Celebrity Life

Fifty metres underground — this is the depth that local winemakers chose when they decided to store 10,000 wine bottles in the Aven d'Orgnac caves, an underground tourist attraction located at the southern end of the limestone plateau of the Gorges de l'Ardèche.

The experiment began in March 2018, when a new storage facility was specially created in a disused access tunnel to allow wine to mature in what amounts to a highly stable and peaceful environment.

A living product that ages best in undisturbed darkness, the wine will have benefited from ideal conditions: A constant temperature of around 12°C and an all-year-long rate of humidity of over 95%.

On December 12, 1,000 bottles of Côtes du Vivarais "Grand Aven 2017" from this treasure trove will be passed from hand to hand by a chain of human volunteers who will bring them back to the surface after two years underground. Thereafter, they will go under the hammer with a range of other local vintages in an auction with modest reserve prices.

Lots on offer will include 150 magnums of Terra Helvorum 2017 starting at 30 euros, 350 bottles of 2015 Terra Helvorum for as little as 15 euros and 350 bottles of Grand Aven 2016 from just 10 euros.

On land and sea

These days, experiments to store wine deep underground are very much in vogue in France. On June 3 of this year, 500 bottles were placed in racks at a depth of 103 metres in caves in Padirac under the watchful eye of Serge Dubs, the Best Sommelier of the World in 1989.

The first of these to return to the surface will be brought up for an initial tasting in the spring of 2021. And let's not forget that this experiment is focused on a very particular wine: A Clos Triguedina Cahors, christened Cuvée Probus, which has been produced to honour the 130-year anniversary of the Padirac Chasm.

Surprisingly enough, this new approach to maturing wine was initially inspired by a find at sea. In 2010, divers in the Baltic discovered a wreck containing what turned out to be a cargo of champagne, which was probably on its way to 1840s Russia.

The wave of experimentation that is now ongoing began when the bubbly, which was made by such houses as Veuve Clicquot, Heidsieck and the now defunct Juglar, was discovered to still be delicious after some 170 years under water.

In Saint-Jean-de-Luz in the French Basque country, winemaker Emmanuel Poirmeur has registered a patent for a process that involves vinifying wine in special vats at a depth of 15 metres under water. For its part, Leclerc-Briant set a record when it vinified one of its champagnes at a depth of 60 meters under the Atlantic in 2012, not surprisingly the vintage was christened "Abyss."

The post Hotel Review: Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Offers Staycations With Curated Itineraries appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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.

Review of Acqualina, Miami - one of the highest rated beach resorts in the world. Watch the video, read the article and judge for yourself.

The post Review of Acqualina Resort & Spa, Miami appeared first on Suite Life.

Whether it's a luxury residence or an artisanal home, K11 Artus is not the hotel you think it might be.

K11 Artus officially opened its doors at the end of last year as Hong Kong's first 'artisanal home' concept made for cultural creatives from around the world. Its name reflects this vision by combining the words art and the Latin term for home, domus, to become Artus. So, rather than a hotel in the conventional sense, K11 Artus is really a full serviced residence with all the privacy and luxury that a five-star hotel would have.

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Location: 10/10

The newly developed Victoria Dockside lends its phenomenal harbour vistas to K11 Artus, gifting it with a view worth staying the night for. Directly linked to the huge retail destination that is K11 Musea, and only a few steps away from the Avenue of Stars promenade, the luxury residences benefit from prime location. It's also conveniently situated in close proximity to Tsim Sha Tsui station and the Star Ferry Pier which makes coming and going extremely easy. Furthermore, the location offers plenty of entertainment in the form of other shopping malls, designer boutiques and museums nearby.

Design: 9/10

A super sleek and ridged exterior wraps the building before revealing an eclectic interior developed by Hong Kong's celebrated designer Andre Fu. Inside, the 21-floored residence boasts high ceilings which allows a lot of natural light to come through, creating bright and lofty spaces which are filled with modern design elements, especially on the 10th floor lobby-library. Here, neutral tones meet warm earthy accents enriched with lush textures and furnishings. Similar sentiments run throughout the residences, with Asian decorative touches and objets dotted across all the rooms. The spaces are so intriguing you can spend a fair few minutes to hours in awe of the design as a whole.

Ambience: 8/10

K11 Artus is the newest cool kid on the luxury living block and stepping into the building makes you feel like one too. Possessing the right amount of style, which actually feels very cultural but not in the hush hush gallery sense, combined with an overall luxurious ambience, Artus feels opulent yet inviting. During our stay, it felt very peaceful during the day and through the evening with mostly younger families and couples spotted.

Rooms: 8/10

Arranged over 14 floors, K11 Artus' 287 residences span comfortable studios to practical one, two and three-bedroom spaces, to 3 uniquely designed penthouses, 80 percent of which, offer wrap-around balconies. We stayed in the harbour-facing one bedroom residence which came complete with a study room and balcony. Individually furnished and decorated, all the rooms are fitted out with all the home and hotel comforts you can think of: minibar, espresso maker, TV, cable channels, refrigerator, kitchenette, designer toiletries and slippers. It's just a shame that the bathtub in our room had a plug issue, which wasn't resolved.

Service & Facilities: 9/10

The service at K11 Artus is very warm. The team know your name, always smile and seem genuinely happy to help and chat. They're quick too, considering they aren't exactly a hotel. However, this was obvious in other areas such as the aforementioned bathroom issue. Facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, 24-hour front desk, and concierge service, as well as dry cleaning and laundry service. The restaurant offers breakfast, with continental or Chinese options, at an additional cost.

Food & Drink: 7/10

Within K11 Artus there is one restaurant: The Commune, a bar and lounge: The Chamber and a snack/bar area: The Living Salon. Luckily, K11 Musea itself has some great eateries to choose from, but within the hotel, options are limited. There is also an option to order in, from selected K11 Musea restaurants, directly from your TV. At The Commune, in which we had lunch, both European and Chinese options are available. We opted to share a sandwich and pasta dish, both of which had room for improvement.

Rates: start from HK$3,600/night for the Artus Studio to HK$28,000/night for the Artus Three Bedroom with Harbour View. Prices for penthouse options require a quote depending on dates. The price may vary depending on availability and season.

Rating: 8.5/10

Perfect for: a stylish stay in modern luxury, filled with art and inspiration.

The post Hotel Review: K11 Artus is The Luxury Residence You Want to Call Your Own appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

As the oldest hotel in Hong Kong, The Peninsula is not only considered the 'Grande Dame of the Far East' but it's also the flagship of the Peninsula Hotels group.

The hotel opened its doors in 1928 and has been serving guests a slice of old world glamour and elegance since. Today, the brand's majestic interiors and grandeur, along with its impeccable services, remain -- marking The Peninsula as one of the leading luxury hotel brands in Asia, if not the world.

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Location: 9/10

Sitting on the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula (hence its name), the hotel is presented with some of the brightest and most stunning views of Victoria Harbour. It's situated in bustling Tsim Sha Tsui, which may feel too busy for some, but for most it is conveniently located. There is plenty of entertainment in the form of designer stores and museums nearby. A short five minute walk will take you to Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Terminal and the MTR station, allowing travel to and from Hong Kong Island and elsewhere an easy trip. Meanwhile, its own helipad and private helicopter enables the easy coming and going in the most private manner.

Design: 9/10

The hotel debuted as a six-story building in 1928 and received an additional 30-floor Tower in 1994 to become The Peninsula as we know it. Its charm lies in the heritage and traditions which has not only been kept extremely well (no tacky or overly regal elements here) but also has a sense of modernity, thanks to the multicultural design blending both Eastern and Western elements excellently. The Chinese lions and deities, which according to tradition guards and wards off evil spirits, are painted on the glass doors in the lobby, while the columns are carved with 76 different gargoyle faces, and other antiques and historical artefacts are displayed around the hotel.

Ambience: 10/10

Even before you set foot into the hotel, the Rolls-Royce in the forecourt, in which they have an impressive fleet of fifteen including one vintage 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, sets the tone. Thereafter, page boys dressed in traditional whites open the door to reveal the expansive lobby and interior. The Peninsula exudes a sense of opulence without ever feeling too heavy or gaudy, it's a masterful way to present luxury which feels comfortable, and sumptuous all at once. During our stay, we observed a variety of guests from families old and young, to business travellers and local residents and couples enjoying a staycation in the city.

Rooms: 9/10

With 300 guest rooms (165 in the original building and 135 in The Tower), including 52 suites and two ultra-luxurious suites: the Marco Polo Suite and the Peninsula Suite, The Peninsula's offering is wide ranging -- from Deluxe rooms with courtyard or harbour views to more Superior and Grand Deluxe suites. Understated elegance is the main feature throughout, with all rooms outfitted with contemporary furnishings, including touch-screen tablets that control lighting, temperature, curtains, room service and entertainment at the touch of a button. The marble bathrooms are equipped with walk-in showers and TVs in front of the bathtub. There are also built-in nail dryers in case you forgot how extravagant your experience could be.

Service & Facilities: 10/10

There is a great sense of camaraderie among the staff at The Peninsula. It's no wonder that the hotel has some of the longest-serving members there, with over 36 employees having worked for 30 years and more than 108 for 20 years. The service is outstanding. As always, the staff are polite, friendly and helpful, but there's also a genuine feeling that they all care a lot about the hotel and are proud to be working here. There is an indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna and a fitness centre with an open-air terrace while parking and laundry services are available too.

Food & Drink: 10/10

The Peninsula offers eight restaurants and lounges – two of which are Michelin-starred establishments: French fine dining restaurant Gaddi's and exquisite Chinese restaurant Spring Moon. Other highlights include the Philippe Starck designed space Felix which offers modern European dishes and cocktails with topfloor views; Swiss restaurant Chesa offering fondue and raclette in an Alpine chalet setting; The Lobby which has offered one of Hong Kong's loveliest afternoon teas for over 80 years; and The Bar for sips of fine spirits and whiskies paired with live piano jazz.

Rates: start from HK$3,200/night for the Deluxe Room (or HK$5,400/night with Club Level), to HK$26,000/night for the Carlton Suite (which includes Club Level). The price may vary depending on availability and season.

Rating: 9.5/10

Perfect for: a memorable staycation filled with elegant yet relaxed opulence.

The post Hotel Review: The Peninsula Remains The Elegant Grande Dame of Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Reviewing a $3,500 suite in this iconic landmark hotel. The photos of the view will blow you away!

The post The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, Grand Park View Suite appeared first on Suite Life.

The Ritz-Carlton is hard to miss. Towering over Hong Kong, on the top floors of the International Commerce Centre (ICC)'s 102nd and 118th floor, the hotel glistens in the sky above the Kowloon peninsula. And with it, comes some of the most spectacular views you could ever wish to see in this city.

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Location: 8/10

Perched at the top of the ICC, the location of The Ritz-Carlton grants it some stellar views and that in itself is one of its biggest selling points here. It's also situated just above the Elements mall, which is great if you're in need of some designer shopping action or dining options. Kowloon MTR station is also within the mall, making the trip from airport to hotel a quick 30 minutes. However, signage for the hotel inside is a little confusing and can lead you astray -- making what should be a short walk, a lengthy mall trek.

Design: 8/10

Less than a decade old, The Ritz-Carlton has been very smart in their design choices. The interiors are well kept and has remained looking modern and elegant, while the overall feel, as a business hotel, seems rather timeless. Drawing guests in with its showmanship, the hotel's high-speed lifts take a mere 80 seconds to reach the 103rd floor from the ground level up, and continue to capture their attention with the stunning panoramic view. This takes centre stage on all floors, with floor to ceiling windows throughout creating bright and shiny spaces.

Ambience: 8/10

You might expect The Ritz-Carlton to be rather stuffy -- sitting at the top of Hong Kong -- but actually the vibe here is really quite relaxed. The guests are a mixture of business, families (both old and young), and couples travelling to Hong Kong or on a luxury staycation. The atmosphere is positively warm and the teams of friendly staff reflect that extremely well.

Rooms: 7/10

We stayed in the Deluxe Victoria Harbour Room, and enjoyed 24-hour Club Lounge access during our visit too. The sizeable 540 sq. ft. room is straightforward with a contemporary design; think clean lines, beige and earthy tones with plush textiles punctuated by polished surfaces and dark wood. A separate bathtub and rainforest shower are the main features of the marble bathroom, as well as the added bonus of a double sink. Other room highlights included the 42-inch flat screen LCD TV, 400-thread count lined King Bed, London's Asprey bath amenities, Nespresso machine, laundry and valet services.

Service & Facilities: 9/10

Speaking of laundry services, we received one of the most efficient pressing services we've had during our stay (less than one hour). But the teams here are not only prompt, they're incredibly affable. It is smiles all round, with most staff introducing themselves and more than willing to strike up a conversation. It's worth considering a Club floor upgrade if it isn't included in room category. As, along with the usual first-rate service, you'll also get swift check-in at the club lounge (or you can head directly to your room), and 5 meal presentations a day (Afternoon Tea included) along with dedicated concierge service.

Food & Drink: 8/10

With six dining venues available to all, guests are spoilt for choice at The Ritz-Carlton. Especially since it includes Michelin-starred restaurants such as Tosca di Angelo, which serves up inventive Italian cuisine, and Tin Lung Heen, which offers high-end Cantonese fare worthy of its two star status. Meanwhile, Ozone, the world’s highest bar delivers creative cocktails, sushi, tapas and its popular Sunday brunch. However, with Club Level access, we spent most of our time in the Club Lounge and though service (along with drinks) was indeed top notch, the food unfortunately fell slightly short.

Rates: start from HK$3,200/night for the Deluxe Room (or HK$5,400/night with Club Level), to HK$26,000/night for the Carlton Suite (which includes Club Level). The price may vary depending on availability and season.

Rating: 8/10

Perfect for: a sumptuous stay with excellently polished service in elevated luxury.

The post Hotel Review: The Ritz-Carlton Brings a Relaxed Atmosphere to Elevated Luxury appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

There are many reasons as to why Thailand has such appeal as the ultimate holiday destination for those of us living in Hong Kong. Besides its convenient proximity, year-round tropical weather, rich heritage and mouthwatering cuisine, there’s that paramount Thai hospitality that just keeps us coming back for more. Apart from the obvious aforementioned draws, sustainability has also become a hot attraction for eco-conscious travellers. In our latest visit to the Thai capital, we check in to the Bangkok Marriot Marquis Queen’s Park to experience just how green their new hotel initiatives are.

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Location: 9/10

Located in the heart of the city, on Sukhumvit Road, Marriott Marquis Bangkok Queen’s Park surrounded by Bangkok’s most vibrant shopping, business and entertainment districts. A three-minute walk to Phrom Phong BTS Station, you can get anywhere around the city via the Skytrain and skip the notorious Bangkok traffic congestion. Luxury malls like EM Quartier and Emporium Shopping Complex, recreational parks, restaurants and bars can also all be found in the neighbourhood.

Design: 7/10

To contrast the hustle and bustle of the city, Marriott Marquis is appointed with modern and intuitive comforts to offer a tranquil escape. Bright tones and warm lighting open up spaces to create a relaxing ambiance throughout the hotel. Subtle accents of Thai influences are cleverly integrated into the minimalistic design to echo the prominent traditions of Thailand. Unbeknownst to most guests, eco-stations (including green walls and micro gardens) fill spaces around the property and behind-the-scenes spaces have been converted to focus on the hotel’s sustainability efforts (greenhouse rooftops, herb sheds, and more).

Ambience: 7/10

Once inside the Marriott Marquis, a pleasant air of comfort resonates through the hotel lobby; with the openness of its lounge area, its charming little Siam tea room, the check in and out desks, guests feel welcomed and at ease. The floor to ceiling windows let in the abundant views greenery from the open areas of the hotel. During our stay, we were amongst families, business professionals, couples and a few tour groups.

Rooms: 7/10

There are eight types of rooms ranging from the humble Deluxe to the most luxurious Sky Suite. We stayed at the M Suite; a 947 sq. ft. room featuring a separate bedroom and living room, along with a spacious bathroom, separate bathtub and shower. Furnished in soft neutral tones paired with industrial dark metals, the design gives the space a sense of modern luxury. All rooms currently come with luxury amenities in travel size bottles, but will soon be replaced before the end of 2020 to more environmentally-friendly packaging to reduce waste.

Service & Facilities: 8/10

As the Marriott Marquis is designed for every traveller in mind, their variety of facilities accommodate to business travellers and families. There are two outdoor swimming pools (which comes with their own poolside bar and sundecks), a 24-hour fitness centre, a kids’ club to keep the little ones entertained, and of course no Bangkok hotel would be complete without a spa in place. The menu at Quan Spa has everything you need to unwind and experience authentic Thai massages, oil treatments and rejuvenating facials. If you’re visiting for business or a special occasion, the hotel offers three grand ballrooms and three meeting rooms available to book out for events.

Food & Drink: 7/10

Executive Chef Michael Hogan has dedicated his efforts to creating amazing food as sustainable as possible. The green and sustainable approach adopted by the hotel is taken seriously at the restaurants and bars too – from modern Japanese with an American twist, to authentic Cantonese with a contemporary flair, to all day casual dining – all outlets are making positive changes to reduce waste and conserve energy to ultimately minimise carbon footprint. Chef Hogan sources locally when possible, eliminates unnecessary plastics, grows his own produce, and is involved in a food donation program to give back to the needy within the community. While the sustainability concept scores top marks, we were hoping to find more local flavours that visitors will likely anticipate in Bangkok.

Rates: start from approximately HK$1,495/night for a for a Deluxe Room to HK$102,195/night for the Club Suite (prices may vary depending on availability and season).

Rating: 7.5/10

Perfect for: a relaxing stay in Bangkok where sustainability and green approaches are front of mind.

The post Hotel Review: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Makes its First Green Steps appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

It is said that we no longer live in the information age and instead, have entered the era of entertainment. After all, who doesn't like to be entertained?

It is for that very reason that we decided to check into The Landmark Mandarin Oriental's most luxurious offering, the Entertainment Suite. This stunning 1,800 sq. ft. space is designed to truly impress and in addition, is now available as part of a Symphony of Urban Delights package. Think home cinema with state-of-the-art audiovisuals, virtual reality headsets and computer games, entertainment wall with free-flowing wine, unlimited yoga, relaxing massages, dinner at two Michelin-starred Amber and much, much more.

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Location: 10/10

Sitting at the very centre of Hong Kong's business district, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental probably has the most convenient address in terms of going to and from anywhere on Hong Kong island. So convenient in fact, that you needn't go outside to shop at luxury mall The Landmark, or head onto the MTR at Central Station to visit other parts of the city. It's also only a 3 to 5 minute drive to ifc or the Hong Kong Macau ferry terminal, while walking takes under 20 minutes.

Design: 9/10

A contemporary and streamlined design runs throughout the hotel. Soft lights meet warm woods and leathers, while plush textiles and brass accents are dotted around the rooms and suites. In addition, the colour palettes range from modern muted teals and olive, to stylish taupes and pebble greys which mingle splendidly with spicy terracottas and rust. The result is a continuous warm autumnal look that feels timeless. Moreover, they are all loaded with technology and gadgets to make the stay more user-friendly and cosy in the best possible manner, too.

Ambience: 9/10

Though elegance and luxury is at every corner of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, it's with a sigh of relief that we found it never to be uptight and always amiable. The hotel also gives off the sense that you are very well looked after; as if your every whim can be indulged. During our stay we noticed mostly business moguls or mature families. No young children were spotted, which makes for a rather peaceful atmosphere. However babysitting services are available to ensure every vacation or staycation is a tranquil one.

Rooms: 10/10

Out of all 111 spacious rooms and suites at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, the Entertainment Suite is by far the most luxurious. Here, a whole host of (you guessed it) entertainment is in store for its guests. Whether you're using it to entertain or for private refuge, you can be sure that no one will be bored. As it happens, there are too many room features to list, but to name a few: an entertainment wall is fully stocked with snacks, teas and coffees while a dispenser pours four bottles of wine per stay; a 13 ft. by 11.5 ft. cinema screen drops down while a laser projector and B&O Beolab sound system make the most of your favourite movies; virtual reality headsets and games can take you a different world; the private dining room and kitchen enables easy entertaining; and a FreshBed allows custom climate control for the best sleep. The Entertainment Suite is likely to be the most elaborate room you'll ever stay in and one you find extremely difficult to leave.

Service & Facilities: 10/10

From the luxury Hermès amenities and the opulent marble bathtub in the suite, to the indoor pool, fitness centre and award-winning spa, Landmark Mandarin Oriental has it all -- especially with the Symphony of Urban Delights package. This also means that a dedicated butler is assigned to take care of you. In our experience, this meant a quick WhatsApp message for coffee, which was responded to within 2 minutes, followed by a hot brew within 5 minutes. This is luxury service at its best -- prompt, efficient and always catered to the individual.

Food & Drink: 10/10

Guests at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental can opt for a number of different wine and dine options including two Michelin-starred Amber; wine and sake-inspired bistro SOMM; all-day dining and cocktails at MO Bar (in which a new Belvedere brunch is now available on weekends); intimate speakeasy bar PDT, three Michelin starred Sushi Shikon and Kappo Rin which offers fresh, modern Japanese cuisine. In this package, dinner for two at Amber or SOMM is included and with Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus at the helm. Prepare to be dazzled by dishes such as the Okinawa corn with Kristal Schrencki caviar and Kamchatka crab with Hass avocado and mikan when dining at Amber.

Rates: start from HK$58,000/night for the Symphony of Urban Delights package. It is inclusive of round-trip limousine transfer; 24-hour personal butler and concierge; packing & unpacking service; entertainment access to Netflix, PlayStation, Apple Music, Apple Movies; daily champagne breakfast; one luxury dinner for two; drinks for two at the bar; 60-minute massage for two; unlimited group yoga classes; 60-minute personal training session for two; 30-minute in-body composition analysis; daily laundry service; exclusive access to the Bespoke member's Sapphire Salon. Terms and conditions apply. The price may vary depending on availability and season.

Rating: 9.5/10

Perfect for: an indulgent stay in a suite brimming with luxury leisure at Hong Kong's top hotel.

The post Hotel Review: The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is Hong Kong’s Artisan of Luxury and Leisure appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Commanding impressive vistas of the Imperial Palace and its expansive gardens, Palace Hotel Tokyo is a stunner of a hotel.

The historic hotel building originally opened in 1961 and was reconstructed from the ground up before it reopened again in 2012. Today, it remains one of Tokyo's top hotels and offers an understated elegance with a sense of royal romance. Traditional Japanese touches are folded in neatly with the contemporary style of the hotel and its design, along with its five-star service, stays true to the vision of omotenashi -- Japan's unique approach to hospitality.

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Location: 10/10

Claiming one of Tokyo's prime addresses at 1-1-1 Marunouchi, the hotel offers guests a central location in the heart of Chiyoda's bustling business and retail district. It is however, also just across from the Imperial Palace gardens which lends its landscape as a beautiful backdrop. Guests will notice many runners and joggers in the area making full use of the scenery, while tourists and locals alike snap pictures of the tree-line boulevards. Palace Hotel Tokyo is also just a few minutes’ walk from Otemachi station, and then only a few minutes more to Tokyo Station, making it incredibly convenient and in the vicinity of popular dining and shopping outlets.

Design: 9/10

Grace and elegance emanates the hotel and is conveyed through the clean lines of contemporary design, along with Japanese accents, abstract art and floral displays. It's a grand entrance into Palace Hotel Tokyo and this continues throughout the restaurants, bars, event spaces, rooms and suites. Earthy tones, dark woods and plush textiles are brightened with splashes of chartreuse to create a more relaxed, but always refined style.

Ambience: 9/10

The hotel's central business district location means the area is mostly quiet and its calmness is reflected within the hotel. Although the main lobby and ground floor does get busy with guests, especially on weekends, it never really feels loud. Shoulders drop and immediate welcomes and greetings are offered by the team. It's a friendly atmosphere, although at times a little business-like. About twenty percent of guests are Japanese and the rest from overseas, mostly the US. During our stay, we spotted business professionals, couples and multi-generation families.

Rooms: 8/10

Almost half of the 278 guest rooms and 12 suites in this hotel have private balconies, which is a rarity in Tokyo, and offer that stunning open air view. We stayed in the Deluxe room category with a king bed and balcony which also featured an open-style bathroom; fitted with bathtub and separate shower and washroom. The rooms are exceptionally clean and share the same contemporary design as the rest of the hotel, only slightly more cosy. All rooms feature basic amenities such as complimentary water, tea and coffee, but also offers shoe shining which attests to the strong business audience. Built-in international power sockets are extremely useful also.

Service & Facilities: 9/10

Palace Hotel Tokyo's well-trained staff are swift and knowledgable. All of whom have impeccable English, which is great when your Japanese isn't up to scratch. The hotel also has ten different restaurant and bar options. On the fifth floor is their Evian Spa, fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. While the rest of the hotel holds eight multi-purpose function rooms along with its own wedding chapel and Japanese Shinto shrine.

Food & Drink: 9/10

Guests with club lounge access can enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapés in the lounge. Although options are limited here, the quality of food and beverage is high. Other dining and bar options at the hotel include French fine dining restaurant Esterre, the first collaboration between a Japanese hotel and Ducasse Paris (by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Alain Ducasse), one Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant Amber Palace, kaiseki haute cuisine at Wadakura, a dark and moody bar offering in the form of Royal Bar and much more.

Rates: start from approximately HK$5,015/night to HK$71,633/night. While suites start from HK$11,462/night. All prices may vary depending on availability and season.

Rating: 9/10

Perfect for: an elegant stay in one of Tokyo's most iconic and luxurious properties.

The post Hotel Review: Palace Hotel Tokyo Offers an Elegant Escape with Imperial Views appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Hoshinoya Tokyo opened in 2016 and was built on the Hoshino Resorts' philosophy to create experiences from elements that are indigenous to the location.

So you may wonder why this hotel was built in the busy Otemachi financial district. It turns out that a naturally occurring hot spring lay beneath -- 1,500 metres underground -- making it the perfect location to open a luxury ryokan and onsen. In other words, Hoshinoya Tokyo is a traditional Japanese inn developed as a modern hotel, outfitted with a rooftop hot spring in the urban heart of the city.

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Location: 9/10

Conveniently situated in Tokyo's Chiyoda neighbourhood, Hoshinoya Tokyo is easily accessible by train or car. It's located just outside Otemachi subway station and only a ten minute walk from Tokyo station. The Imperial Palace and its expansive majestic gardens are just across the road too, which is worth visiting during your stay. The area surrounding the hotel is mainly filled with offices and taxis can sometimes find it a little difficult to find a direct drop off point. Guests are therefore advised to use the Otemachi Financial City Grand Cubes underground parking lot or be dropped off on the second basement level.

Design: 9/10

From afar, the hotel's monolithic dark exterior is deceivingly gloomy. A closer look reveals incredible lattice work, inspired by the geometric komon patterns of hemp leaves, that veils Hoshinoya Tokyo. Once inside, a theatrical entrance provided by automatic doors open up to a light, airy genkan entrance with soft tatami mats, high ceilings and walls lined with chestnut and bamboo shoeboxes. The hotel blends the old and the new seamlessly. It's where traditional aromatic woods, washi paper screens and low furnishings meet modern design elements, clean lines and geometric shapes.

Ambience: 10/10

Upon entering, and taking off your shoes, one immediately enters a state of blissful zen. The sight, smell and sound (or lack thereof) are, for want of a better description, relaxing. And it is this quietly calm ambience that runs throughout Hoshinoya Tokyo. So much so, that guests will feel the effects for some time, even after leaving.  During our stay, we noticed guests mostly consisted of multi-generation families and couples from Japan and other Asian countries. No young babies were seen but the facilities are made to be baby-friendly.

Rooms: 8/10

This 17-floor hotel features 84 rooms divided into three categories. The Yuri or Sakura rooms are made for two and range from 441 to 527 sq. ft. with bamboo furnishings in the traditional Japanese-style room. We stayed in the Kiku, a corner room which is the largest room at 893 sq. ft. and more spacious. It features a king size bed, walk-in closet, dining and living area, and a sizeable bathroom with a bathtub and shower room. The room basks in natural light and the sliding windows reveal the aluminium lattice which casts a rather stunning shadow on the tatami mats. Unfortunately though, the windows are not sound proof and I was woken up by sirens from a nearby fire station.

Service & Facilities: 9/10

The staff at Hoshinoya Tokyo are friendly and warm, which makes for a wonderful stay as you needn't worry about much. Service is quick and the team are extremely knowledgable, which is helpful if, like me, you tend to have a lot of questions. There are cultural performances and ceremonies to partake in too, some of which (for example, the tea ceremony) have additional fees. Kimonos and pyjamas are provided during your stay which is a great touch, but unless you possess a smaller frame, you are likely to find them a tad too small. The top floor public onsen is only open to hotel guests, so it does feel somewhat private. Of course traditional onsen rules must be adhered to. So if you do have tattoos, these must be covered with the stickers they provide. There is also a spa to further your luxury wellness experience. For those that wish to workout, you'll need to walk down to the nearby Spa Otemachi Fitness Club.

Food & Drink: 9/10

For dinner, guests are offered Nippon cuisine created by Executive Chef Noriyuki Hamada. The culinary style focuses on seafood, which is customary in ryokan dining and it is indeed a decadent experience. The meal is a cross between molecular gastronomy and kaiseiki, Japan's haute cuisine. We sampled the tasting menu featuring seasonal items, which in our case was a snow crab roe emulsion, and monkfish liver with kumquat sansho pepper and meringue dish. All of which are prepared exceptionally and enhanced by chef's creative French techniques. As a result, the dinner is fun to eat, though the atmosphere was a little too silent for our taste. Breakfast is served in your room, which is a pleasant and private experience to enjoy.

Rates: start from HK$5,940/night excluding tax, service charge and meals. Prices may vary depending on availability and season.

Rating: 9/10

Perfect for:  a relaxed and reenergising stay in Tokyo's most luxurious ryokan.

The post Hotel Review: Hoshinoya is the Ryokan that Brings Luxury Wellness into the City of Tokyo appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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Location: 9/10

Discreetly tucked away within the cobblestone lanes of historical Kagurazaka, which was once an entertainment hub during the Edo period, Trunk House is a hidden gem. So much so, you may even walk past without noticing, which is what happened when we arrived. The 70-year-old former training house for geishas quietly blends in with other wooden houses and is the hotel secret that you'll want to keep. On the other hand, it is conveniently located just northwest of Iidabashi station and close to Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku area. It's worth exploring on foot as you'll find cafés, boutiques, nostalgic restaurants, temples and more in the neighbourhood. What's more, if you're lucky, a chance encounter with a modern day geisha is waiting just along the narrow alleyways around Trunk House.

Design: 1o/10

This second property from the Trunk brand is considered Tokyo's first “townhouse hotel” concept. The traditional geisha house was taken over by Trunk founder Yoshitaka Nojiri who, together with his design team, took one year to fully renovate the interior while meticulously restoring the exterior to its original state. Showcasing a combination of both contemporary and traditional elements, the hotel's design feels understated yet luxuriously practical and stylish. Highlights include traditional-style tatami flooring, the tearoom's irori fireplace, a landscaped mini-garden, and wood panel ceilings that boast the building's original beams. This is juxtaposed with modern accents of industrial textiles, a metal-framed sofa, brass pendant lights and leather floor cushions.

Ambience: 10/10

Trunk House is the kind of space that instantly makes you feel cool for staying there. Designed to preserve a slice of Tokyo that is home to a thriving arts, culture and literature scene, you can imagine the modern creatives this might attract. Rumour has it that a certain high profile rapper -- full of direction -- was said to visit recently with his family, too.

Rooms: 9/10

Trunk House is an open plan living space that sleeps up to six in their solo suite. Upon entering, you will find yourself in the spacious dining room and kitchen facing a mini-garden which looks like a framed piece of art. Also downstairs is what the team call "Japan's smallest disco", which welcomes guests to let loose in private, or more specifically in a soundproofed room complete with an illuminated dance floor, state-of-the-art karaoke system, minibar and glitter ball. A keycard gives access to the upstairs space where a tearoom, along with all its ceremonial entertainment, can be enjoyed. Here, an aromatic hinoki cypress wood bathtub steals the show, and is surrounded by adult artwork known as shunga by local artist Masumi Ishikawa, which echoes old Japanese public baths. It can be covered up if younger guests are staying. The bedroom's space is clean and smart; revealing a hidden wardrobe and kitchen pantry as well as king size bed, which was comfortable but may feel too low for some guests.

Service & Facilities: 9/10

With 24-hour butler service -- via WhatsApp, Line, WeChat or good old fashioned speech -- guests are of course well looked after. But aside from the thoughtful service, which is both speedy and attentive, the team is extremely well trained and warm. From performing tea ceremonies, to running hot baths before bedtime, to joining karaoke for a sing song (upon request), Trunk House offers what will likely be one of the most heartfelt services you come across in Japan. As a townhouse concept, there are obviously less facilities than a bigger hotel. So for those seeking a gym, spa, or swimming pool, this rare and culturally rich experience may not be for you.

Food & Drink: 10/10

Head Chef Masashi Okamoto's creative interpretation of contemporary Japanese cuisine is fresh, bold and definitely worth saving your appetite for. During our stay this was offered over eight courses. For dinner, the tasting menu showcased a whole host of fresh Japanese ingredients in which Okamoto prepared and cleverly enhanced each dish. From Hokkaido oyster done two ways, to homemade aged duck ham, to foie gras chawanmushi (his take on egg custard), to lightly deep-fried Kobe beef. The food is, to put it simply, outstanding. It's paired with some fantastic wines, sakes, and shochu too. There is even some very rare Japanese whiskies such as an extremely valuable Hibiki 30 Year Old. Breakfast is equally impressive and presents an opulent array of small dishes to go with the perfectly cooked rice, including caviar, sea urchin, bottarga and much more.

Rates: From HK$35,588/night (prices may vary depending on availability and season) for double occupancy and includes breakfast and complimentary minibar (excluding alcohol). There is an additional charge of HK$3,558 per person. The property can accommodate up to six persons.

Rating: 9.5/10

Perfect for:  exploring the new and old Tokyo in an ultra private and stylish setting.

The post Hotel Review: Trunk House is Tokyo’s Luxury Geisha House turned Hotel Full of Charm appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.