Luxury picnic baskets to order in Hong Kong

Hankering for a much needed time out in the sun or just need a change of scenery? What better way to experience an al fresco meal than laying out on a blanket with a loved one, friends or family for an indulgent picnic on the grass.

Here we’ve listed out the most luxurious picnic baskets to order in Hong Kong for a decadent summer experience:

For a luxurious English classic:
Ritz-Carlton (From HK$788)
If your idea of a sun-soaked day is spreading out a sumptuous meal over a gingham blanket, look no further than Ritz-Carlton A picnic basket for two, comes with offerings such as rolls, handmade pastries, sandwiches, a charcuterie selection, refreshing salads and house-made juices. What more could you ask for? They even had an add-on option for champagne and caviar, or even a butler service to deliver your dedicated wicker basket and set the picnic up for you. All that’s asked of you is to bring your appetite.
How much: From HK$788 for two people / From HK$1,488 for four people
Order Here: (852) 2263 2160 (At least 24 hours in advance)
More info here.

For a sumptuous continental delight:
Mandarin Oriental (From HK$1,488)
Bask in the sun with a slew of delicious delicacies fit for a picnic outdoors. From scotch eggs and pork pies to lobster cocktails and quiche, cheese platters and fruits, the signature 1963 Mandarin Cheesecake – Mandarin Oriental has got your picnic cravings covered. If that’s not enough, go through their wide selection of pastas, smoked salmon, a ribeye combo and even a bowl of wonton noodles and place your order. Never the one to disappoint!
How much: From HK$1,488 for two
Order here (At least 48hours in advance).
More info here.

For an Indian vegetarian meal with breathtaking views:
Rajasthan Rifles (From HK$488)
Keen on a fantastic feast in the sun and sweeping views of Hong Kong Island? Black Sheep’s Anglo-Indian diner, Rajasthan Rifles, is serving the perfect burra-khana atop the iconic Victoria Peak Gardens – talk about a picnic with a view. For those seeking a more exciting alternative to the traditional sandwiches and pastries, this is the place to binge on delicious vegetable samosas, a variety of chutneys, seasonal fruits with clotted cream and chocolate brownies, toffee pudding, all this served a hot cup of chai or nimbu soda. All hampers come inclusive of blankets, enamel flatware and a flask.
How much: From HK$488 for two people
Order Here: guestrelations@blacksheeprestaurants.com (At least 48 hours in advance)
More info here.

For a bespoke 7-course gourmet meal:
Invisible Kitchen (From 1,190)
Perhaps snacking on biscuits and tea is not enough to excite discerning gourmands, but perhaps a 7-course gourmet meal will. Gourmet catering company Invisible Kitchen offers a mouth-watering range of canapés, scotch eggs, miniature goat cheese loafs, artisan cheeses and cured meats, and vegetarian options, complete with an utterly tempting dessert selection. For an extra touch of opulence, throw in a bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne for HK$400 to celebrate a special occasion.
How much: From HK$1,190 for two / From HK$1,580 for four people
Order Here: (852) 2711 5788 (At least 2-3 days in advance; Deliveries on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays)
More info here.

Ritz-Carlton’s chef’s table will leave you hungry for more

Dining is supposed to be an unforgettable experience, from enjoying the company of family or friends to experiencing mouth-watering cuisines from around the world.

But, after a while, eating out at the same places can get a bit monotonous.

This is where the prestigious Ritz-Carlton hotel comes in as, earlier this month, the hotel launched its chef’s table that creates a distinctive dining experience for guests.

The idea is spearheaded by Executive Chef Peter Find, who will feature dishes from different parts of the globe every month.

With Find hailing from Germany, naturally the first stop on his world food tour will be his home nation.

“The concept of the chef’s table is to present guests with an insider’s pass into the world of cooking. Guests will be able to see and experience the work and secrets that go into crafting the dishes we serve,” Find said.

“Through the dishes that we have prepared, we hope to share with the guests our passion for and the refinement of the culinary arts.”

Interested in what the Ritz-Carlton has to offer? Then just wait to see what’s on the chef’s table menu.

After the hotel sommelier shares tips on the best wines available, patrons will feast on their appetizer, which is a delicious brown shrimp salad with herbs and pumpernickel.

For the entrée, diners can pick from a number of items, including pork pâté with herring fish and Granny Smith apple, meatballs inspired by Koenigsberger, Klops and capers and German Schwabentopf and cherry.

And for those with a sweet tooth, the Kindheit apple and rice pudding dessert sounds absolutely divine.

To enjoy this unique experience, diners must book two weeks in advance.

A maximum of eight people can be seated at the chef’s table and the price per person is HK$2,000 + 10 percent.

For more information, call: +85222632263

4 spas to help you relax over the Christmas period in Hong Kong

Escapism is defined as “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.”

We are not saying that Christmas is an unpleasant reality, but getting a moment to relax is nothing but a fantasy for most people over the festive period.

The harsh reality is that the holiday season will involve a packed schedule of family engagements and festive parties, with hardly any time to yourself.

However, if you can find the time, Hong Kong is awash with places that allow for a bit of self-indulgence and escapism, such as spas.

Here are four of the best to help you re-energise over the festive period.

Ritz-Carlton Spa

With views overlooking Victoria Harbour from the 116th floor — making it the world’s highest spa — the Ritz-Carlton Spa is a getaway in the clouds.

Gaze out from the floor-to-ceiling windows as you unwind in one of the nine treatment rooms, including two couples spa suites, or from the indoor infinity swimming pool.

The signature treatments include the Lava Shell Body Treatment which uses heated lava shells to soothe your feet before a full-body massage with aromatic oils and therapeutic strokes. The Radiance Jade Facial refreshes tired skin using jade stone rollers to ease and rejuvenate the eyes.

Once you’re done being pampered, choose from eight relaxation lounges with separate areas for males and females to destress even more.

Perfect!

Festive promotion: The Velvet Red Carpet Facial uses the Nubo skin care range to redefine facial contours and rehydrate and soften the skin. The festive treatment also includes an arm wrap and a limited-edition Nubo gift set.

To book a treatment, email spareception.hk@ritzcarlton.com or call 2263 2040.

Venue: 116/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui

Mandarin Oriental Spa

Inspired by 1930s Shanghai, and located in a hotel that has been a cornerstone of Hong Kong since the 1960s, the spa at the Mandarin Oriental covers 2,100 square metres over three floors.

Treatments and packages are inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and modern techniques.

For example, the Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapy treatment, which is tailor-made for each guest, was developed by specialists in Chinese medicine and master aromatherapists.

The Mandarin Oriental has three floors with nine treatment rooms, an indoor pool and a fitness centre. It also has a herb steam room, a hydrotherapy Kneipp pool, showers and a dedicated relaxation area.

Christmas promotion: Guests who book treatments on 24, 25 and 26 December will receive a voucher for a 30-minute treatment upgrade upon their next reservation (blackout dates and terms & conditions apply).

To book a treatment, email mohkg-spa@mohg.com or call 2825 4888.

Venue: 5 Connaught Road Central

Four Seasons Spa

Just like the Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons Spa has sweeping views of Victoria Harbour from its treatment rooms. It is also a giant space, covering just under 2,100 metres with 17 treatment rooms. So reserving a space should be easy!

The spa epitomises elegant escapism, which is embodied in a number of treatments, including the Be Present Day of Beauty package. The package is a full body scrub utilising aromatic ginger, cinnamon, clove and salt. A lymphatic massage and the application of a warm herbal poultice work to release tension, purify and tone the body. This is followed by a traditional Ayurvedic treatment.

The pampering continues in the Nail Bar with an Expresso Manicure and Pedicure. Finally, you will enjoy an al fresco lunch at the pool terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour.

Outside of the treatment rooms, the spa features an amethyst crystal steam room, sauna, ice fountain, chi-water jacuzzi, relaxation lounge and experience shower.

Click here to view Christmas promotions.

To book a treatment, visit their website here or call 3196-8888.

Venue: 8 Finance St, Central

W Bliss Spa

The W brands itself as a trendy hotel aimed at the more modern traveller. The spa complements this with treatments called Peeling Groovy, Fatgirlslim, Head Over Peels and Triple Oxygen Treatment, which are clearly aimed at a younger spa-goer.

The Fatgirlslim package uses dry brushing to apply essential oil, a rubberising mask on cellulite-prone rear and thigh areas, a heated wrap and a rubdown with formulas.

Visitors can put the stress of Christmas behind them with a facial, body scrub or massage in one of nine treatment rooms, including two VIP doubles.

Bliss also offers a jacuzzi, sauna, steam rooms and the highest pool in Hong Kong.

If you’re feeling a bit peckish after your spa, then treat yourself to a chocolate from the brownie bar.

Bliss spa is smaller than the other options on the list, but sometimes the best things come in smaller packages!

To book a treatment, call 3717 2222.

Click here to view Christmas promotions.

Venue: 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon

With these spa choices, you’ll be in good hands — literally.