Celebrity Life

As close as one can come to the serenity of the Andaman ocean -- all without first having to brave the pandemic-era perils of commercial air travel.

When it comes to options, Rosewood's palatial waterfront property in Hong Kong boasts nothing short of an embarrassment of riches. Aside from the 400 or so lavishly appointed rooms in the main hotel, the opening of Carlyle & Co earlier this June (the nec plus ultra of private social clubs, sequestered away on the uppermost floors of the property) serves as yet more enticement for repeat stays: giving members, and a handful of their lucky guests, access to 8 New York-inspired suites on the 54th floor. But wait -- there's more.

Concomitant with the launch of Carlyle & Co, the team at Asaya Hong Kong -- Rosewood's resident 'urban wellness concept' -- has unveiled its own program of themed, weekend-friendly stays. Dubbed the 'Asaya Wellcation series', guests are given the "space and support" needed to break from the relentless pace of metropolitan living. In English? This may well be the most extravagant wellness-themed staycation in Hong Kong money can buy. At any rate, certainly one of the most exclusive.

Location: 9/10

Figuratively and physically secluded from the remainder of the Rosewood premises, the bulk of your 'Wellcation' takes place on the 7th floor -- in one of two 'lodges' that are the Asaya universe's riposte to the traditional corner suite. A winding staircase, adjacent to the private treatment rooms on the 6th floor -- where you'll initially arrive and be greeted by your Wellcation 'coordinator' -- signals your approach; taking you up onto a terrace flanked by keening trees, pebble-strewn channels and row upon row of candelabra-esque lights. Lodgings are located at the end of this area, directly atop the 6th-floor bathhouse facilities.

Even before decamping to your private quarters, there's an atmosphere of calm and remoteness that most Hong Kong hotels will be hard-pressed to replicate -- never mind those operating in the midst of Tsim Sha Tsui. In spite of glittering nocturnal views overlooking Salisbury Road, your immediate surroundings on the 7th floor give the uncanny impression, much of the time, of a resort in Phuket; complete with birdsong, dense canopies of greenery, and very little in the way of noise pollution.

Design: 8/10

As in the surrounding hotel, the grounds at Asaya have been designed with the aid of New York-based Tony Chi Studio. For Chi, texture and colour are the primary channels of creative expression: both the private and public spaces share in a similarly dulcet palette of sand, ecru and other neutrals; whilst providing a striking backdrop against which to bask in Asaya's truly varied array of greenery. Indoors, mineral rock and stone account for many of the built surfaces; and (to nobody's surprise) there is an emphasis on crafting wide airy rooms that possess a distinctly 'domestic' edge -- in spite of all their grandeur.

Room: 9/10

Overnight guests at Asaya always reside in one of two 'lodges' -- vast, freestanding signature suites that are not replicated anywhere else on Rosewood's premises. At just south of 1,000 sq. ft. there's abundant space (and more importantly, privacy) to entertain -- even if each lodge has been designed with an optimal occupancy of two in mind. Aside from a self-contained bedroom and sitting area (both using similar design accents to what you'll find throughout the rest of Asaya) each lodge's killer feature is a powder room that has been tailormade for private treatments. Just as well, since the 24 and 48-hour Wellcation packages include a choice of facial/body treatments, performed in the comfort of your own lodgings.

In the suite's wet areas, the scale is equally spa-like and impressive. A narrow strip of window (frosted for privacy, of course) runs across the triple-height ceiling; with an oversized soaking tub/bath salt trolley combo -- usually the centrepiece of smaller, Hong Kong-side hotel rooms -- tucked away in one corner. It is, to borrow a phrase from every fictional media mogul's favourite cousin, an "abundance of footage" -- let down, ever so slightly, by the absence of a few in-room amenities (e.g. a safety deposit box).

Service & Facilities: 9/10

For the duration of your stay, guests' needs are exclusively attended to by the Asaya urban wellness team. To that end, service is pitched at a calibre commensurate with what you'll have experienced on your last spa appointment or poolside sojourn -- notwithstanding one or two lapses which tend to occur when staff from the main hotel insert themselves into the picture. (Pro tip: Should you choose to take your breakfast in the courtyard adjoining the shared 'Glass House' leisure space, please note that this meal is prepared by the same kitchen responsible for Rosewood's in-room dining.)

Fortunately, Asaya's resident wellness practitioners -- who you'll inevitably end up spending significant time with, as part of each Wellcation's therapeutic/sports science inclusions -- are uniformly effective. Whether you're looking to address concerns of the mind, body, or something in-between; each session is individualised enough that you can transmute discoveries made during your time at Asaya back into daily life.

Food & Drink: 8/10

With the exception of breakfast -- a light repast with the option of being set-up on Asaya's grounds or inside your own lodge -- all of the sipping and supping you'll be doing occurs within the confines of the eponymous Asaya Kitchen. A partially al fresco space adjacent to the hotel's 25-metre infinity pool, the menu here has benefited from something of an overhaul since the restaurant's early days as a wellness-centric destination. Now, the cuisine of Executive Chef Renaud Marin (formerly of Upper Modern Bistro) has evolved into something more 'health-adjacent' -- and is all the better for it.

Using many of the principal ingredients of the Mediterranean diet -- olive oil, legumes, unprocessed cereals, seafood -- dishes are brimming with the sort of energetic, seasonal flavour you'd hope to eat when surrounded by so much water and greenery. But that isn't to say you'll leave half-full -- not by a long shot. For Wellcation guests, take the headache out of your itinerary and spring for a bit of everything with the 4-course set lunch menu.

A plateful of lobster cooked in its own bisque and served over cavatelli; or a king crab tartlet topped with dill and roasted beets: this is all satisfying cooking, prepared with tip-top ingredients that just so happens to possess as much sustenance for the body as it does for the soul.

FINAL RATING: 8.5/10
PERFECT FOR: Couples and families who enjoy taking their R&R together, without skimping on any of the 5-star trimmings.

Asaya Hong Kong, 6/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 3891 8588

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The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong continues to delight us with fun and curated experiences that attempt to transport us to our favourite destinations right in the heart of Hong Kong. Following the success of their first curated staycation, which brought us to Paris during Le French May — replete with authentic bistro experiences, French skincare and champagne — Grand Hyatt is turning its attention to New York this summer for an all-American escape.

Everyone's favourite Grand Hyatt Steakhouse has been completely dressed in Stars and Stripes and decked out in red, white and blue colours and little touches of America - including miniature figurines of the Statue of Liberty.

The four-course dinner menu is crafted specially by Head Chef Marc Benkoe, who has chosen premium American produce to prepare a spread of American classics, from Boston lobsters, thick-cut bacon slabs, New England clam chowders, macaroni and cheese, and of course, the steaks.

Speciale de Claire oysters or Oscietra caviar can be added to your appetisers to elevate the experience even more. We also highly recommend the Snake River Farm US Wagyu Striploin, which combines the melt-in-your-mouth texture of Wagyu with the beefy deliciousness of all-American steak.

The meal also comes with a wine-pairing option, featuring a great selection of American wines handpicked by resident sommelier Maxime Duval.

The steakhouse dinner can be booked on its own, but with the more than likely chance you'll stumble out the door with a food coma, why not go for the full experience and book yourself in for a Delicious USA Staycation?

Apart from the steakhouse dinner, the stay at the Grand Hyatt includes daily breakfast for registered guests (trust us, the breakfast spread at the Grand Café is not to be missed), and a bottle of Jack Daniel's Whiskey miniature (50ml) and a bottle of Michter's Bourbon miniature (50ml) as welcome amenities.

Complimentary late check-out at 4 pm is offered for Monday to Thursday departures, excluding the eve of public holidays and public holidays, and a special rate for valet parking during the hotel stay. Meaning, you'll have plenty of time to explore the wide range of facilities at the Grand Hyatt, including the Plateau Spa, the outdoor heated pool, the 24-hour fitness studio, the 400m jogging path and tennis courts.

The stay also comes with a complimentary HK$500 e-voucher, Nature Discovery Park tour and special shopping privileges at K11 Musea.

Priced from HK$3,100 + 10 percent service charge per room per night, the Steakhouse Delicious USA Staycation offer is valid now until 30 September 2021. Click here to book your staycation now.

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Built on the legacy of the Harilela family and inspired by its London counterpart, The Hari Hong Kong opened its door last December on Lockhart Road. Since then, the property has received a lot of attention for its charming interiors, food offerings and unique atmosphere.

There are not many places in the world where the luxury hospitality scene is as diverse and crowded as it is in Hong Kong. The Hari, however, brought to our city something that was definitely missing: a relaxed - and yet elegant - contemporary space that perfectly encapsulates the cosmopolitan urban retreat formula.

Location 8/10

Located between two of Hong Kong's most vibrant neighbourhoods, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, The Hari is surrounded by countless dining, shopping and leisure options. From the hotel, guests can easily walk to markets, trendy coffee-shops, upscale restaurants and local landmarks, like the Golden Bauhinia Square, Blue House and Hong Kong Arts Centre, to fall in love with this part of the city all over again.

Design 9/10

The property was deigned by Tara Bernerd of Tara Bernerd & Partners, who previously worked with Aaron Harilela to create the London branch of the hotel. The Lounge, located on the first floor, combines the atmosphere of an upscale private library, contemporary tea room and living room in one space. We absolutely love the attention to details, from the special editions of classic literary masterpieces on the shelves, to the impressive artworks on the wall and the carefully curated objects that decorate every corner of the room. This distinctive style shines through the guest rooms and other communal areas of The Hari, which exudes personality and character.

Room: 8/10

We stayed in a Premium Corner Room, a spacious open plan that overlooks the skyscrapers of Wan Chai and Admiralty. Larger than a standard room, the space includes a dressing room, a soothing marble bathroom and a living area by the large windows.

In line with the hotel's identity, each guest room combines luxury and comfort with contemporary design and artistic touches.

Service & Facilities: 8/10

Our stay was elevated by the hotel's friendly, helpful and attentive staff. Facilities include a brand-new gym with world class equipments and room service from the hotel's restaurants.

Food & Drink: 9/10

We've loved the hotel's food concepts, Zoku and Lucciola (you can check out our full review and interviews with chefs here), since the first time we tried them back in December. Both restaurants excel in identity, design, food quality and service. Zoku, a Nobu-esque modern Japanese eatery, never disappoints when it comes to refined and reinterpreted classic pairings. Lucciola, helmed by a Piedmontese chef, offers bold and memorable timeless dishes and regional options. Make sure to check out the outstanding cocktail options by Beverage Manager Sabrina Cantini.

Rating: 8.5/10

Perfect for: An urban escape in the spirit of contemporary luxury, cosmopolitan atmosphere and trendy eateries.

The Hari Hong Kong, 330 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai; +852 2129 0388

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

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

Location: 10/10

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

Design: 10/10

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

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

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

Room: 10/10

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

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

Service & Facilities: 9.5/10

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

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

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

Food & Drink: 9/10

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

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

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

Rating: 9.5/10

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

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

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As part of the Victoria Dockside design and arts district, which transformed the Kowloon waterfront into a diverse and unrivalled global destination, K11 Artus is an inspiring, art-centred urban escape the redefines the concept of contemporary luxury.

Originally designed as an artisanal residence for long and short stays, the spacious apartments boost incredible views of the Victoria Harbour as well as much-coveted private balconies. While luxury, comfort and excellent service are guaranteed and elevated, throughout the property, there's much more to discover than what initially meets the eye.

What makes a stay at K11 Artus a unique experience, in fact, is the detail-oriented and meticulously curated conceptualisation of private and public spaces. From the entrance, to the library, corridors and swimming pool area, technology, design and art coexist in a culturally-relevant urban oasis.

Each staycation is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a creative journey that embraces multiple disciplines. In the communal areas, the impressive art collection curated by founder Adrien Cheng and his team dominates the scene.

Balcony: Autumn Colours Over Rivers and Mountains, an image by artist He Wang, located in the library and inspired by the property's now-iconic wraparound balconies, subtly combines a Chinese classic landscape and techniques with contemporary architecture in a piece that celebrates and creates a dialogue between the present and past. The coexistence of preservation and innovation, in fact, are a central theme throughout the property.

To enrich their cultural experience, guests can also book a private tour to explore the world of traditional Chinese craftsmanship through the K11 Craft and Guild Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded in 2018 to identify fast-disappearing crafts and engage the public in cultural initiatives.

In Love is Now, an illustration located on the other side of the majestic library, which also serves as a space to work and relax, artist Jude Chan imagines a dreamy scenario to depict the beauty and romance of life seen from the balconies of K11 Artus. In the image, Chan captures the juxtaposing calm and peace of the residence as an artisanal home and the bustling lights and activities of Hong Kong.

For art lovers looking for a memorable staycation that combines world-class luxury, excellent hospitality and culture, K11 Artus is an escape like no other.

(Hero Image: view from a private balcony at night)

For more information and bookings click here

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Imbibed amidst an immersive patchwork of sounds, scents, and flavours, the latest edition of Krug's much-loved multi-vintage Champagne strikes a chord that is as joyful as it is delicious.

I'll be the first to concede that there's nothing quite like "the intangible quality...of taking in the terroir" but insofar as virtual tastings are concerned -- essentially the status quo for drinks industry pundits in 2021 -- the recent unveiling of Krug's latest Grande Cuvée proved to be oddly visceral and thrilling (in some ways, even touching). Every year since 1843, the eponymous makers of prestige Champagne have released a new assemblage of reserve wines, always consisting of the classic Champenois trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier; and always left to age sur lie for 7 years.

Dispensing first with the formalities, the 169th Edition is a "generous expression" of 146 wines made in 11 different years (Krug bottle single vintages relatively infrequently), the oldest of which harkens back to the turn of the millennium. It is, however, the 2013 vintage that -- to butcher a musical analogy -- really sets the bassline: with intensely "luminous and pure" Chardonnays; racy Meunier; and Pinot Noir that extrudes a long, treacle finish. It is in a word, unsurprisingly, 'scrumptious': at its best harmonising alongside sharp aged cheese; aromatic seafood dishes; maybe even a cheeky slice of tarte tatin.

Unsurprisingly, the hallmarks of this Grande Cuvée (namely quality, consistency, and complexity) remain present year in, year out; but it's Krug's highly intuitive method of presentation that helps to immerse drinkers in the art of crafting prestige Champagne. With the jubilant voice of Olivier Krug pouring into their ears -- livestreaming in from the Maison's ancestral holdfast in Reims -- participants in these 'Encounters' were able to hear the story of the 169th Edition in a style that takes you beyond the spoken word. An "audio pairing" composed by Belgian musician Ozark Henry (and fed through to listeners using 8D technology) chronicles, in sonic form, the entire journey of the latest Krug edition: from plot to tasting, and finally harmonious blending together at the hands of Cellar Master Julie Cavil.

As ever, these 'Encounters' ended with a culinary presentation (in Hong Kong, presided over by Island Shangri-La's Uwe Opocensky) inspired by the tasting notes for the current edition -- langoustine and freshly jetted oysters seem to be much-favoured accompaniments this time round -- followed by a round of questions for the Maison's patriarch, Mr. Olivier Krug. On whether he was excited for a resumption of global travel -- to better present this 169th annual bottling -- he expressed optimism. Until then, you could do a lot worse than sipping to a soundtrack.

The 169th Edition of Krug Grande Cuvée is now available at various retail partners throughout Hong Kong, including Watson's, The Fine Wine Experience, CitySuper and Avize Wine Cellar. To learn more, visit Krug online.

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As part of the latest offering for the city's vaccinated, there are three thousand half-priced hotel stays up for grabs. These are the hotels currently offering discounted room rates...

Featured and hero image courtesy of Jason Blackeye via Unsplash

"Stay Safe and Save"

Three hotels owned by Great Eagle Group are offering 50 percent off its room rates as well as dining deals in an effort to incentivise the public to sign up for both does of the Covid-19 vaccine. The "Stay Safe and Save" package offers a limited number of highly discounted room rates up for grabs every month from now until 31 August 2021. The hotels rolling out the scheme include: The Langham, Hong Kong, Cordis, Hong Kong and Eaton HK, and will only be available to those who are fully vaccinated and are able to present their vaccination records.

Booking Period: from now until 31 July 2021
Stay Period: from now until 31 August 2021

If 50 percent off your next staycation isn't enough to tempt you, those fully vaccinated will also enjoy a 15 percent discount when they dine at restaurants under the Group’s hotels. This incentive is available on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts

Dreaming of far flung places? Shangri-La is also giving away an entire year of free stays in any of their hotels worldwide, including over a hundred properties in 76 destinations. Those signing up for the lucky draw will need to have received two doses of the Covid-19 Vaccine in Hong Kong before 31 August 2021.

Check out more lucky draws and incentives for vaccinated residents here.

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Head over to Sofitel Sentosa for a luxurious resort stay with top-notch services and amenities guaranteed for you and your family.

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Since it first opened its doors back in 1991, the Island Shangri-La has been one of the most popular luxury hotels in Hong Kong. Thanks to its location, views and decor, the property is the epitome of timeless luxury.

We recently stayed in one the hotel's newly renovated Horizon Club rooms for a two-day staycation.

Location 9/10

Located in Admiralty above Pacific Place, Island Shangri-La is conveniently positioned at the very heart of Hong Kong's cosmopolitan centre, with easy access to every major attraction, restaurant and entertainment venue on the island. At the same time, its proximity to the city's major transport links make the hotel easy to reach from everywhere else in the territory. Last but not least, the 56-storey skyscraper boosts stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the Central District.

Design 10/10

Upon entering the hotel's atrium, it's impossible not to be mesmerised by the majestic Great Motherland of China, a 16-storey landscape silk painting deemed the largest in the world. The art piece, which is visible from the corridors, gives the space a unique and unforgettable sense of tranquility and timeless charm. Throughout the hotel, elements like Viennese chandeliers, European palatial touches, sumptuous carpets and an extensive collection of Chinese artworks perfectly blend to create an impressive visual experience.

Room: 9/10

The new Horizon Club rooms are everything you'd want from a luxury hotel in 2021: spacious, comfortable, equipped with the latest technologies and heterogeneously designed. We particularly loved the contrast between the urban chic bathrooms, quintessentially Shangri-La touches like the Chinese painting on the foldable door, and the vintage-style liquor cart.

Service & Facilities: 10/10

Every stay at the hotel is elevated by the Shangri-La staff's personable service and effortlessly elegant savoir-faire, which contribute to make the group one of the most celebrated hospitality brands in the world. World-class facilities include a stunning swimming pool surrounded by Hong Kong' skyscrapers, a spa, sauna and a fitness centre.

Food & Drink: 10/10

Conde Nast Traveler has previously honoured Island Shangri-La as one of the great hotels in the world for dining - and righty so. Starting from the semi-buffet breakfast, which is located at Restaurant Petrus for Horizon Club guests and offers countless of perfectly executed options, to afternoon tea and cocktail, to a meal in one of the hotel's acclaimed restaurants, a stay at the property is a gourmet experience like no other.

We are big fans of Head Chef Romain Dupeyre's innovative take on French fine dining at one-Michelin-star Petrus, where every meal takes you on a different culinary journey. This time around, we loved the new spring lunch, which features some true gems like the fresh and Greek-inspired Crab with yogurt, mint and quinoa, and the earthy Beetroot Tortellini with pistachios and goat cheese.

For those looking for refined comfort food and perfectly executed cocktails in a chic environment, finally, Lobster Bar and Grill, is the place to be.

Rating: 9.5/10

Perfect for: a staycation filled with timeless elegance, luxury and memorable food

Island Shangri-La, Supreme Ct Rd, Admiralty; +852 2877 3838

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Built in 1822, the Hotel La Palma is Capri's first and oldest hotel. It was a hive of activity for notable artists, poets, writers and musicians from all over the world in its heyday, and the epicentre of the social scene on the island, just mere steps away from the famous Piazzetta.

Today, Oetker Collection has announced that the Hotel La Palma will be joining its portfolio of Masterpiece Hotels. The renovated hotel is set to debut in April 2022, which hopefully, also marks a time when we can all freely travel again.

The hotel will receive a complete transformation, and the room count will be decreased from 80 to 50, including 18 suites, each complete with its own private balcony or terrace. The finished property will also house a rooftop restaurant and bar, its own beach club, a newly built pool deck, spa and high-fashion boutiques. The legendary nightclub on the premises, La Taverna Anema e Core, will also be re-opened.

Some of the most acclaimed architects are enlisted for the project: Rome-based Francesco Delogu of Delogu Architects design the rooms and lobby, while Tihany Design, led by Adam Tihany and Alessia Genova in New York, oversee the work for the restaurant, pool, spa and beach club.

The hotel's opening in April 2022 will also mark the opening of Gennaro's restaurant and bar, under the culinary direction of Chef Gennaro Esposito, a name that is extremely beloved in the region, and a man who has run his own two-Michelin-starred restaurant Torre del Saracino for 23 years. Esposito will also oversee Bianca, the rooftop restaurant with spectacular views over the sea and Capri Village.

The Hotel La Palma has all the makings of a world-class hotel and Oetker Collection will, without a doubt, bring this history-steeped Italian icon into world prominence come 2022. For now, we just have to wait.

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February is a month of love and celebration. And with traveling still out of the question, the city's luxury hotels are really going out of their way to make their staycations truly one-of-a-kind. Here's our latest selection of romantic staycations for all the starry-eyed lovers, no matter whether you want to keep things simple or go all out with flowers, champagne, and even diamonds.

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Normally, a stay at the Peninsula is already pretty hard to beat. They have the iconic rooftop helipad and unparalleled views of the city's harbour. But the Passionately Yours staycation is truly one-of-a-kind. The stay comes with a luminous turn-down inspired by the Southern Aurora lights, with a personalised map of the night sky written in the stars as a gift to the couple. All guests staying in suites can have the opportunity to have their portraits taken against the setting sun on the helipad too. And to top off an already magical evening, an aroma bath experience will be prepared for guests in-room. The booking period is from now until February 26, 2021 and the staycation is valid until February 28, 2021.

For reservations, visit peninsula.com or call The Peninsula Global Customer Service Centre at +852 2910 1628.

The Hari Hong Kong

The Hari Hong Kong only just opened its doors a month ago but is already proving itself to be a dining Mecca within the heart of Hong Kong. For Valentine's Day, the hotel is offering two romantic packages — Rom-Coms & Chill and Romance in Style, for couples seeking a fun and relaxed, yet luxurious staycation.

A highlight in both the packages is the in-room cocktail experience, where Beverage Manager Sabrina Cantini Budden, or one of the hotel's other talented mixologists, will personally make their way to your suite with their bespoke cocktail trolley to shake up any delectable drink you desire.

The Rom-Coms package comes with house-made popcorn and a special Valentine's Day set-up for guests to enjoy their favourite movies and series using Airplay, Chromecast or Miracast. In the Romance in Style package, a romantic turndown is included, featuring champagne, red wine or white wine, as well as rose petals and a bubble bath.

For more information and reservations, contact Hari's reservations team at +852 2129 0398 or bookme@thehari.com.

Four Seasons Hong Kong

The Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has relaunched the popular Stay and Dine package just in time for a new month of celebration. From now until March 31, 2021, the package will include an overnight stay at the Deluxe Peak View Room with daily breakfast for two. For meals, the hotel will provide either credits of HK$1,000 during the stay, or a gastronomic three-course meal in-room, with two complimentary glasses of Prosecco.

Guests who would prefer to enjoy an early dinner could do so at Shikigiku, and sample Chef Gott's tasting premium menu, which comes with a 300 ml sake carafe from 1:30 to 5pm.

And those who'd like to celebrate Chinese New Year, the Four Seasons has a special package from now until February 15. For a stay of a minimum of two nights, you could save up to 30 percent on the best available rate. The first 100 guests will also receive special gifts from Qeelin during their stay.

For more information and reservations, contact Reservations at +852 3196 8333 or email res.hongkong@fourseasons.com.

The St. Regis Hong Kong

Get ready to be completely spoiled by the St. Regis Butler team when you arrive at the St. Regis Hong Kong for your Valentine's Day staycation. The exemplary team works around the clock to ensure guests have everything they need to feel at ease. Whether you'd like professional help with unpacking, whether your clothes need pressing, even if you're just hankering for a good cappuccino, the butlers can deliver it all.

The Exquisite Rendezvous package includes a guaranteed upgrade to Premier Room, with 24-hours flexible check in and check out. Guests can also elevate the experience by upgrading to a St Regis Suite. Daily breakfast for two at the one-Michelin-starred Rùn is also included. Be sure to order the Chinese set breakfast for the most decadent chicken and abalone congee. Welcome and turndown amenities include a bottle of champagne and a bubble bath experience with strawberries and chocolates. For a bit of a detox/ retox situation, start the day with a personalised fitness training for two, followed by signature Canto Mary cocktails. To top it all off, the hotel is offering HKD500 credits to use during the stay.

For more information and reservations, click here.

Island Shangri-La

The team at Island Shangri-La has got Valentine's Day down to a tee with the Diamonds Are Forever offer. The staycation comes with the ultimate gift — a Piaget Rose diamond pendant necklace, paired with a candlelit, wine-paired dinner from Executive Chef Uwe Opocensky in the Presidential Suite or Specialty Suite filled with blooms. Champagne and chocolates at the guests' arrival is almost standard at this point. But a private butler will also deliver a bouquet of 99 red roses to the suite at the perfect time. A champagne breakfast the next morning completes the sweet deal, before a round-trip limousine transfer whisks you back to reality.

The offer is available from 1 to 14 February 2021, and an advanced booking of at least three days is required. For more information and reservations, contact the team at reservations.isl@shangr-la.com or call +852 2820 8333 and mention the promotion code PVDAY when making the reservation.

Rosewood Hong Kong

For those looking for the ultimate splurge, Rosewood Hong Kong has five luxury staycation packages for guests to choose from, including "The Splurge Couple", "The Blooms & Blossoms Hopeless Romantics", "The Food Fanatics", "The Wellness Couple" and "The Chill Couple". Starting from an extravagant $70,000, all of these stays are three-day, two nights and come with bespoke programmes and tantalising dining options for a real getaway.

The Splurge Couple package for example brings guests to the Manor Suite, with breathtaking views of the harbour and amenities such as the Vispring bed — also known as the "Rolls-Royce of beds". A mixologist from DarkSide will whip up iconic cocktails, while guests enjoy a live-streamed jazz performance in the suite. World-class dining at Henry or Legacy House, and premium spa treatments at Asaya aside, what's truly unique about this stay is that Rosewood has teamed up with Rolls-Royce and Ferretti Group for a two-day, one-night stay at Salisbury Penthouse, a three-bedroom duplex suite at Rosewood Residences. Guests will be chauffeured to the Ferretti Group Aberdeen Marina by Rolls-Royce to set sail on a yacht to enjoy the sunset followed by a private dining experience presented by Rosewood's Chef Supper Club.

There's not a more romantic gesture than flowers — a suite full of flowers. For the Blooms & Blossoms Hopeless Romantics package, the Grand Harbour Corner Suite will be completely flower-filled, decorated by florists from Blooms & Blossoms, with the Victoria Harbour as a backdrop. A private dining experience will be presented by Chef Supper Club at Glass House by the infinity pool, or if guests prefer, they can take their meal in the comfort of their own room. To further drum up the romantic mood, a flower jamming workshop, a chocolate workshop, and a cocktail-making class will be arranged. To wrap it all up, an afternoon tea set from Butterfly Patisserie can be ordered at leisure.

For more information or reservations, contact Rosewood's Director of Romance at hongkong.events@rosewoodhotels.com

The post The Most Romantic Staycations in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The day we can travel stress-free and socially distanced may be closer than we think. And when that day comes, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has a new private island we can consider.

The Waldorf Astoria has announced the opening of Ithaafushi Private Island. Unveiled today, it's set to become the largest Maldivian private island. The property spans 32,000 square-meters, right at the heart of the Indian Ocean. It promises to be the ultimate escape with unparalleled levels of privacy and personalised service befitting the Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts brand.

Ultimate Privacy on Ithaafushi Private Island

There are two ways you could reach Ithaafushi. The resort offers a 40-minute ride on one of its six luxury Princess yachts, or via a 15-minute seaplane flight. The private island only accommodates 24 guests across its sprawling estate, which houses two elegant villas and one sweeping four-bedroom residence.

A two-bedroom overwater villa is perfect for those who wish for an ocean experience, and comes with double dressing rooms, indoor and outdoor rain showers, a shared living room and an infinity pool and jacuzzi.

For those who wish to reside on land, there is the three-bedroom beach villa, hidden amongst lush gardens and coconut palm canopies for the utmost privacy, and comes with its own private beach access and two swimming pools.

For larger groups, there is the four-bedroom residence, with two king bedrooms, two queen bedrooms, jacuzzis and an expansive common living room, all with direct access to the beach.

Fine Dining at Every Turn

You might be surrounded by sea on a remote private island, but when it comes to dining, you'll be spoilt for choice. The private island's culinary team offers bespoke menus for any occasion you desire. You could choose to enjoy your meals in the villa, or at the estate's common living room, Haali.

Guests can also dine back on the main island, which features 10 other specialty dining venues such as The Ledge and Terra. The Ledge is created by Dave Pynt, the mastermind behind Singapore's Michelin-starred Burnt Ends restaurant. The Terra offers a unique dining experience. Guests dine in private hand-crafted bamboo dining pods located on the main island's highest point, surrounded by spectacular views.

Paradise Awaits

There's plentiful to do on Ithaafushi, no matter what your preferences are. Read about our stay at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi here. Wellness seekers can head to the dedicated Wellness Concierge in the overwater spa. There's also a meditation and yoga pavilion with magnificent ocean views. The Young Discovery Park, where the water recreation area and various activities will capture the minds of young guests.

Health and Safety

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi operates with industry-leading standards of cleanliness and disinfection under the Hilton CleanStay programme. The programme adheres to the Maldivian health and safety guidelines. You could learn more about the Hilton CleanStay programme here.

The post Ithaafushi — Maldives’ Biggest Private Island Debuts appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.