Prestige Citi presents LUXE City Guides The cult pocket city guides and mobile apps for the busy, sophisticated traveler www.luxecityguides.com

The colorful, cacophonous hub of the Orient, Hong Kong is a delightfully frenetic collision of old and new, east and west, and arguably Asia’s premier shopping, dining and style destination.

While (TST) and across the harbor have their attractions, is the place to be, with up-and-coming Wan Chai and happening to the east, and vibrant Sheung Wan to the west of the city’s Central district. With her bright lights, weird and wonderful smells, excellent dining high-end to low, lush green national parklands, and round-the-clock buzzing energy, this is one China doll that certainly packs a punch.

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nov-Mar is blissfully spring- Taxis are cheap (if not always over-attentive ‘velcro’ shop like, it’s wretchedly humid at all cheerful) and plentiful, simply assistants are a way of life in this other times including typhoon round up fares and give city of retail worship season Jul-oct. drivers small notes

Smoking is banned indoors The Airport Express train is Full-on traditional in restaurants and bars fast, efficient, AnD you can food can be an acquired taste; check-in your luggage in town you may wish to avoid the (except US flights) pork intestine casserole. And be warned, some lower-end The country code for hong kong restaurants here will deep- is +852, local calls and faxes are fry your handbag as soon FREE (about the only thing in hk as look at you Events… Chinese new Year: Jan/ that is). Call 999 for emergencies Feb, big fireworks and closed and 1081 for directory restaurants; Rugby Sevens: Mar, intoxicated expats; ART hk: May, the world’s finest galleries Most high-end restaurants offer under one big roof; Dragon Boat terrific value lunch sets Festival: Sep, vile mooncakes and pretty lanterns; Macau grand Prix: nov, fast and furious

Pegged exchange rate: hk$7.80 ~ US$1.00

Limited English is spoken in taxis, small shops and venues; have your concierges number Banks open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, on speed dial Sat 9am-12.30pm

Shops generally open daily 10am-7pm

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CLAIRE hSU

Claire hsu is co-founder and Executive Director of Asia Art Archive (AAA), an independent, non-profit documentation, research, and ideas platform for contemporary art founded in 2000. Based in hong kong, with research posts throughout the region, AAA houses one of the most valuable collections of material on contemporary Asian art in the world and is accessible to the public free of charge.

www.aaa.org.hk/home.aspx

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CLAIRE hSU

1) What neighborhood or gallery must an art-lover go to in your city?

over the last couple of years a number of neighborhoods are attracting artists and galleries. But if I had to choose one, it would have to be Sheung Wan, a vertical and horizontal layering of traditional Chinese shops, art galleries, antique shops, quirky design stores, coffin shops and temples dotted around its meandering streets. Stop by asia art archive to not only read up on the latest contemporary art developments, but also view the district from its 11th floor premise. www.aaa.org.hk

2) What’s the best day trip to take from your city, and why?

In addition to the main Island and kowloon peninsula, hong kong comprises 263 islands, some inhabited, others uninhabitable. While hong kong’s harbor may no longer be described as fragrant (hong kong literally translates as Fragrant harbor), escape the hustle and bustle of the city by renting a boat, head to Tai Long Wan, and enjoy the white sand between your toes. Yes, you really are in hong kong.

3) Who are your favorite local designers in your city? What do you love about them?

niin makes well-crafted, eco-conscious and extremely desirable costume jewelry and clutches from recycled natural material. Another favorite is hong kong based jewelry designer Youmna whose exquisite pieces draw on art, architecture and fashion for inspiration. www.niinstyle.com/shop • www.youmnafinejewelry.com

4) What’s the best local delicacy in your city, and why and where is it worth trying?

There’s nothing like a bowl of soup noodles, and while the choices are endless in the city I often go to Mak’s noodles at 77 Wellington Street in Central, because it’s close to where I work, quick, consistent and doesn’t leave me with an MSg hangover.

5) What’s the one thing every visitor to your city must do and why?

go back in time and experience hong kong horizontally from a tram, marvel at hong kong’s skyline from the star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui or scale hong kong vertically with the Peak Tram. The thrill of the city lies not in its museums or institutions but on the street, in between the buildings and in what its natural environment has to offer you, despite being one of the most densely populated cities in the world. www.starferry.com.hk • www.thepeak.com.hk/en

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Hotel

THe UPPer HoUse

This elegant and serene Andrew Fu- designed haven of blonde wood and tranquil hues exudes quiet sophistication. The spacious, wired-up rooms, with wow bathrooms and tubs have fantastic cosmopolitan views, while the happening bar and dapper Café gray Deluxe restaurant attracts a fittingly beautiful crowd.

Pacific Place / 88 / Admiralty / +852 2918 1838 www.upperhouse.com

Dining

CiTy HaLL MaxiM’s PaLaCe

This ever-popular hong kong institution doesn’t take bookings, so you’d do well to arrive early (before 10.30am) on its busiest day, Sunday. Take a number and wait in line, but be rewarded with a real experience – old-fashioned trolleys, enormous chandeliered dining room and feeding-time frenzy included.

2/F / Low Block / City Hall / Central / +852 2521 1303 / opens 11am daily and 9am Sun www.maxims.com.hk/tc/index.asp

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Dining Dining

8½ oTTo e Mezzo BoMBana yardBird

The town’s top Italian table, and now Redefining hong kong’s independent proud recipient of a third Michelin restaurant scene with its buzzing star, Umberto’s sublime and perfectly atmosphere, chicken-focused menu, executed menu features specialties slick shop-house interior, gorgeous like homemade tagliatelle and Wagyu staff, and above all else, excellent beef tenderloin. Try your luck securing service. This modern izakaya works a coveted booking, but if all else fails a on every level, and has already lucky few can be accommodated at the garnered a large and discerning no-reservation bar, so arrive early for a following to prove it. cocktail and cross your fingers. 33-35 Bridges St / Sheung Wan / 2/F / Alexandra House / 18 / +852 2547 9273 Central / +852 2537 8859 yardbirdrestaurant.com ottoemezzobombana.com

Dining Bar

THe CHairMan CHiCHa

Tired of over-processed, mass- Securing a booking is the hard part at produced, clichéd Chinese fare? So this new Peruvian hotspot, but from are we, and so were they, which is there it’s as easy on the eye as it is on why all Chairman ingredients are the palate, with zesty red walls, palm locally sourced, ultra-fresh and trees, and pale wood décor, a delicious seasonal. The intimate pristine white menu featuring ceviches, causas, and chandeliered surrounds are the grilled meats, tacos, and share plates, backdrop to the tastiest steamed crab plus an extensive Pisco-based cocktail and slow-cooked spare ribs you’re list. Caliente! likely to find anywhere.

18 Kau U Fong / Central / +852 2555 2202 26 Peel St / Central / +852 2561 3336 thechairmangroup.com www.conceptcreations.hk

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Bar Shopping

BUTLer sin sin

hong kong’s fledgling cocktail culture Both the brand and the woman is slowly but surely gaining ground on behind it are earthy and unique, not its international counterparts. Butler to mention versatile. The doyenne is without question leading the charge, of hong kong design, Sin Sin’s with its artisanal spirits precision wares now span jewelry, fashion, blended to perfection by white dinner accessories, fabrics and fine art jacket-clad Japanese mixology mediums, all located in two shop- masters. It’s seriously meticulous, houses opposite each other in seriously hip, and well worth crossing happening urban enclave the harbor for. Sheung Wan.

5/F / Mody House / 30 Mody Road / 52 Sai Street / Sheung Wan / TST / +852 2724 3828 +852 2521 0308 www.sinsin.com.hk

Shopping Art

THe arMoUry osage

Renowned for their excellent quality Seeking cutting-edge contemporary and artisanal craftsmanship, this East and Southeast Asian visual arts? multicultural team is truly passionate Look no further than osage’s huge about its work, and it shows in the exhibition space in kwun Tong, or their elegant finished product. With bespoke smaller outlet in Soho for the pick of jackets, suits, shoes, ties, socks, braces, the local bunch, including represented and even umbrellas – plus ready-to- artists Adrian Wong, Donna ong, Lee wear pieces available off the rack – it’s kit, and Wilson Shieh. the sharpest hong kong gentleman’s secret. 5/F / Kian Dai Industrial Building / 73-75 Hung To Roadd / Kwun Tong / +852 2793 3/F / / 12 Pedder Street / 4817 / plus LG/F / 45 / enter Central / +852 2804 6991 / +852 2537 0688 thearmoury.com www.osagegallery.com

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Shopping Spa

graCe WU BrUCe THe sTrand

With 25 years experience under Spread over five floors, this one- her belt, grace is the go-to girl for stop shop for men and women’s spa exquisite antique Chinese hardwood treatments is conveniently located furniture, tabletop wares, carved smack bang in the center of town. wooden artifacts and statues of the With hair, nail, massage, face, body late Ming and early Qing eras. and waxing services available, the magic-handed staff will have you 701 Universal Trade Centre / 3 Arbuthnot polished-up and ready to face the Road / Central / +852 2537 1288 / world in no time. grace-wu-bruce.com

18 / Central / +852 2850 7686 thestrandhk.com

Spa Activities

Pedi:Mani:CUre sTUdio By sTar Ferry BasTien gonzaLez More than just a cheap and cheerful Metatarsal maestro Bastien gonzalez’s means of harbor crossing, the iconic world-renowned pedicure lands in vessels are beloved by hong kongers, hong kong, with the opening of his and offer a wonderful vantage point studio in Mandarin from which to see the city’s famous oriental Spa. Lauded as the definitive skyline. Symphony of Lights harbor nail pampering, the science-meets- cruises run nightly aboard the double- luxury treatment is certainly the most decker ‘Shining Star’, a beautiful decadent, with a black diamond scrub recreation of the hong kong ferries and diamond-tipped drill both part of of the 1920s. the signature process.

HK Island-side at 7&8 / Landmark Mandarin Oriental / Kowloon-side next to Ocean Terminal / 15 Queen’s Road / Central / +852 2118 6120 +852 2132 0188 www.starferry.com.hk www.mandarinoriental.com

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naTHan road

Busy, smelly, touristy and full of junk you don’t want or need

PoLLUTion

The demise of air and water quality really is an injustice to this beautiful city

LiMiTed aLFresCo dining

oPTions

Silly government regulations make enjoying the tropical climate with a meal outdoors a rare luxury

Crazy Taxi drivers WiTH a

deaTH WisH

A common problem in most big cities, but the narrow, winding hong kong roads make the journey all the more terrifying.

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LigHT sHoW isLand HoPPing Food Finds

Jostling for pole position on Tsim Sha Exploring the outlying islands using Trying to get the best of local cuisine Tsui’s crowded waterfront promenade public ferries is all very well, but you when your Cantonese isn’t up to to watch the nightly Symphony could do it in style with the luxury of scratch is well nigh impossible, but of Lights show can be distinctly your own private, fully-catered and hiring a local lingo-speaking food tour uncomfortable and humid, but you get crewed traditional junk boat with guide from Little Adventures means a grandstand view of the spectacle asia Yachting. they do all the talking for you from the interContinental hotel lobby or aqua spirit bar with a glass of asiayachting.net/html/ay.html realtravelhongkong.com bubbles in hand.

www.ichotelsgroup.com aqua.com.hk

CoUnTryside CUsToM TaiLor

Exploring the concrete jungle of hong Shopping off the peg for the usual kong Island is great fun, if a little ubiquitous labels can be done in any polluted, but with over 60 percent city, but having your clothes designed of hong kong Island and the new bespoke by one of hong kong’s Territories being country parkland best tailors, Y William Yu is a very there are a host of fabulous green affordable luxury. hiking trails to discover too.

ywilliamyu.com hkoutdoors.com

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BUsiness

Your primary focus might be work, but statement jewelry pieces, before lunch even with the busiest of schedules you at 1930s throwback diner can still make the most of what’s on offer, China Club. Sir David Tang’s expansive starting with a chic and central spot to collection of contemporary Chinese art drop your bags. The Mandarin oriental is housed here, and is sure to impress can’t be faulted for its prime location, even the most somber of clients. After spacious rooms and elegant, clubby lunch get sartorial at razor sharp bespoke Mandarin grill restaurant, perfect for outfitter The armoury (see LUXE Loves) that important power breakfast. If you just a short stroll away. hit the right are straight off a long flight with a face note at dinner with the perfect mix of more CEoww than CEohh, you needn’t succulence and swagger at 8½ otto e go far to freshen-up, with the fifth-floor Mezzo Bombana (see LUXE Loves), but oriental spa being the epitome of urban bear in mind you’ll need to book well spa excellence. gentlemen can indulge ahead to secure a coveted table. Post- in a close-as they-come wet shave at prandial tipples in the bar are some of the the second-floor Mandarin Barber, plus city’s best, so be sure to schedule a late there’s a John Lobb shoe-shine chair in breakfast meeting for the next day. the lobby (or if you’re in a pinch, there are shoe-shiners in Central’s Theatre Lane too). Take an informal meeting at IFC mall coffee-house Fuel, then pick up gifts for the family while you have time. Within the mall there is something for everyone and labels aplenty at glamorous department store Lane Crawford, or cross to nearby Prince’s Building for Tayma Fine Jewelry’s knockout

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sTyLe

As in most major cities you can find for delicious sandwiches at Le Jardin labels galore in hong kong, but to really de Joel robuchon, and a world-class experience the best of local style, you’d treatment at Pedi:Mani:CUre studio do well to eschew the names in favor of by Bastien gonzalez (see LUXE Loves) bespoke. The Upper House (see LUXE in The Landmark Mandarin oriental Spa. Loves) is the perfect choice for the Cross the harbor via taxi or ferry and take urban trendsetter and a great bolthole in sky-high afternoon tea at the 102nd during your busy retail day. Beginning floor ritz-Carlton Lounge, followed by mid-morning hail a cab to , an equally heavenly visit to the promised Central, where you’ll launch your retail land, aka the Lane Crawford shoe assault. Start with glamorous matte Library on Canton Road. Cross back to and white gold jewelry from youmna hong kong Island to take in a dazzling then carry on down Queen’s Road harbor-side sunset on sevva’s stunning (past Landmark on your right) and up wraparound deck, then it’s straight on to for exquisite hand- dinner at the hippest independent diner painted silk wallpaper and fabrics from in town, chicken-focused yardbird (see anthony Chao, plus the cream of the LUXE Loves). They don’t accept bookings local crop at grotto Fine art. Climb up so take a number and get acquainted with the stairs to for antique their cocktail list while you wait, and top it dealer grace Wu Bruce (see LUXE all off with a night of post-dinner dancing Loves), then retrace back to Anthony at members-only club Kee. Chao and cross down Wellington Street to Kei Poon, specializing in custom bags made from exotic skins including crocodile, python, ostrich and shagreen. By now you will have worked up an appetite, so double back to Landmark

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Foodie

hong kong is a mecca for foodies. Drift back towards Sheung Wan, stopping From the highest-end fine diners to the for a relaxing rub at reflexology spa traditional back alley hawker stall Dai Ten Feet Tall, then swish straight in to Pai Dongs, there is a wealth of mouth- your pre-booked table at kau U Fong watering fare to be discovered. Start your locavore hotspot The Chairman (see day in Central as many of the locals do, LUXE Loves), being sure to order the with a bowl of hot rice porridge or rice delectable steamed crab with aged noodles from Wai Kee Congee shop, ShaoXing wine. After savouring your followed by a stroll through one of the supper, cross the harbor via cab or ferry few remaining open-air wet markets in for some post-dinner drinks at Japanese- the city. The gage and influenced precision cocktail lounge markets are home to flower, fruit and Butler (see LUXE Loves). Still hungry? vegetable, live seafood and meat vendors, Wander through Mong kok, sampling making for a colorful and fragrant local street food along the way (including sensory experience. Stop past Tai Cheong braised squid from Fei Jie, and sao bing on for one of their (Chinese bread) with pork filling from famed egg tarts, then head down towards Man Ka), then back to your suite at the the Four Seasons for your pre-booked interContinental Hotel for nightcaps dim sum lunch at triple Michelin-starred, with a harbor view. contemporary Cantonese blockbuster Lung King Heen. Take a taxi east to where you’ll find delightful LockCha Teahouse, the perfect spot for some post-meal digestion. Take in a traditional tea class or simply have a seat and choose from the more than one hundred teas available to sample.

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BUsiness

Mandarin Oriental Tayma Fine Jewelry 5 Connaught Rd / Central / Shop 225 / 2/F / Prince’s Bldg / 10 +852 2522 0111 Chater Rd / Central / +852 2525 5280 www.mandarinoriental.com www.taymajewelry.com

Fuel China Club 3/F / IFC Mall / 8 Finance St / Central / 13/F / Old Bank of China Bldg / Bank +852 2295 3815 St / Central / +852 2521 8888 / a good www.fuelespresso.com concierge will get you in / book ahead

Lane Crawford The Armoury 3/F / IFC Mall / 8 Finance St / Central / (see LUXE Loves) +852 2118 3388 www.lanecrawford.com 8½ Otto E Mezzo Bombana (see LUXE Loves)

sTyLe

The Upper House PEDI:MANI:CURE Studio by Bastien (See LUXE Loves) Gonzalez (see LUXE Loves) Youmna 8/F / Baskerville House / 22 Ice House Ritz-Carlton Lounge St / Central / +852 2104 7778 102/F / Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong / ICC / www.youmna.com.hk 1 Austin Rd West / Kowloon / +852 2263 2263 Anthony Chao www.ritzcarlton.com 2/F / Sea Bird House / 22-28 Wyndham St / Central / +852 2971 0338 Lane Crawford Shoe Library / 3 Canton www.anthonychao.com Rd / TST / +852 2118 3428 www.lanecrawford.com Grotto Fine Art 2/F / 31C-D Wyndham St / SEVVA +852 2121 2270 25/F / Prince’s Building / 10 Chater Rd www.grottofineart.com / Central / +852 2537 1388 www.sevva.hk Grace Wu Bruce (See LUXE Loves) Yardbird (See LUXE Loves) Kei Poon 68 Wellington St / Central / KEE +852 2730 4600 6/F / 32 Wellington St / Central / +852 2810 9000 / a good concierge Le Jardin de Joel Robuchon will get you in 3/F / The Landmark / 15 Queen’s Rd / www.keeclub.com Central / +852 2166 9000 www.robuchon.hk

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Wai Kee Congee Shop The Chairman 8 Stanley Street / Central / (see LUXE Loves) +852 2551 5564 Butler Tai Cheong (see LUXE Loves) 35 Lyndhurst Terrace / Central / +852 2544 3475 Fei Jie Street Snacks 4A / 55 Dundas Street / Mong Kok / Lung King Heen Kowloon 4/F / Four Seasons / 8 Finance Street / Central / +852 3196 8888 Man Ka www.fourseasons.com S9 / 43 Dundas Street / Mong Kok / Kowloon / LockCha Teahouse +852 2332 5833 G/F / KS Lo Gallery / Hong Kong Park / 10 Cotton Tree Drive / Admiralty / InterContinental Hotel +852 2801 7177 18 Salisbury Road / TST / Kowloon / +852 2721 1211 www.lockcha.com www.ichotelsgroup.com Ten Feet Tall 21/F / L Place / 139 Queen’s Road Central / Central / +852 2971 1010 www.tenfeettall.com.hk

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YoUr lUXE noTEs

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