Celebrity Life

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

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.

Yearning to travel? So are we. So to get a little head start to the new year and perhaps allowing ourselves to dream a little, we've found our minds wandering to Krabi, where it's not so far that it'll require too many hours in the air, and yet also remote enough for us to get away from it all.

Krabi, on southern Thailand's west coast, is a province with the most stunning natural scenery, home to a jungle and over 200 islands, such as like Phi Phi Islands and Ao Nang, where one can find some of the most popular and gorgeous beach destinations.

Koh Lanta is slightly lesser known, and little has changed since the Thai island opened its door to international guests three decades ago. Its beaches are still pristine, sprawling beneath rainforest canopies, and the calls of wild macaques still echo through the dense mangroves just a stone's throw away from the shore shoals were tropical fish reside amongst the coral reefs.

If you want to connect with nature in a slice of paradise that has yet to be havocked by the human touch and is still far away enough from the maddening crowds, then the laid-back Koh Lanta might be worth checking out.

What to Do on Koh Lanta, Krabi

There's an abundance of beaches, from the golden sands at Long Beach (Pra-Ae) to smaller bays like Relax Bay and Lanta Secret Beach. On the southern end, where it's even quieter and more beautiful, you'll find the legendary Kantian Bay, Waterfall Bay (Ao Kong Jark) and Bamboo Bay (Ao Mai Pai).

The historic Lanta Old Town is also worth a visit if you would like a break from the beaches. The quiet town is distinct for its teak-coloured stilted houses that overlook the sea.

Krabi is home to over 200 islands, and there are many nearby islands to Koh Lanta that are worth exploring. Rent a boat and a guide, and spend the day island hopping and admiring the majestic limestone cliffs. The Emerald Cave is worth stopping by, named for the glittering emerald green pools of water.

Staying at the Pimalai Resort & Spa

Make Kantiang beach's pure white sands and surrounding lush jungle the view you wake up to each morning when you stay at the Pimalai Resort & Spa. The award-winning property is at the very southern end of the island, but has everything you need at the tip of your fingers.

You could spend your mornings lazing on your sun bed on what feels like a private beach, or scuba dive in the cerulean seas, admire the thriving coral reefs and spotting clownfish. Rejuvenate yourself at the signature Pimalai Spa is where you'd want to unwind. For the more athletically inclined, traditional Muay Thai and tennis classes are also offered. In the evenings, go on a sunset cruise, you'll never catch the same sunset twice. Pimalai is also home to some of the best eateries on the island, with Rak Talay serving Thai-style seafood (and a sunset show) or Seven Seas, which serves Michelin-chef-conceived dishes.

There are 121 rooms at Pimalai, but you'd never really feel the presence of other guests as every room is given its own private surroundings, with the Hillside Ocean Pool Villas commanding vistas of the stunning scenery straight from your own private pool.

The Pimalai Resort & Spa is offering a two-night stay at the Hillside Ocean View Pool Villa for two person, with daily breakfast and a round-trip transfer from Krabi Airport. The prize voucher is valued at approximately USD3,500. To enter our giveaway, head over to our Instagram and follow the instructions.

For more gifting ideas and holiday inspiration, check out the Prestige Christmas Edit here.

The post Escape to Krabi for a Luxurious Stay at Pimalai Resort & Spa appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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.

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.

[gallery ids="207320,207321,207322,207323,207324,207325,207326,207327,207328,207329"]

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.

While travelling might not be in the cards for us just yet, day dreaming of far flung locales is. In an attempt to satiate our hunger for travel, we've  rounded-up the hotels that design lovers dream of... just to inspire some of your reveries.

As we cure our wanderlust withdrawal with dreams of places far and wide, it helps to know where to set your sights on. From striking interiors, to secluded paradises against serene natural backdrops, these are the destinations to wistfully yearn for.

45 Park Lane

If you like lighting, bespoke detailing, and unbeatable views.

The brainchild of French architect and designer Thierry Despont, 45 Park Lane hotel follows a design concept that takes things back to the 1960s residence, creating a vibe that’s all about intimacy, discretion, and complete privacy. Each of the 45 spacious rooms and suites come with unparalleled views of the royal Hyde Park, while rooms on higher floors overlook the entirety of London. 

Fans of lighting design will be happy to see that half of the interior is focused around how light is manipulated, as Thierry filters and plays with both natural and artificial light in creative ways. On the outside, fins and louvres create blinds that distinguish the restaurant space from the bar, while a metallic waterfall effect on the side of the building is reminiscent of water ripples, nodding to the concept of capturing movement and light. Add to that custom-made design details — even the door handles are bespoke — and you get a truly special space where you can quietly appreciate the city’s stunning views.

45 Park Lane Hotel, 45 Park Lane, Mayfair, London; +44 20 7493 4545

Le Meurice

If you live for dreamy spaces, elegant interiors, and stunning craftsmanship.

Head over to Le Meurice’s Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite with Terrace, and you’ll be greeted by somewhat of a masterpiece, as far as interiors are concerned. With every detail meticulously chosen by design studio Lally & Berger, the penthouse is a graceful harmony between craftsmanship and innovation — perfectly complementing its surrounding Paris-city views. 

There are up to three connecting bedrooms, all of which come complete with large windows that light the space up with an easy breezy feel. The furniture set-up is flexible, meaning you can experience a home away from home, amidst the Versailles-inspired decor. 

If there's something that stands out the most, it's is the expansive outdoor space, which houses a beautiful private garden that feels almost otherworldly — taking you to a haven of lush green, inspired by the Tuileries Garden below.

Le Meurice, 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris; +33 1 44 58 10 55

Shishi-Iwa House

If you yearn for nature, minimalism, and solitude.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, Shishi-Iwa House is somewhat of a hidden gem. With only ten rooms, the boutique resort is nestled within the serene woods of Karuizawa in Japan — rising as a smooth, curvilinear form with a roof that flows with the movement of the forest. Driven by the goal of preserving the surrounding trees, Ban built the retreat by using prefabricated plywood panels. 

True design enthusiasts may revel in taking note of Ban’s use of cardboard, and how bedrooms and public spaces have been fitted out with timber and paper tube elements for a homogenous ambiance overall. 

Shishi-Iwa House, 2147-646, Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano; +81 80 7691 6020

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

If you appreciate tradition, extravagance, and heritage.

A favourite destination for Hong Kong, Bangkok is the quick getaway that is on the top of our list for when travel restrictions are lifted. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok makes for a great option to appreciate the spirit of Bangkok city. Inspired by the Chao Phraya River, the hotel’s River Wing was only just recently redesigned by renowned designer Jeffrey Wilkes back in 2019.

The resulting interiors are all about Royal Barge sculptures in hammered brass and dark wood flooring that lend a nice tropical touch. The fresh and light design styles are nicely complemented by whitewashed wooden panelling, textured linen drapes, and rich fabrics courtesy of Jim Thompson.

What’s especially worthy of mention is how the rooms draw inspiration from the hotel’s historic riverside location, with teakwood floors, carefully crafted furniture and beautiful Thai silks that truly enhance the resort-style ambience.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, 10500 Bangkok; +66 (0) 2 659 9000

The post These Hotels Are a Design Lover’s Dream 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.

[gallery size="full" ids="206654,206655,206656,206659,206657,206658,206660,206661,206662,206663"]

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.

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.

[gallery size="full" ids="197153,197192,197155,197152,197164,197157,197154,197158,197159,197167"]

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.

For those that have stayed at any of the ultra-luxury Aman properties (32 resorts, hotels and private residences in 20 countries to be exact and a further eight coming soon) you will know that seclusion is on another level here. These sanctuaries — including their spaces and experiences — have been purposefully designed for maximum isolation. In fact, at Aman, it’s not uncommon to feel like the only guest there, and there are very few properties in this world that can emulate such a high level of privacy. The word “Aman” does mean peace in Sanskrit after all.

Today, Aman announced the launch of its sister brand, Janu. Meaning soul, also in Sanskrit, Janu takes on a less secluded approach and instead focuses on social wellness. It axes on a different lens of luxury — one that resonates with a younger crowd. Instead of tycoons, celebrities and anyone looking to hide away, Janu’s targeted clientele is the millennial, tech-driven, and experience-hungry wellness generation. Its price tag, while still high end, is 70 percent of Aman.

[gallery size="full" ids="195838,195839,195840"]

Balance is Janu’s main philosophy. Its fitness programmes offer a mix of high-octane group classes and gentle meditation at wellness facilities that sit alongside hydro and thermal facilities. Culinarily speaking, while you’ll find fine gastronomy and tipples here, you’ll also find a deeper focus on today’s conscious methods in food; think fermentation, and low temperature cooking amongst others. This will be shared with guests through group dining and shared cooking experiences.

[gallery size="full" ids="195841,195843,195844"]

While many of today’s hotels look into the communal and experience-driven approach, what pushes Janu up a notch is its shared DNA with Aman. One can expect the same refined yet personal service Aman is so revered for.

Three hotels in Montenegro, Al Ula in Saudi Arabia, and Tokyo are set to launch in 2022. Montenegro will be the first of the brands to house a serviced resident concept.

This story was first published via Prestige Online Singapore 

The post A Look Inside Aman’s New Sister Hotel Brand, Janu 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.

[gallery size="full" ids="184582,184581,184580,184579,184585,184586,184583,184584,184587"]

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.