Rediscovering Hong Kong: New Experiences, Hotels, Eateries & Bars to Check Out
PUBLISHED June 19th, 2023 09:00 am | UPDATED July 8th, 2023 01:05 am
With the many a long weekend coming up, here’s the perfect opportunity to plan a getaway. If you’re looking for a change in scenery and going beyond the usual Thailand and Malaysia trips, Hong Kong is the next best thing! To make your trip all the more exciting, we’ve rounded up the best new hotels, restaurants and things to in this dynamic Asian metropolis.
New Hotels & Accommodation Spaces
The Hari Hong Kong
Unveiled in the second half of 2020, The Hari Hong Kong is a luxury haven bridging the commercial Causeway Bay and the vibrant, creative scene of Wan Chai. Designed for discerning travellers, it’s a stone’s throw away from Times Square Hong Kong, Wan Chai Street Market, Pacific Place and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Rooms reflect the five-star hotel’s chic glam interior with ensuite bathrooms and panoramic views. For dining, get a taste of timeless Japanese cuisine at Zoku Restaurant and traditional Italian cuisine at Lucciola Restaurant & Bar. The Lounge offers a light dining and cocktail menu for a more relaxed ambiance.
The Hari Hong Kong is located at 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. For bookings & more information, please email [email protected] or call +852 2129 0388. Book directly via the hotel’s website and enjoy free Wi-Fi and your first drink on the house.
Metaplace Hotel
A new entrant to the hotel scene in Hong Kong, Metaplace Hotel has already garnered raving reviews. Situated in the business and tourism district, it sits in an accessible location with close proximity to the city’s renowned attractions and shopping malls. In touch with its guests’ needs, it sports 94 guest rooms that offer the best of both worlds – style and comfort. Best of all you get to enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and broadband internet access. Upgrade to the Metaplace Suite on the 28th floor for captivating city views. Need a break? The outdoor relaxation lounge is a green oasis in the bustling city.
Metaplace Hotel is located at 7 Moreton Terrace, Causeway Bay , Hong Kong. For bookings & more information, please email [email protected] or call +852 3163 8888.
Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel
The first Fullerton hotel in Hong Kong and first resort worldwide of the brand, Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel is made those for who love a nature-inclined stay with a sustainability-minded philosophy. Each of the hotel’s 425 guest rooms offer charming ocean views overlooking the South China Sea. In addition, there are five distinctive in-house dining concepts including Jade serving up Cantonese fare and Satay Inn spotlighting flavours of Singapore, if you’re missing home. The tranquil wellness centre is equipped to provide guests with rejuvenating spa therapies and other experiences while Ocean Park Hong Kong and Water World Ocean Park are just next door for kids and the young at heart.
Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel is located at 3 Ocean Drive, Aberdeen, Hong Kong. For bookings & more information, please email [email protected] or call +852 2166 7388.
Yun Wellness at Island Shangri-La
The Shangri-La Group has also upped its wellness game with the launch of Yun Wellness at the newly renovated Island Shangri-La. The luxurious urban oasis approaches wellness holistically, addressing physical, emotional and mental components to health. With a highly experienced team of practitioners, embark on your wellness journey with programmes ranging from one-on-one training activities, bespoke spa therapies, to pre- and post-natal-focused treatments. It also runs a daily class schedule that encompasses movement and mindful practices alike, from HIIT workouts and Resistance Training to Singing Bowl and meditation classes.
Yun Wellness is located at Level 8, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong Pacific Place, Supreme Ct Rd, Admiralty, Hong Kong. For appointments & more information, please e-mail [email protected] or call +852 2820 8583.
Must-Visit Restaurants, Cafes & Bars
Bino N’ Booze
Nobody can deny Singaporeans’ penchant for hotpot. If you’re in Hong Kong and find yourself craving some soulful goodness, make a stop at Bino N’ Booze, which injects a splash of modernity to traditional local flavours. This includes unique four alcohol-infused signature soup bases in flavours like Signature Red Wine Oxtail and Tomato Soup (HK$288), The BnB Seafood Soup (HK$328), and The Pig Tripe and Chicken in Beer Soup (HK$268). Their specialty dumplings are also a must try – we recommend the Dumpling Platter (HK$118 for eight), which comes with Truffle Abalone Dumpling, Phoenix Dumpling, Fresh Prawn Wonton, Berkshire Pork and Chives Dumpling.
Bino N’ Booze is located at Shop A G/F and 1/F, Hyde Park, 205 Hai Tan St, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, p. +852 6353 5519 (WhatsApp)/ +852 2682 4300 (telephone). Open daily 6pm–12am.
The Praya
A new neo-Chinese restaurant, The Praya is located in Shek Tong Tsui, within the One-Eight-One Hotel. Serving up contemporary Cantonese, the restaurant is led by Chef Samuel Ng, a culinary name hailing from Australia. With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, served with modest finesse, the tasting menu (HK$1288 per pax) sees elevated dishes like drunken clams with aged Shaoxing wine, sourdough spring onion pancakes and gold coin eel. You’ll also find a curated cocktail menu inspired by elements like fire, wood, earth, metal and water, along with a selection of spritz and draft beer.
The Praya is located at Level 3, 181 Connaught Rd W, Shek Tong Tsui, Hong Kong, p. +852 3181 1666. Open daily 7am-11pm.
Cafe BAU
In a synergistic partnership with LUBUDS F&B Group, Michelin-starred Chef Alvin Leung presents Cafe BAU in Wan Chai. The farm-to-table concept focuses on fresh quality and vibrant flavours of homegrown ingredients while driving an eco-conscious agenda of reducing carbon footprint. Chef Alvin highlights the “Replace,” “Renew,” and “Maintain” trifecta through skilfully crafted local cuisine. The stars of the 3-course (HK$650) and 8-course (HK$998) tasting menu are Slow-Cooked Hong Kong Heritage Pork Belly, Fresh Tiger Prawns and Hand-Cut Penne Cacio e Pepe.
Cafe BAU is located at Shop 8, Podium 1/F, J Residence, 60 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. +852 2126 7212. Open Mon-Sat 6pm – 11pm. Closed on Sun.
Artifact Bar
Hidden behind its sister Japanese counter dining restaurant with the same name, Artifact Bar is the latest speakeasy-style bar part of Basehall 02 (a curated collection of Hong Kong’s best food and beverage). Led by industry veterans and co-directors Beckaly Franks, Ezra Star, and Michael Larkin, take in the classy and upscale interiors over good food and boozy indulgences. The bourbon-based Bread and Butter Milk Punch (HK$170) is stirred down corn, lemon, pomegranate, toasted bread, and butter, while the Caviar Martini (HK$170) features caviar, rice and nori oil. To pair, slurp on plump single seed oysters from Fukuoka with a yuzu and ponzu mignonette.
Artifact Bar is located at No.1 & 2, BaseHall 02, Shop 5 & 7, LG/F, Jardine House, p. +852 6468 8762. Open Tue-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am. Closed on Mon & Sun.
Vista Bar
For folks who love a sky-high view with their tipples, the new Vista Bar in collaboration with Campari, is the ideal evening delight. Set by the Victoria Harbour, an Italian aperitivo experience awaits with a crafted Eight Shades of Red cocktail menu. Enjoy the peking (one) duck (HK$160) featuring duck fat & tamarind washed montelobos espadin mezcal, and wtf (wild turkey frappe) (HK$150) with Wild Turkey 81 bourbon, spiced pineapple, amaro montenegro, lime, and popcorn cream. The nitro-negroni ice cream (HK$220) is the perfect nightcap, topped with gin glazed vermouth caviar. Expect resident DJs spinning up groovy music alongside cinematic projections.
Vista Bar is located at 29/F & 30/F, One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. +852 2778 3255. Open Sun –Thu 5pm – 12am, Fri & Sat 5pm – 1am.
Things To Do & New Experiences
Double Ducks by Florentijn Hofman
By now, you would’ve already seen the giant rubber ducks gracing the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. Perfectly instagramable and utterly hilarious, the aforementioned is an art exhibition called “DOUBLE DUCKS” by creative studio AllRightsReserved (ARR) and Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman. The cheeky exhibition first swam over to the harbour-side in 2013. This year, Florentijn Hofman’s iconic rubber ducks stand 18 meters tall, marking the 10th anniversary of its first appearance in the city. Besides the large-scale installation at Victoria Harbour, you can also find the quacky duck visuals around the city, including in 18 different train stations and more.
Double Ducks by Florentijn Hofman can be sighted near Tamar Park for a limited period of time.
West Kowloon Art Park
Recently renovated, the once a barren land in West Kowloon Cultural District has transformed to the new West Kowloon Art Park. Quickly becoming a go-to spot for locals, visit the district for its museums, exhibition spaces and theatres. The Art Park specifically offers just the perfect open space for picnics, relaxing and even biking, surrounded by the harbour. There are also various open-air performances, exhibitions, cultural events, and occasionally, gourmet food trucks. Stick around till sundown for stunning sunsets and an Insta-worthy illuminated skyline.
West Kowloon Art Park is located at West Kowloon Cultural District, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Open 6 am–11 pm.
Top Image: The Praya
