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.

Theresa Mak — better known as Dashijie — is a veteran of Cantonese cuisine. Last year, she collaborated with Rosewood Hong Kong to launch their exclusive mooncakes. This season, she's teamed up with Mandarin Oriental to create a radish cake with aged tangerine peel. We catch up with her to learn more about her new products under her eponymous brand and what Chinese New Year means to her.

What do you look forward to most during Chinese New Year?

My first priority is to spend time with my family: my daughter, son-in-law and most importantly, my grandson. As they are living in Singapore, sometimes they will come over or we'll travel there to meet them. I will cook New Year’s Eve dinner with traditional Cantonese dishes like abalone, chicken, fish, dried shiitake mushrooms and so on, making sure there are abundant food to celebrate.

What is your favourite Chinese New Year tradition?

I like giving out red packets, decorating the house with red banners with lucky greetings written on them, preparing the candy tray with treats like chocolate, nuts, deep fried stuff — things that kids like to eat. I also like to walk around at the Lunar New Year fair, watch the crowd and enjoy the atmosphere.

Do you remember the first time you ate traditional turnip cake? What was that experience like?

My first time eating turnip/radish cake was when I was a young child, over 65 years ago. My mother made them. It was yummy, soft and easy to eat. The cake surface was fried until it is a little bit burnt. My mum will also allow us to dip the radish cake with oyster sauce! Since then, radish cakes have been my favourite Chinese New Year food.

When did you start making your own turnip cakes? And when did that interest turn into a business?

I started making my own radish cake maybe 30 years ago when I was in my 40s. I have seven brothers and five sisters so, as you can imagine, I have to cook a lot, around 70 radish cakes, 10 taro cakes and 30 coconut puddings each year.

In my 50s, a lot of friends wanted to learn how to cook radish cake and coconut puddings from me. Around that time, I also got into contact again with my cooking master, Ms. Pearl Chen (江獻珠). Since then, I also made traditional Chinese cakes for my cooking master as my tribute to her.

When I turned 60, I was encouraged by my friends and family to start doing my own Chinese New Year products as a business. As I always had a burning desire to open a restaurant, selling food products was an alternative for me to realise my dream. I started off with three products, namely radish cake, coconut pudding and water chestnut cake. The radish cake is still our hero product for the season.

Tell us about this year's collaboration with Man Wah. What was it like to work with Chef Wong Wing Keung?

I got to know Chef Wong over four years ago during one of my home banquets. He was shy and quiet during the meal but as I was curious about what life was like for a Chinese chef, I followed his Facebook. I then realized the real side of him: good humor, genuine and friendly. Two years later, he became my fifth disciple，五師弟. Chef Wong is a very seasoned Cantonese chef, so actually, it was an honor to be able to become his cooking master. I also learnt a lot of cooking skills from him too.

In September last year, I asked if he would like to create a new Chinese New Year product together. With permission from Mandarin Oriental Hotel management, Chef Wong and I brainstormed what will be a good and meaningful product. Him and I separately are fond of using aged tangerine peels to in our cooking. From time to time, he will spend several days cooking aged-tangerine peels with honey and Italian lemon and give away to restaurant’s customers.

Chef Wong is very creative and within a short while, he suggested to jointly produce a new flavoured cake: Radish cake with aged tangerine peel. Bingo! He and I are both very knowledgeable in tangerine peels and the making of radish cakes, so with a few rounds of trials, we finally came up with a recipe to produce this year’s cake. It was a very enjoyable experience.

What's new for your brand this year?

For my brand Dashijie, I created two new products recently, preserved meat sausage with aged tangerine peel, and black bean sauce with Japanese dried scallops and aged tangerine peel.

The post Dashijie on Family Traditions and Her Collaboration with Mandarin Oriental’s Man Wah appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The Glenrothes and Man Wah have collaborated for a shared menu dedicated to heritage. Available through October only. 

In its golden age, Hong Kong was a treasure trove of craft, of things made by hand, of heritage that endures. Today, many are on the brink of obsolescence, with lineages of workmanship whittling down to single remaining guardians of their secrets; one final custodian of entire generations’ worth of knowledge, know-how and expertise. 

Man Wah’s Executive Chef Wong Wing-Keung, for one, will not let the past die. The Glenrothes, for another, agrees in stride.

It’s heritage that inspires Chef Wong. Recipes nearly extinct, forgotten in time, revived just so with sleights of hand all his own; a point of curiosity shared fervently by The Glenrothes, with the spirit of discovery embedded in every cask, every drop of amber-gold whisky.

The Glenrothes and Man Wah's ‘Beyond A Culinary Gem’ menu begins as most familiar storybook tales begin: Once upon a time, with the first course’s given Chinese name leading with nostalgia quite literally (see: the first two characters in 懷舊功夫鴨腳包). This specific dish of classic barbecued duck feet, served glistening alongside pared coins of meat-filled sausage, marks a rare appearance, especially, in an institution as luxurious as Man Wah — but one very much indicative of Chef Wong’s penchant for time-travelled prescriptions.

From Scotland's Speyside to the Cantonese comforts we're deliciously surrounded by here in Hong Kong, a stone's throw away from Guangdong province, it's not simply a meal that's on offer with The Glenrothes and Man Wah's newest partnership. Rather, it's a homage to the very existence of craft held close to hand, close to heart that permeates every sip; every bite.

Rather, still, it's a homage to the existence of select people — like Man Wah's Chef Wong; like The Glenrothes' diligent team of makers, distillers and coopers — who dedicate lifetimes to the preservation and conservation of time-forged traditions; mementoes moulded through the hands of so many before us. It's a menu that celebrates just that.

Below, a teaser of the delicious mouthfuls to come.

First Course: Classic Barbecued Duck Feet with Barbecued Pork

The opening mise-en-scène is set with bites, colours and textures pulled from recipes with heritage; an age-old missive The Glenrothes’ 12-Year-Old, with its banana-vanilla-tinged sweetness, knows by heart.

A steeped and marinated barbecued duck feet is nestled alongside barbecued pork, pork belly, chicken liver and taro, wrapped tight in a thin cloak of duck intestine, then, sliced thin into coin-shaped slivers. Essentially, a sausage. An antiquated one at that.

Third Course: Stir-fried Spotted Grouper Fillet with Morel Mushroom

The stir-fried spotted group fillet course — plated alongside morel mushrooms and brown rice — serves as an identifying landmark; the midway point through this six-course degustation journey. The Glenrothes 25-Year-Old takes on the role of tour-guide; an aromatic thoroughfare weaving past the dish's umami stations before landing on sweet — on notes of salted caramel, mango and coriander seeds.

Fourth Course: Braised Pork Belly with Taro

The fourth course: enter the theatrics. Thick-cut slices of braised pork belly are served against wedges of taro atop candle-lit ceramic; a vessel that keeps the dish bubbling table-side. Another table-side companion, The Glenrothes Whisky Maker’s Cut sabres through the utter decadence of the course with resinous notes of fresh oak, candied orange peel and nutmeg.

Along the way, the second course serves up a double-boiled soup with fish maw, sea conch and black garlic, while the fifth and six courses taper off with brothy tributes: the former, a supreme broth infused with braised turnip and chanterelle; the latter, stewed pear, red bird’s nest and aged tangerine peel. Finally, Chinese petits fours conclude the menu with a sweet, sugary landing.

The Glenrothes’ 'Beyond A Culinary Gem' menu is priced at HK$2,888 per person. Available at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s Man Wah from 1 October to 30 October 2021.

The post The Glenrothes and Man Wah Collaborate on ‘Beyond A Culinary Gem’ Menu appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we can't think of a better way to start your morning than with a luxurious spread at one of Hong Kong’s finest hotels. From all-you-can-eat upscale buffets to thoughtfully crafted sets and indulgent menus, these are the the best luxury hotel breakfasts in Hong Kong.

SOMM, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

If you're looking for a bubbly and decadent breakfast, SOMM’s formula comprises hot, savoury, and sweet delicacies served with Olivier Blanc de Noirs champagne. Its cage-free egg dishes include a tempting poached egg English muffin with black truffle butter, hollandaise sauce and crispy bellota ham. To truly start your day with an indulgent treat, you can also choose from dishes like banana pancakes covered in toasted pecan nuts, dark Okinawa sugar syrup and yuzu.

SOMM, 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central; +852 2132 0055

Salisterra, Upper House

Newly opened Salisterra at Upper House boasts six delicate morning spreads featuring traditional East Asian fare, a classic English breakfast, a vegetarian herbivore special and even a Charcuterie set. You can opt for the House Viennoiserie for freshly baked pastries and French press coffee or for the Japanese set to try grilled salted salmon with tamagoyaki, steamed rice, miso soup, and Genmaicha green tea.

Salisterra, Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; +852 3968 1106

Grand Café, Grand Hyatt

The Grand Café at the Grand Hyatt has it all: an à-la-carte morning menu, continental and healthy breakfast sets, and an all-you-can-eat buffet guaranteed to have something for everyone. The thoughtful menu makes a note of everything (including alcohol and pork, as well as highlighting vegetarian options), allowing for a no-brainer morning meal. Make sure to browse the Healthy Choice teas to boost your energy, including a specially designed jet-lag relief concoction.

Grand Café, Lobby, Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; +852 2584 7722

The Lobby, The Peninsula

Eating at The Lobby at The Peninsula is a timeless Hong Kong tradition. Start your day early with authentic Continental and Chinese breakfast staples. Delightful dishes include a brioche French toast with apple compote, mixed berries, and maple syrup and an avocado rye toast topped with a poached egg and tomato salsa. Don't forget to try a home-baked pastry (there's even a gluten-free option!) from The Peninsula’s iconic bakery.

The Lobby, G/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2696 6772

Lucciola, The Hari

Trendy Italian eatery Lucciola at The Hari features a daily breakfast a-la-carte menu and a weekend semi-buffet option. Head to Wan Chai for modern décor, hot treats and eggs in any style. The upscale continental breakfast includes a bread basket, sliced fruit, orange juice and coffee. Need something sweeter? The orange brioche French toast with caramelised orange and mascarpone cream is a delectable dream.

Lucciola, 1/F, The Hari, 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai; +852 2129 0333

Clipper Lounge, Mandarin Oriental

The Clipper Lounge at Mandarin Oriental offers the perfect everything-under-the-sun breakfast buffet with dim sum and steamed buns, omelettes, noodles, congee, waffles, pancakes, and more. Perfect for a big group, head there early and take your time to check out each food station (the Chinese noodle selection is extensive!) to make sure you don't miss anything from the sumptuous banquet.

Clipper Lounge, Main Floor, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central; +852 2825 4007

The Lounge, Four Seasons

Enjoy dishes from the à-la-carte menu or opt for a hearty breakfast spread next to the Four Season's glass atrium lobby. The classic Hong Kong Breakfast comes with wok-fried noodles, rice congee, dim sum and Chinese tea. For an energising morning boost, the Well Feeling Breakfast set features an egg white frittata and a sourdough toast, complete with coconut juice, a fruit salad, organic yoghurt, a vegetable selection (asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, ricotta and basil), and coffee or tea.

The Lounge, Four Seasons, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3196 8882

Holt’s Café, Rosewood

The ever elegant Holt’s Café is ideal for a closer-to-home traditional breakfast. A contemporary and upscale take on the city's cha chaan tengs, head to the Rosewood for local favourites such as spiced pork cubes instant noodles, rice congee, and wonton noodle soup. The Hong Kong-style teahouse also offers Japanese and Continental fare, as well as an extensive egg selection.

Holt’s Café, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 3891 8732

The Lounge & Bar, The Ritz-Carlton

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the view from The Ritz-Carlton’s The Lounge & Bar is truly unbeatable. Enjoy classic Western, Cantonese and Japanese fare while looking over the Victoria Harbour and skyline. The Healthy Breakfast Package is guaranteed to be a hearty, nourishing start to your day, with six food offerings including poached organic free range eggs on whole wheat muffin with avocado and green salad, and a fresh fruit quinoa salad with honey, lime and basil mint. Want a lighter start to your day? Browse the wide selection of Chinese and black teas and start your morning with a soothing cup.

The Lounge & Bar, 102/F, The Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Road West; +852 2263 2270

The post The Best Luxury Hotel Breakfasts in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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

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

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

Textiles and cushions

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

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

Houseplants and greenery

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

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

Artworks and paintings

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

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

Statement ornaments and furniture

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

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

Wallpaper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On land and sea

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

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

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

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

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

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

To celebrate our cover star, legendary pianist Lang Lang, we’re launching a campaign to find him across Hong Kong.

Maybe you've seen him by a tram, at a bus stop, or on the cover of our magazine. Wherever he is, find him in the city from today onwards (from 18 May to 1 June 2020) and you could win an amazing two-night stay, for two people, at the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong's Harbour View Room with daily breakfast.

[caption id="attachment_207019" align="alignnone" width="1436"] Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong's Harbour View Room[/caption]

Enjoy a sumptuous stay in the elegant Harbour View Room and relax in utter luxury. Here, you'll find expansive windows that showcase incredible views over Victoria Harbour, a verandah-style interior which displays vintage Chinese artworks and Jim Thompson silk textiles, while an opulent stone and marble bathroom lined with Hermès bath products and a spacious walk-in wardrobe add lavish touches of comfort for your stay.

To enter, simply follow the 3 steps below:

1. Follow @PrestigeHK on Instagram
2. Snap a photo of Lang Lang and post it on your Instagram feed or stories
3. Tag @PrestigeHK and #FindLangLang

Based on the quality of the photo submission, a winner will be selected and announced on 1 June 2020.

Terms & Conditions:
1. By entering this Prestige contest, you will be bound by these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you satisfy all eligibility requirements.
2. This giveaway is open to Hong Kong residents only and entrants must be over the age of eighteen (18).
3. Entrants must follow our Instagram page and set their profile to public in order for their entry to be valid.
4. The giveaway prize is live for fourteen (14) days only.
5. Entries will be accepted within these fourteen (14) days. Thereafter the giveaway will close and the winner will be announced on 1 June 2020.
5. Winners will be contacted and asked to provide their full name and contact details via Instagram within 48 hours.
6. Winners will be instructed on how to claim their prize by by email.
7. Winners must respond to redeem the prize within seven (7) days of the prize announcement, otherwise the prize will be forfeited.
8. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash, credit and are non-transferrable to third parties.
9. Prestige reserves the right to cancel, revise winner or otherwise modify this giveaway at any time with immediate effect and without giving prior notice.
10. Photos are for reference only.

The post #FindLangLang For a Chance to Stay at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Thankfully, Hong Kong is currently in a better position than most of the civilised world when it comes to lockdown restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to regular haircuts have become a privilege that many would have otherwise taken for granted.

A collective sigh of relief can be heard around the fragrant harbour that many call home, knowing that a fresh cut is still on the cards. Though most men would not like to admit that regular visits to the barber are crucial in maintaining sanity and composure, there is an abundance of truth to that statement. The process of receiving a trim will inevitably require a level of hand-to-face contact, so stay vigilant and refrain from removing your face mask if possible during the grooming session.

Handsome Factory Barbershop

[caption id="attachment_206922" align="alignnone" width="1665"] You can always count on head barber Ball to sharpen your look[/caption]

Best feature: convenience

Originating in the hip Haven Street in the busy Causeway Bay area, this black and white tiled shop has been serving customers for years.  With a legion of loyal clients and a plethora of services available, the next logical step would be to expand the empire.  With a whopping five locations in Hong Kong, including the enviable pop up space inside Lane Crawford IFC, it seems there is no slowing down this train.  If one happens to wander over to Haven Street to satisfy a sweets craving, pop in to request a haircut with the very competent head barber Ball.  With a roster of experienced barbers in each location, dependable skin fades and beard trims usually aren’t far away.

HK$180 for a beard trim; HK$380 for a haircut

Handsome Factory Barbershop, 27 Haven Street, Causeway Bay, +852 2320 9976; additional branches here; click here to make an appointment

Hair House Barbershop by Adam Chan

[caption id="attachment_206921" align="alignnone" width="1440"] Adam Chan in action[/caption]

Best feature: ambiance

Started in 2013 by -- you guessed it -- a chap by the name of Adam Chan, this rustic shop quickly became a favourite amongst well dressed men in Hong Kong.  The second shop is nestled in an urban oasis in the Admiralty area, and is hard to stumble across without knowing of its existence.  What this offers is a chance to step away from the surrounding skyscrapers without venturing too far.  The venue exudes a charming old Hong Kong atmosphere sparingly blended with modern sensibilities. Not one to rest on his ongoing successes, Chan also introduced a line of products under the brand ‘Fade Jai’ ranging from pomades to cold brew coffee, which for lucky customers is sometimes served whilst waiting their turn.

HK$170 for a beard trim; HK$340 for a haircut

Hair House Barbershop by Adam Chan, 28 Sau Wa Fong, Admiralty, +852 5595 3976; click here to make an appointment

The Mandarin Barber

[caption id="attachment_206924" align="alignnone" width="2000"] A grand entrance at The Mandarin Barber[/caption]

Best feature: luxury

The year is 2020 and no one should be ashamed to admit to enjoying a bit of pampering every once in a while.  For those looking to truly enjoy the experience of getting a haircut or wet shave, look no further than the Art Deco drenched clubhouse situated in the historic Mandarain Oriental Hotel.  Sit back and relax, and feel free to splurge on the special treatments on offer like the Shanghainese pedicure or reflexology to melt away the stress of the day. Patrons can expect flawless barbering skills from the masters at the Mandarin Barber, many of whom have even mentored up and coming barbers who have gone on to open up their own shops.

HK$440 for a wet shave; HK$460 for a haircut

The Mandarin Barber, 2/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, +852 2825 4088

Homies Barbershop

[caption id="attachment_206923" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Jayme working her magic[/caption]

Best feature: value

This cosy shop does not receive the attention it deserves.  Tucked away on the first floor of a nondescript building near Kau U Fong, the quaint barbershop has everything it needs -- namely three very capable hair wizards.  Resident barber Jayme has a confident but gentle touch when it comes to trimming beards with a razor, and is able to create soft angles to enhance the jawlines of customers.  Given the central location of the store, it is perhaps surprising that very reasonable prices are offered.  Come for the haircut and shave, but stay for the old school arcade game stationed next to the door.

HK$200 for a beard trim with razor; HK$320 for a haircut

Homies Barbershop, 166 Wellington Street, Wellington Street, Central, +852 2797 9288; click here to make an appointment

Too Far East Barber & Co.

[caption id="attachment_206920" align="alignnone" width="1680"] Too Far East Barber & Co. in motion[/caption]

Best feature: service

Walking into Too Far East Barber & Co. is an experience unlike any other.  Customers are greeted with a choice of beer or bottled highballs.  The friendly atmosphere is welcoming and feels like a place where people from all walks of life -- from besuited bankers to tattooed artists -- can come to hang out (and get a haircut).  The furnishings are simple yet impactful, with much of the decor paying tribute to the bygone era of Shanghainese-style traditional barbers.  Of course, the services here are also excellent.  Cuts strike a pleasing middleground between hyper stylised rockabilly pompadours and timeless military inspired fades rooted in functionality.

HK$260 for a beard trim; HK$380 for a haircut

Too Far East Barber & Co., Unit 15C, 4/F, 15 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 9337 9868; click here to make an appointment

The post 5 Standout Hong Kong Barbershops Worth Visiting appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

It goes without saying that mothers deserve recognition all year round, but with Mother's Day approaching -- it falls on Sunday, 10 May this year in case you were wondering -- there's no better time to celebrate the first lady in your life this weekend. Whether she prefers to enjoy a leisurely brunch, indulgent dinner or spot of afternoon tea, Hong Kong's luxury hotels are offering the most opulent ways to spoil her. So without further ado, here are our top Mother's Day menus worth booking now.

Rosewood Hong Kong

Whisk mum away for a little afternoon tea at Rosewood's The Butterfly Room and indulge in a five-course spread of sweet and savoury creations. A complimentary Japanese strawberry shortcake and Asaya spa gift certificate is included in the offer. Or opt for dinner at The Legacy House where Cantonese cuisine with a Shunde influence is on the menu for lunch and dinner. Think classic style dim sum, traditional Cantonese soups, seafood and delicacies, in addition to a collection of speciality herbal teas for mothers to take home.

To Book: call +852 3891 8732 or email

Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Mandarin Oriental

From an indulgent Sunday roast at the Mandarin Grill + Bar with all the trimmings (complete with dessert trolley), or French fine dining four-course lunch at Pierre, to Cantonese lunch or dinner at Man Wah or a family-friendly Clipper Lounge brunch with a variety of seafood and mouthwatering desserts Mandarin Oriental has whatever takes your mum's fancy and then some.

To Book: call +852 2825 4000 or email

Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central

The Ritz-Carlton

There's plenty of options at The Ritz-Carlton on Mother's Day. Choose from a 3-course brunch, 3-course dinner and afternoon tea at The Lounge & Bar; a 4-course Italian brunch or dinner at Tosca di Angelo; or  an exclusive six-course Michelin-starred private dining experience focused on health-forward dishes and a well-being menu at Chinese restaurant Tin Lung Heen.

To Book: call +852 2263 2270 or email

Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon

The Murray

For a modern European style treat featuring plenty of bubbles, head to Popinjays at The Murray. Here, an elegant semi-buffet spread offers fresh seafood, salads, cured meats, cheeses, desserts and more. Guests can also pick one of five main courses including dishes such as the Slow-cooked Atlantic halibut and Black onyx beef striploin. The Murray Brunch at The Tai Pan and Garden Lounge also offer a full on feast featuring salads, oysters, cold cuts and carvery delicacies.

To Book: call +852 3141 8888 or email

The Murray Hong Kong, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central

Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong

Spend the afternoon sipping on this decadent pu’er tea-themed afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge in Kerry Hotel which features sweet treats with all the health benefits and antioxidant properties from the tea. What's more, each tea set will include a Cha Ling gift set made up of a fragrance, scented camelia brooch, young Pu’er tea and a complimentary Cha Ling facial experience.

To Book: call +852 2252 5237 or email

Kerry Hotel Hong Kong, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay

The post The 5 Best Mother’s Day Menus at Hong Kong’s Luxury Hotels appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Culled from Hong Kong’s always-hot dining scene, here are some of the most exciting menus to try this month. Be prepared for chef takeovers, collaborations melding divergent cuisines and seasonal specials -- these one-off opportunities are not to be missed.

Room 309 x Jouer Atelier

When: Now through 14 September

Price: HK$250 + 10%

Tucked away within The Pottinger, Room 309 is a modern speakeasy helmed by Hong Kong’s most celebrated mixologist, Antonio Lai. To get us in the festive mood (with Mid-Autumn right around the corner), Jouer Atelier joins 309 for a special cocktail-macaron pairing experience. The pairing takes inspiration from the holiday and includes a cocktail served in a traditional paper lantern, with a dim sum steamer holding a white lotus, custard and date jam macaron. Reservations are a must as Room 309 limits servings to only 10 per day.

Room 309, The Pottinger, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2308 3188

Giuseppe Zanoti Fall/Winter 2019 Afternoon Tea

When: Now through 15 September

Price: HK$418; additional glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut HK$270 + 10%

Inspired by the ethos of Giuseppe Zanoti’s Fall/Winter collection, Urban Beauty, Executive Pastry Chef Richard Long of The Ritz-Carlton reinterprets the aesthetics in an afternoon tea set. Enjoy six sweet delights and four savoury bites created to mirror the brand’s graphic and geometric elements, along with textured and exotic themes in the form of delectable finger food and exquisite desserts.

Café 103, Level 103, The Ritz-Carlton, West Kowloon; +852 2263 2270

Pirata Anniversary 4 Hands Dinner

When: 2 & 3 September at Madame Ching, 4 & 5 September at TokyoLima

Price: HK$350 + 10%

The guys at Pirata Group are celebrating their fifth anniversary with a series of festivities including a special four hands dinner by two of their top chefs: chef Son Pham of Madame Ching and chef Stephan Joubery of TokyoLima. The menu boasts signature dishes such as Kabocha – Mi – Hummas and Ccharred cabbage, home cured sashimi, pork neck katsu in a curry tomato sauce, and ponzu honey duck with pickled shallots. Each chef will take turns as guests in the other’s restaurant, bringing the carefully curated meal to both eateries.

Madame Ching, 5 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; +852 2577 7227

TokyoLima, 18 – 20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2811 1152  

Roganic Hong Kong x JAAN by Kirk Westaway

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Untitled-design-535.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FullSizeRender.jpg" right-caption="Roganic" left-caption="JAAN"]

When: 4 & 5 September

Price: HK$1,980; wine pairing HK$980 + 10%

In just six short months since the opening of Roganic and Aulis, chef Simon Rogan has proved to be a force to be reckoned with in the Hong Kong dining scene. This September, the celebrated chef is bringing more than just his inventive cooking to the table: He's teaming up with chef Kirk Westaway of JAAN in Singapore. The two British chefs are coming together for a second time in a four-hands collaboration, following the success of their first culinary partnership a few years back. Teaming up in Hong Kong this time, the two chefs will present a 10-course menu representative of their shared culinary ethos for experimental cuisine, showcasing the best of Britain’s seasonal offerings.

Roganic Hong Kong, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; +852 2817 8383

Tate Dining Room x Wing Lei Palace: A Taste of Autumn Stories

When: 4 & 5 September

Price: MOP 1,688; wine pairing MOP 1,000 + 10%

Chef Vicky Lau has made her name as one of Asia’s best female chefs with her tasting menu in the form of “edible stories” at Tate Dining Room. This September, she will focus on a special seasonal dinner in partnership with chef Tam Kwok Fung across the water at Wing Lei Palace in Macau. The 8-course meal merges the two chefs' culinary expertise in French-Chinese and traditional Chinese cuisine to express an autumnal narrative that showcases rare and seasonal ingredients.

Wing Lei Palace, Wynn Palace Macau, Macau; +852 8889 3663

Sühring Guest Chef at Mandarin Oriental

When: 12 & 13 September at The Krug Room, 14 September at Mandarin Grill & Bar

Price: HK$2,888 including a glass of Krug Grande Cuvée 167ème Edition; wine pairing HK$1,488 + 10%

The Sühring brothers of the eponymous two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok will be treating Hongkongers to a taste of their inventive German cuisine at Mandarin Oriental this month. Guests will experience an intimate 13-course dinner inspired by the brothers’ childhood memories, including beer garden specialties such as Leberkäse, the Swabian favourite Spätzle egg noodles with black truffles, and notable desserts like grandma’s secret-recipe eggnog.

Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2825 4014

Pica Pica x Ichu Peru

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DSC00443.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DSC00469.jpg" right-caption="Chef Sang Jeong" left-caption="Chef Edgard Sanuy"]

When: 17 & 18 September

Price: Approximately HK$600

Following the success of their previous partnership earlier this year, chefs Edgard Sanuy and Sang Jeong from Pica Pica and Ichu Peru, respectively, are joining together again for a very special tapas menu. The two chefs will be showcasing four dishes, each representative of their culinary region of expertise, binding the vibrant flavours of Spain and Peru. Look forward to iconic plates like Iberico pork morcilla with baby squid in ink sauce, slow cooked Spanish Black Angus beef rib with romesco and pickled onions, Peruvian pita bread with soft shell crab and aji Amarillo and Octopus with leek purée and crispy leek. The tapas are designed to be ordered à la carte so guests have the option of selecting from the permanent menu as well.

Pica Pica, Kai Tak Commercial Building, 317 – 321 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan; +852 2811 9880

Ephernité x Le Du

When: 20 & 21 September

Price: HK$1,788; wine pairing HK$380 + 10%

Congratulations are in order as The Mira Hong Kong turns 10 this season. To celebrate, Whisk invites farm to table concept Ephernité of Taipei and one-Michelin-star Thai/French restaurant Le Du of Bangkok for a special four-hands menu. Both chefs will each present four dishes, paying homage to the passage of time and reflecting upon meaningful milestones of their careers. The menu has been carefully designed to achieve a perfect balance and showcase the modern techniques of Asian and French cooking.

Whisk, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, 118 – 130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2315 5999

La Rambla x Sucede

When: 24 & 25 September

Price: HK$1,600; wine pairing HK$668 + 10% (minimum of 4 people required)

You don’t need to travel all the way to Spain to try the cuisine of Michelin-starred restaurant Sucede. This month, chef Miguel Ángel Mayor pays Hong Kong a visit for the first time to guest chef at La Rambla and present his award-winning modern Valencian menu. Guests can expect seasonal signature dishes picked from various historical eras and inspired by traditional Roman-style banquets. Prepared to be wowed by fan favourites including Spanish sea cucumber with spinach and pork terrine, and beef loin with cured beef tongue and lentil caviar.

La Rambla, Level 3, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2661 1161

Haku x La Maison de la Nature Goh

When: 28 September

Price: HK$2,180; wine pairing HK$680 + 10%

At the end of the month, chef Takeshi “Goh” Fukuyama will be welcomed by chef Agustin Balbi of Haku for a special 9-course degustation journey. This collaboration is unique in that both chefs share a background with international culinary training and a passion for the highest-quality ingredients from Japan. Destined to be a night of pure indulgence, the menu features delicate dishes such as saba and caviar, foie gras with persimmon, grilled octopus with konbu, wagyu, and Caldoso-style chicken with black truffle. A wine pairing option is also available to complement the meal.

Haku, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2115 9965

The post The Top 10 Special Menus You Can’t Miss This September appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Annual mooncake mania has once again descended upon us all and as we gear up for Mid-Autumn festival, which falls on 13th September this year; there are quite a few cakes to get through.

From the undefeated classics to more contemporary and creative delights -- indulgence is the name of the game. But fret not friends, as we've done most of the hard work for you (someone has to!) with our top 10 list of Hong Kong mooncakes, to try yourself or gift to others, that are definitely worth the calories.

The post 10 Hong Kong Mooncakes That are Worth the Calories this Mid-Autumn 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The treatment: Breathe & Detox Treatment

Duration: 90 Minutes

Products

One thing that makes The Mandarin Spa so special is that its products are exclusive to Mandarin Oriental. All the bathroom amenities, as well as the spa products, are by Flourish, the brand designed for MO properties around the globe. For this particular treatment, a blind test was conducted so that I could select the scent I felt was more soothing without the influence of botanical names. I chose the lemon and lemongrass, a blend of essential oils combining healing powers, which stimulate movement of the lymphatic system, detoxification and the reduction of water retention.

Service

Upon arrival, I’m welcomed by warm hellos and a hot cup of jasmine tea. Slippers are brought for me to change into, and the attentive receptionist introduces me to the therapist that will be looking after me for the afternoon. She gives me a brief introduction of the facilities and the treatment I’m about to try before we head down to the 23rd floor, where all the treatment rooms are located. Once in the luxurious spa suite, more tea (except this time lavender), detox juice and ice water awaits. I thought nothing at the time, but it turns out that following the treatment you desperately need to rehydrate -- how thoughtful!

Environment

There’s something very tranquil about The Mandarin Spa. Keeping in style with the hotel, its interiors and décor honour the Oriental heritage it's built upon with Chinese accents visible throughout. The wellness centre is spread over three floors spanning 2,100 square meters, and it boasts a Chinese herbal steam room, jacuzzi, tepidarium (warm Roman bath), indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, tea lounge, sauna and nine treatment rooms that include two spa suites with private vitality pools. Guests are invited to arrive 45 minutes before their scheduled appointment to luxuriate in these facilities offered to them. The Mandarin Salon is also part of this little oasis on the 24th floor.

Experience

Part I: Halotheraphy & Infrared Sauna

The treatment begins with a 30-minute relaxation period in the spa suite. I'm invited to enjoy the halotherapy, a treatment which involves breathing in salty air to mimic the conditions of a salt cave, where the sodium is said to improve respiratory and skin conditions, and infrared sauna to enhance my metabolism. Sitting nude in a little wooden and glass box might feel rather odd at first, but after the first few minutes I ease in and start to enjoy a good sweat. Relaxing it may be, but perhaps some sort of audio would have made the experience slightly less awkward. Before I know it, the 30 minutes are up as the timer inside the box indicates. Next I'm off to the steam and shower room to refresh and wash away the sweat and salt buildup.

Part II: Lymphatic Massage

With the sound and vibrations of a singing bowl and a deep inhale of my selected essential oil blend, my treatment begins. As I lie face down, the therapist works her way from my neck and shoulders down to my feet. It’s time to turn over: Unlike other lymphatic massages that I’ve experienced before, the therapist explains to me the importance of massaging the abdominal area and that this will be her concentration. I’m not usually a fan of tummy massages, as I’ve always worried about pressure on my organs. But her technical knowledge and technique so far reassure me and I allow her to locate the pressure points on my torso and the rest of my body. Aligned with my breathing, she presses in on my exhales -- with every breath relieving tension in the tummy area and promoting lymphatic drainage -- a strange, unfamiliar feeling that was surprisingly comforting.

Moving on, using a traditional gua sha tool, she applies pressure on points of my neck, chin and temples, then scrapes across my cheekbones, jaw and forehead to stimulate circulation and drain facial toxins. I’m in disbelief as I hear the sound of the singing bowl once again, ending my treatment -- how had 60 minutes gone by so quickly? The saying that time flies when you’re having fun (or in this case, being pampered from head to toe) comes to mind. I’m reminded to drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day to flush out all the impurities before the therapist politely retreats to allow me some privacy to fully revive and dress.

The intimate relaxation room is made available for those who wish to linger for just a while longer while they mentally prepare to be thrown back into reality. Knowing myself to be a sloth, I peel myself off the recliner and make my way out before being sucked in for the rest of the day.

Takeaways from the experience? One, abdominal massages aren’t as scary as I thought. Two, drinking copious amounts of water beforehand really reaps better results. And lastly, The Mandarin Spa is one of the city’s best wellness retreats to melt away stress -- even if it is just for 90 minutes.

The post Spa Review: The Mandarin Spa’s Breathe & Detox Treatment appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.