Celebrity Life

These Hong Kong Hotels Will Celebrate Your Birthday With Special Staycation Deals

by lexidavey February 18, 2022

Bubbly brunches and party junks are on hold, but these birthday staycation deals are a piece of cake to book.

Another birthday, another lockdown. A trip around the sun may look somewhat different these days, but there are still plenty of ways to mark that milestone (albeit on a smaller scale!) and make the most of your special day. Hotels are still open for business, so if you’re happy to hop on that staycation bandwagon, these ones are offering special birthday deals. From discounted room rates to custom packages and free bottles of Champagne, here’s where to book.

The best birthday staycation deals in Hong Kong

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Your Suite Birthday Staycation

“Your Suite Birthday” staycation package is bound to sweeten turning another year older in more ways than one. Priced at HK$4,080 per room per night, The Peninsula is celebrating birthdays with an invitation to their Superior Suite, breakfast for two in The Lobby, a complimentary bottle of Champagne, welcome birthday amenities and a late check-out (2pm!) to help you recuperate from all of the festivities.

Valid for stays until 30 September 2022

More details here.

The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Regal Hong Kong Hotel

Birthday staycation deal: Birthday Happiness Promotion

Offering three celebration packages from just HK$738 per night, Regal Hong Kong Hotel promises free cake, daily breakfast for two and a ton of birthday privileges to help get the party started. Birthday boys and girls can enjoy a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, in-room birthday decorations as well as 30 percent off hotel dining.

Valid for stays until 20 June 2022

More details here.

Regal Hong Kong Hotel, 88 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Cordis Hotels & Resorts Hong Kong

Image courtesy of Cordis Hotels & Resorts

Birthday staycation deal: Celebration Package

Guests can expect plenty of balloons and snack platters waiting for them in a Superior or Club Deluxe room. From HK$1,348 you’ll be treated to 15 percent off Cordis restaurant and bars, buffet breakfast, late checkout and access to the hotel’s pool and health club. Top things off with a one-pound strawberry cake for a special rate of HK$250.

Valid for stays until 30 June 2022

More details here.

Cordis Hotels & Resorts Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon Hong Kong

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel

Birthday staycation deal: Hong Kong Resident Exclusive: Hotel “Birthday Celebration” Privilege

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is bringing a little magic to your birthday with an offer exclusive to Hong Kong residents. From HK$2,307, including room and dinner for two, the birthday guest will also be gifted a complimentary one-day ticket to the park. Did someone say extra gifts? Book the package and receive a free cake-shaped towel and birthday card, as well as the option to customise a bunch of Disney-themed add ons and unique personalised momentos.

Valid for stays until 2 July 2022

More details here.

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Magic Road, Lantau Island

The Pier Hotel, Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Birthday Celebration Package

Staycation hotel favourite The Pier is offering a simple birthday package that’s sure to please. Arrive to in-room balloon decorations, a bottle of red wine to toast with, party hats (an essential) and a small birthday gift — all in an Ocean Front room, no less.

This package is ongoing.

More details here.

The Pier Hotel, 9 Pak Shan Wan Street, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong

Rosewood Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Celebration Package

Specially curated for momentous occasions, Rosewood’s “Celebration Package” is here to help you make memories during these trying times. Arrive to a seasonal Blooms & Blossoms “Flower Bucket” and signature cake from Butterfly Patisserie before kicking back in your luxurious room or suite with a bottle of Champagne to help toast your happy milestone. Guests will also be gifted HK$500 hotel credit to use in any of the restaurants, bars or at Asaya. A restful night’s sleep is followed by complimentary breakfast for two.

Valid for stays until 30 December 2022

More details here.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Celebration Package

Lap up luxury at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and enjoy Champagne, decorations and sweet treats in your newly renovated room (or suite!). Daily breakfast for two and nightly credit towards Michelin-starred dining makes this one a birthday to remember.

Valid for stays until 30 June 2022

More details here.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong

Auberge Discovery Bay Hotel

Birthday staycation deal: Celebration Package

Offering a special birthday staycation deal for two, guests can enjoy discounted rates starting from HK$1,888 between Sunday to Thursday and HK$2,388 on Friday, Saturday and public holidays. Inclusive of a Mountain View Room, this seafront hotel’s celebration package also includes breakfast and a dinner buffet alongside complimentary mini sweets and a crisp bottle of French sparkling wine served at Café bord de Mer & Lounge.

Valid for stays until December 2022

More details here.

Auberge Discovery Bay Hotel, 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Celebration Suite

If there is ever an occasion to book a suite, it’s a birthday — especially at 25 percent off and the offer of a complimentary second room. Revel in The Mandarin Club privileges (read: snacks and drinks!), a bottle of bubbles, in-room decorations, daily breakfast for four, and madeleines and rose petal jam to enjoy in the comfort of your rather swanky suite. Just look at those views!

Valid for stays until 30 June 2022

More details here.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

The Ritz-Carlton swimming pool in the day

Birthday staycation deal: Stellar-Bration Package

Take some well-deserved time out for yourself and book The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong’s “Stellar-Bration” package for your birthday. A one-night stay in a Deluxe Room with daily breakfast for two, the birthday staycation deal is pulling out all the stops when it comes to bespoke in-room decorations, a bottle of house Champagne and dishing up its signature blueberry cheesecake. Guests can also snap up 20 percent savings on spa treatments and hotel dining, while those whose birthday falls in the month of February or March are also treated to a complimentary room upgrade!

This package is ongoing.

More details here.

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, Hong Kong

(Hero and featured image: Anastasia Shuraeva / Pexels)

The post These Hong Kong Hotels Will Celebrate Your Birthday With Special Staycation Deals appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in best staycation hotels, birthdays, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Hotels, hotels, Hotels & Resorts, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, staycations hong kong

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Hit Reset: 4 Wellness Programmes and Overnight Stays to Book Into Now

by Sakina Abidi January 06, 2022

Start 2022 as you mean to carry on – holistically. Here are four wellness programmes and overnight stays that should give you an edge when it comes to sticking to New Year resolutions.

We might not know what resolutions you’ve been making, but prioritising and focusing on mental and physical wellbeing is something everyone can benefit from. Here are four wellness programmes worth looking into that should enable you to feel your feelings, pick up healthy habits and start the year right.

Wellness Programmes & Overnight Stays to Book Now

Wellness Programmes and Overnight Stays to Book Into Now

"Empower from Within" at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Rooted in healing, mindfulness practices and nutrition, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong’s "Empower from Within" holistic wellness initiative comprises three objective-focused wellness programmes that include consultations, kinesiology therapy, yoga, detox, breathwork, sleep meditation and sound therapy.

The one-and-a-half-day "Deep Sleep" programme is designed to improve the quality of your slumber, with experts identifying your sleep needs and empowering you with sleep-promoting habits. The HK$6,500 package includes a wellness consultation, kinesiology therapy, Abhyanga and Shirodhara massage treatment, breathwork and guided sleep meditation.
Also lasting a day and a half, the "Restore and Realign" programme is ideal for those who feel sluggish and tired, and who seek a fresh start. It works by kickstarting fatigued adrenal glands, helping you manage stress and anxiety, detoxifying the body and fortifying it with powerful antioxidants. Also priced at HK$6,500, it includes a wellness consultation, spa treatments, meditation and breathwork, vibrational sound therapy and detox yoga.
And at HK$5,500, the "Journey of Motherhood" programme is tailored for expectant and new mothers, helping them prepare for pregnancy and post-partum discomfort. It includes cranial sacral therapy, spa rituals and pre-natal or for-women yoga with an Ikigai practitioner.

All programmes include a wellness lunch and relaxation in the spa’s facilities. They can also be combined with an overnight stay. Find out more by emailing or calling The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central; spa.hkg@fourseasons.com; +852 3196 8900

Sensational Mindfulness Retreat at WM Hotel Sai Kung

Held on January 9-10, the two-day one-night Sensational Mindfulness Retreat promises to enhance your wellbeing and set you up for the rest of 2022. Hosted by a team of wellness experts including Jasmine Liu of HyggeWellbeing, Simon Hui of Mindful Studio HK, Raymond Mak of FarmacyHK, Terence Lee of GITONE, sound alchemist Malbert Lee and Dr Emilie Berthet Clairet, the programme is designed to reconnect you with your senses and surroundings, and provide inspiration on living a more conscious life.

The Sensational Mindfulness Retreat includes a tea ceremony, meditation practice, principles of mindful farming classes, a gut health talk, a gong bath, sunrise yoga and mindful calligraphy. Priced at HK$3,800 (per person in a shared room) or HK$4,800 (for a single room), it includes one night of hotel accommodation, dinner and breakfast.

You can find out more by calling 5668 9008, or emailing hello@hyggewellbeing.co or mailbox@mindfulstuiohk.com

WM Hotel Sai Kung, 28 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung; hello@hyggewellbeing.co, mailbox@mindfulstuiohk.com, +852 5668 9008

"Asaya Hybrid 360", Asaya at Rosewood Hong Kong x Hybrid Gym Group

Rosewood Hong Kong’s pioneering wellness centre is partnering with Hybrid Gym Group Hong Kong in the immersive Asaya Hybrid 360 programme, a bespoke, 18-week approach to wellness supported by coaches at every step of the way: assessment, goal setting, roadmap, therapies and personalised treatments, and rehabilitation plans, as well as skin health, body nutrition and naturopathic remedy.

Each customised experience begins with a series of consultations. Hybrid will analyse body composition, joint range of motion, body imbalance or instability, and nutrition, physical activity, stress levels and other potentially negative factors. Asaya, on the other hand, kicks off with a facial skin-health analysis, rehab/posture-correction assessments, and naturopathy and mental-wellness consultations.

Priced at HK$80,000, each Asaya Hybrid 360 programme includes a personalised food and supplement plan and 36 training sessions with Hybrid Gym Group, 10 tailored sessions with Asaya Wellness Practitioners and complimentary access to Asaya classes, fitness centre and swimming pool. Find out more by contacting Asaya.

Alternatively, you can book into an Asaya Daycation or Wellcation (a daycation plus a night's stay at Asaya Lodge or at Rosewood), that include one 60-minute session of your choice from options including singing bowl therapy, mindfulness meditation, expressive arts therapy, functional insight training, active isolated stretching, sports therapy, and one 60-minute treatment. You can find out more here.

Asaya at Rosewood Hong Kong, Rosewood Hong Kong, K11 MUSEA, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; hongkong.asaya@rosewoodhotels.com, +852 3891 8588

The Mandarin Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

To help you achieve greater wellbeing through the power of the mind and start your journey to self-improvement, certified hypnotherapist Christine Deschemin is running a series of group and one-on-one hypnosis workshops at The Mandarin Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.

The hour-long Hypno-relaxation Workshop puts the body into a deep state of relaxation in which the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, decreasing heart rate, respiration and blood pressure while boosting the immune system and digestion. It’s priced at HK$1,500.
At HK$1,750, The 75-minute Slimming Hypnosis Workshop works on the mind-body connection to healthy eating habits, focusing on improving your relationship with food.
And in the hour-long one-on-one Bespoke Hypnotherapy Workshop, Deschemin helps you to help you to conquer personal struggles, from sleep deprivation to general stress and anxiety – and even phobias. This tailor-made session costs HK$2,550

The Mandarin Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central; mohkg-spa@mohg.com; +852 2825 4888

The post Hit Reset: 4 Wellness Programmes and Overnight Stays to Book Into Now appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in Asaya at Rosewood Hong Kong, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Health & Fitness, Hotel Spas, mental health, Mindfulness Retreats, Physical Wellbeing, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Wellness, wellness programmes, wellness retreats

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How Hotels Are Revamping in a Time of Crisis

by Stephanie Ip August 13, 2021

People may be travelling less — or not at all — but the hotel industry remains innovative, with several properties taking the opportunity to raise standards and revamp offerings aimed at both travellers and local clientele. We find out what's new at Hong Kong's old guard.

There are many instances when words in different languages don’t necessarily carry the same meaning and this is particularly true for the word “crisis”. In English, it means a period of intense difficulty but the Chinese characters – wei ji – translate as danger and opportunity. It’s a telling sign of this city’s mentality from all perspectives: consumers are still spending – now more so than ever – on fine dining, rare wines, unique experiences and staycations. New properties are still in the pipeline and, for the more established hotels, the time for an overhaul is now.

Walking into many local hotels today, you’d hardly suspect they’ve been impacted at all. People still queue
up for afternoon teas at lobby cafes; there are month-long waitlists for top hotel fine-dining restaurants and staycations are still very much sought after. We might be short on overseas travellers but there are so many of us here in the city who used to travel regularly and are now taking the opportunity to discover Hong Kong’s hospitality scene for ourselves. And what an exciting time to do so, with the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and Island Shangri-La transforming themselves with newly renovated rooms and experiences, while the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and the Upper House have gutted out dining rooms to bring us brand new food-and-beverage concepts.

The Four Seasons Hong Kong

Four Seasons suite, designed by Remedios Studio

The Four Seasons has just completed the second phase of its transformation, with newly renovated rooms and suites, and two new F&B concepts. The first major renovation project since the hotel opened in 2005, it was a momentous occasion.

To bring the vision to life, Four Seasons enlisted the help of two Hong Kong-based international design firms. AB Concept was in charge of creating a new lobby for the Four Seasons, as well as designing the new Gallery café and Argo bar, an exciting new offering helmed by Lorenzo Antinori. Remedios Studio took over the responsibility for overhauling the accommodation.

For Ed Ng, co-founder and principal of AB Concept, defining the vibe of a hotel starts from the entrance.
A bespoke set of nine pendant lights at the door brings a new warmth to the area. The seating area is also raised to better define the flow of the lobby. What really caught our eyes, however, is the new café Gallery, with its handmade floating crystal sculpture by Czech glassmakers Lasvit, providing diners with a sense of privacy without obstructing the view of the bustling lobby. “We saw this as an opportunity to create a new hub in the heart of the financial district of Hong Kong for both business and leisure meetings where guests can enjoy the lobby’s spaciousness and an abundance of daylight,” says Ng.

As for Argo, Ng says it was one of the toughest briefs he’s ever been given, as the space had to cater for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and happy hour, right through to nightcaps. AB Concept took a neo-classical approach with a conservatory concept, the highlight of which is the bar area, a structural column that extends to the ceiling, like a church organ, where the pipes would open up to reveal the rarefied spirits that are housed within.

“I always feel the backdrop wall of a bar needs to be a focal point,” explains Ng. “In its previous incarnation, the bar was situated at the far end against a wall, but I always thought that Victoria Harbour is the perfect backdrop, so we used a structural column in front of the large windows as a form to host the bar itself, with the stunning harbour view behind.”

According to Ng, the shift in hotel design post-pandemic is not so much a physical change but rather
a psychological one, as people move towards casual comfort, rather than white-glove luxury. “This pandemic has made it official, proving that formality doesn’t translate to a high standard of luxury or even productivity,” says Ng.

This vision of new luxury is shared by Peter Remedios of Remedios Studio, the firm behind the Four Seasons’ new rooms and suites. Remedios found himself particularly drawn to the design philosophy and silhouettes from the Ming Dynasty, calling that period “the highest form of furniture design in all of China”.

“As a designer, if you take a Ming piece and you try to simplify it, you’ll find that you probably can’t, without losing the character,” says Remedios. “It’s very pared down to the essence of what creates its look. And that’s actually my philosophy at Remedios Studio: how do you create something that captures just the essence, nothing superfluous? We don’t need to overdo the look. I think that’s how to achieve a timeless elegance.

In his redesign, Remedios felt strongly about embracing Chinese values as part of the design, though in a way that’s sophisticated and instinctive. “You don’t create a pastiche of something that looks Chinese, because that’s kind of silly,” says Remedios. “I don’t like the notion of Hong Kong being East meets West.”

Instead, Hong Kong was about old meets new, brand-new buildings next to heritage sites, a juxtaposition that Remedios has thoughtfully put into every room and suite. Traditional Chinese landscape paintings are incorporated into wardrobe doors, and patterns inspired by vernacular Chinese architecture are used on the alcove, with glassware and porcelain carefully placed on open shelving that mimics classic Ming furniture. The “new” comes in the form of contemporary designs like the chaise longue and the dining table in the living room, the bar that lights up like a beautiful jewellery display, and the tech – indispensable light controls, coffee machines and other things that make us feel at ease.

The Island Shangri-La

The Island Shangri-La too, is undergoing the second phase of its renovation project, which will see more room redesigns and an improved Horizon Club lounge. So far, the hotel has renovated three floors for its Horizon Club rooms and suites, comfortable and spacious rooms in neutral palettes that frame the views of the harbour. The new rooms are built with the needs of the modern-day traveller in mind and enhanced to provide a sense of space that can be adapted to guest needs, from elegant day beds to multi-functional in-room pantries and versatile desk tables that can serve as both for dining and as a meeting table.

Helming the rooms’ redesign is renowned French interior designer Tristan Auer, who has married understated style with old-world elegance, an aesthetic that’s always been a characteristic of the Island Shangri- La. It’s hard to miss the 16-storey-high landscape silk painting, Great Motherland of China, that dominates the atrium of the hotel. Said to be the largest silk painting in the world and a wonderful piece of heritage, the work is in full view for all staying guests.

Island Shangri-La’s beloved restaurants Petrus and Lobster Bar remain relatively untouched, however, spearheaded by the acclaimed Uwe Opocensky, who’s now executive chef for Shangri-La hotels. Along with Petrus’ head chef Romain Dupeyre, Opocensky has reinvented the French fine-dining restaurant’s classic dishes and given them all a refreshing and contemporary twist, while the restaurant space retains its ornate old-world charm.

The Upper House

Just a stone’s throw away from Island Shangri-La, the Upper House has gone for something else entirely. After 10 years of success with Café Gray Deluxe, the hotel closed down the space as part of its ongoing evolution and reopened with Salisterra, a Mediterranean-focused restaurant that highlights sustainable creations, utilising bold and bright vegetables, chargrilled meats and fish, and hand-made pasta, created by London-based chef Jun Tanaka and chef de cuisine Chris Czerwinski.

And instead of revamping its rooms, the hotel has redesigned a single suite only, renaming it the André Fu Suite in tribute to the original architect of the hotel and housing his latest collection of decor, homeware and tableware. The suite was designed as a space in which guests can be sociable and relax, and allows for private and more intimate events, which couldn’t have come at a better time than now. There’s a dining table that seats 18 and is serviced by the Salisterra team and a dedicated spa area with twin massage beds.

Done up in Fu’s signature palette of neutrals and mineral-blue tones, the room is a soothing oasis in which to rejuvenate or to entertain. Fu was inspired by Japanese Zen gardens, a theme that’s prominent in both the suite and his latest André Fu Living collection. In a previous interview, he told us that the juxtaposition of Art Deco patterns and Japanese Zen gardens is a cross-cultural aspect that he’s experimenting with at the moment.

Salisterra, however, is a bright and vivid evolution, bringing in rich colours of terracotta orange, mud burgundy, mineral blue, dusty turquoise and golden caramel. The design is mid-century and geometric, incorporating a large five-metre-high chandelier made with more than 80 glowing glass lanterns in the main room. One of our favourite areas is the bar lounge, nicknamed the “green room”, which brings in furnishings in high-gloss racing-green lacquer and vivid Pevla stone.

General manager Kristina Snaith-Lense says that the hotel is constantly refreshing and innovating its space
to enrich the guest experience. “The plan to create a new dining experience at Level 49 and the André Fu Suite had actually been in the pipeline for some time and weren’t a result of the pandemic,” she says.

The local clientele has always been an important segment for the boutique hotel, and working with homegrown brands and local ambassadors has long been part of the mission. “If anything, Covid-19 has reinforced the importance of those relationships with old and new friends,” says Snaith-Lense. The Upper House has a constant rotation of local F&B concepts in the lobby, such as Matchali, Cookie Department, Teakha and Mother Pearl, and has also converted a guest room into a fitness studio, where workouts with local fitness personalities are held.

The Mandarin Oriental

We can’t speak about hotel transformations without touching on the Mandarin Oriental, which has also completely revamped its restaurant offerings, closing Pierre to make way for a renewed Man Wah, its time-honoured Chinese restaurant and the Aubrey, an eccentric Japanese izakaya in collaboration with Maximal Concepts. The Aubrey has made a buzz and quickly become a top spot in the city for drinks and quick bites, but unique experiences keep on coming. The Aubrey’s bar programme is managed by Devender Sehgal, who has recently created the Omakase Cocktail Bar, a drinks-led experience that puts lesser-known liquors and sparkling sake at the forefront, paired with light snacks for a truly rarefied experience.

New rooms, new restaurants and bars, new experiences – crisis or not, it’s an exciting time to be in hospitality.

The post How Hotels Are Revamping in a Time of Crisis appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Hotels & Resorts, Hotels and Resorts, Island Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, The Upper House Hong Kong

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Hotel Review: Four Seasons Hong Kong Reawakening

by Stephanie Ip July 21, 2021

The Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has just completed the second phase of its hotel transformation, with two brand new F&B concepts that opened on July 15, 2021. Argo is set to become a staple for spirit aficionados in the city and worldwide, with a bar programme thoughtfully curated by Beverage Manager Lorenzo Antinori; while the new lobby café Gallery is primed to be the spot to see and be seen.

With exciting new offerings, plus new room designs, and things that we've always known and loved about the Four Seasons (an unbeatable spa programme and an existing collection of Michelin-starred dining establishments), we booked ourselves in for a fun-filled two-day staycation to check it all out.

Location: 10/10

Located in Central, connected with the ifc mall and a mere 7-minute walk from Hong Kong Station, you're well within reach of any imaginable convenience when you stay at the Four Seasons Hong Kong. The hotel also offers what is quintessentially Hong Kong's main attraction, floor-to-ceiling, panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour, unobstructed by nearby buildings and roadworks. The ferry terminals are also just a stone's throw away from the hotel — making day trips to the surrounding islands have never been easier.

Four Seasons Hong Kong Gallery Café and lobby

Design: 10/10

The gargantuan task of revamping the Four Seasons — the hotel's first major transformation since it opened in 2005 — was given to two Hong Kong-based international design firms. Remedios Studio has given the guest rooms and suites a new look that reflects the modernism and tradition, the old and the new in Hong Kong, guided by Peter Remedios' own design philosophy. There are a lot of details in the room that catches the eye, from open shelves decorated with carefully selected glassware, porcelain and books, to wood furniture that recall the classical lines and geometric shapes of Ming Dynasty designs.

As for the new lobby, Argo and the Gallery café, the design was undertaken by AB Concept. Six new pendant lights are installed at the entrance to increase the lobby's warmth, guiding guests seamlessly from the driveway to the reception area. A raised area, dubbed "the stage" is also where guests can now congregate in, separate from the main reception by a set of elevated steps. The Gallery, the hotel's new lobby café, is sectioned off by an incredible bespoke crystal divider custom-made by Czech glassmakers Lasvit, providing guests with a sense of privacy whilst also being a focal point in the new space.

Cocktail bar Argo is given a neo-classical makeover and designed to give the space flexibility to transform from a cocktail bar by night, to a spot people can go to for breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas by day. Taking pride of place in the centre of the room is, of course, the magnificent bar area, a structural column that frames its wide range of liqueurs and rare spirits against the backdrop of the harbour.

Four Seasons Hong Kong Gallery Café — The recently opened Gallery Café, designed by AB Concept, at the Four Seasons Hong Kong

Room: 10/10

We stayed at the newly renovated Grand Harbour View Suite, a corner suite that offers up sweeping views of the Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon skyline and, on a good day, views as far as Stonecutters Island and the New Territories. There's only one corner suite per level, from the 9th until the 20th floor, 732-square-feet of luxury that includes a walk-in bar area, a spacious living room that is separate from the bedroom. The walk-in closet is situated just behind the bed and right at the double-door entrance to the bathroom, which houses double vanities — getting pampered and ready has never been more convenient.

Our favourite area is perhaps the work-dining table with plush leather chairs and a reclining chaise lounge. Designer Peter Remedios, aware of changing travel trends and anticipating longer stays where travellers have the flexibility to work away from home, put in a lot of attention and small details in the room to make sure it was a space to be lived in and enjoyed. Neutral tones and matte wood finishing was purposely chosen to reference classic Ming Dynasty styles, while everything that is modern and necessary — high-speed internet, the room controls, the coffee machine — are all at hand.

Service & Facilities: 9.5/10

The Four Seasons Spa is led by Tania Bardhan, whose background in wellness destination offerings means that she looks beyond the traditional massages and therapies to give guests result-oriented programmes that they can benefit from long-term, such as a hugely successful sleep programme and other targeted therapies like Cranial Sacral Therapy that relieves stress and tensions.

Under the wellness umbrella, you'll find a series of meditation sessions, gong bath and vibration sound therapy sessions, mindfulness workshops, and more. Bardhan herself leads the meditations — the chakra meditation is great for beginners, as she'll guides you through the seven chakras, uses semi-precious gemstones as visual cues and chants along with you.

At the spa, which overlooks the pool, you'll find a range of attractive holistic healing rituals, as well as exclusive beauty treatments and massages. The Reawakening Ritual is perfect for combatting stress and aiding sleep. The three-step treatment starts with a full-body exfoliation, followed by a body wrap, finished with deep massage, with ingredients like Juniper essential oils (great for reducing stress levels), spirulina and fucus algae which are powerful antioxidants.

The Bark, Leaf and Love cocktail on Argo's menu at the Four Seasons Hong Kong

Food & Drink: 9/10

Head down to the newly opened Argo for a quick welcome drink — champagne with a fun gummy bear twist. Who knew it would be so delicious? Our favourite from the bar's debut menu, "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" is Bark, Leaf and Love cocktail, made with mono-floral lychee and longan honey from local bee farm HK Raw Honey.

There are a great many Michelin-starred establishments to dine in at the Four Seasons, but we chose for a more informal meal at the Caprice Bar, where we indulged in generous portions of French cheeses paired with fine wines, and sampled some more of Antinori's signature cocktails, such as the Caprice Bar Martini, and the Caprice Truffle Negroni.

For lunch, we opted for the highly recommended dim sum lunch set at three-Michelin-starred Lung King Heen, with a menu prepared by Chef Chan Yan Tak. We started off with a refreshing sparkling tea, followed by delicate dim sums, delicious barbecued meats, warming Chinese soup, a punchy wok-fried chicken dish, fragrant lotus leaf-wrapped fried rice, to finish, a chilled sweet soup and hot tea was served.

Rating: 9.5/10

Perfect for: A stress-free and indulgent weekend, plus retail therapy (just next door) if it calls to you.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong

The post Hotel Review: Four Seasons Hong Kong Reawakening appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in argo, Caprice Bar, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Four Seasons Spa, Hotels & Resorts, Lung King Heen, staycation, staycations hong kong

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The Best Luxury Hotel Breakfasts in Hong Kong

by Sakina Abidi June 24, 2021

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we can't think of a better way to start your morning than with a luxurious spread at one of Hong Kong’s finest hotels. From all-you-can-eat upscale buffets to thoughtfully crafted sets and indulgent menus, these are the the best luxury hotel breakfasts in Hong Kong.

SOMM, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

If you're looking for a bubbly and decadent breakfast, SOMM’s formula comprises hot, savoury, and sweet delicacies served with Olivier Blanc de Noirs champagne. Its cage-free egg dishes include a tempting poached egg English muffin with black truffle butter, hollandaise sauce and crispy bellota ham. To truly start your day with an indulgent treat, you can also choose from dishes like banana pancakes covered in toasted pecan nuts, dark Okinawa sugar syrup and yuzu.

SOMM, 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central; +852 2132 0055

Salisterra, Upper House

Newly opened Salisterra at Upper House boasts six delicate morning spreads featuring traditional East Asian fare, a classic English breakfast, a vegetarian herbivore special and even a Charcuterie set. You can opt for the House Viennoiserie for freshly baked pastries and French press coffee or for the Japanese set to try grilled salted salmon with tamagoyaki, steamed rice, miso soup, and Genmaicha green tea.

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

Grand Café, Grand Hyatt

The Grand Café at the Grand Hyatt has it all: an à-la-carte morning menu, continental and healthy breakfast sets, and an all-you-can-eat buffet guaranteed to have something for everyone. The thoughtful menu makes a note of everything (including alcohol and pork, as well as highlighting vegetarian options), allowing for a no-brainer morning meal. Make sure to browse the Healthy Choice teas to boost your energy, including a specially designed jet-lag relief concoction.

Grand Café, Lobby, Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; +852 2584 7722

The Lobby, The Peninsula

Eating at The Lobby at The Peninsula is a timeless Hong Kong tradition. Start your day early with authentic Continental and Chinese breakfast staples. Delightful dishes include a brioche French toast with apple compote, mixed berries, and maple syrup and an avocado rye toast topped with a poached egg and tomato salsa. Don't forget to try a home-baked pastry (there's even a gluten-free option!) from The Peninsula’s iconic bakery.

The Lobby, G/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2696 6772

Lucciola, The Hari

Trendy Italian eatery Lucciola at The Hari features a daily breakfast a-la-carte menu and a weekend semi-buffet option. Head to Wan Chai for modern décor, hot treats and eggs in any style. The upscale continental breakfast includes a bread basket, sliced fruit, orange juice and coffee. Need something sweeter? The orange brioche French toast with caramelised orange and mascarpone cream is a delectable dream.

Lucciola, 1/F, The Hari, 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai; +852 2129 0333

Clipper Lounge, Mandarin Oriental

The Clipper Lounge at Mandarin Oriental offers the perfect everything-under-the-sun breakfast buffet with dim sum and steamed buns, omelettes, noodles, congee, waffles, pancakes, and more. Perfect for a big group, head there early and take your time to check out each food station (the Chinese noodle selection is extensive!) to make sure you don't miss anything from the sumptuous banquet.

Clipper Lounge, Main Floor, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central; +852 2825 4007

The Lounge, Four Seasons

Enjoy dishes from the à-la-carte menu or opt for a hearty breakfast spread next to the Four Season's glass atrium lobby. The classic Hong Kong Breakfast comes with wok-fried noodles, rice congee, dim sum and Chinese tea. For an energising morning boost, the Well Feeling Breakfast set features an egg white frittata and a sourdough toast, complete with coconut juice, a fruit salad, organic yoghurt, a vegetable selection (asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, ricotta and basil), and coffee or tea.

The Lounge, Four Seasons, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3196 8882

Holt’s Café, Rosewood

The ever elegant Holt’s Café is ideal for a closer-to-home traditional breakfast. A contemporary and upscale take on the city's cha chaan tengs, head to the Rosewood for local favourites such as spiced pork cubes instant noodles, rice congee, and wonton noodle soup. The Hong Kong-style teahouse also offers Japanese and Continental fare, as well as an extensive egg selection.

Holt’s Café, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 3891 8732

The Lounge & Bar, The Ritz-Carlton

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the view from The Ritz-Carlton’s The Lounge & Bar is truly unbeatable. Enjoy classic Western, Cantonese and Japanese fare while looking over the Victoria Harbour and skyline. The Healthy Breakfast Package is guaranteed to be a hearty, nourishing start to your day, with six food offerings including poached organic free range eggs on whole wheat muffin with avocado and green salad, and a fresh fruit quinoa salad with honey, lime and basil mint. Want a lighter start to your day? Browse the wide selection of Chinese and black teas and start your morning with a soothing cup.

The Lounge & Bar, 102/F, The Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Road West; +852 2263 2270

The post The Best Luxury Hotel Breakfasts in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in Dining, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Hotel breakfasts, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, rosewood hong kong, Salisterra, The Hari Hong Kong, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula Hong Kong, The ritz-carlton Hong Kong

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Here’s Why You Need to Experience the Four Seasons’ Christmas Staycations

by Florence Tsai December 12, 2020

This December, the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has launched a series of attractive and noteworthy staycation and dining packages for those looking for a mini getaway. Whether you're alone, coupled or with your family, a Four Seasons Christmas staycation is what you need to entertain and treat yourself.

Starting Christmas Eve, local residents can stay for a minimum of two nights at Four Seasons Hotel, allowing ample time to indulge in award-winning gastronomies, their infinity pool and relaxing massages at the spa. This festive staycation includes a daily breakfast for two with 30 percent savings on the best available rate when staying for two nights or more. Another even more attractive packages the Suite Escape package which enables guests to enjoy 50 percent savings off the best available rate. Guests can also gain exclusive access to Lane Crawford’s Platinum Suite with a complimentary personal styling session to find their perfect festive ensemble.

[caption id="attachment_212858" align="aligncenter" width="801"] Four Seasons Christmas Staycations Four Seasons Harbour View Room[/caption]

For a magical Christmas to remember in Hong Kong, book the Presidential Suite on December 24, 25 or 31 and enjoy exclusive seasonal specials including a round trip limousine transfer, an 8-course festive dinner at the three-Michelin star Caprice, one 90 minute Jade Stone treatment for two persons, Executive Club access and benefits, a full hour personal styling service in the comfort of the suite by Lane Crawford, and a private jewellery tour at Chopard.

[caption id="attachment_212859" align="aligncenter" width="889"] Four Seasons Christmas Staycations The Presidential Suite Dining Room[/caption]

Meanwhile, families who book any of the room packages over festive season will enjoy complimentary kids’ activities including nail art and cookie decorating classes.

To add to the year-end cheer from December 23, 2020 to January 2, 2021, the festive dinner buffet is exclusively available for room guests featuring a bountiful array of holiday favourites, such as the Traditional Slow Roasted Butterball Turkey, Oven Roasted Beef Rib Eye, Gammon Ham and Pastry Chef Ringo Chan's Panettone.

[caption id="attachment_212856" align="aligncenter" width="753"] Four Seasons Christmas Staycations Four Season's Caprice Bar[/caption]

And if the above isn't already enticing enough, you can ring in 2021 in style with a decadent Caviar and Champagne celebration at Caprice Bar while enjoying music from DJ Helen Ting. The bar boasts magnificent views of the Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong skyline, making it a perfect venue for a count down.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, +852 3196 8888

The post Here’s Why You Need to Experience the Four Seasons’ Christmas Staycations appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in Christmas, DINING, Four Seasons, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, hotel, hotels, Hotels & Resorts, staycation

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