As the clouds part to reveal Hong Kong’s dramatic skyline, towering high-rise buildings rise against a lush, mountainous backdrop. For many, it’s a revelation – an urban metropolis thriving in sub-tropical climates, nestled within a fascinating nature reserve. Hong Kong itself is a mesmerising paradox, and perhaps that’s what fuels its magnetic charm. Here, age-old traditions that stretch back thousands of years endure, with bamboo scaffolding clinging to the sides of sleek skyscrapers. Embodying the city’s seamless fusion of old and new, both British and Chinese influences are intricately woven into its rich cultural fabric; yet, it’s the Cantonese spirit that remains the beating heart of this dynamic, ever-evolving city.
Urban Innovation
Hong Kong’s Central District perfectly blends modern attractions with historical charm. The M+ contemporary arts space in Kowloon, home to exhibitions such as Kusama’s, reflects the city’s forward-thinking spirit. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Museum of Art preserves traditional Chinese works. The districts of Central and Admiralty also showcase architectural evolution and technological advances. In this fusion of past and present, you’ll find vibrant art galleries, world-class dining, and stylish cafés and boutiques. The PMQ is particularly intriguing – a former police station turned creative hub, now housing design studios, pop-up shops, and cultural events.
In SoHo, vibrant street art spills across walls and alleys, transforming the urban landscape into an open-air gallery. Colourful murals and graffiti contribute to the city’s dynamic edge, including the Hong Kong Mural Art Trail, which highlights works from both local and international artists.
The city’s intricate lattice structure makes exploring a true adventure—especially on the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator, which connects Central, SoHo, and Mid-Levels. Every corner of Hong Kong is brimming with unique transportation experiences, from the Ding Ding tram to the iconic red taxis.
The warm and welcoming locals, like the taxi driver I spoke with, add to the city’s charm. With pride, he answered, “What do I love about Hong Kong? Everything. The people, the food and the purpose. Hong Kong is very exciting… it’s special because there’s always something to do – every day.” He continued, listing various activities not only for tourists but residents like himself, that keep him occupied. The schedule included horse racing, Mahjong, hiking, art classes, and plenty of dining out. He mentioned that he was particularly glad that he could regularly have excellent, high-quality meals that are reasonably priced, regardless of whether it’s street food or a formal sit-down dinner.
And for the latter (Michelin-starred dining), Ho Lee Fok is unmissable. Helmed by female chef ArChan Chan, a Hong Kong native, she spent over a decade developing her craft overseas before returning in 2021. She presents progressive Cantonese cuisine laced with imagination and skill. The food is exceptional, rivalled by the interiors, which I believe are worth the visit alone. Like many spots in the city, the exterior is somewhat unassuming, yet here, it also can’t be missed. There’s an open kitchen and a giant golden fortune cookie sculpture at the entrance. Down the illuminated stairway, golden Chinese lucky cats wave in unison, leading to the opulent dining room flowing with a sea of red. Pristine crimson carpet, plush velvet seating, and exquisite Chinese floral motif wallpaper. The ceiling is low and mirrored, the lighting dim, and it feels intimate and romantic, with an old-world glamour ambience.
Nature’s Embrace
Hong Kong’s dynamic essence lies in its open countryside, which covers 75% of the territory. Cementing the stark contrast and duality of life in the city, Hong Kong Park sits right in the centre of the financial district in Central. Amidst its urban expansion, the city has carefully preserved its diverse ecosystems, offering numerous protected parks and wildlife reserves with endangered species.
Peak Tram
The Peak Tram is an efficient way to take in the island’s glorious landscape. The first of its kind in Asia, it was conceived in the late 1800s and lives on today as a heritage attraction. As it ascends through the hills, journeying amidst the vegetation and under the highways, it brings passengers to Victoria Peak, exhibiting iconic views of Victoria Harbour’s concrete jungle and the Kowloon peninsula. On the way back down, the Peak Circle walk takes visitors on another adventure – this time without modern inventions. It’s a fairly flat, gentle walking path that loops around until the base. Under the banyan trees, you’ll hear the light-vented bulbul sing, and see the Lugard Falls, cascading along the mountainside (during wetter seasons).
Repulse Bay
Once frequented by socialites, drawn by the European charm of the former Repulse Bay Hotel and its surrounding area, this adored stretch of Hong Kong’s southern coastline has transformed into a refined residential shopping complex with a pronounced architectural void. Still today, it remains one of Hong Kong’s most exclusive addresses. A key remnant of this historic landmark is the Verandah restaurant that carries the legacy of the bay’s golden age.
Evoking a sense of relaxed Mediterranean sophistication, the Verandah’s inviting French doors, pinstriped curved awning, and its timeless British afternoon tea offering transport guests to another era. This nostalgic Western quarter is met by the alfresco Eastern terrace. Drawing from influences closer to home, the Spices restaurant takes on the divine flavours of Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, and Indonesian palates, all artfully crafted to please the senses. The bay is also popular amongst locals and houses the well-kept, open-air Buddhist Kwun Yin Temple with shrines and statues.
Chi Lin Nunnery
For those seeking a moment of serenity, another Buddhist monastery is the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lain Garden. It’s free to enter, and the still silence is filled with the beauty of the manicured courtyard and uniform wooden architecture built with ancient Chinese (Tang Dynasty style) techniques. The lotus ponds are charming, and this sanctuary is juxtaposed by the striking, soaring skyscrapers that surround it.
Stay
The Grand Dame of the Far East
The Peninsula is the pinnacle of timeless luxury in Hong Kong. Their attention to detail is remarkable, and their commitment to service is like no other. Everything is meticulously crafted to provide an unparalleled experience, from the airport pickup in the iconic Brewster Green Rolls-Royces to greetings from the dapper pages in crisp white uniforms. It’s clear why they are known as the Grand Dame. Since opening in 1928, the hotel has undergone one expansion in 1994 and a more recent renovation in 2012. Now it stands at 300 rooms, with a 30-storey tower, topped with a Chinese Clipper helipad, an extensive fashion arcade, and impeccable food and beverage outlets.
Food
There are eight restaurants in total, featuring Michelin-starred Spring Moon, which offers exquisite Cantonese fare with arguably the best dim sum in the city, paired with their legendary XO sauce, and award-winning Felix, which presents futuristic dining with panoramic views of the city and addictive bar snacks (it’s the perfect spot to watch the Symphony of Lights).
Rooms
Bathed in champagne tones and accented with minimalist cherry blossom décor and rich wooden details, the luxurious rooms and suites are chic yet comfortable, with highly impressive views. The marble-clad bathrooms, some of which feature indulgent Jacuzzi baths with a spa mode setting available, elevate the rooms further to pure decadence.
In the original building once known as the Presidential Suite, the 210-square-metre Marco Polo Suite exudes timeless elegance. But it’s the expansive 377-square-metre Peninsula Suite at the top of the tower that now reigns supreme. With soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, this suite offers jaw-dropping views of the harbour and is fitted with a private gym and luxurious bathtub, exhibiting sweeping city vistas.
Wellness
The spa and indoor pool offer a truly sensational experience, with stunning city views at every corner. Floor-to-ceiling windows line both the main pool and treatment rooms, offering a glimpse of the cityscape and neon lights twinkling in the distance. The post-treatment relaxation rooms are a highlight, featuring plush day beds under cloud-like duvets, where you can unwind while sipping on your beverage of choice, all with front-row views. Despite the breathtaking views, however, the space maintains a sense of tranquillity. Indulge in soothing rituals and de-stressing treatments, using exclusive, naturally sourced products like Margy’s Monte Carlo and Voya. Developing for a deep state of zen, they have also introduced exclusive packages inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), allowing guests to connect with the land through ancient practices. It focuses on the five essential elements: fire, water, wood, metal, and earth. The facilities include hammam-style steam rooms, saunas, and aromatherapy experience showers.
Legacy
Standing as the first hotel that opened on the island, one of the oldest in Asia, and the flagship of the brand, The Peninsula Hong Kong is second to none. It is at the centre of hospitality’s historic legacy in the East, and they have paved the way for their peers for nearly a century. Named after its prime location at the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, it continues to stand as a pillar of high society amongst Hong Kong’s elite, frequently hosting extravagant, monumental events and welcoming hundreds of guests daily into their lavish world.
Speaking to the Director of Sales and Marketing, Eric Poon, he explains that the “family spirit,” “long-term perspective,” and collective mission to “create lasting, memorable experiences” are what drive him and many others. This, along with what he describes as the “magic” of hosting and the pure joy that this passion brings him. The Peninsula Hong Kong takes their duty as brand lead very seriously and continues to uphold the legacy that makes them such a highly respected worldwide player.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Rooms from HK$ 4,600 (£470) a night
peninsula.com/hongkong
Peninsula Time
When booking directly through peninsula.com, guests can arrange to have their rooms ready for check-in as early as 6:00 am on their day of arrival, and can check out as late as 10:00 pm on their day of departure.
Discover Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s allure and complexity stem from its seamless blend of tradition and innovation, where the past and future coexist harmoniously. Whether you’re a foodie savouring world-class cuisine, an art lover immersed in cutting-edge galleries, a shopper seeking luxury or hidden gems, or a nature explorer discovering lush parks and scenic trails, Hong Kong has something for everyone. Its vibrant diversity and welcoming spirit make it a city that embraces all, offering an unforgettable experience for anyone who steps foot in it.
Travel
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, sets the standard for exceptional travel. With impeccable service and restaurant-quality meals, I would highly recommend them as the top choice for anyone flying to Hong Kong. Serving over 190 destinations worldwide, Cathay Pacific connects you to all major cities across the globe. For those travelling in premium or first class, the experience is further elevated with exclusive amenity kits, packed with luxury flight essentials in partnership with Bamford, including lounge access. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, Cathay Pacific ensures every journey is as smooth and indulgent as the destination itself.
