With our first travel bubble being established, Singaporeans can now enjoy leisure travel to Hong Kong
Forget grandiose plans for month-long holidays in Europe. Even a long weekend away in Hong Kong for retail therapy and dim sum was impossible a couple of weeks ago, till the travel bubble was announced. Whether you simply want to enjoy the various hotel facilities, indulge in a full-day spa sesh with four-hands massages, or enjoy rooftop views of another city, here are our favourite hotel hideouts.
Cordis Hong Kong
For: The spa-loving urban dweller.
Why here: Get away without really getting away. With an extensive spa menu of over 50 options, a 20-metre rooftop pool and well-equipped Heath Club, Cordis is a wellness resort getaway housed in a modern high rise. The treatments are inspired and guided by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles. The two-and-a-half-hour Chuan Tao of Detox treatment, for example, includes a warm marine algae wrap, deep cleansing facial and an acupressure massage that’s said to release energy blocks.
Robb tip: Go all out and opt to stay in the 58sqm Spa Suite. It comes with a hydrotherapy bath, private steam room and complimentary access to the hotel’s Club Lounge. The stay also comes with a 60-minute massage for two, for every night you book. For those who’d like to continue enjoying themselves on the day they check out, we suggest adding on the Wellness Indulgence package (HK$888/S$155), which comes with a 60-minute massage and a business set lunch at the Michelin-starred Ming Court restaurant.
The Langham Hong Kong
For: The business owner who wants only the best in life.
Why here: Established in 1865, the original Langham in London was – and still is – the favoured meeting place for UK’s poshest. The Langham Hong Kong inherited the English elegance, but married it seamlessly with an identity that’s all its own, mainly due to the contemporary Chinese art that’s displayed everywhere (it’s the hotel chairman’s private collection). There’s everything you’ll need here: a first-class wellness sanctuary, heated rooftop pool, an award-winning bar and the three-Michelin-starred T’ang Court, home to the world’s best Cantonese food (in our opinion). The service is excellent, too; its concierge team has two members of the Les Clefs d’Or – an elite organisation for concierges with just 3,000 members worldwide.
Robb tip: The hotel has specially designed two packages to welcome Singaporeans over. The Hike Your Heart Out Lah and Stay Lah packages are exclusively available for Singaporean travellers from now until 31 January 2021. Enjoy a myriad of gastronomic and retail offerings, alongside a local baked treat as a welcome gift and 20 per cent off at Michelin-starred T’ang Court, Ming Court at Cordis and Yat Tung Heen at Eaton.
The St. Regis Hong Kong
For: The jetsetter with his finger on the pulse of everything.
Why here: The St. Regis Hong Kong only opened its doors in April 2019, so it wasn’t even a year old when COVID-19 happened. But novelty aside, interior designer Andre Fu, touts it as a place to visit, even if you’re not staying for the night (granted, it is his project, so there may be a sliver of biasness to this). What’s noteworthy are the two Michelin-starred restaurants here: L’Envol for French cuisine and Run for Chinese. The hotel’s afternoon tea is also a hit; there’s almost always a wait list, so make a reservation upon confirmation of your stay.
Robb tip: We recommend purchasing the Exquisite Celebration for Him and Her package. Apart from receiving HK$500 (S$80) hotel credit, guests are pampered with daily breakfast, daily turndown amenities, a bottle of Champagne, bubble bath and other delights.
The St. Regis Hong Kong
1 Harbour Drive
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2138 6888
The Upper House
For: The homebody who has had enough.
Why here: By now, even the most introverted couch potato must be going stir-crazy. Time to find a new couch, and The Upper House is calling. Touting itself as a house, not a hotel, the property is renowned for its exceptional service, the organic cuisine at in-house restaurant Cafe Gray Deluxe, and – a true rarity in space-starved Hong Kong – spacious rooms. You’d be reluctant to leave your room, especially when the #WellnessOnTheRoad package comes with a 60-minute in-room massage for two.
Robb tip: If you do venture out from your room, C’est Cheese, a pop-up dining concept at The House Cheeserie featuring responsibly-sourced cheeses from farming families will make it worth your while.
The Upper House
88 Queensway
Admiralty
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2918 1838
W Hong Kong
For: The one looking to enjoy a night out, without the need for Lan Kwai Fong or SoHo.
Why here: Compared to the others on the list, this one’s bursting with seemingly bouness energy. From the selection of music that adds a buzz through the lobby to the ever-changing welcome mats, you’re constantly reminded that you that you’re on vacation. W’s Wet Deck – its rooftop pool – is perched on the 76th floor, and offers guests panoramic views of Victoria Harbour from the cocktail bar and jacuzzi.
Robb tip: For more imbibing, there’s the Bubbly Sunday Brunch where free-flow Veuve Clicquot Champagne is served in addition to W’s signature Bloody Mary, selected cocktails and the house wines.
This story was first published on 28 October 2020
