Celebrity Life

Those waiting on the next public holiday, take note: Mid-Autumn Festival lands on 21 September (a Tuesday!) this year. It may still feel a ways away, but it's never too early to get ahold of those golden-yellow, buttery pastries. Don't miss out on yearly go-tos, traditional double-yolk lotus paste and creamy lava custard, or seasonal specials — bunny shapes or mooncakes stuffed with caviar.

Below, we've rounded up some of the best picks for the season.

Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason's egg-custard mooncakes are ones that stay true to the British brand's reputed expertise in tea blends and classic brews. Unveiling three new flavours infused with popular Fortnum blends — Earl Grey, Rose Pouchong and Matcha — the six-pack gift box (HK$588) tugs open at the bottom to unveil three miniature tins of loose leaves for a complete tea pairing experience at home. Naturally, Earl Grey is served with the classic blend of earl grey leaves; Rose Pouchong with Queen Anne, a mixture of rich Assam and Ceylon; and Matcha with the flowery notes of Victoria Grey. Orders can be placed at the Fortnum & Mason flagship.

Fortnum & Mason, Shop 022, G/F, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 3916 8181

Godiva

Godiva's 'mooncakes' are easy to love; no cake per se but beautifully decorated, decadent bites of luscious chocolate in its place. What does change, however, are the renowned chocolatier's range of flavours developed by Godiva's own chef chocolatier Sébastien Bauer. There are some that nod towards traditional Chinese flavours — lychee white oolong white chocolate mooncake, ginger mango dark chocolate mooncake or matcha kumquat white chocolate mooncake; others that verge on the edge of luxury — black truffle apricot milk chocolate mooncake made with Italian black truffle; and ones that are just an all-round tasty treat for the festival — passionfruit hazelnut milk chocolate mooncake and raspberry and rose white chocolate mooncake.

Godiva, various locations including Shop 1029-30, Level One, ifc mall, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2805 0518

Duddell's

Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Duddell's collaborated with the artists of Macao-based MO-DESIGN to create two lava cream custard mooncakes gift boxes inspired by Chinese traditions. The Signature Gift Box (HK$ 398) is inspired by the Mid-Autumn practice of moon-gazing and features red, blue and gold tones with a 3D moon. The Limited Edition LED Lantern Gift Box (HK$ 588) combines mooncakes and lanterns using traditional paper-cutting techniques and a lenticular sheet to create a mesmerising illuminated effect.

Duddell's, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong kong, +852 2525 9191

The Langham Hong Kong

This Mid-Autumn Festival, Chef Kwong Wai Keung of three Michelin-star T’ang Court at The Langham Hong Kong conceptualised two classic mooncake flavours to celebrate with family and friends. The treats are presented in an elegant package adorned with peonies, which traditionally symbolise good fortune and prosperity, as part of the hotel's series of collectable floral boxes. Flavours include the signature classic Mini Custard with Egg Yolk Mooncake (box of six mini HK$518) and the White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Egg Yolks Mooncake (box of four HK$ 548).

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

Kiki Noodle Bar

At Kiki Noodle Bar, it's the beloved dried sakura shrimp with taro mochi mooncakes that marks the return of Mid-Autumn festivities. Made in Hong Kong in limited quantities — only 1,500 sets — the secret recipe continues the noodle bar's affinity for innovative serves with a low-sugar mooncake made with chewy glutinous rice centre surrounded by sweet, nutty taro and dried sakura shrimp from Taiwan. Packaged in a box of six, the mooncakes arrive in a sweet bunny-shaped bag with two Peach Oolong teabags for a full pairing.

Vouchers are currently available for pre-orders at any Kiki Noodle Bar or Kiki Tea outpost. Order before 31 August for the early-bird offer: HK$238 (HK$298 for original). Collection period will be from 6 through 20 September.

Kiki Noodle Bar, various locations including Shop 2017, Podium Level 2, ifc mall, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2114 3426

Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel

A brief whisk-away to New York City is what Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel has created for this Mid-Autumn celebration. Reminiscent on the bakery's NYC hometown, the sculptural 'Fly Me to New York' gift set (HK$498) displays all the recognised icons of the city's skyline — yellow cabs, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Guggenheim Museum — against golden autumnal foliage and in a transparent globe. Inside, a set of six hand-crafted mooncakes in two delectable flavours: earl grey custard and classic custard — both a smooth, velvety finish against golden buttery pastry. Orders can be placed in-stores.

Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel, Shop 2, G/F, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3482 7735

Green Monday

For the health-conscious among us, Green Common has rolled out mooncake variations of its own, completely free of preservatives with zero cholesterol and trans fat. There's a brand-new range of vegan custard mooncake (HK$308) made using vegan creamery Miyoko's vegan butter and a squeaky clean-list of ingredients including agave syrup, plant-based milk and flaxseed powder. Also available, the anticipated return of brand's well-loved speciality mooncakes (HK$328) from the previous year: figs with pistachios and oats, mixed nuts with blueberries and purple sweet potato.

Green Monday, various locations including Shop B2, B/F, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong

Rosewood Hong Kong

In addition to traditional mooncake flavours, Rosewood Hong Kong is celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival with a special collaboration with local food brand Dashijie to reinterpret traditional recipes. The hotel's mooncakes, named “Love Parcels from the Moon," are sold in sustainable packages and are curated by Chinese Executive Chef Li Chi-Wai of Legacy House. The collection comprises five flavours, including Rosewood Traditional White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Egg Yolks (HK$498/box) and Rosewood Mini Assorted Flavour Mooncakes (HK$458/box), a selection of classic and creative flavours.

Rosewood Hong Kong, No18, Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 3891 8888

Sift

You'll find Sift's selection of mooncakes (HK$202) to be extra delightful this season; a can't-go-wrong classic that'll put smile on faces. They're the crowd-favourite flavour of lava custard! They're bite-size! They're shaped like leaping bunnies! Made with Sift's own signature recipe, the crumbly pastry breaks open to make way for a molten stream of salted egg yolk custard. A most delicious treat this Mid-Autumn Festival. Orders can be placed here.

Sift, various locations including Shop 240-241, Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2147 2968

China Tang

This year, fine dining establishment China Tang is going back to the origins with a collection of modern-classic mooncake boxes (HK$388) with Chinoiserie motifs. Flavours include the “Mini Crafted Egg Custard” mooncakes, which are fluffy-yet-flaky on the outside with a creamy and decadent filling, and the classic “Authentic White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Egg Yolks” mooncakes, made with silky lotus seed paste and golden egg yolks. The colourful boxes are eco-friendly and ca be repurposed for other uses.

China Tang, two locations including shop 411-413, 4/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2522 2148

The Cakery

In celebration of this year's Autumn Festival, The Cakery, Hong Kong's popular health-conscious bakery, has launched a selection of guilt-free mooncakes packaged in an elegant Chinoiserie-inspired gift box (HK$628). The collection includes four inventive flavours, like the refreshing Mango Bean Paste Lava Mooncake and the Taro Bean Paste Mooncake, which celebrates the versatile ingredient.

The Cakery, various locations including shop 124, 1/F, Lee Gardens 2, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Header image courtesy of The Cakery

The post Mid-Autumn Festival 2021: Where to Get the Best Mooncakes appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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

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

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

The best pet-friendly staycations in Hong Kong:

The Murray, Hong Kong

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

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

Rosewood Hong Kong

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

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

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

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

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

The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong

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

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

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

Ovolo Hotels, Hong Kong

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

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

the Arca

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

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

W Hong Kong

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

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

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hotel

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

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

The Langham Hotel, Hong Kong

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

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

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

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