Celebrity Life

Words by Jade Braham The UK’s invention of railways made leisure, opulence, and adventure widely accessible, with gleaming stations both warmly welcoming passengers and bidding them goodbye. Some even housed grand hotels to accommodate disembarking travellers, where enchanting galas, delectable feasts, sumptuous bedchambers, and an intoxicating social scene awaited guests. The Caledonian pocketed such traditions […]

City breaks abroad may be off-limits this summer, so why not experience a city break in London? If you’re after a hybrid of traditional and modern in one place, the Andaz London Liverpool Street is the perfect blend. Set in a prime location, this five-star, boutique hotel is a hidden gem amongst the regal, grade […]

The beautiful Hilton Goa Resort has been in the news ever since the hotel threw open its doors last year. Set atop the cascading hills of Saipem, the resort is the hospitality brand’s third property in Goa with 104 guestrooms, offering a tranquil retreat amid the coastal landscape. With its unique location, Hilton Goa Resort […]

Situated in between the more touristy areas of Albufeira and Lagoa, Porches is best known for its hand-painted ceramic pottery (Porches Pottery on the EN125 is the most popular place to buy a souvenir to take home) and is a much tamer option for those wanting a laid back visit to the Algarve. We know […]

As one of the most famous cities in America, Seattle sure lives up to its popularity. Not only a thriving business hub, but tourism amenities are also abundant, so where best to enjoy the buzz of this big city? Why, Hotel Theodore of course, perched in the heart of downtown. Among other enticing features, this […]

Words by Codelia Mantsebo Barrière’s Le Grand Hôtel Dinard is as modern as it is nostalgic, as aristocratic as it is discreet, and as glamorous as it is down-to-earth. Fresh from a full renovation just two years ago, this belle époque beauty has opened its doors again and continues to shine its five stars in […]

As the classic English castle with drawbridge and turrets, New Hall is the most romantic of locations as waterlilies idyllically float on a moat fed by seven fresh-water springs. Probably England’s oldest inhabited moated house, New Hall tells the story of over a millennium of history. Inevitably, Henry Vlll, between his fifth and sixth wives, […]

 10 Top things to do in Oman Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – Stunning Mosque Nizwa Fort – Super Market here too Souks in Muscat – shop for all sort of Omani clothes and jewellery Muttrah…

Considering to book a stay at The Fontenay? Read and watch our full review of one of the most luxurious hotels in Germany. You won't be disappointed!

The post The Fontenay review | €7.500 Alster Suite appeared first on Suite Life.

As one of the city’s favourite five-star hotels, W Hong Kong offers staycation packages with an unforgettable sea view.

W Hong Kong first opened its doors in 2008, and has remained one of the city’s most stylish destinations for stays, parties, and beauty treatments. Featuring a total of 351 guest rooms and 42 suites, the hotel occupies the first 25 floors of the Sun Hung Kai Properties-owned Cullinan II.

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Location: 8/10

Perched just above luxury shopping mall Elements and commercial skyscraper International Commerce Centre (ICC), W Hong Kong is only a mere lift ride down to a wide collection of restaurants, boutiques, a cinema, as well as an ice-skating rink. What’s more, Central, a happening area with lifestyle stores, designer stores and eateries, is only one MTR station away.

Design: 8/10

Conceptualised by Yasumichi Morita of Japan’s Glamorous and Nic Graham of g+a in Australia, the stylish and contemporary hotel is is designed to resemble an upscale urban jungle, with guest rooms designed in eight different styles and equipped with breathtaking views of Hong Kong's skyline.

Ambience: 8/10

Famed for its party scenes at one of the highest rooftop swimming pools in the world, the ambience at W Hong Kong is upbeat and uplifting. Its pool is perched on the 76th floor and is a calming and relaxing spot when it's not surrounded by festivity. During our stay, we saw mostly families and couples taking a dip in the recently reopened pool, which had been closed for almost two months (no thanks to Covid).

Rooms: 8/10

The rooms, separated into 351 guest rooms and 42 suites, all offer stunning harbour views for guests to relax and unwind. Our room, the Fantastic Suite, featured a cosy king-size bed with high end in-room entertainment, Bliss bath products and a walk-in rain shower, while biodegradable amenities added an eco touch to the bathroom design.

Service & Facilities: 10/10

As the world faces an unprecedented health crisis that has left most of us overwhelmed with stress and uncertainty, it’s crucial that we keep our mind, body, and wellbeing in check. W Hong Kong has recently launched a Fuel Fix Staycation package which includes a 30-minute ‘Vital Dome Infratherapy’ at the award-winning Bliss spa for a head-to-toe detox. The Vital Dome Infratherapy treatment features four built-in programmes that target different needs — from preventing insomnia and fatigue to metabolism stimulation, slimming to speed up physical recovery. Wind down in the peaceful dome-shaped environment featuring an advanced black carbon far-infrared technology for optimal results. Indulge in fresh smoothies, healthy nibbles and cocktails (which they will bring to your room) after melting your stress away.

Food & Drink: 7/10

W Hong Kong is also home to Sing Yin Cantonese Restaurant, which is known for its delicate dim sum and traditional delicacies. In view of the restrictions, guests can now reserve a glass or two world-class cocktails from the Woobar in their rooms for a more intimate experience.

Rates: Fuel Fix Staycation Starting at HK$2,200+10% per night. 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.

The post Hotel Review: W Hong Kong Offers Respite With An Incredible Sea View appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

From the moment you walk into the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, you are instantly swept away by the highest level of hospitality.

With travel restrictions still in place, the best getaway options are the local ones. A visit to Landmark Mandarin Oriental is one of the best options for travel-starved, Hong Kong-bound guests. With its Sweet Staycation package that runs from now until the end of 2020, we can indulge in the modern luxury that is the hotel's signature.

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Location 10/10

Right in the heart of Central, connected to the district’s quintessential shopping mall, is the Landmark Mandarin Oriental. The high-profile address is close to major entertainment, dining and business establishments. It’s just a stone’s throw from all major transport options — trams, buses, MTR, taxis and even ferries that cross the harbour or serve the Outlying Islands.

Design 9/10

Unlike the traditional Mandarin Oriental properties around the region, Landmark MO veers away slightly from Asian influences, and is more geared towards modern contemporary minimalism. Brass, wood and marble feature in rooms, hallways and the tasteful lobby accented with geometric lights and decorative pieces.

Ambience 9/10

Stepping into the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, the signature Landmark scent wafts through the air as you are welcomed with the energy that resonates from the MO Bar. But at the reception area and beyond, a quiet atmosphere puts you in a state of calmness. Most of the other guests during our stay were couples or young families.

Rooms 10/10

From now until the end of the year, The Landmark Oriental is offering its LMO Sweet Staycation package. We stayed at the Landmark Suite — a spacious 1,507 sq ft one-bedroom suite with a king bed, dressing room, living room, dining room, Gaggenau kitchen, cocktail bar, and an impressive 7 ft round bathtub that can’t be missed.

Service & Facilities 10/10

Hong Kong hotels are generally known for their impeccable service, but the experience at Landmark Mandarin Oriental is in a league of its own. Setting the bar extremely high, the attentiveness of staff goes above and beyond with thoughtful arrangements and personalised care that usually go unnoticed. The Front Desk Manager took great care of us throughout the stay, ensuring that every request was met with perfection.

Food & Drink 10/10

Since Covid has limited our dining options to only small groups and a curfew, dining in is the way to go. So with such a spacious and luxurious suite, it only makes sense to take advantage of its facilities as well. The Sweet Staycation includes HK$3,000 dining credit that can be used in-room at any of the restaurants within the property (two Michelin-starred Amber, French neo-bistro SOMM, cocktail speakeasy PDT, and lobby bar MO Bar). Enjoying a meal in the privacy of your room also means that you can sample dishes from all restaurants. The Japanese pork belly cooked in barbecue sauce with Hakata Cabbage from SOMM and the typhoon shelter crab tater tots from PDT were highlights of our meal.

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Activities 9/10

It is a genuine challenge to peel away from the Landmark Suite, but LMO gives you at least several good reasons to do so. Included in the package is a 60-minute Oriental Essence massage for two, personal training session for two, and an ice cream or PDT hotdog making class for two to keep you busy during your stay. For guests with children, a camping tent can also be set up for the little ones.

Rates: Starting from HK$35,000 + 10% per night for the Sweet Staycation package. The promotion includes a round trip limousine transfer; welcome amenities of champagne, strawberries, lemon drinks and fruit; classes for two on how to make ice cream or hotdogs in the style of the establishment’s Please Don’t Tell bar; HK$3,000 spending credit at restaurants and bars, in-room dining and spa & wellness; HK$3,000 dining and spa gift voucher to be used within three months from check-out; bespoke luxurious bathtub experience; camping tent for kids with breakfast; 60 minute Oriental Essence massage for two people; personal training session for two people; unlimited movie streaming; and free pet policy with amenities.

Rating: 9.5/10

Perfect for: a modern sense of luxury paired with exceedingly exceptional service and thoughtfulness

The post Hotel Review: Landmark Mandarin Oriental Sets a New Standard for Personalised Services appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

By now, your bosses and colleagues have probably seen more of your abode than you would've ever expected to show them.

With many of us working from home these days, meetings held over video conferencing apps the likes of Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become the new normal. Inevitably, this means letting colleagues into our residences — albeit virtually — and having them catch glimpses of it via our backdrop. Depending on where your workspace is located, this view could range from a boring blank wall to windows or cluttered bookshelves.

Your makeshift office may not be the most glamorous, but there are several easy interior design tricks that you can employ to quickly jazz up the background of your Zoom calls.

Textiles and cushions

If your workstation of choice is the couch or bed, all it takes is a few snazzy throw pillows wrapped in eye-catching fabrics and prints to provide visual interest in the space behind you. Consider dressing your cushions in the Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli collection, which is inspired by modern art — specifically works by Henri Matisse, Vasilij Kandinskij and Paul Klee.

It showcases striking colour blocks embellished with embroideries, ikat details and intertwined motifs. These are available in various patterns and shades ranging from pastel to neutral hues. More details here.

Houseplants and greenery

Adding houseplants to your home office will help the space look less spartan and bland. Smaller plants like cacti, succulents and spider plants can be displayed on shelves or tables, while larger ones such as philodendrons, snake plants and ZZ plant (Zanzibar Gem) can be placed on the floor to break the monotony of blank walls.

Online plant retailer Flora Houses offers a wide variety of houseplants that will thrive indoors and are generally low-maintenance. Its range includes Japanese fir, fiddle leaf fig and Bird of Paradise. The store provides free doorstep delivery with a minimum spend.

Artworks and paintings

Perhaps houseplants may seem like too much of a commitment, or you simply don't have green fingers. This is where paintings and art pieces make an easier alternative. You can simply hang a couple of them on the wall that constantly forms your video call backdrop.

An Andy Warhol or Basquiat will certainly impress your co-workers, but your art doesn't necessarily have to be expensive or by big name artists. Consider procuring artworks instead from indie galleries such as Odd One Out, which boasts an array of creations by local and international printmakers and illustrators. We can't take our eyes off the above acrylic painting by Micke Lindebergh, which is titled 'Small Yellow Flower Pot' and features colourful blooms accented by quirky squiggles and bright hues.

Statement ornaments and furniture

Inject a dose of quirk into your meeting setup by peppering your background with assorted decorative items and statement furniture pieces. These can be anything from figurines to colourful tiles and dramatic room dividers.

Our go-to is Lala Curio, which is a whimsical wonderland of objets d'art such as brass monkey sculptures, cloisonné birds, and, one of our favourites — an adorable trio of cranes adorned with rock crystal feathers and perched on crystal balls.

Wallpaper

Why settle for one specially curated work area, when you can turn your whole room into an Instagram-worthy space? Wallpaper is a bold and easy solution — if every wall in your room is clad in beautiful prints, you can essentially park yourself in any corner and still have an envy-inducing Zoom backdrop.

Designer wallpaper has seen a resurgence in recent years, and we're obsessed with Christian Lacroix's exquisite Oiseau Fleur vinyl wallpaper, which depicts vibrant botanical and bird motifs against a silk effect embossed base. It comes in two colourways of pink and grey.

(Main image: Brina Blum/ Unsplash; Featured image: Christian Lacroix)

The post The Top 5 Staycations in Hong Kong’s Most Luxurious Hotels appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.