Through out the 1980s, Robin Leach introduced the world to the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," showing us lavish homes and vacation getaways. While you might
not be famous, you can live like one of Leach's subjects during a weekend escape to
Hong Kong.
Here's how:
When spending endless sums on luxury, few places can beat The Peninsula Hong Kong. The suites are superb and the hotel offers almost infinite delights, if you can bear to leave your beautiful bathroom, like playing weekend admirals with the hand-carved wooden telescope keeping watch over the island.
Even the rich get hungry, and when they do The Peninsula knows how to wine and dine. Reserve your place behind the scenes (to be seen) at the Chef's Tables at Gaddi's or Spring Moon. These tables are inside the respective Western and Chinese kitchens, giving visitors a first-hand insight into the creation of a memorable meal.
Time your exploration of the hotel's 80-some luxury boutiques in the three-level shopping arcade around reviving pauses in Hong Kong's most elegant, historic setting-the hotel's lobby. This has been a local institution for almost 80 years, where afternoon tea is a must.
From dining to shopping, the hotel forms a self-contained world unto itself, but it would be a pity not to enjoy a few more of Hong Kong's many enjoyable diversions. Ask the concierge, the suave and all-knowledgeable Paul Quinn, for suggestions as to how to pack the most experience into what will end up feeling like an all-too short stay. And of course, Quinn can arrange your entree into the most exclusive venues around town: concerts, musicals, theaters and art shows are all just a phone call away for Quinn's guests. One extravagance certainly not to miss are the helicopter flight-seeing tours, surely the most exciting way to get acquainted with Hong Kong if this is your first visit, run by one of The Peninsula's sister companies.
After just 24 hours in The Peninsula you've most likely acquired a taste for the finer things in life, Hong Kong style. When you are ready to venture forth and explore the island, book the hotel's vintage Rolls Royce, an impeccably maintained 1934 work of art. Getting there is more than half the fun as you glide from one glamorous destination to the next.
Shopping
The newest and glitziest mall on Hong Kong Island stretches around IFC Towers 1 and 2 above the Airport Express station. For high quality souvenirs with a Hong Kong twist, visit G.O.D.
Address:G/F, Leighton Centre, Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay
Tel: 2890-5555
Hollywood Road is a by-word for antiques of every grade and age. Jade, porcelain, imperial embroideries and furniture await your inspection. For exquisite made-to-measure Chinese style clothing, visit Blanc de Chine on the second floor. Or for something flashier, stop on the ground floor to explore Shanghai Tang's flagship store.
Address:G/F, Pedder Building, Pedder Street, Central
Tel: +852-2525-7333.
For local color, leave your diamonds and Rolexes in the hotel safe and set off to spend a late evening at the Temple Street Night Market In Yaumatei. It's fun, the sound levels are ear-splitting, the lights are bright and everyone's enjoying what amounts to street theater.
Eating
For modern Australian flavors, head to M at the Fringe, a small and quirky restaurant on the edge of Central. Superb ingredients, original menus, diverse wines and the best pavlova in town make this a great place for an intimate lunch or dinner.
Address:2 Lower Albert Road, Central
Tel: 2877-4000
Wake up your taste buds at WasabiSabi, a stylish, sleek, modern Japanese restaurant with the most captivating food. The dramatic lounge area is ideal for pre- or after-dinner drinks.
Address:13/F, Food Forum, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay
Tel: 2506-0009
Cutting edge cuisine at Bo Innovation is prepared by Hong Kong's most innovative chef, Alvin Leung. Book a seat at his tiny chef's table to catch all the action and the colorful language.
Address:32-38 Ice House Street
Tel: 2850-8371
When the weather permits, dine under the starts at Gaia, a favorite haunt of Hong Kong glitterati. It has great ambience, impeccable service and authentic Italian food plus flamboyant Pino Piano as presiding genius.
Address:G/F, Grand Millennium Plaza, 181 Queen's Road, Sheung Wan
Tel: 2167-8200
Cheers!
Signature cocktails by world-famous "mixologist" Grant Collins make Lotus one of the most relaxed bar-restaurants around town. The modern Asian menu is a plus.
Address:37-43 Pottinger Street, Central
Tel: 2543-6290
Wanchai bars are notoriously sleazy, but the exception is 1/5, which is one of the island's best looking bars and home to Hong Kong's best drink list and seriously glamorous drinkers.
Address:Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wanchai
Tel: 2520-2515
See and better still, be seen, at Dragon-i. This gorgeously glamorous bar-restaurant draws the fashionistas in the evenings, all fighting for space in the hottest VIP rooms in town.
Address:UG/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central
Tel: 2545-0023
Some of the most inventive DJs on the island spin at trendy late-night Drop. It's small and intimate, which means a line out the door on the weekends.
Address:39-43 Hollywood Road, Soho
Tel: 2543-8856
Avant-garde designer Philippe Starck created The Peninsula's popular nightspot, Felix, as the backdrop for cosmopolitan cuisine. For diners and drinkers, the 28th floor views are spectacular.
Address:28/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: 2315-3188
Travel Tips
How to Get There : Dragonair operates multiple daily flights between Hong Kong and Beijing, and Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Where to Stay: The "suite" life at The Peninsula starts at HK$5,600 per night. Starting price for a three-night suite weekend package is HK$13,000. Contact Paul Quinn, The Peninsula's concierge, for enquiries and reservations: 962-2920-2888.
Where to Play: The vintage Rolls Royce costs HK$2,000 per hour including chauffeur. Helicopter ride and picnic lunch for four: HK$18,888 net.
(Cityweekend by Jane Ram May 16, 2007)
