“You can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you”
I have spent the last few weeks daydreaming about my trip to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is a young, vibrant city bursting with energy. This is obvious to anyone looking out over Hong Kong’s impressive skyline of skyscrapers. With its tropical climate, beautiful landscapes, energetic nightlife and fantastic food, Hong Kong is a traveler’s paradise. 36 million people come here each year to experience a city unlike any other in the world!
I spent three nights in Hong Kong and toured as much as I could! Below is a travel guide to three nights in beautiful HK.
How to get there: Los Angeles to Hong Kong direct flight with American Airlines. This flight is 15 hours and I’m telling you it’s worth getting the business class seats! They partner with Casper, which is an incredible mattress and bedding company. They provide a mattress pad that completely transformed the airplane seat into a full on comfortable mattress/bed. The sheets and pillow they provide are also very nice. I honestly slept better on that plane than I do in my own home! I think it’s time for me to buy some Casper bedding at home. Here are some I’m looking at getting.
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How to get the The Ritz-Carlton from the Airport
Option 1:Take the hotel Car Service. They can meet you at your baggage claim and take you directly to the hotel in a comfortable Sedan or SUV.
Option 2:Public Transportation – Kowloon station by Hong Kong Airport Express. The airport express train can be accessed directly from the airport terminal building. The train runs every 12 minutes from 5:50am to 12:48am. Journey between the airport and Kowloon station that is next to The Ritz-Cartlon (5 minute walk through the Elements Mall which is incredible btw) takes around 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at any airport express customer service center.
Day 1:
Arrive in Hong Kong at 7am in order to have a full day to explore!
Check in to The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong and get breakfast at the club level. The Club Level has delicious complimentary food and drinks including breakfast, light lunch, high-tea, dinner and desserts. I will go over my stay The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong in more detail later!
High Speed Rail Station – Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
This is conveniently located next to the West Kowloon Cultural district. This giant wall comprises 4,000 irregular glass panels to maximize daylight and conserve energy. The Station Hours: 6am – 12 (midnight)
Man Mo Taoist Temple on Hollywood Road:
This temple was breathtakingly beautiful. It is dedicated to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). I highly recommend stopping here and seeing the temple and it’s beauty.
Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is a MUST if you go to Hong Kong! We lucked out with the weather being crystal clear and could see views of the city for days. It is one of those views you cannot miss and taking the tram up is worth it as it’s an experience within itself.
Aberdeen Fishing Village with a Private Sampan Ride
An old traditional fishing village, which has now turned into a bit of a more modern waterfront metropolitan area. You can see the mix of the new with the old, which gives it character and charm.
We took a private Sampan boat ride around the village and checked out the local fisherman and the famous floating restaurant, Jumbo.
Day 2:
Breakfast at the Club Lounge
Flower Market:
A visit to the farmers market is a magical experience. It’s a few streets filled with flower shops that fill the air with beautiful scents. The exotic blooms are colorful and thought to bring fortune to your home.
Chi Lin Nunnery:
This nunnery was built in the 1930’s with details quintessential of Tang Dynasty architecture. It’s elegant, simple and has incredible details. Compromised of interlocking wood sections assembled without a single nail, it is a testament to the golden age of Buddhist beliefs and designs in China’s history.
Next to it is the Nan Lian Garden that also has been curated in the manner of the Tang courts where the pond, plant and stone placement reflects man’s harmony with nature.
Jade Market and Fresh-Produce Markets:
Jade is a precious stone in the Chinese culture. Chinese women traditionally wore a single jade bracelet given to them as a child. At this market you can find jade and other stones in all shapes, sizes and prices
Lightshow by Boat:
SoL is staged every night at 8:00 p.m. The best viewing locations of this nightly spectacle are the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the promenade at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wanchai, and from sightseeing ferries in the Victoria Harbour. We went on a ferry, which I highly recommend! Seeing the lightshow reflect in the water from the standpoint of a boat was breathtaking! We then walked around the city and took in the high-end shops filled with people still at 9pm on a weeknight!
Day 3:
Sheung Wan Dried Food & Herbal Market:
Hong Kong is traditional when it comes to health and beauty aids and medicine. This market was filled with unique items such as deer horns & dried sea horses that are staples in many Chinese households. Walking through the market I learned so much about their herbal medicines and theories behind them.
The Big Buddha
The Big Buddha is a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, symbolizing the harmonious relationship between man, nature, people and faith. Completed in 1993, and located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, in Hong Kong.
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
I honestly don’t know where to begin. This hotel is simply stunning. It has views that are basically on par with Victoria Peak, the service is exceptional and the food was delicious. Each part of the hotel is designed so well with keeping the views on top of their mind. From the gym to the pool to the bar to the rooms to the restaurants – alllllll of them have views for days!
This hotel actually has the highest pool and bar in the world! It’s one you do not want to miss. I recommend getting a room with access to the club level. It’s open from 24 hours a day and includes meals throughout the day and complimentary alcoholic beverages. As a Club Level guest you also get:
Complimentary pressing service of two garments per day
Complimentary coffee/tea with wakeup call
Complimentary coffee and tea service at the lounge or in your room
Business Center Service, private meeting room and personal computer usage based upon availability
Private check-in and checkout service from 6am – 11pm
Complimentary in-town limousine drop-off service within Kowloon area
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Dining options at The Ritz-Carlton
Tin Lung Heen– two star Michelin Cantonese cuisine. Known for their Dim Sum complimented with a premium variety of tea.
Tosca– one star Michelin. Italian cuisine
The Lounge and Bar– all day dining venue with live music at their afternoon tea. Breakfast is included here if you book through SS Gold.
Café 103- Elegant and relaxed lounge
Ozone – Highest bar in the world! Great spot to checkout at night – they have a DJ, signature delicious cocktails, Asian tapas and an outdoor terrace with incredible views.
Almas Caviar Bar– offers luxurious pre or post dinner servings with a selection of the world’s finest caviar!
What to wear:
Travel Style:
Daytime Look:
Night out in HK:
Beauty products to pack:
I hope this helps with your travels to Hong Kong!
As always, contact SS Gold for exclusive amenities, promotions and VIP status at select hotels in Hong Kong including The Ritz-Carlton!
Amenities may include: Complimentary breakfast for two daily, $100 hotel credit, upgraded room, early check-in, late check-out, free wi-fi and more!
Promotions may include: Complimentary nights, discounted tours, etc.
XX,
Sinem
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