QUINTESSENTIALLY ESTATES

Hong Kong has long been known as “The Pearl of the Orient” but, in recent years, it has developed a reputation as Asia’s “World City”. Its booming economy attracts big spenders who demand the best in dining, partying and – of course – retail. But it’s not all modern glitz and glamour. Much of the city’s charm lies in the juxtaposition of glass and steel skyscrapers next to old colonial buildings and ancient temples. Hong Kong also boasts a strong spiritual connection – you’ll find the world’s largest outdoor seated Buddha standing guard on the mountains of Lantau and Taoist deities at Wong Tai Sin Temple.

GO THERE FOR

The East-Meets-West Atmosphere – A British colony since the end of the Opium Wars, this once sleepy backwater territory soon experienced a boom in its economy and population. It now boasts one of the most bustling hi-tech metropolises in the world. But even in the middle of the gleaming skyscrapers, there remain pockets of old Hong Kong. Look out for the WWII -scarred lions standing guard beneath the innovative Norman Foster - designed HSBC headquarters; the ancient Man Mo Temple just a hop, skip and a jump from the ultra-hip M1NT club; or admire the 1920s lobby of the Peninsula Hotel beneath its new high-rise tower.

Markets – While the local tai-tais (wives of wealthy businessmen) embrace the luxury-filled halls of Hong Kong’s shopping malls, it’s the distinctive street markets that give the most local flavour. Pick up jewellery and sculptures at the Jade Market, trawl for vintage knick-knacks on Cat Street,  spend a pleasant day shopping for friends back home in the former fishing village of Stanley Market, or shop in the evening in the Temple Street Night Market.

The Food – Apart from the mouth-watering array of local Cantonese cuisine, Hong Kong’s position as a global melting pot also means more fantastic international dining than you can shake a stick at. From flavoursome street stalls to world class restaurants, Hong Kong has something for every taste and every budget. Hong Kong has such a glowing reputation for gastronomy it’s attracted no less than four different Michelin-starred chefs to its shores in recent years – not to mention celebrity sushi master, Nobu Matsuhisa.

The Great Outdoors – People are often surprised that Hong Kong is as green as it is, with 40% of the territory being devoted to country parks. Residents and visitors who want to get out of the city will find no shortage of hikes through glorious natural beauty spots. Popular trails include the MacLehose Trail, the Dragon’s Back, the Lantau Trail (otherwise known as the Phoenix Trail) and the Wilson Trail. The outer islands and new territories still house traditional villages and hidden nooks, such as the Tai O fishing village on Lantau Island, the walled Punti village of Kat Hing Wai in the Yuen Long district and the pirate cave on Cheung Chau Island. Another favourite way for Hong Kongers to spend their weekends is to enjoy a day-long boat trip amongst the islands scattered around the South China Sea.Asia Jump-Off – Whether you’re here to stay, or just passing through, Hong Kong is the perfect base for exploring the rest of the continent. Its international environment makes for an easy cultural transition, while its location at the southern tip of China means quick access to the mainland, Korea and Japan, as well as the many varied countries of South-East Asia.

DON'T MISS

The Peak – Hong Kong's most famous lookout point as well as its ritziest residential area is Victoria Peak, more commonly referred to simply as “The Peak”. The best way to get up and down is via the Peak Tram which opened in 1888 and has been carrying residents and tourists along the almost perpendicular tracks ever since. The best way to experience the area is to walk around Lugard Road, where on a clear day views can include Macau, the outlying islands, as well as the junks and sampans at Aberdeen Harbour. There’s also the Peak Tower to explore, with its Madame Tusssaud’s waxworks of local celebrities.

Dim Sum – Eaten in the late morning and early afternoon, dim sum literally means “touch the heart” – a range of snacks that can be ordered to your heart’s content. Originating from the Canton province, the dim sum in Hong Kong is generally regarded as the best in the world.Po Lin Monastery – The halls filled with Buddhist paraphernalia have been attracting pilgrims and tourists since the early 20th century, but nowadays it’s the giant Tian Tan Buddha that draws the crowds. Better known as “Big Buddha”, this is the world's tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha. To get there, take a boat to Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay) then a bus over the Lantau Island hills.

Star Ferry – Though no longer the same Star Ferry where Robert Lomax met Suzie Wong, it’s still the cheapest and most atmospheric way to cross the harbour. Make an 8pm crossing to witness the “Symphony of Lights” multimedia light and laser display from the best vantage point in town.

Horse Races (September – June) – Hong Kong’s second favourite hobby (after shopping) is horseracing. Wednesday night race nights at the Happy Valley Racecourse and weekends at the Shatin track are packed with obsessed punters, but also with those just wanting to soak up the atmosphere. Hong Kongers enjoy gambling and, at the Happy Valley Racecourse, entry only costs HKD 10, where there is plenty of beer and food stalls in the stands. Alternatively, there is a tourist badge that allows visitors to enter the Members’ Enclosure for HKD 100.

For first-person insider knowledge on cities around the world, check out www.quintessentially.com/insider

BASICS

Quintessentially Hong Kong
Address: 2/F, Teda Building, 87 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan,  Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2540 8595 
Email: askqhk@quintessentially.com

Telephone Code: +852
Emergency: 999 (for police, fire or ambulance)
Official Languages: Cantonese and English
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar
Exchange Rate: GBP 1 = HKD 12.4, 1 HKD = 0.08 GBP
Time: HKT (UTC +8)
Electricity: The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for your 110-volt appliances and electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug.

Greetings
How are you? - lay ho ma 
Good morning - jo sun
Goodbye - joy geen  
Excuse me/Thank you - m goy
My name is - ngor guw 
I don't understand - ngor m ming bat 

Restaurants and Shopping
How much is it? - ching mun, gay daw cheen? 
Cheque please? - m goy, mai dan  
Too expensive - tai gwei le 
Where is the toilet? - chee saw hai been doe ah? 
Do you have any? - lay yow mo... 

Taxi Talk
Turn left - jin jaw
Turn right - jin yow
Straight on - chick hoy
Stop here - nee doe
Faster - fydee
Slower - mahndee

Tipping: Most bars and restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge in the bill; however, very little (if any) of that actually goes to the staff. Add on extra, especially if the service was good. Round up to the next couple of dollars in taxis.

Survival Skills: Hong Kong has to be one of the safest cities in the world – you should be fine wherever you go. The only problem you might encounter is the occasional pickpocket targeting busy tourist areas, so keep your bag close and an eye on your belongings when in crowds. Even at night, the city is, for the most part, very safe.

GETTING AROUND

From The Airport...
The airport is situated on one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands and taking a taxi in to town can cost upwards of HKD 350, plus additional costs for tolls, luggage charges and so on. The journey takes around 45 minutes if traffic is light. If you do decide to take a taxi, make sure you’re in the right line – red taxis serve pretty much all of Hong Kong while green taxis only service the New Territories. Taxis charge an additional HKD 5 for each piece of luggage you put in the trunk as well as the cost of using designated toll tunnels and roads.The best and most convenient way to get into the city is via the modern Airport Express train (one-way HKD 100) which stops in Kowloon and ends up at Central in just 24 minutes. You can buy tickets at the airport and at the Airport Express stations in Central and Kowloon – you’ll be zooming in to the city in no time at all. On your outward journey, you can check-in at the Airport Express station up to one day before your flight (please check the website for more details) – perfect if your flight leaves at midnight but you have to be out of your hotel at midday. 

Up the Peak: Go by tram and make the trip up to the Peak as memorable as the destination. The tram departs every 10 to 15 minutes, from 7am to midnight every day.

Around Town...
Taxi: For a major city, taxi cabs are remarkably cheap and safe. There is, as with anywhere, the odd driver that will try to rip off tourists, but for the most part these are a very easy way to get about.

MTR: The Mass Transit Railway. Clean, safe, efficient and cheap, Hong Kong’s underground transport system puts those in London and New York to shame.

Tram: The cheapest way to cross the northern end of Hong Kong Island, the trams exude old-school charm and are a great way to see the bustling crowds and lights of the Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty and Wanchai districts.

WHEN TO GO

Hong Kong’s sub-tropical climate makes it a hot and humid place in the summer (average daily mean 28.3?C/83?F). The best time to visit is during the cool and sunny months between October and December. Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 14°C in the day, though it can be cooler at night. The light displays during the holiday season are wonderful to behold, with the Christmas decorations neatly segueing into those for Chinese New Year.

Public Holidays and Dates of Interest:
1st January – New Year’s Day
First day of the first moon – Chinese New Year
5th April – Ching Ming Festival
Variable – Good Friday
Variable – Easter Monday
1st May – Labour Day
Eighth day of the fourth moon – Buddha’s Birthday
Fifth day of the fifth moon – Dragon Boat Festival
1st July – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
Sixteenth day of the eighth moon – Day following the Mid-Autumn Festival
1st October – National Day
Ninth day of the ninth moon – Chung Yeung Festival
25th December – Christmas Day
26th December – Boxing Day

WHERE TO STAY

Glamorous

Four Seasons Hotel
8 Finance Street, Central
The Four Seasons Hotel wows guests with its central, waterfront location, spacious, contemporary design and excellent service.

The Peninsula (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Salisbury Road, Kowloon
The Peninsula, Hong Kong’s ‘Grand Dame’ hotel, has epitomised the height of elegance since it first opened in the 1920s. Classic, yet never outdated, the Peninsula constantly rates amongst the world’s top hotels.

Island Shangri-La (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty
Towering high above the Pacific Place shopping mall, this hotel offers great views and easy access to some of the best shopping in Hong Kong. Don’t forget to check out the world's largest Chinese silk painting – ‘The Great Motherland of China’ – which can be found in its Atrium.

Mandarin Oriental (Quintessentially Members benefits)
5 Connaught Road, Central
The Mandarin Oriental has been delighting guests with its award-winning service since 1963. After its recent extensive refurbishment and much anticipated reopening, the hotel is better than ever and, along with The Peninsula, is considered the quintessential Hong Kong hotel.

Landmark Mandarin (Quintessentially Members benefits)
15 Queen's Road, Central
This boutique-style offshoot of the Mandarin Oriental offers some of the biggest rooms in town, all filled with the latest in hi-tech gadgets. It stands next door to The Landmark shopping mall, Harvey Nichols and is just a hop, skip and a jump from the buzzing nightlife of Lan Kwai Fong.

The Upper House (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
A visually stunning masterpiece, The Upper House is one of Hong Kong most stylish boutique hotels. With its sleek aesthetic and minimal décor, famed designer Andre Fu has created a tranquil haven where guests can relax. This hotel is also home to chic restaurant Café Gray.

InterContinental
18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon
This Kowloon waterfront property houses the best Presidential Suite in Hong Kong, complete with its own private pool.

W Hong Kong (Quintessentially Members benefits)
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon
Chic and modern, the W Hong Kong dazzles and stands out from the urban skyscrapers, shining over the West Kowloon.

Boutique Hotels

Hotel LKF
33 Wyndham Street, Central
Hotel LKF is a 95-room boutique hotel designed by Rhombus and recently opened in the heart of the Lan Kwai Fong. It is contemporary, comfortable and hard to beat in terms of location when exploring Hong Kong’s nightlife.

JIA Boutique Hotel (Quintessentially Members benefits)
1 Irving Street, Causeway Bay
Designed by Philippe Starck, JIA is cute, cosy and stacked with signature touches. It is remarkably stylish – especially the chic Opia restaurant/lounge.

Lanson Place
133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
Elegant and private, offering a peaceful respite in the midst of one of Hong Kong’s busiest shopping and dining districts.

The Luxe Manor
39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Dali-inspired kookiness hits Tsim Sha Tsui in this boutique hotel - expect the unexpected.

Serviced Apartments

Shama Serviced Apartments
For visitors planning a longer stay, these designer apartments are dotted around the city’s most desirable districts including Causeway Bay, Wanchai, Central, Soho and Fortress Hill.

Soho Lofts
Unique one-off apartments in and around the trendy Soho district, available for both long- and short-term rent. The chic décor (unfurnished apartments are also available) is complemented by indoor staircases, outdoor and rooftop terraces.

The Putman
Designed by the fabulous Andrée Putman, these Art-Deco inspired serviced apartments offer the ultimate in luxury. Located just on the brink of Central and Sheung Wan, The Putman has access to both the bright lights of Hong Kong’s entertainment and financial districts and the atmospheric charms of the old neighbourhood.

Four Seasons Place
Adjacent to the Four Seasons Hotel, these long-stay apartments offer harbour front views and access to the Four Season’s pool (an unusual feature for Hong Kong serviced apartments).

WHERE TO EAT

High End Cuisine

8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana
Shop 202, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central
Headed by Chef Umberto Bombana, whose reputation as a truffle connoisseur precedes him, this swank restaurant showcases some of Hong Kong’s finest Italian dining.  

Amber
Landmark Mandarin Hotel, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central
High design and haute cuisine combine at Amber. Hong Kong’s most original gourmet experience comes courtesy of star Chef Richard Ekkebus, who serves modern European cuisine with a hint of influence from Mauritius.

BO Innovation
Shop 13, 2/F J Residence, 60 Johnston Road, Wanchai
The recipient of a Michelin star in the latest Michelin Guide, BO Innovation’s head chef and owner Alvin Leung is the Ferran Adrià of Hong Kong. East meets West in this humorous and intelligent take on Chinese food – think molecular xiao long bao.

Caprice
Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central
Fine French cuisine is served up in a beautiful Art Deco dining room, overlooking Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula. With guest seating integrated into the kitchen, you’ll get to see the chefs at work and enjoy the delicious aromas of cooking while you eat.

CÉPAGE (Quintessentially Members benefits)
23 Wing Fung Street, Wanchai
Contemporary French cuisine comes to Star Street in the form of CÉPAGE, which offers discerning guests an exquisite culinary experience alongside a stellar wine list; a place where quality rules supreme.

The French Window
Shop 3101-07, Podium Level 3, IFC Mall, Central
Serving French food with a modern twist, The French Window is a gastronomic experience located in the heart of Central. With its elegant interiors and stunning harbour view, this restaurant offers artistic creations that deliver on a unique and upscale dining experience.

L’Atelier De Joel Robuchon
G/F, Landmark Mall, Central
When the “Chef of the Century” opened this venture in Hong Kong, local foodies were gasping with anticipation. If you have time, go for the eight-course tasting menu (you get a better deal if you sit at the show kitchen counter rather than a regular table).

Petrus (Quintessentially Members benefits)
56/F Island Shangri-la, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty
Offering breathtaking views from the 56th floor of the Island Shangri-La, Petrus combines opulent classical French décor and contemporary food.

Pierre (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Connaught Road
This sumptuous restaurant on the top floor of the Mandarin Oriental showcases three-star Michelin cuisine from Pierre Gagnaire and was named as one of Condé Nast’s favourites.

Spoon
InterContinental Hotel, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon
Spoon combines spectacular food by the legendary Alain Ducasse with interiors by the inspired Tony Chi.

Smart/Casual

Alfie's
M18-19, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central
This upscale restaurant, featuring British gastro-pub dishes, is the first venture of its kind between classic brand Alfred Dunhill and the renowned KEE Club. The snazzy space is artfully decorated to create a cosy environment that oozes British cool.

Busy Suzie (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Shop 209, 2/F, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
A modern-day robatayaki restaurant, Busy Suzie features Japanese classics cooked over the grill. The contemporary interior complements the chefs who perform culinary theatrics in front of diners on a long wooden counter.

Café Gray (Quintessentially Members benefits)
49/F, Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Chef Gray Kunz, previously of the original Café Gray in New York, has returned to Hong Kong bringing with him his signature dishes. This hip and trendy restaurant also boasts a stunning view of the city, as well as an elegant bar perfect for a post- or pre-dinner drink. 

Cipriani (Quintessentially Members benefits)
12/F Old Bank of China Building Bank Street, Central 
This sister restaurant to Venice's famous Harry's Bar was imported by Hong Kong tycoon, David Tang. Step into the 1930s in this Art Deco gem. Dishes include classics from Harry's Bar including signature inventions, the beef Carpaccio and the Bellini.

Hutong
28/F, One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
The sister restaurant to Aqua Roma upstairs, Hutong serves modern Peking cuisine, and features beautiful interiors and similarly spectacular views of Hong Kong.

Island Tang
The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Road, Central
Antique tables and wooden furniture create a unique interior that celebrates Hong Kong during the 1940s. With its distinctive mood and style, Island Tang has become a popular place for the Central businessmen to wine and dine.

Mandarin Grill (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Connaught Road
Along with the rest of the Mandarin Oriental, this classic grill and bar underwent a massive facelift a couple of years ago. Sir Terence Conran oversaw the refurbishment of this much-loved Hong Kong dining destination, blending contemporary design with the club-like traditions of its past.

Pearl On The Peak
Shop 102, Level 1, The Peak Tower
The concept for this restaurant has been imported from Melbourne. The dramatic views of Hong Kong from the Peak are worth the trip alone.

The Pawn (Quintessentially Members benefits)
62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
The Pawn is the latest project from the proprietors of The Press Room and Classified. Designed by home-grown artist and film director Stanley Wong, the concept aims to preserve the Woo Cheong pawn shop's historic integrity while bringing new life to the space. The restaurant’s modern British fare is overseen by executive chef David Tamlyn and the menu features British classics such as grilled mackerel, roast bone marrow, baby turbot, fish and chips, Eton mess and treacle tart among others.

The Verandah
The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road
The Verandah is a classic, colonial-style restaurant by the sea on the quieter south side of the island serving a continental menu. Don’t miss their Sunday brunches, which get booked up weeks ahead.

Yun Fu
Basement, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central
Heading down the stairs to this basement restaurant may seem like walking into an Indiana Jones adventure. Carved stone walls, sultry private rooms and assorted antiques make for a mysterious and atmospheric dining experience. Oh, and the Yunnan-inspired cuisine isn't bad either.

Zuma (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Level 5 and 6, The Landmark, Central
Smoking hot London restaurant Zuma finds itself just as popular in Hong Kong. Contemporary and ultra-stylish, Zuma is nonetheless a relaxed place to enjoy tasty cuisine, with diners encouraged to share their dishes.

Dim Sum

Dim Sum
63 Sing Woo Rd, Happy Valley
This is an incredibly popular spot for the eponymous meal.

Dragon-i (Quintessentially Members benefits)
UG/F The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central
Better known as a happening nightclub, Dragon-i also moonlights as a Japanese/Chinese restaurant. Its all-you-can-eat dim sum lunches are very popular.

Luk Yu Tea House
24-26 Stanley Street, Central
Opened in the 1930s, this famous venue may not serve the best dim sum in town, but it’s certainly the place to soak in nostalgia via the Art Deco interior.

Maxim’s Palace
2/F, City Hall, Central
Maxim’s Palace is the most famous dim sum spot in town, where little old ladies still push around their wares on trolleys. Get there early at lunchtimes and on weekends.

Summer Palace
Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central
Summer Palace offers upscale Cantonese dining with a dim sum menu masterminded by Chef Lee Keung.

BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

Bars

Aqua Spirit
29/30F One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Upstairs from Aqua this spot is great for both pre- and post- dinner drinks.

Blue Bar
Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central
Located right on the Hong Kong harbour-front, Blue Bar’s main attraction is the view, but the extensive signature “Blue” cocktail menu is pretty impressive too. The thematically hued décor is both funky and sophisticated.

Felix
The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Kowloon
A groovy spot for aperitifs and digestifs.

RED Bar
Level 4, IFC Mall, Central
This outdoor terrace with stunning views of the harbour is a firm favourite for pre- and post-dinner drinks – try the red wine sangria, perfect on a hot summer’s night. The nachos are good too.

KEE Club
6/F, 32 Wellington Street
Part ultra chic club, part art gallery, this private members’ club is a prime see-and-be-seen spot.

Lily
6/F LKF Tower, 55 D’Aguilar Street, Central
At this modern take on a Mad Men-era speakeasy, you’re invited to test the bartenders and their expert knowledge of cocktails – no matter if it’s a mojito or a gimlet, Old Fashioned or caipirinha, just ask and they can mix up something delicious. 

Lei Do
20-22 Lan Kwai Fong, Central
Imagine nouveau European décor, featuring black French-inspired wallpaper as well as chandeliers, flowers and candlelight. This is a great place for first dates, after-work drinks and private parties. Its main draw is that it offers a somewhat safe haven away from the decadence and debauchery of Lan Kwai Fong.

M Bar (Quintessentially Members benefits)
25/F Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central
Sensational views from the timeless Mandarin Oriental Hotel: try their inventive cocktails and Canto-tapas.

Salon de Ning
The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Kowloon
East meets West in Salon de Ning, one of Hong Kong’s most chic bars, with Chinese and international flavours combining to create a stylish mélange of cultures which evokes 1930s Shanghai and old-school glamour.

Tazmania Ballroom
1/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central
With its beautiful gold-plated tables, this snooker hall also doubles as a lounge for the glamorous pm crowd. Ping Pong tables are lowered on Tuesdays and Sundays. Also featuring an outdoor terrace ideal for crowd watching, the sexy décor and plush interiors provide a perfect backdrop for the gorgeous crowd that frequent this exclusive venue. 

Clubs

Dragon-i (Quintessentially Members benefits)
The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street
Rivals wax and rivals wane, but D-I remains, along with Volar, the hottest hotspot in town. Check out the huge outdoor terrace decorated with lanterns and Chinese bird cages. Wednesday night is ‘models’ night and don’t be surprised if you bump into a few celebrities.

Drop (Quintessentially Members benefits)
39-43 Hollywood Road
Hong Kong’s first private members’ club. Anyone has access before 11pm, but after that it is members-only and beware, it gets packed.

Halo (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Basement, 10 – 12 Stanley St, Central
Blink and you’ll miss the entrance to this ultra-exclusive club. To get past the darkened glass doors, you must first get past the face recognition technology. Once downstairs, the club is furnished like a chic apartment, complete with ‘library’, ‘bedroom’ and an indoor garden.

Hyde
2-3/F Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
This brand new private members’ club is a sleek mix of metal, steel and marble providing a luxurious and private retreat for the discerning few. Three terraces, pool tables and an open loft vibe on the third floor round off the luxury.

Volar (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Basement, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong
This underground bar arena is one of the hottest night spots in Hong Kong and regularly hosts international DJ acts and Hollywood celebrities.

Privé (Quintessentially Members benefits)
G/F The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street
Revamped into a regal yet chic members’ club, Privé is a sophisticated addition to the colourful Wyndham Street scene. The DJs play crowd-pleasing R&B and pop tunes.

WHERE TO SHOP

Queen’s Road Central
Here you will find a wide variety of shops, from Marks and Spencer to Shanghai Tang. You will also find assorted bookshops and jewellery stores, including Saturn at 26 Pottinger Street which sells stunning amber, cufflinks and an assortment of bits and pieces.

Chinese Arts & Crafts
59 – 65 Queen’s Road Central
This store sells everything from Chinese jewellery and ornaments to linens and clothing.

Elements
1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Shining over the West Kowloon, Elements is the newest shopping mall in town. The mall is divided into five zones named after the five elements of nature: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. 123 shops with some high-end boutiques such as Prada and MontBlanc can also be found in the Elements.

IFC Mall
8 Finance Street, Central
In the heart of Hong Kong, IFC houses over 200 international brands and a unique new cinema, making it the number one living and entertainment mega structure in the city.

Joyce Warehouse and Lane Crawford
21/F & 25/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau
Both Joyce Warehouse and Lane Crawford sell all the big brand names at discounted prices.

Lu Lu Cheung
Shop B, G/F, 50 Wellington Street, Central
Lu Lu Cheung is an award-winning designer whose work is inspired by the beauty and simplicity of nature. 

Pacific Place
88 Queensway, Admiralty
This luxury shopping mall sits below not one, but three five-star hotels.

Pedder Building
12 Pedder Street, Central
Home to numerous small designer outlets selling all sorts of unique, one-off items that can’t be found anywhere else, one of the main attractions is the classy Shanghai Tang store on street level.

Ronald Abram
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Shop M1, Mezzanine Floor, Central
All the jewellery in this Art Deco style salon is painstakingly designed to bring out the beauty of the stones. As well as lovely new rings and necklaces, they also have vintage pieces and utterly unique handcrafted Indian pieces.

Shanghai Tang
Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central
Shanghai Tang specialises in fusing old-China fashion with brave-new-world styles and colours. Neon pink, tart lime and confectionary blue traditional women’s jackets and dresses (qi pao's), men's Mandarin suits and children’s wear are all characteristic of the clothier's stock. Shanghai Tang also designs home ware like silver photo frames, silk photo albums, and silver-plated dim sum baskets.

SPY Henry Lau
G/F 21 Staunton Street, Soho
Henry Lau is regarded as one of Hong Kong's best up-and-coming fashion talents. His elaborate designs and extravagant use of colours and fabric have proved popular with various Hong Kong celebrities and even international brands like DeBeers Diamonds, Nokia, Motorola and Tiffany & Co.

The Landmark 12-16 Des Voeux Road, Central
Hong Kong’s original high-end shopping mall. Today, The Landmark is home to Harvey Nichols, the Landmark Mandarin Hotel and the organic supermarket, Landmark 360.

Markets

Hollywood Road and Cat Street
Sheung Wan
Hollywood Road is full of antique shops, getting progressively more expensive towards the eastern end; while on the western side you can find cheaper goods. In Cat Street you can also find some small vendors selling cheap accessories.

Jade Market
Kansu and Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei - open daily 10am-5pm
The Jade Bazaar has more than 450 stalls selling jade and other jewellery from cheap and cheerful to precious and glam. Since jade is believed to ward off evil spirits, you can find lots of grandmas and wealthy tai-tais shopping for their superstitious goods. Barter hard.

Ladies’ Market
Tung Choi Street, Mongkok - open daily noon-11.30pm
Don’t let the name of this market fool you, the Ladies’ Market does not just sell goods for ladies but all sort of interesting souvenirs as well. This outdoor market is normally packed with local customers, so it would be better to go during the week when there are less people on the streets.

Stanley
This daily market, on the south side of Hong Kong Island, makes a popular jaunt thanks to its quiet beachside location, waterfront restaurants, and shops and stalls selling ceramics, embroidered silk, Chinese knick-knacks and bargain-priced silk underwear. Take the No. 6, 6A or 260 buses from Exchange Square.

Temple Street Night Market
Tat, glorious tat! Come here to stock up on your fake LVs, souvenir T-shirts and plastic rubbish. But for the discerning shopper there’s also some gems to be found – some stall holders have recent purchases from Nepal, while others specialise in “Red China nostalgia”. Other attractions include the fortune tellers and tasty street food.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA  (Quintessentially Members benefits)
The Peninsula Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui
Part of the hotel’s three-floor health and fitness facility, this 12,000 square foot spa occupies two floors offering sweeping views of Victoria harbour and is an oasis of calm in the city with an array of treatments with both Eastern and Western holistic philosophies.

Sense of Touch  (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Locations in Lan Kwai Fong, Repulse Bay, Central and more
One of the best spas in Hong Kong. Their treatments are to die for – and with five locations around Hong Kong, there’s no excuse for missing out! The Spa's unique repertoire of treatments includes relaxing day spa packages, manicures, pedicures, facials, body massages, scrubs, wraps, waxing, threading, and special treatment menu’s for men. Home spa parties are available upon request.

Spa L’OCCITANE  (Quintessentially Members benefits)
Tower 2, Star Crest, 9 Star Street
Spa L’OCCITANE favours hand-performed treatments over machine therapies, making use of the expert therapists’ knowledge and experience to induce a deeply soothed and relaxed state of mind.

Kim Robinson Hair  (Quintessentially Members benefits)
106 Chater House, Central
Hairstylist to the stars, Kim Robinson creates rather than follows the latest hair trends and his prestigious "boutique salon" is appropriately surrounded by top fashion stores such as Armani. He has ‘cut’ everyone from Maggie Cheung to the late Princess Diana.

Four Seasons Spa
8 Finance Street, Central
The top luxury choice on Hong Kong island, this spa redefines pampering and rejuvenation in an elegant, calming environment, with incredible heat and water experiences and complimented by signature Four Seasons service.

Eu Yan Sang
G/F 152-156 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Here, you can tap into Asia’s leading healthcare organization, with a core focus on traditional Chinese medicine, and explore the myriad of Chinese herbs, tonics, teas, medicine and traditional treatments – such as cupping and acupuncture - available to you.

Happy Foot
11/F Jade Centre, 98–102 Wellington Street, Central
A no-frills Hong Kong institution, the Happy Foot chain offers affordable foot reflexology, Shanghainese pedicures and massage treatments. Found in most corners of Hong Kong and often open late, so you can pamper late into the night. 

WHAT TO SEE

Boat Trip
Hire a traditional Chinese junk for the day, invite your friends and stop off at one of the outlying islands for lunch. Lamma is particularly popular, thanks to its excellent seafood restaurants. Alternatively, bring your own lunch and head to Tai Long Wan, which is stunning.

Hong Kong Park and Botanical Gardens
Two modest but pleasant oases in the middle of town – Hong Kong Park is pretty and very popular with the wedding crowd. The aviary is splendid for a romantic stroll. The Botanical Gardens is the place to spot other exotic fauna, including orang-utans and gibbons.

Helicopter Rides
Take a 15 or 30 minute ride over Hong Kong – it’s costly but definitely worth it for the sheer jaw-dropping “wow”. The last ride is at 5.45pm just before the sun sets.

Wong Tai Sin
A famous Taoist temple north of Kowloon, Wong Tai Sin is dedicated to the eponymous deity. It’s a very popular spot for people to get their fortunes told.

Kam Tin
This area in the New Territories is where the Punti people have made their home for generations. Check out the walled village of Kat Hing Wai, which was built by the Tang clan in the 1600s. Still surrounded by 18 foot thick walls, you can see the remains of a moat and the village’s historical iron gates.

Disneyland and Ocean Park
Hong Kong’s very own branch of “the happiest place on earth” is Disney’s smallest such outlet, but the kids won’t mind. Ocean Park offers a more unique experience, with more exciting rides, a four-storey aquarium, sea lions and pandas on display.

Urban Walks
Have experience guides take you on a stroll through the streets of Hong Kong, pointing out the unique points of interest on the way. Or have them lead you on a rural tour through one of Hong Kong’s extensive and under-rated country parks.

Macau
An hour away by high speed jet-foil or 16 minutes by helicopter, the ex-Portuguese enclave of Macau makes a fantastic spot for a day trip or weekend away from the noisier Hong Kong. Macau is famous for its egg tarts, its Fisherman’s Wharf entertainment enclave, gambling (check out the mega-casinos), antiques, and the Macau Tower (great for bungee jumping!). You will need your passport to get here, but they do accept Hong Kong dollars.