Hong Kong dishes up an abundance of new discoveries around every comer – from new hotels and restaurants to exclusive speakeasy bars and exhibitions. The biggest challenge in Hong Kong is trying to fit it all in. Here’s what’s currently hot in Hong Kong…
Sleep
Located in the newly-fashionable district of North Point on Hong Kong Island, the new Hotel VIC on the Harbour serves up spectacular panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. The hotel offers 671 affordable luxury guestrooms and suites. Dining options include a sophisticated rooftop restaurant and bar and international cuisine at an all-day outlet. This is further complemented by the diverse eateries and superb shopping in the hotel’s podium floors, as well as in an adjacent mall and the vibrant surrounding area. More: www.hotelvic.com
Mojo Nomad Central, a ground-breaking concept that aims to turn the traditional hotel model completely on its head, has started taking shape in the heart of Hong Kong on Queen’s Road Central. Think micro-hotel, shared accommodation and co-working all-in-one. This is the second evolution for the disruptive Mojo Nomad brand by the internationally acclaimed Ovolo Hotels Group. Already open and thriving in up-and-coming Aberdeen, Mojo Nomad’s newest location gives dynamic travellers unparalleled access to the city centre, and promises to electrify the iconic neighbourhood. www.mojonomad.com
Eat
Pinot Duck is now open in Wan Chai. Located in the heart of the neighbourhood’s restaurant and bar district, the new restaurant showcases the bold flavours of duck and the pinot grape. Pinot Duck serves up a creative and inventive menu that is full of surprises, and can be enjoyed in a laid-back setting that is both contemporary and nostalgic. www.pinotduck.com
Discover the heart and soul of Lima’s lively Barrio Chino. Chifa, which opened in June serves up an intriguingly unique combination of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine. Whilst also paying homage to the cross-cultural cuisine deeply rooted in Peruvian culture from the country’s long history of Chinese migration. Beautifully wrapped dumplings and soft, fluffy bao form the heart of the menu alongside traditional chifa noodles, rice, meat and seafood dishes. Located on Hong Kong’s historic Peel Street Chifa is a modern interpretation on the centuries-old cuisine in a casual and social setting. www.chifa.hk
Named after the formidable female pirate who took the China seas by storm, Madame Ching is a new modern Chinese roast house that brings a bold approach to the familiar flavours of Chinese cuisine. Never straying far from the heart of local recipes, dishes tell a story of Chinese provenance in reimagined ways. The menu of inspired dishes and cocktails at affordable prices make for a social dining experience any day of the week. www.madameching.hk
From left to right: Hotel VIC and Pinot Duck
Drink
A seemingly ordinary hotel room nestled within chic boutique hotel The Pottinger Hong Kong in the heart of Central, ROOM 309 is a surreptitious and refined cocktail haven in disguise. Behind the helm is award-winning Tastings Group’s executive mixologist, Antonio Lai, who is also the mastermind behind award-winning venues including: Quinary; Origin; The Envoy; Angel’s Share Whisky Bar & Restaurant; and VEA Restaurant & Lounge. Opening in late July, ROOM 309 is a discreet cocktail parlour where creative potentials of connoisseurs, creatives and thinkers untapped and let imaginations unfold. To gain entry to the elusive bar, guests are required to check-in at “The Reception” where they will receive their keycard to enter the highly intimate drinking den. www.room309.hk
While “Frank Minza” maintains his reputation as hosting one of the sleekest speakeasies in town, little do guests know that his retro bar Foxglove harbours yet another lesser-known secret by Ming Fat House. Hidden away within its depths behind closed curtains is a secret alcove library brought to life by the English mastermind. Inspired by Frank’s globe-trotting adventures around the world, Frank’s Library hosts swanky insiders-only parties which boasts his ‘Travel Diary Cocktails’ with the freshest ingredients and premium spirits by Bar Manager Derek Tsui. Frank also shares his collection of potent barrel-aged cocktails, available in both single-servings and sharing servings. www.foxglovehk.com
The latest collaboration between designer Ashley Sutton and restaurant group, Dining Concepts (with past ventures including Iron Fairies, Ophelia and Dear Lilly), comesDragonfly. Opening in the newly unveiled Tai Kwun centre in July, the cocktail bar is said to be inspired by nature, and draws further influence from Sutton’s own personal love for American artist, Louis Tiffany.
Play
Harbour City presents Sun Kissed Summer – lipstick art exhibition in the Atrium II of Gateway Arcade from 28 June to 22 July. The exhibition features American lipstick artist Lipstick Lex’s first solo exhibition in Hong Kong. Harbour City is home to the largest number of beauty brands (over 320 brands) in Hong Kong and over the summer months is hosting the first ever Lipstick Tasting Bar with more than 30 brands and 200 shades of lipsticks.www.harbourcity.com.hk
Harbour City has transformed the Ocean Terminal Deck into a beach from 5 July to 5 August, with special guests, activities and giveaways set to entertain and cool down locals and visitors. www.harbourcity.com.hk
The largest heritage conservation and revitalisation project in Hong Kong, Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts, has opened its doors. Tai Kwun presents a wide range of heritage, contemporary art, performing arts and lifestyle experiences to the meticulously restored Central Police Station compound which comprises of three declared monuments, the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison. What was once a closed-off part of Hong Kong has become an open and inviting new space for all to enjoy. Tai Kwun offers a range of heritage and arts experiences and strives to cultivate knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art, performing arts and history. www.taikwun.hk
Located on the 100th floor of International Commerce Centre, the tallest building in Hong Kong, sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck (sky100) is Hong Kong’s only indoor observation deck offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city and Victoria Harbour. By day or night, visitors can take in the tranquil atmosphere from 393 metres above sea level. Sky100 is also now the world’s first observation deck featuring a cafe operated by The Ritz-Carlton, with the opening of Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, offering visitors the double delights of taste and visual pleasure. www.sky100.com.hk
Get ready to join beloved Disney characters and Disney∙Pixar pals for the coolest summer party ever during Carnivale of Stars – Make a Splash at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) from 21 June to 2 September. A magical summer awaits with cool new ways to splash into the fun, including the first-ever “Pixar Water Play Street Party!”; special appearances by heroes from the blockbuster Disney∙Pixar movie, The Incredibles; the all-new atmosphere stage show, “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration”; delicious summer snacks and feasts; and special summer-themed merchandise items.www.hongkongdisneyland.com/new
The ICBC (Asia) e-Sports & Music Festival Hong Kong will take place from 24 to 26 August 2018 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This year’s festival will host three top international e-sports tournaments, these include: the acclaimed “Return of the Legends 2018”; and two new tournaments, the “ZOTAC CUP MASTERS CS:GO 2018 Grand Finals” and the “Hong Kong PUBG World Invitational”. Hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the tournaments will feature over 110 of the best e-sport players in the world and the highest prize pool in Hong Kong’s e-sports history. ww.emfhk.com
Relax
Famed for offering a comprehensive journey to wellbeing, the award-winning Mandarin Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong presents the ultimate in relaxation as Hong Kong’s first hotel spa to offer Ganbanyoku hot stone therapy. Originally from Japan, Ganbanyoku is a form of hot stone therapy made of tenshoh seki, or black silica, and natural lava rock that is heated to just over 44˚ C. The therapeutic benefits include accelerated metabolism, increased circulation, and release of muscular aches and pains.www.mandarinoriental.com/hong-
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