It’s fast and fascinating. A city with the world’s third highest population density, one comprised of cultures, both domestic and international. It’s Eastern and western, new and old, and together a space, that over time has evolved into one rich with offerings. They’re offerings found in many of the city’s sectors, and combine to create a layered effect. It’s one that makes the city a favoured destination for all for the opportunities afforded to the visitor. Whether seeking modern or traditional, active or leisurely, chic or crazed, Hong Kong provides it all. SHOPPING Pack an empty suitcase, for the opportunities to spend regardless of budget limits/limitations are endless. Those looking for serious retail respite should make for the IFC Mall. It’s a mecca for every covetable high street and luxury brand, with the pinnacle, Lane Crawford on the top floor. The department store’s beginnings date back to 1850 and today it serves as one of the finest examples of ‘retail detail’ with every section an edit of all that’s globally cool. Brands are crossmerchandised which only heightens their appeal, with the contemporary sitting alongside the classic, and the bold with the elegant. Appealing too, is the famed Shanghai Tang. Owned by Sir David Tang, it’s an institution and the birthplace of the coined term, ‘Chinese chic’. It’s a style applicable to both the home and self, and one Tang’s also applied to his latest venture Tang Tang Tang Tang, a renovated colonial style building on Johnston Road, that was designed to make the shopper envision they’re walking through their own home. It is (or will be soon) one appointed with silver, silks and china aesthetically and historically sourced. For the cool and eclectic, head to Star Street Precinct and browse the small lanes that entwine and boast hip offerings like the very cool Monocle and Russel Street – stocked with labels like Victoria Beckham, it’s for the true fashion fiend. No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a day of market bartering, and it’s best to seek yours across the border in Shenzen. You can pick up a visa for the day when you arrive. Renowned for its abundance of counterfeit goods, the surrounding area is a manufacturing hot spot, meaning almost anything you desire, from electronics to tailor made leather goods are available here. But if you are after authenticity and fine antiques, head for Hollywood Road where the transactions take time and wares will be shipped carefully to your home under the direction of long-time owners. DRINK Hong Kong holds no shortage of bars but for the more discerning drink surrounded by an equally discerning crowd, head for Duddell’s. From the interiors to the service, it’s all so slick. However, if you desire an impressive view of that famous skyline and harbour as part of your pre or post-dinner drink, Sevva Bar or Woolamaloo will exceed expectations. And, as you’d forecast with spanning vistas, so too the prices. Those looking to drink without fuss and budgetry implications should begin their night at the intersection of Peel and Staunton streets. From there it’s an easy stroll through this gentrified neighbourhood, choosing bars that beckon at will. They’re all different, but bound by a somewhat nonchalant and carefree nature. Or for a more boisterous experience, and one you’ll possibly find a little hazy to recall, the lane of Lan Kwai Fong, answers. ACTIVI TY Since 1928, The Peninsula Hotel has served as the city’s finest beacon of hospitality. It’s a reputation derived both for its rich history (the British surrounded to the Japaense on the third floor in 1941), opulent surrounds and sky-high tariffs. It’s a must visit, however fortuitously you need not be a guest to experience the grandeur. High tea served from 2pm each day offers the perfect, and more pleasantly priced excuse to experience this opulent oriental gem. It’s a nod to the days of old. The tea selection is exquisite and spending an afternoon working through a tower of finger sandwiches, scones and other tiny treats, really equates to a true vacation experience. Hiking sits at the other end of the spectrum. And with 40 percent classified as parks or reserves, the opportunities to pound the surrounding peaks (and perhaps work off a little indulgence) are numerous. Twin Peaks makes for a steep venture, but the descent into Stanley Fort, a former British administrative post, truly delivers on the energy expended. It’s a rewarding experience and so too the lure of a seafood centric lunch on the water. While the city affords many opportunities, gambling isn’t one of them. Ergo, on a Wednesday evening, the Hong Kong Jockey Club becomes crammed with those looking to take their chances, and take home some hefty winnings. Interestingly - and to attach some scale to the size of the operation - the monies streaming through the club on just one Wednesday night, far exceed those taken during TRAVEL Pindara M 78 agazine Summer | 2014/15
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Three
To see the actual publication please follow the link above