Hong-Kong

Port Aberdeen in Hong Kong is one of the rare places in the world where one can observe fishermen in their traditional junks sailing past of huge modern buildings. As a city somewhere between the traditional and the modern, between luxury and ordinary everyday life, Hong Kong imposes its own individual style. This autonomous enclave of China with the appearance of an American metropolis, is a symbol of Far Eastern economic success, in spite of the  wounds left by its return to China and the ensuing crisis. Enjoy a typical Cantonese dim sum meal for breakfast or brunch in a tea room, before venturing around the red pillars of the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin temple. Discover the very present Hong Kong folklore, the Buddhist temples and the museums, while at the same time taking advantage of the luxury offered by the prestigious hotels and oriental palaces in Central, the business quarter of Hong Kong Island, and at the tip of Tsim Sha Tsui on the mainland part of Kowloon.

Hong Kong Island

On Hong Kong Island, the huge agglomeration of buildings that can be seen from the boats gliding into Port Victoria is none other than the business quarter known as Central. In the midst of this modern jungle, some buildings dating back to the British colonial period and luxuriant parks stand between imposing modern skyscrapers. The huge shopping malls in Central, one of the quarter’s main attractions, are well known to “fashion victims.” The Mandarin Oriental Landmark, located at 15 Queen’s Road, a few minutes from the fanciest boutiques and restaurants, offers a wide range of unparalleled treatments in its two story spa, to relax its guests after a long day of non-stop shopping. At night, the M bar and the Captain’s bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong welcomes all of the city’s high society. In a more classical style, this mythical and refined hotel overlooks Port Victoria and offers its guests a panoramic view of Hong Kong equal to that of Victoria Peak, the island’s number one tourist site. To vary your outings, Lan Kwai and Soho with its huge number of bars and restaurants are not very far away. And to discover the more picturesque Hong Kong with its narrow winding streets and antique shops, simply walk up Hollywood Road to the adjacent Sheung Wan quarter.

The Tsim sha tsui quarter

Facing the island’s stock exchange, in the south of the New Territories, Kowloon, the continental part of Hong Kong, possesses a rich cultural life. It’s in the Tsim Sha Tsui quarter, corresponding to tip of the peninsula, that we find art galleries, boutiques, museums, especially the Hong Kong Museum of History, as well as many luxury hotels like the Hullet House with its glamorous ambiance, nestled in the heart of a Victorian historic monument. The reputation of the prestigious Peninsula Hong Kong has crossed the ocean and is known everywhere as the “great lady of the Orient.” Extravagance and abstraction await guests of the Luxe Manor Hong Kong, with an exquisite blend of oriental and post-modern European design inspired by the works of Dali.

This wide choice of luxury addresses throughout the length of Nathan Road, Kowloon’s main artery, is an indication of the beauty of the entire quarter. One of the must visit sites on these eclectic and cosmopolitan streets is the Temple Street Night Market. Let yourself be guided by the delicious aromas emanating from the food stands, the colors of the traditional fabrics, the Cantonese opera street singers, and the predictions of local fortune tellers.

West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade

Perched at the top of the city’s highest tower, the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong promises visitors a vacation in the clouds. This chic and contemporary 5 star hotel is ideally located on the sea, just a few minutes from the shopping area of the lively Tsim Sha Tsui quarter. You can take advantage of a serene and quiet environment on the West Kowloon Waterfront promenade and, at the same time, admire the works and the structures of contemporary artists. Don’t forget to take the Star Ferry, a veritable historic monument, at Victoria Harbor to get back to the island. There is nothing more romantic than crossing over at night as the lights of the city reflect in the water at the port.