Five hotels that culture vultures are sure to love
01

Book: Amidst the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s busy streets, the Upper House is hands down our favourite hotel. Not only does it sport the biggest standard hotel rooms in the city, but it also comes with ginormous bathrooms complete with harbour views.

Do: Kick off the evening with cocktails in the bar at Café Grey overlooking the harbour, then dine in the restaurant. Don’t forget to indulge in their bacon and marmalade at breakfast - some of the best we’ve had in the city. If you want to explore the neighbourhood a little more, walk over to trendy Ship Street in Wan Chai. Here you'll find two Jason Atherton restaurants, Ham&Sherry and 22 Ships that both serve succulent tapas in a fun and casual atmosphere. You can’t book, so have a pre-dinner drink at the semi-hidden Back Bar that is part of Ham & Sherry while you wait for your table.

02
The Peninsula Hong Kong

Book: The Grand Dame of HK hotels, the Peninsula is the last word in luxury. From the bespoke Rolls-Royces that fill the parking lot to the decadent high teas served in the lobby, this is the perfect place to spoil yourself.

Do: Whilst staying at The Peninsula Hong Kong, you won’t have far to wander as Felix, the hotel’s Modern European restaurant is to-die-for. Chef Yoshiharu Kaji pushes culinary boundaries and the setting with a view of Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline make for an incredible experience.

03
The Pottinger

Book: One of the few boutique hotels in the city, The Pottinger is a haven of tranquillity within the bustling Central Business District. Situated on the cobbled street bearing the same name, the hotel is perfectly located for exploring the city. Rooms are quirky and unique, and there is an excellent terrace bar – The Envoy.

Do: Some of the best restaurants are right at your doorstep! Try Mott 32 in the old Bank of China Building for upscale Chinese – excellent atmosphere, beautifully designed, and absolutely amazing barbecued pork.

04
Mandarin Oriental

Book: One of the classiest hotels in the city, the Mandarin Oriental is charming, cosy and elegant. The Captain's Bar is a time-honoured institution, serving up cold beers in silver pewter mugs, while The Chinnery serves up a delicious curry. Spend an afternoon at the spa, wrapped up in a silk and terry cloth robe, reading the newspaper in their tranquil parlour area while you wait for your treatment.

Do: Walk across the street for drinks at Sevva, a rooftop bar overlooking the Central area, before heading to Chom Chom for dinner – a funky, always popular restaurant in nearby Soho specialising in street-style Vietnamese food. Their Phojitos are delicious, as are their chicken wings and shaking beef.

05
Tai O Heritage Hotel

Book: If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track hotel experience in Hong Kong, the Tai O Heritage Hotel is located on Lantau Island, about 30 minutes by ferry from Hong Kong Island. Located in a former colonial police station, the hotel overlooks the sleepy water village of Tai O.

Do: Head down to Mavericks Beach Bar & Restaurant on Pui O Beach. Serving up casual American fare, have a Hawaiian beer as you watch the sunset. The décor is reminiscent of a typical California surf bar, wall-mounted surfboards included.

Suggested Itineraries

Gastronomic Tour of Croatia

Croatia Dubrovnik Europe

  • Go truffle hunting on the Istrian Peninsula before truffle tasting
  • Explore the historic Croatian cities of Pula, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik
  • Sample fine wines and olive oils at some of Croatia’s best producers
  • Visit the islands of Hvar and Korcula, said to be Marco Polo’s birthplace
  • Savour Croatian delicacies at some of the country’s finest restaurants
ideal length 11 nights

The Ultimate New Zealand Honeymoon

Auckland & Waiheke Island Lake Taupo & Rotorua Queenstown, Milford Sound & Southern Lakes Wellington & Wairarapa Franz Josef & the West Coast New Zealand Australasia

  • Spending the first few days on relaxing Waiheke Island, enjoying time as a couple as well as a private wine tour of the island’s iconic vineyards
  • Staying at one of the most romantic accommodations in the country, Seascape at Annandale
  • Experiencing the lesser-visited Ahuriri Valley just 2.5 hours outside of Queenstown, before ending your trip in the country’s adventure capital
ideal length 12 nights

Ultimate Barossa Valley Wine Experience

South Australia Australia Australasia

  • Dine at Hentley Farm Restaurant, one of only two Relais & Chateaux restaurants in Australia
  • Make your own Barossa Valley wine blend under the professional guidance of ambassador for Barossa wine and chief winemaker Andrew Quin
  • Tour famous wineries such as Seppeltsfield, Wolf Blass and Jacob’s Creek
  • Take a private helicopter ride over Adelaide towards McLaren Vale
  • Dine on a personalised tasting menu surrounded by the beauty of McLaren Vale
ideal length 7 nights
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