its signature dishes like the Seared tuna with garlic ponzu, Oscietra caviar with seaweed oil, Toothfish with Champagne froth and sweet potato gnocchi, Coffee rubbed short rib with smoked Sichuan pepper and baked turnip, and its decadent Strawberry pavlova with mascarpone mousseline and Rosé Champagne sorbet. The five-course menu served after 8:30pm includes an additional dish of Lobster consommé with crab ravioli and pickled radish.

February 14: Four-course menu at HK$1,150 (from 6pm to 8pm); Five-course menu at HK$1,550 per person (from 8:30pm onwards) + 10% per person

Café Gray Deluxe, Level 49, The Upper House, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong; +852 3968 1106

Chaiwala

Best for: Spice Seekers

Tucked underground behind British salon Hugger Mugger is the vibrant and colourful Chaiwala, offering flavourful and exotic flavours from India. Culinary Director Balaji Balachander selects five signature dishes including Pani Puri, Aloo Tikka Chaat, Old Delhi butter chicken, to bring to its diners a tantalising Valentine’s curation.  The Lover’s cocktail, a twist on the classic Gin & Tonic is also available to mark the romantic occasion.

February 14: Five-course menu at HK$520 per person; Lover’s limited edition cocktail at HK$120.

Chaiwala, Basement, 43 – 55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2362 8988

Fumi

Best for: Seafood Lovers

Hidden on the sixth floor of the California Tower, modern-Japanese haven FUMI is offering an eight-course dinner menu for the most romantic time of the year. Guests can expect a delicately prepared menu featuring premium ingredients such as the lobster and sea urchin salad straight from the Hokkaido seas, Chef’s selection of fresh toro, Hokkaido botan shrimp, striped jack and alfonsino sashimi, as well as grilled yellowtail with Kyoto green pepper and Wagyu beef cheek to name a few.

February 14: Eight-course menu at HK$1,402 +10% for two guests

Fumi, 6/F, California Tower, 30 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2328 3302

Hugo’s

Best for: Timeless Ambiance

Celebrating its 50^thanniversary, Hugo’s at the Hyatt Regency is one of the city’s most reputable restaurants when it comes to old Hong Kong western dining. Decorated with armour, mirrors, chandeliers and shield plaques, the décor exudes a warm and enchanting European drawing room. The Valentine’s Day menu at Hugo’s includes Hokkaido scallops three ways, Spanish Barabineros prawns, Basil foam soup as starters, which are followed by two mains of pan-fried Atlantic halibut and US bison tournedos with foie gras, and finally finished with a sweet yet delicate wild strawberry and pomegranate parfait.

February 14: Six-course menu at HK$1,488 + 10% per person with a complimentary glass of Champagne.

Hugo’s, Hyatt Regency, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 3721 7733

Le 39V x Inakaya

Best for: Weekenders

Living the Hong Kong life means that evenings may be sacrificed. That, or maybe the crowd on 14 February is just not your scene. Regardless of your reasons, Le 39V has partnered with Inakaya to bring lovers together for a boozy weekend brunch instead. Marrying French and Japanese flavours, the brunch offers guests a seafood starter of two-way oysters, sashimi and tempura, a main course of teppanyaki with a choice of lobster and sushi or abalone and A5 wagyu. Indulge to your hearts’ content with a wide spread of unlimited cheese and desserts at the buffet station, with drink packages available for add on depending on your mood.

February 10 or February 17: HK$800 with free flow options of HK$100 for juice/soft drinks, HK$280 for select red/white wine, sake and champagne, or HK$380 for all beverages + 10% per person.

Le 39V, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2977 5266

Los Sotano

Best for: Singles

The team at Los Sotano knows that Valentine’s Day isn’t just a celebration for lovers, but everyone, so the underground upscale Mexican eatery and mezcal lounge will transform itself from its early evening restaurant into Lan Kwai Fong’s most happening party for singles. After 10pm, the music goes up and the lights go down, with cocktails and matchmaking games to set the stage for the perfect meet-cute.

February 14 10pm until late

Los Sotano, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2970 3887

T’ang Court

Best for: Asian Flavours

Spoil the one you love with an unconventional Valentine’s Day dinner at the three Michelin-starred Cantonese dining lounge. Apart from the restaurant’s most famous dishes like the Roasted suckling pig, Braised dried abalone with Bence-de-Mer, Chef Kwong and Chef Wong have included nourishing courses such as the Double-boiled sea whelk, fish maw and chicken soup and Imperial bird’s nest with almond juice, thoughtfully befitting the cooler weather this time of year.

February 14: Six-course menu at HK$1,888 + 10% per person

T’ang Court, The Langham Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2132 7898

Tate Dining Room & Bar

Best for: A Romantic Atmosphere

The Michelin-starred Chef Vicky Lau is known for her “edible stories” — creating meals inspired by her artistic expression and creative intuition. As always, she creates dishes that pay homage to culinary elements, and for the case of Valentine’s Day, her menu is an ode to special seasonal ingredients. The nine-course dinner highlights her rendition of Pâte-en-croûte, oysters, kumquat, seabass, Alaskan king crab rolls, French pigeon, tofu and pu’er, red fruits and ends with a special mignardise surprise.

February 14: Nine-course menu at HK$1,980 for two; 6-glass wine pairing available at HK$880 or 3-glass wine pairing available at HK$530 + 10%

Tate Dining Room & Bar, 210 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 2555 217

The post 10 Best Menus for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Eat, drink, be merry and let someone else do the dishes this holiday.

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Hong Kong has a high density of five-star hotels but only a few are able to provide a cosy, chic and trendy atmosphere. The Upper House is one of them, a stunning place for a luxury retreat located on the top of Pacific Place luxury mall. Settled on the top of Pacific Place shopping mall in Hong Kong Central together with…

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