Hong Kong - The Peninsula Hotel

Thanks again to my dear friend, Cecilia, who has offered to guest blog on another of her fabulous honeymoon destinations. Here is what she had to say about her stay at The Peninsula Hong Kong:

Hong Kong is a classic among Asian destinations and served as the perfect stopover on our long journey to Australia. The city is full of new, modern hotels with all possible international hotel chains present, but really, there is no better place to stay than The Peninsula. Although we arrived on a very early flight from Europe (6.30 AM!) once we got to the hotel a beautiful room with a skyline view was already awaiting us, and we were served complimentary green tea and welcome drinks.

The hotel is truly legendary. Although one of the most historic hotels on the island, as it opened in the late 1920s, the inside has been fully renovated in keeping with that colonial feel we loved so much. Located on the island of Kowloon, the hotel has amazing views over Victoria Harbour and Central Hong Kong. To enjoy the view at its best, lounge by the pool on the 8th floor, have a drink at the Felix Bar, or indulge in a spa treatment.

Another plus of staying at the Peninsula is the afternoon tea. If you like this English tradition, the Peninsula afternoon tea is the best in Hong Kong. Be warned: locals and expats book days in advance, especially on weekends. The hotel hosts a number of famous restaurants as well, from Chinese to French, but my favourite is the Felix bar designed by Philippe Stark where you order from an IPad!

The Symphony of Lights (light show of coloured lights, laser beams and searchlights performing a stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronised to music) takes place every night at 8PM (weather permitting) and it's worth watching from Felix, or other areas of the hotel with a view of the harbour.

The spa is truly wow! I have seen quite a few spas in my travels all around the world and, I must admit, I love indulging in massages, but this spa is really breathtaking. I would dare to say that, location-wise, this spa is my absolute favorite anywhere. Not only is the ambiance serene and relaxing (and brand new!), but every massage room has the most amazing view of the whole city of Hong Kong. Even the steam room/sauna area (complete with complimentary Evian bottled water and ice to cool down) and relaxation area enjoy the view!  I wanted to buy one of those amazing organic super healthy oils they use on you, but my serious lack of luggage space wouldn’t allow!

The lobby bar holds that colonial flare with pale yellow and baroque ceilings and palms. On the ground floor there is one of the most luxurious fashion arcades in the city with all the top brands you can think of: Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, etc. I flipped for the Peninsula engraved Goyard luggage!! There is also a Peninsula brand store selling mainly food goods as well. Do not miss a walk on the mezzanine level where all the jewellery stores are located, including the legendary GRAFF. As if you needed an excuse to shop, Hong Kong is the reign of tax free shopping!

While in Kowloon do not miss out on the famous "Jade Market". Though I am not sure all that you can see there is real jade, the affordable prices and fun atmosphere make it worth a stop. Also freshwater pearls are pretty nice and, with a ten-euro-price, will look even nicer once you wear them at home!

And last but not least, although the train ride to and from the airport is very comfortable and convenient (€ 8), indulge in a ride to the airport in one of the 14 famous Long Wheelbase Rolls-Royce Phantoms painted in the hotel's signature green. These beauties are parked outside the hotel for you to admire! Once you get to the airport a valet will meet you to carry your luggage all the way to the check in desk, and for once, you will feel like you are enjoying the lifestyle of the rich and famous!

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Hong Kong - Cocktails with a Killer View over Victoria Harbor

Hong Kong is now world-renown for its daily 8pm laser and light show called A Symphony of Lights where laser beams, colored lights and searchlights originating from 40 skyscrapers on both sides of Victoria Harbor dance to choreographed music. What better way to take in this amazing spectacle than by sipping a cocktail high above the city in a dark and sultry setting with killer views. Here are my three favorites:

Post dinner cocktails in Hong Kong one night brought me to the 30th floor of the One Peking Road building to Aqua Spirit, one of the most glamorous nightspots in all of Asia. Stepping off the elevator, the only thing separating me from the absolutely magnificent view of the Hong Kong city skyline and the harbor, were 21-foot plate glass windows. Not for the vertiginous, the view is so spectacular it will, unequivocally, take your breath away. The backdrop to this panorama is a seductive, dimly-lit and stylish cocktail bar on the 30th floor mezzanine which overlooks the dining room below (featuring both Italian and Japanese kitchens - food is hit or miss). The drink list has excellent house concoctions as well as all your old standbys, and there is a $20 drink minimum per person, but don't worry, you'll have no problem hitting that.

                (Photos © Aqua, Hong Kong)

Another fabulous vantage point overlooking the glittering lights of the skyline and Victoria Harbor is the M Bar on the 25th floor of the decadent Mandarin Oriental. The centerpiece of the room is what the M Bar describes as a 'lotus bud-shaped' bar that is surrounded by tall stools. Chairs are finished in smokey velvet, accented by black lacquered walls and enormous glass windows giving way, again, to unforgettable views. Try one of the house specialty cocktails, like the Hong Kong Legend, then sit back and let the night unfold in front of you.

                   (Photo © Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong)

The last cocktail destination brings us to the grande dame of hotels, the Peninsula Hong Kong (also a favorite for afternoon tea). High atop the 29th floor of the Peninsula you will find the ultra-contemporary Philippe Starck designed Felix restaurant and bar. Felix embodies everything you would suspect from Starck: clean lines, all white furniture, and the occasional whimsy; check out the photo of the bathroom below. The views over the city and harbor are spectacular, the European cuisine will not disappoint, and you just never know who might be sitting next to you.

                        (Photos © The Peninsula Hong Kong) Pin It