Celebrity Life

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

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

The best birthday staycation deals in Hong Kong

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Your Suite Birthday Staycation

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

Valid for stays until 30 September 2022

More details here.

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

Regal Hong Kong Hotel

Birthday staycation deal: Birthday Happiness Promotion

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

Valid for stays until 20 June 2022

More details here.

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

Cordis Hotels & Resorts Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Celebration Package

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

Valid for stays until 30 June 2022

More details here.

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

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel

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

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

Valid for stays until 2 July 2022

More details here.

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Magic Road, Lantau Island

The Pier Hotel, Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Birthday Celebration Package

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

This package is ongoing.

More details here.

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

Rosewood Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Celebration Package

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

Valid for stays until 30 December 2022

More details here.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Celebration Package

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

Valid for stays until 30 June 2022

More details here.

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

Auberge Discovery Bay Hotel

Birthday staycation deal: Celebration Package

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

Valid for stays until December 2022

More details here.

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

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Celebration Suite

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

Valid for stays until 30 June 2022

More details here.

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

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

Birthday staycation deal: Stellar-Bration Package

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

This package is ongoing.

More details here.

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

(Hero and featured image: Anastasia Shuraeva / Pexels)

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

Voyages plural, to be exact. Perhaps the world’s most luxurious cruise line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is bringing us elevated travel experiences with its new “Upgrade Your Horizon” offering — a chance to experience bigger suites, more unrivalled space and amenities, and even your own waitstaff.

We’ve been restless for holidays, aching to leave the confines of our homes and the city, so there’s no better time than now to rethink travel and truly indulge in the most luxurious vacationing.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a truly all-inclusive luxury cruise line, offering guests free unlimited shore excursions, destination-immersive itineraries, and gorgeous fully-equipped ships that form The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™ — sailing to over 450 ports of call across the globe.

All of this with security, safety and comfort like you’ve never seen before — Unrivalled Space at Sea^™ — that make your journey with Regent the ultimate cruise experience.

Enjoy the freedom that comes with being on the cruise, as well as huge decks and fresh sea air, spacious suites and private balconies, exquisite food at specialty cruise restaurants, onboard entertainment and more.

And when you reach your destinations, encounter hidden wonders at far-flung regions complete with knowledgeable onboard speakers and local guides while you tour, taste and savour.

Upgrade Your Horizon: Regent Seven Seas Cruises Brings Us Luxury Voyages of a Lifetime

And now with Regent Seven Seas Cruises’s new “Upgrade Your Horizon” offer, you can enjoy a two-category suite upgrade, up to a Penthouse Suite, when booked between now and 28 February 2022. That means even more space and additional luxurious perks — like a free one-night pre-cruise hotel stay when you elevate to a Concierge Suite, or a personal butler when you stay in a Penthouse Suite.

The offer applies to 255 voyages, including cruises through April 2024 sailing to countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Oceania and more. And if you’re from Asia, you’ll be able to benefit from a low 7.5 percent deposit.

“We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standards of luxury in a truly unrivalled experience, and with this upgrade offer, guests will be delighted with heightened in-suite service levels on their next cruise vacation,” says Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“We are thrilled to provide an abundance of choice for travellers to see the world in the comfort of our luxurious fleet which offers unrivalled space at sea across [255] voyages as part of the two-category upgrade.”

So what luxurious travel experiences does Regent Seven Seas Cruises have in store for you?

The Delights of Brazil & the Caribbean, for example, takes you on the Seven Seas Mariner^® from Buenos Aires to Miami for a total of 28 nights, staying in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and journeying to the remote islands of Ilha Grande, Brazil and Devil’s Island, French Guiana before visiting the best of the Eastern Caribbean. You get 76 free shore excursions across eight islands and territories.

And the Iberian Exploration takes you on the Seven Seas Iberian Peninsula Voyager® from Barcelona to Lisbon for seven nights, touring the Iberian Peninsula and the islands of Ibiza and Casablanca, Morocco. You get 65 free shore excursions including a panoramic meander around the Alpujarras Mountains in Almeria, Spain and an exploration of traditional fishing villages of Alvor and Ferragudo from Portimão, Portugal.

You can see all the voyages that are on offer here.

World Cruises, Grand Voyages and sailings aboard Seven Seas Grandeur® are not included in the Upgrade Your Horizon offer. For more information, please visit RSSC.com, call +852 2165 6020 or contact a professional travel advisor.

You can find out even more here.

(Images were provided by Regent Seven Seas Cruises^®)

The post Upgrade Your Horizon: Regent Seven Seas Cruises Brings Us The Luxury Voyage of a Lifetime appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The constant lockdowns over the past two years have left us craving the ease of jumping on a three-hour flight to Thailand and eating our fill of local delicacies for the weekend. While we (not so patiently) wait for countries to open their borders, we'll take solace in thought of booking one of these new hotel openings in 2022 across Asia.

All around we see people yearning relentlessly for their next trip, and as a consequence, several global hotel chains have gambled forward during the pandemic and cut the ribbon for their newest hotels. Whether it’s the sea, the sand, the sun, or the mountains, we're certain at least one of these hotels will be able to satisfy your next trip longing.

Fusion Original Saigon Center, Vietnam

As the first branded property under Fusion Original, the Fusion Original Saigon Center will take over 146 rooms in one of the most iconic buildings in the city. The hotel’s architectural design is the reflection of a youthful, whimsical design ethos, expressed through bold colours and artistic elements. These can be seen from the exemplary polyart walls in the common spaces, the traditional lotus flowers on the ceiling, and the textured windows. For facilities inside the hotel, guests can enjoy a large outdoor swimming pool on the 6th floor encircled by a tropical vertical garden, and find peace in The Nest lounge sanctuary that is hidden away from the bustling street just outside. It is highly recommended for guests whose top priority is to witness and experience Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural highlights, shopping malls, restaurants and bars.

Opening date: Second Quarter 2022

Meliá Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is about to welcome the first five-star hotel to open after the pandemic with Meliá, a hotel chain originating from Spain. Apart from the luxurious but simplistic design it boasts, the hotel is dotted with several interesting facilities that guests can enjoy. The must-visit is Chiang Mai’s highest rooftop bar on the 22nd floor – Mai The Sky Bar – that sits high over the River Ping and Doi Suthep Temple. Other dining options include the Mediterranean Mai Restaurant & Bar and the Northern Thai Laan Na Kitchen. The hotel is also equipped with a swimming pool, fitness centre, ballroom, meeting spaces and the rejuvenating YHI Spa.

Opening date: February 2022

Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, Indonesia

Anantara is opening its third property in Indonesia in the heart of Bali. The estate on this heavenly island will be known as the Anantara Ubud Bali resort, and consists of 85 guest rooms and villas in addition to 15 Anantara-branded residences. This sanctuary is set amid the tropical jungle, green rice fields, Hindu temples and shrines, so rest assured you will be greeted with heart-stopping sceneries on every acre of the resort.

Opening date: Mid 2022

Patina Ubud Bali, Indonesia

Unlike its outpost in the Maldives, Patina Ubud Bali adopts a minimalistic, neutral-toned design to showcase the greenery outside the windows. The hotel buildings are arranged cascading down to the sacred Wos River with 102 guest rooms and common spaces facing the river and the rainforest. As close to nature as it is, however, this river resort is situated just a short walk away to Ubud city centre, where ancient Hindu temples and a number of restaurants can also be explored.

Opening date: Late 2022

Raffles Resort & Spa Sentosa, Singapore

Singapore's renowned Raffles is about to open its second outpost in the country on Sentosa Island. Serving as Singapore’s first all-villa hotel, it encompasses 62 villas with a private pool and terrace area in each of the villas. The beautiful property is rumoured to include a bar, fitness centre, restaurants and ballrooms for celebrations and meetings. The world-renowned Raffles Spa and Raffles Butlers, an around-the-clock butler service, will also be available as well.

Opening date: Late 2022

Regent Phu Quoc, Vietnam

The Regent Phu Quoc offers a romantic escapade on the west coast of the popular island with minimalistic villas and suites. Situated alongside the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, guests can expect to see luxurious interior designs that compliment the silk sand and sky-blue sea just outside of their floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The huge property consisting of 176 suites and 126 villas has a lot to offer from various gastronomic experiences, whether local or fine dining, over to spa and meditation retreats.

Opening date: Second Quarter 2022

The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, Thailand

Following the opening of The Standard’s first hotel in Thailand in Hua Hin, Miami-based hotel chain The Standard is preparing its first out-post in the capital at Bangkok Mahanakhon. This highly anticipated hotel will serve as The Standard’s Asia flagship that plans to bring youthfulness and vibrancy to our restless city. Sitting in the tallest building of the city, The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon will be home to 155 guest rooms in addition to the beloved The Standard Grill from New York, Mott 32 (a Cantonese restaurant from Hong Kong), Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, and The Tea Room.

Opening date: 2022

Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen

Enjoy a comfortable stay in one of the key cities in the Greater Bay at the Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen. The very-soon-to-open hotel is settled on the 67th to 79th floors of the UpperHills skyscraper, a short walking distance to the Lotus Hill Park and Shenzhen Bay. Inside the building, 178 rooms and suites will accommodate guests to optimal comfort with in-room facilities like Diptyque toiletries, Dyson hairdryers, Bose Bluetooth speakers, walk-in closets and a glorious view by the windows. On top of that, 8 multi-national restaurants and bars specialised in Cantonese, Spanish and Japanese food will certainly make it to the list for foodies around town.

Opening date: January 20 2022

Park Hyatt Jakarta, Indonesia

The newest hotel at the capital of the archipelagic state is Park Hyatt Jakarta. The estate holds 220 rooms with all the facilities to accommodate guests such as an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre, and an authentic spa; all set on the top 17 floors of MNC Land Tower in the heart of Jakarta. One of the biggest highlights is definitely the Kita Restaurant and Kita Bar. Authentic but inventive, the restaurant serves various kinds of modern Japanese delicacies, from sashimi to shabu-shabu. On the other hand, Kita Bar will undoubtedly become a crowd favourite place to unwind, given that it’s looking to be the perfect spot to watch the sun set into Central Jakarta.

Opening date: March 2022

Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, Indonesia

If you’re looking for an immersive trip into nature, Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, will give you an unforgettable experience. Here, bricks and glass are expelled completely, for the whole resort was built from bamboo and recycled ironwood. The concept of “no walls, no doors” means guests are only a curtain away from nature which allows them to disconnect from the cyber world and connect with the outdoors. As for the culinary highlights, Open Kitchen is a zero-waste restaurant that offers 70% plant-based food, while the Botanist Bar features locally-grown produce from the resort’s garden.

Opening date: April 2022

Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Singapore

Set in the downtown core of Singapore, the Mondrian Singapore Duxton will feature a three-story building in the style of Singapore shophouses as loft suites to welcome guests. The adjacent tower will then house 300 guest rooms, a rooftop pool, a speakeasy bar and a restaurant. All of this is situated in the ‘day-to-night’ neighbourhood of the garden city that is within walking distance to the business district and many public transportation choices.

Opening date: Late 2022

Alila Dalit Bay, Malaysia

An eco resort to be opened on the northern coast of Malaysia, the Alila Dalit Bay is located not far away from Kota Kinabalu with 17 acres of white sand beach right ahead. The beachfront resort is composed of 152 suites and 74 villas with private pool and gardens surrounded with panoramic views of the Mengkabong River. Guests pursuing eco-tourism will be happily rested in these ecologically-designed villas made from woven rattan, local timber and tribal artefacts to encourage natural airflows. Outdoor activities are always within reach here whether it’s kayaking on the Mengkabong River or a little excursion along the estuary.

Opening date: 2022

InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Thailand

The concept of a train-turned hotel may sound peculiar, but in the hands of the energetic Bill Bensley and team, we can’t wait to witness the outcome. The InterContinental at Khao Yai is an escapade for city dwellers who are craving for a dose of green, for it is located among the 50,000 trees and 7 lakes near the National Park in Khao Yai. With the railway trails leading up to the northeastern part of Thailand, the gifted architect was inspired to build a time warp back to the era of King Rama V. The results are 45 luxury rooms and 16 repurposed heritage train car suites that will grant guests an experience like nowhere else.

Opening date: August 2022

The Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery, Phillipines

The first MGallery hotel to open in the Philippines is The Admiral Hotel in Manila. This artsy hotel will be occupied with 6 themed floors exhibiting local culture, festivals, folk dances, traditional games and more. With its prime location along the Roxas Boulevard, the hotel serves as the gateway to Manila’s Golden Age that combines classic and contemporary Filipino-Spanish architecture. Perfect for travellers on a business trip, this hotel is a real cultural hub that makes commuting to the buzzing bars, restaurants, shopping malls, and historical landmarks very easy.

Opening date: April 2022

(Hero image credit: Regent Phu Quoc; Featured image credit: Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape)

The post 14 Highly Anticipated New Hotel Openings in Asia for 2022 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

With less than a couple of weeks to go until the most wonderful time of the year, it’s time for the annual Prestige Christmas Giveaway. From December 13th to 24th, we’re offering Prestige Online readers the chance to win amazing prizes each and every day on Instagram, as we count down the 12 days of Christmas.

Whether you’re stuck on your gift list, sick of shopping, or just in need of a treat, here’s just a little something from us to you, to thank you for being our loyal readers.

Christmas Giveaway Day 11: Rosewood Signature Petcation

Staycations are a great way to relax and unwind closer to home. However, it's not always easy to leave your per behind.

Luckily, Rosewood Hong Kong invites all pets and pet owners for a lavish and memorable stay.

How to Enter

At Prestige, we're giving away Rosewood Signature Petcation. It includes the Grand Harbour View Room King for two persons and one pet for a night, in-room breakfast for two guests and pet daily, afternoon tea in-room for pawrents and pet, alongside with the access to Rosewood Hong Kong's dog restroom on level two. The Room also includes a bed, feeding bowl, pee pad/ little tray and welcome pet amenities. The petcation is valid from 5th January to 30 June 2022. To enter, head to our Instagram page @PrestigeHK and follow the instructions.

Terms & Conditions:

By entering this Prestige giveaway, you will be bound by these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you satisfy all eligibility requirements.
This giveaway is open to Hong Kong residents only and entrants must be over the age of eighteen (18).
Entrants must follow our Instagram page and set their profile to public in order for their entry to be valid.
The giveaway prize is live for five (5) days only.
Entries will be accepted within the five (5) days of posting the feature. Thereafter the giveaway for that prize will close and the winner will be announced.
Winners will be contacted and asked to provide their full name and contact details via Instagram within 48 hours.
Winners will be instructed on how to claim their prize by email.
Winners must respond to redeem the prize within seven (7) days of the prize announcement, otherwise the prize will be forfeited.
Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash, credit and are non-transferrable to third parties.
Prestige reserves the right to cancel, re-draw or otherwise modify this giveaway at any time with immediate effect and without giving prior notice.
Photos are for reference only.

The post Indulge in a Luxury Petcation at Rosewood Hong Kong (A Christmas Giveaway) appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Located inside the International Commerce Centre in Kowloon, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong boosts the best panoramic views in the city and offers a luxury experience like no other.

Upon arrival on the 103rd floor, where the hotel's majestic reception is located, guests embark on a memorable journey of unique experiences and five-star service. During the festive season, The Ritz becomes even more magical thanks to Instagram-worthy decorations, seasonal offerings and just the right amount of opulence among the clouds.

A Memorable Stay at The Ritz-Carlton

Location 10/10

Let's be honest, it doesn't get any better than this. The hotel's panoramic view is pretty much unbeatable and can be enjoyed from nearly every area of the property, from the private rooms, to the lounges, restaurants and fitness centre. Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton offers easy access to Elements and Tsim Sha Tsui's amenities.

Design 9/10

Originally located in Central from 1993 to 2008, when it reopened inside the ICC in 2011, the hotel was revamped and given a completely new look. Mixing contemporary elements with Asian touches and classic pieces, the large property is a temple of elevated luxury. The stately chandeliers, designed by famed architectural lighting designer Sally Storey, stand out in every communal area.

Room: 10/10

The Ritz-Carlton's 312 accommodations highlight its enviable vistas through large panoramic windows. The Deluxe Victoria Harbour Suite, where we had the pleasure to stay, is a 75 SQM oasis of comfort and outstanding design. We absolutely loved the window corner's area (which includes a telescope), the living room space and the elegant full marble bathroom. Other highlights include an ultra-lux mini refreshment bar, the Apple TV and the - truly - high-speed Internet access.

Service & Facilities: 10/10

Staying true to its global reputation, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong's service is personable and world-class at the same time. We loved the attention to details and the staff's bespoke approach.

When it comes to facilities, the hotel has something to offer for every type of guest. Located on 116th floor, the spa features 11 treatment rooms, including two couple’s suites, providing a serene escape to relax and enjoy personalised pampering experiences. We loved the lava shell body massage treatment, which uses Tiger Clam shells to boost circulation and sooth aches.

Two floors above, the large fitness studio provides a wide range of Technogym equipment in a tranquil and spacious environment that overlooks the breath-taking infinity pool.

Food & Drink: 10/10

Hong Kong foodies will not be disappointed with the dining options that the hotel has to offer. Now-famous for being a temple of haute cuisine, The Ritz-Carlton houses two-Michelin-star Chinese restaurant Tin Lung Heen and one-Michelin-star Italian sensation Tosca di Angelo. Additionally, we loved our meal at the Lounge & Bar, an all-dining venue that offers front-row seats to the skyline and sophisticated dishes. The menu includes time-honoured Western classics like steaks, soups, and salads executed to perfection.

For a memorable drinking experience, head to Ozone, one of the world's highest bars.

Christmas Giveaway Day 10: A One-night Exclusive Staycation

At Prestige, we will be giving a one-night complimentary stay in a Deluxe Victoria Harbour Suite with Club Access for a maximum of two adults (validity: one year, blackout dates apply).

How to Enter

To enter, head to our Instagram page @PrestigeHK and follow the instructions.

Terms & Conditions:

By entering this Prestige giveaway, you will be bound by these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you satisfy all eligibility requirements.

This giveaway is open to Hong Kong residents only and entrants must be over the age of eighteen (18).

Entrants must follow our Instagram page and set their profile to public in order for their entry to be valid.

The giveaway prize is live for five (5) days only.

Entries will be accepted within the five (5) days of posting the feature. Thereafter the giveaway for that prize will close and the winner will be announced.

Winners will be contacted and asked to provide their full name and contact details via Instagram within 48 hours.

Winners will be instructed on how to claim their prize by email.

Winners must respond to redeem the prize within seven (7) days of the prize announcement, otherwise the prize will be forfeited.

Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash, credit and are non-transferrable to third parties.

Prestige reserves the right to cancel, re-draw or otherwise modify this giveaway at any time with immediate effect and without giving prior notice.

The post Staycation Review: Elevated Luxury at its Best at Ritz-Carlton (A Christmas Giveaway) appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Located on the shores of one most Italy’s most picturesque stretches of water, Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como blends Italian and Asian elegance in a breathtaking historic location. We explore the property...

When George Clooney bought the historic Villa L’Oleandra on Lake Como in 2001, the area and its surroundings garnered renewed global attention. Pictures of Hollywood stars arriving on retro Riva speedboats to attend lavish parties cemented the reputation of the lakeside community and its shore as one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.

The popularity and exclusivity of the area, however, date back to Roman times, when its green lakeshore was frequented by aristocrats and artists. Surrounded by impressive scenery and overlooking the distant Rhaetian Alps, it’s no surprise that more recently, many of the area’s sumptuous villas, mostly built between the 16th and 19th centuries, have been transformed into upscale hotels and holiday homes.

Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Housed in the 18th-century Villa Roccabruna, and surrounded by dreamlike botanical gardens, Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is one of the latest additions to the area’s array of ultra-luxury hotels. Located in the village of Blevio, just five minutes by car from the centre of Como town, the property combines elegant buildings in exquisitely tended gardens with panoramic views across the lake, with hiking trails in close proximity.

When the Hong Kong-based group took over the property, locals greeted the news enthusiastically. In its previous life as CastaDiva Hotel, the resort’s interiors resembled the life and career of one of its original owners, celebrated Italian soprano Giuditta Pasta, with pompous furniture and details inspired by baroque architecture dominating the atmosphere. But when the extensively renovated property opened in the spring of 2019, it was clear that a breath of fresh air had come to the lake.

While celebrating and accentuating the original features of the historic building, famed designer Eric Egan and his studio focused on light and contemporary interiors and opened up the building to breathtaking lake views with imposing floor-to-ceiling windows.

Egan, who’s originally from Chicago but has worked and lived in Italy for years, gave the majestic property a new life by integrating nostalgic components from the Italian economic boom of the 1950s, as well as classic terrazzo floors, Murano glass and Asian touches.

Throughout the 21 guestrooms, 52 suites, two private villas and communal spaces of Villa Roccabruna, details such as paintings on Japanese cotton by Milan-based Japanese artist Shuhei Matsuyama, reproductions of antique Chinese screens and vintage Chinese wallpapers stylishly honour Mandarin Oriental’s heritage.

All these elements are in perfect harmony with the dramatic scenery of Lake Como and its longstanding reputation as a symbol of subtle elegance and exude a contemporary sensibility that reflects both Italy’s eclectic architectural history and the cosmopolitan evolution of the area as a global destination.

Nestled within an extensive garden, the accommodations, which consist of nine separate structures with Villa Roccabruna as the centrepiece, provide guests with plenty of peace and privacy. Some renovations of the private villas and suites were commissioned to different international architects, a choice that contributes to the hotel’s diverse range of offerings and experiences.

On the outside, not much has changed since Giuditta Pasta was singing, living and spending time at the villa with fellow intellectuals, including composer Gioacchino Rossini, the writer Alessandro Manzoni and the French novelist Stendhal. A stroll through the park, in fact, underlines the fact that the gardens and the building’s facade have been preserved for more than two centuries according to the neoclassical standards that characterise the area’s uninterrupted views.

New additions to the botanical park include a luxurious and highly photogenic floating swimming pool, the trendy Pool Bar and the one-Michelin-star restaurant L’Aria, housed in a lakefront building behind floor-to-ceiling windows. Once again, the contemporary design of these facilities coexists with traditional architectural features and natural elements, such as a 200-year-old Lebanese cedar tree.

As a quintessential feature of the group’s properties around the world, the hotel’s spa has already garnered Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como a spot on the global wellness map. Combining treatments inspired by the lake’s pristine waters with a blend of Asian therapies, the spa has been awarded World’s Best New Hotel Spa in 2020 and Italy’s Best Hotel Spa in 2021 respectively, by the World Spa Awards.

Whether it’s for a stay, a meal, a spa day or a sunset aperitivo, Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the Lombardy region. Much like its location, it’s already synonymous with impeccable taste and timeless elegance. Most importantly, it’s a symbol of the enduring efforts to preserve and elevate the aesthetic that makes Lake Como one of the most charming places in the world.

The post Lady Of The Lake: Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Villa Balbiano, one of the highlights of the recently released film House of Gucci, is available to rent on Airbnb, an American rental company that offers lodging and homestays rentals to travellers.

Located on the picturesque Lake Como in Italy, the 16th century Villa Balbiano served as the home of Aldo Gucci — the eldest son of founder Guccio Gucci, who played a key role in making the fashion house internationally renowned.

Here’s what we know about Villa Balbiano and how you can book it

The villa

Villa Balbiano was built by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and was later occupied by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini.

The building, which is located on the western shore of the lake, has six suites and marbled bathrooms. Each suite has a stunningly glamourous individual personality designed by interior decorator Jacques Garcia.

Its walls are adorned with 17th-century frescoes painted by the Recchi brothers and Agostino Silva. The villa has a boathouse, a private pier besides a swimming pool. The house also has artworks and furniture that were obtained from Sotheby’s and Christie’s auctions.

The villa looks like a gem along the lake surrounded by lush green mountains of northern Italy.

When can it be booked?

Only a fortunate few can book this luxurious Italian residence.

Villa Balbiano can be booked for a one-night stay — on 30 March, 2022 — only. To do so, those eager will have to wait till 6 December when bookings open at 12 pm ET.

The film

House of Gucci, one of the most anticipated films of 2021, is about a dark chapter in the otherwise illustrious history of the family.

The film is based on the book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed by journalist Sara Gay Forden.

It revolves around the murder of Maurizio Gucci, former head of the fashion house, on the orders of his wife, Patrizia Reggiani.

Adam Driver plays Maurizio and singer-songwriter-actress Lady Gaga portrays Patrizia in the film. Others in the cast include Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci, Jeremy Irons as Rodolfo Gucci and Al Pacino as Aldo Gucci.

Book here on Airbnb.

Hero and Featured images: Airbnb

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Pomellato isn't your typical fine jewellery brand. It prides itself for being different, for being bold and for being authentically, and fiercely, Milanese in its design and philosophy. This festive season, if you're looking for a gift for yourself or for the independent women in your life, you've come to the right place.

"Pomellato is about the beauty of being yourself," says CEO Sabina Belli, and wearing Pomellato can convey "a sense of power, independent, strength." The brand was created in 1967, at a time when women's rights were being affirmed. It was the dawn of a new era for new power, bringing to light a new generation of youths, women and creative minds.

Pomellato's founder was Pino Rabolini, who frequented the Brera's Bar Jamaica in Milan, an epicentre of progressive thinking for all artistic fields. When he established Pomellato, it brought a fashionable revolution to fine jewellery and was an integral part of the Milanese design renaissance.

Today, the brand carries on this independent spirit. While the world of fine jewellery can still be quite conservative, Pomellato is paving the way for jewellery that speaks directly to women who prefer to buy their own jewellery, and prefer jewellery pieces that liberate, rather than show off wealth and status.

With their unconventional yet timeless designs, Pomellato jewellery pieces are sure to excite the receiver, be it your closest women friends and family, even yourself.

Read on to discover the latest collections from Pomellato.

Nudo – gifts for the sophisticated woman

Take the Nudo collection for example, which debuted in 2001. At a time when ring settings tended to be more elaborate and traditional, Pomellato reduced the ring design to its bare essence, presenting its vivid coloured gemstones in its purest, most tactile form. The first collection featured vibrant hues of garnet, aquamarine, peridot, iolite and red tourmaline and enjoyed instant success all around the world.

This year, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Nudo Chocolate collection is born, bringing us a few new delectable designs.

The Nudo Chocolate collection is inspired by cacao sweet treats. Set with moonstones and brown diamonds on warming 18K rose gold, the rings, earrings and bangles are a departure from Nudo's usual colour palette, evoking a more subtle and sophisticated touch.

Iconica – gifts for the audacious woman

Design is at the forefront of the new jewellery pieces in the 2021 Iconica Collection. In sinuous gold, crafted in homage to Pomellato's origins in goldsmithing, the Iconica bracelets and chunky rings are sculpted from rose gold or white gold, with hand-carved diamond settings in the shapes of Pomellato stars, triangles, droplets, diamonds and squares.

There is also a precious colour parure in the collection, featuring a new "chain link" earring and a new hoop earring that comes with Pomellato's signature gemstone colours set in rose gold.

Catene – gifts for the fashionable woman

Catene, meaning chains in Italian, naturally features chain-inspired jewellery for the young, fashion-forward customer. Chains have always been a fashion staple, and have been at the very heard of the Pomellato story since the beginning. Founder Rabolini was the son of a Milanese family of goldsmiths who specialised in chain and ring-making. His Gourmet chain, when he debuted it, became the first fine jewel to be considered a fashion accessory.

Pomellato has mastered the technique for making supple chains, no matter whether they're stacks of chunky chokers or tiers of draped, gem-set chains. A long sautoir would require 16 hours to craft, while more elaborate gem-set versions could take up to 170 hours of meticulous work by Pomellato's craftsmen.

The timeless design makes the Catene collection the perfect daily essential with a Milanese sensibility. Composed of bracelets, rings and earrings, the collection features dangling and mobile chains in the Gourmette (curb chain) link style, which moves with the wearer as she goes about her day. The collection comes in rose gold with or without diamonds, or in white gold with diamonds.

Playful, sophisticated, stylish and timeless, each Pomellato jewellery piece is an embodiment of each individual's personality and style. It's sure to be a gift you would love to gift and receive.

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In Portugal’s beautiful Douro Valley wine country, we discover a lush enclave that embraced sustainable luxury long before it was trendy.

We drive along a winding road lined with olive trees and manicured vines. Beyond lie layers of vineyard terraces that step down into the valley, where at the banks of the River Douro they meet the glossy waters. Forty-eight hours later, I’ll be swimming there – one last soak in these sun-washed surrounds before a reluctant return to the city.

Portugal is suddenly on everyone’s radar and tourists are trickling in as Europe gradually relaxes travel restrictions. Although no longer a hidden gem, the sweeping vistas of Northern Portugal’s Douro Valley can charm even the most jaded traveller. Ten minutes into this Unesco World Heritage-listed landscape I feel as if I’m breathing slower and more deeply.

I last came to the Douro to visit a friend from Hong Kong who’d bought an old ruin – she’s still renovating the crumbling stone structure, which she’s turning into a home and boutique yoga retreat. Regeneration and restoration seem to be the game in these parts, perhaps if only to counter all the indulgent wine and cuisine.

This time, though, I’m headed to the Six Senses Douro Valley, where my mission is to relax, immerse myself in all the unpretentious luxury I can muster, forget about my phone pinging every five minutes and feel closer to Mother Nature. On the drive in, basking in the warmth of a sun-drenched September Douro microclimate, I feel as if I might just succeed.

Positioned as the ultimate in resort-style escapism, while offering Douro wine and spa experiences, the Six Senses has a distinct regional identity. Housed in a dusty pink and sprawling 19th-century villa, the resort is all contemporary interiors with a rustic touch inspired by Portuguese quintas. After being largely locked in urban jungles for the last 18 months, it’s the kind of place that promises a little transcendence.

Settling into the resort means enveloping yourself in a fantasy land of luxurious hospitality, authentic design and experiences meant to replenish and heal. This is a sanctuary in every sense of the word, but one that also offers daily yoga classes, tree-climbing, kayaking, hiking and other active ways of exploring these fertile environs.

After a cheeky glass of port on arrival, a glass elevator takes me down to a sunlit room with views overlooking a yoga deck and the valley, as well as light wooden surfaces and soothing tones that have been chosen to aid relaxation and sleep (as a long-time insomniac, I’m also delighted to see the wide handmade bed, by Naturalmat of England). Authentic regional materials, including dove-grey Portuguese limestone in the bathrooms, add to the room’s effortless appeal. And with 60 suites and rooms, the resort contrives to be both intimate in attitude yet grand in scale. There’s no point in locking myself in the room all day, no matter how lovely, when there are more than 8 hectares of the estate to explore.

The resort’s main outdoor terrace overlooks a 25-metre infinity pool, which I soon discover is the perfect place to do slow laps, followed by lengthy lounging in the sun, drink in hand. Inhale, exhale – I swear it’s different here. This becomes my happy place for the lazy hours around midday, when it’s almost too hot to partake in what the Guest Experience Makers might suggest: a hike around the forest ending at hanging meditation pods in the trees; a trip to prehistoric rock-art sites in Côa Valley, or a national park; and, of course, visits to some of the oldest wineries in the world. Or perhaps book a place at a lovely workshop to learn the traditional method of painting ceramic azulejo tiles.

In the vast Six Senses Spa, treatment rooms overlook the verdant valley below. A heated indoor pool with cold and hot plunge areas, water jets and saunas – plus the healing massage I’d indulged in earlier – restore my tired body after a busy day of paddle tennis and mountain biking around local vineyards. I make it to the gym once, but in spite of all the high-tech equipment and programmes, it’s frankly a poor effort (I reckon I can just as easily sweat unpleasantly back home). Instead, I head to the Alchemy Bar, where I learn to blend herbs, salt, fruits and a range of exotic ingredients into scrubs, masks and other potions.

As the Six Senses group embraced greener practices years before they suddenly became trendy, sustainability is at the top of the resort’s agenda. Impressively, staff are genuinely happy to wax lyrical about the details, so you get the sense these environmental commitments are genuine rather than some marketing greenwash. Locally sourced and environmentally sound products are favoured, and suppliers are encouraged to reduce packaging and waste, and to deliver in bulk. I find time to visit the Earth Lab (there’s one in every Six Senses property), where I learn more about the sustainability efforts and, in particular, how they affect the operations in the kitchens.

But enough with all this holy stuff, there’s also the serious business of epicurean indulgence – and where better to begin than in what seems to me to be the resort’s beating heart, the beautiful, eclectically furnished Wine Library? Ever since the Romans began cultivating vines in the valley, the Douro has been steeped in winemaking. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the popularity of Port wine had spread far and wide – and to England in particular – which began to cement the Lucullan reputation the region enjoys today. Today the Douro vineyards, including those around the resort, are still fruitful and abundant, and the area has also become a place in which to shed layer upon layer of urban stress.

On my own as well as under the eye of a resident expert, I lose count of the glasses of Vinho Verde, Branco and Tinto I sample from the Wine Library’s eye-watering range of bottles. As the sun’s strength begins to wane in the late afternoon, I sip delightful cocktails on the expansive terrace in a pre-dinner rendezvous with the resort’s manager, André. The terrace overlooks Six Senses’ lush organic garden, full of plants, sweet-smelling flowers, vegetables and herbs that are all used in the resort’s culinary and spa delights. It’s not a bad office, I have to admit.

Cocktail hour over, I walk into the beautiful stone-paved courtyard of the Vale de Abraão restaurant, then take a table close to the granite fountain and overlooking that almighty Douro landscape. There’s the scent of orange trees, while above me alone and enormously tall palm tree sways – I’m told it’s the tallest in all of Europe. I have to give myself a few moments to take it all in: the Six Senses Douro Valley can be a little overwhelming, especially when your usual view is of Tottenham, north London.

Oysters on ice, slivers of the freshest fish dappled with flowers and uzu sauce, pork cooked to tender perfection – these candlelit sunset dinners are exceptional for the tastebuds and so lovely to look at.

My visit here lasts just two full days, though fortunately, it feels much longer. Not quite enough time to reset my bad digital habits and sleep disorder, though. My time veers between action-packed exploration and slow, good-living indulgence. There’s the obvious luxury, though as it’s of a kind that’s connected closely to the earth, it doesn’t feel contrived or snobbish. And as I’m driven away towards Porto, from an escape I knew I needed, I can’t help but feel quite blessed to have discovered this verdant and truly remarkable little corner of the world.

Find out more here.

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Prolific Bangkok-based architect and interior designer Bill Bensley is going full steam ahead with a railway- themed resort that will see abandoned train carriages upcycled into luxury suites. We talk to the mastermind behind the unique project currently under construction in Thailand.

With more than 200 hotels in his portfolio – including The Siam on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and the recently opened, opera-themed Capella Hanoi – Bill Bensley has earned a reputation for his unconventional style, with generous doses of extravagance, eclecticism and storytelling always deeply entwined in his design narrative. He’s also reputed to be very sensitive towards local communities, and maintains a profound commitment to minimising the environmental footprint of the projects he works on.

Just over two hours from Bangkok and slated for opening towards the end of the year, InterContinental Khao Yai National Park, Thailand is set on an arboreal, 40-hectare site with views over seven lakes. Among the resort’s 61-unit inventory will be 16 suites repurposed from salvaged railway carriages, the first time in Asia that an international hospitality brand has been involved in an upcycling undertaking such as this. For Bensley, it’s a dream project, especially as the owner, Rena Udomkunnatum, is a previous client and close friend, the pair having worked together on her Rosewood Luang Prabang resort.

How did this project come about?

My client was working on a project in Khao Yai, and asked me to come aboard. It’s a beautiful part of the country with mountains and cooler weather – a novelty for Thais who travel there, many from Bangkok, hoping to get their annual dose of greenery, a chance to wear a sweater, and be transported elsewhere for a while. As with all of our projects, this needed to have a really unique story that would make this a destination in and of itself.

Why the railway carriages, and how did you find them?

I’ve always been a fan of upcycling and recycling, so repurposing train carriages was a dream come true. We found them all over Thailand. A couple of them had been sitting in a field for perhaps 50 years and, like Angkor Wat, ficus trees had taken root on the roofs and almost completely enveloped the carriages. While we had to remove much of the trees to pry the trains out of the fields, I’m keeping some of the huge root systems as there’s a certain beauty that comes with the idea of returning to Mother Earth.

What were some of the biggest challenges you were faced with converting these carriages into fully functional luxury suites?

Well, fully functional luxury suites are about space for the most part, and these carriages are only 2.5 metres wide. So, our best suites are 2.5 x 30 metres. That’s a challenge!

What’s your favourite aspect of this project?

The fact that we’re breathing new life into garbage to create magic.

What came first: the location in Khao Yai, or the train carriages?

The location – a stunning piece of land on the edge of Thailand’s most important forested national park. As a nature lover and a conservationist, it’s always a thrill to work on sites like this, and a responsibility to do as little damage as possible. We’d actually designed a complete hotel after I was inspired by the architecture of an early-20th-century railway station nearby. I scrapped what we had and redesigned the whole thing, bringing in the idea of upcycling railway carriages to really tell the story of an old station in Khao Yai.

What makes this particular location so ideal for the project?

Khao Yai has always been a prized getaway for wealthy Thais, a hill station of sorts where many have large country estates. It’s just two hours away from Bangkok, and the cool climate and forested mountains make it an idyllic escape from the heat of the city. There are buckets of things to do there – activities, cultural experiences and nature – so it’s very special. And with a name like InterContinental behind us, we can reveal this destination to the larger world of travellers. Khao Yai has always been overlooked by international luxury travellers, who instead headed to Chiang Mai. As the latter has grown into Thailand’s second largest city, with traffic jams and some high rises, Khao Yai has a chance to become the next great nature destination in Thailand.

Did it take some work to convince the owner, or was she on board from the outset?

She and I had previously worked together to create Rosewood Luang Prabang, which melded storytelling with restoration and building in a way that preserves nature. She understands Bensley Design and we have a wonderful friendship. As soon as I showed her the new plans for a railway-inspired hotel, she was truly on board! It’s great to work with clients that are also friends, as we have a lot of fun dreaming up ideas, visiting the mock-up trains, and collecting rare items for this special project.

Tell us about the design theme and inspiration.

The railway-carriage suites, and every room, tell the tale of a train conductor called Somsak who grew up near Khao Yai. Since childhood his passion was trains; he was a ticket collector, a conductor, a station master – all the time collecting railway memorabilia. One day he found out there were plans to build an extension of the line going through to Khao Yai. He gathered his savings, bought a plot of land and commissioned a local architect to design a station and ticket office in the style of the old architecture he’d come to love, and a small dwelling that he filled with his railway collection.

While working, Somsak saved every penny to experience the most incredible train journeys on Earth. They took him to Sri Lanka and India, and then closer to home: Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Yangon, Luang Prabang, Saigon, Phnom Penh, and Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Song Kla, Sukhothai or and even Chanthaburi. These journeys, which he could have taken the train to from Khao Yai, became the inspiration for the railway carriages. They’re all uniquely designed to reflect each journey and will transport guests to the glamorous golden age of rail travel, complete with boarding passes and special luggage tags. The presidential suites will have private, standalone pools, and even guests in the main hotel guestrooms have rooms which feel just like a train, complete with station signboards, luggage racks, bunk beds for some and private outdoor bathtubs for others.

Bensley Design projects are typically characterised by elements of nature, conservation, sustainability, storytelling and unique destination experiences. How does this new project tick these boxes?

This is a unique destination, as Khao Yai is just coming into itself and beginning to attract people from beyond our borders. In terms of storytelling, we loved coming up with the tale of Somsak the train conductor and developing his story through every part of the hotel. As always, it’s the DNA of our project and guides all of our design choices, so that guests are transported to a world of our own creation, while still being rooted in reality. As for sustainability and conservation, we always build using the sustainable principles outlined in my published white paper, and also consider how best to build so that we wouldn’t do harm to this natural, beautifully wooded site. We also brought in colossal 100-year-old trees which were seeking homes, and planted them here. Another aspect of sustainability is the railway carriages themselves – the truest form of recycling and upcycling.

Is this kind of upcycling a trend we’re going to see in hospitality design, especially with regard to big brands?

I hope so. This is the first time a big hotel brand backs upcycling on such a big scale. I hope more will follow suit – follow the less-treaded path of major upcycling and recycling, as it brings huge appeal to any project and so much character. I’d love to see an upcycled plane hotel, a grounded ship, or – and this is something I’ve been pitching for years – a 100 percent recycled hotel.

Safari on Wheels

Known as “the train on the bridge”, Kruger Shalati opened in September last year, offering a one-of-a-kind South African safari experience. Positioned on a bridge above the Sabie River in the Kruger National Park and ideal for wildlife viewing, this boutique hotel resides in repurposed railway carriages that have been exquisitely fitted out. Offering 31 rooms, consisting of 24 carriage rooms and 7 Bridge House rooms, all of which provide a deeply visceral experience and tailored for immersive comfort, the style of the train is a celebration of African design in collaboration with local art and crafting skills. High above the riverbanks, aligned with the floor level of the train, lies a pool deck, offering a swimming experience unlike any other — with crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes and elephants greeting guests just metres below.

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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.

With travel plans halted for the foreseeable, whisk yourself (and your pet) away for a luxurious night at one of these pet-friendly hotel destinations.

Forced to change the way we travel this year, the ongoing pandemic has meant that Hong Kongers are looking to unwind closer to home. With endless luxury lodgings on our doorstep, we're never far from booking a weekend retreat at some of the top hotels in the city. For some pet-owners however, a night away can be at the expense of paying for pet-sitters or asking for a favour from friends; however, there's no need to leave your fury friend behind this time.

Expect five-star offerings and an exceptional experience – pup in tow – with the best pet-friendly staycations on offer.

The best pet-friendly staycations in Hong Kong:

The Murray, Hong Kong

Those with smaller dogs under 10kg can lap up offerings from The Murray's 'Pawsome Staycation' which promises not only an overnight stay in one of its exclusive rooms, but a complimentary afternoon tea experience for two alongside alfresco daily breakfast, complimentary overnight parking and HKD$900 dining credit to spend as you wish.

The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3141 8888

Rosewood Hong Kong

Donating $500 to SPCA Hong Kong for every 'Four Legged Friends' booking, Rosewood Hong Kong hotel invites all pets and pet owners for a lavish and memorable stay. Upon arriving, those with paws will be treated to a selection of special amenities that promise to pamper. A sumptuous pet bed, toy and specially curated gourmet pet menu will be available upon arrival, with the addition of a guide to local dog-friendly restaurants, bars and parks recommended by the concierge team. Guests and pets will also be treated to a 45-minute yoga class, in-room afternoon tea and photo session.

Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 3891 8888

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Welcoming pets up to 4.5kg, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is curating its signature staycations to cater to dogs across Hong Kong. All pooches are provided with a gourmet food menu, soft sleeping mat and toy, as well as dog walking services. Alongside this, owners can enjoy HK$1,000 dining or spa credit when booking a room or HK$1,288 when booking a club room or suite per stay, as well as daily breakfast for two.

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2522 0111

The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong

The 'Pawfect Stay' package by The Ritz Carlton is the perfect excuse to book in for a relaxing long weekend with your pets. Allowing up to two pets per room, each booking includes complimentary pet-friendly comforts such as cosy beds, water and food bowls, plush toys, welcome treats and pet wipes. Relax in-room and take in panoramic views while enjoying 20 percent savings on room services (excludes the pet-friendly menu) or head over to nearby West Kowloon Nursery Park for a scenic afternoon walk. Pets will also be treated to a gift from Whiskers N Paws as well as an engraved pet tag.

If you'd like to indulge in the spa or dine in restaurants which require your pet to remain in your room, The Ritz Carlton also offer pet sitting services for your ease of mind.

The Ritz Carlton, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2263 2263

Ovolo Hotels, Hong Kong

When it comes to pet-friendly staycations, Ovolo spares no expense to ensure that both owner and pet are treated like VIPs. The V.I.Pooch package offers an indulgent experience and stress-free getaway, equipping you with home comforts and plenty of perks. Guests can expect a plush pet bed, water and food bowl, a bag filled with specially designed dog toys and treats, as well as staff on hand to provide assistance when you need it. All Ovolo locations are pet-friendly, but is only able to accommodate up to two dogs per room, with a HKD$500 charge per additional pet per night.

Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Southside, Hong Kong, +852 3460 1800; Ovolo Central, 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3755 3000

the Arca

For 'Pawfectcation' head to the newly established the Arca hotel in Hong Kong's Southside! A pet-friendly staycation spot that welcomes furry friends up to 25kg, enjoy complimentary in-room dining breakfast, afternoon tea, 10 percent off food and beverage during your stay, as well as complimentary use of "the Pawfect Wardrobe."

the Arca, 43 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, +852 37016000

W Hong Kong

All pets (up to 20kg!) are welcome (P.A.W) for a luxurious stay at W Hong Kong where expansive views and top-notch amenities await both humans and four-legged friends. Close to West Kowloon Promenade that's brimming with pet-friendly eateries, the P.A.W staycation provides a pet bed, water and food bowl, special menu as well as access to the hotel's WOOFBAR – the perfect place to chill out with pup over a few pet cocktails, treats and Whiskers N Paws shopping opportunities. Looking to get away for just one night? W Hong Kong's "Pawe-some Fun" Pet Package includes a one-night stay, takeaway breakfast from KITCHEN, WhiskersNPaws amenity box with pet’s treats and toys, an instant photo from WOOFBAR and more.

W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West Kowloon Station, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 3717 2222

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hotel

Available to book from now until 31 December 2021, Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hotel's pet offerings are perfect for riding out those harsh summer months. Inclusive of one night accommodation and thoughtful amenities for your pooch – bed, treats, one “Fresh Meal Pack for Dog” and more – guests can also enjoy a 15-minute professional photo taking experience at the Upper Farm Doggy Playground. If you are planning on a stay before the end of August 2021, you'll also be given complimentary access to the Dog Art Gallery: Experiential Zone (total value: HK$500) located at Harbour North Phase two.

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hotel, 1 North Point Estate Lane, North Point, Hong Kong, +852 3762 1234

The Langham Hotel, Hong Kong

A truly pampered pet-friendly staycation awaits at The Langham Hotel, Hong Kong. Tailored for pets under 15kg, pet amenities are available upon arrival, and guests will be treated to a professional pet photography styling shoot to "capture the true essence of guests and their four-legged friends," and to bring home as a souvenir. Don't fancy braving the heat? The package includes in-room afternoon tea for both you and your pup per room, per night.

The Langham Hotel, Hong Kong,  8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2375 1133

Note: This post was originally published on 12 January 2021 and recently updated on 11 August 2021.

The post Luxury Pet-friendly Staycations to Book This Month in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.