Tag: Staycation

Advanced Retreats: Luxury and exclusivity exceed all expectations at these singular properties

When most people describe their dream holiday, they are picturing a secluded island or exclusive resort that provides royal comforts and an escape from the bustling outside world. These blissful bespoke stays come with rejuvenating spa treatments, decadent meals and fun activities. With services that go above and beyond. it is their prime location and other amenities not seen at most hotels that set them apart.

Chalet Zermatt Peak

Overlooking the magnificent snow-capped Matterhorn is a lavish luxury chalet with spectacular architecture, resplendent interiors and top-notch hospitality that conjure a lifetime of wonderful memories. A stay at Chalet Zermatt Peak commences with staff ushering you through a candle-lit tunnel into 820 square metres of space spanning five deluxe double bedrooms for 10 people with balconies and bathrooms with walk-in showers, living area, a fully equipped kitchen, wine cellar and indoor swimming pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows gift vacationers panoramic views of Zermatt, and there’s a terrace that stargazers will adore.

Beyond this, the chalet boasts a wellness space with a sauna room offering wet Finnish and dry Swedish experiences, a hammam featuring bio steam, and indoor and outdoor jacuzzis.

Professional masseuses are on hand to provide a range of refreshing and aromatic spa treatments.

As for gastronomy, the quality of food is credited as one reason why guests choose the chalet time and again. Meals are prepared and tailored to your party’s whims by an in-house gourmet chef, and connoisseurs will find wines for perfect pairings. Afternoon tea is also served every day with Champagne if desired.

The temptation would be never to leave this oasis of consummate comfort, though Zermatt boasts year-round skiing – three ski lifts are conveniently located less than a kilometre from the chalet. Also, within walking distance for the outdoorsy are paragliding, heliskiing, sledging, ice skating and more. Short strolls will take you to the Matterhorn Museum and Gorner Ridge, and if you want to venture further, just hop into a private limousine or helicopter.

Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Price: 120,000 CHF (HK$1 million) for seven nights in peak season
Reservations: chaletzermattpeak.com

Hilltop Estate, Laucala

Only the elite can dream of occupying this exclusive and extremely difficult-to-reserve villa perched at the top of Laucala, a private Fijian island of crystal-clear waters and lush green forests. Home to the COMO Laucala Island resort, this idyllic isle offers a superlative range of activities including an 18-hole golf course designed by David McLay Kidd, stables for horse-riding and a sustainable farm providing wagyu beef for guests – all this besides a full complement of watersports. It is certainly a fantasy holiday destination, with just 25 villas affording privacy and a sense of escape from the outside world.

The Hilltop Estate, which can hold 8 guests, sprawls over 12,000 square metres, affording enchanting views of the island greenery edged by rugged coastline and dreamy beaches. It comprises three buildings, with the biggest, Delena, encompassing the master suite, living room, library, a stone bathtub and personal swimming pool with waterfalls. Family and friends can occupy Rua, which also has a swimming pool, and Dua. The interior architecture has an earthy vibe and furnishings favour natural materials like sago palms and coconut husks. Your own chef, chauffeur and nanny if required mean you don’t need to lift a finger to care for your guests.

A traditional Fijian Bobo massage, in which experts use their hands and feet to knead tired deep tissue, is the top billing on a menu of calming, rejuvenating treatments that can be enjoyed in the residence or at Shambhala Retreat, Laucala’s wellness space. All massages and facials use locally sourced and natural ingredients.

In addition to the private chef who will prepare the meals of your choice, there are four restaurants on this large private island. A particular favourite for lovers of Asian cuisine is the Seagrass Lounge and Restaurant, a treetop retreat serving pan-Asian delicacies. All food is prepared with fresh produce farmed or grown on the island.

The most fantastic feature of a Laucala sojourn, though, is the charter flight arranged for you on demand. Departing from Fiji international airport, the plane dips down to a private runway surrounded by azure waters, ensuring zero hassle upon arrival.

Location: Laucala Island, Fiji
Price: Starting at US$455,000 (HK$3.5 million) per night
Reservations: reservations@laucala.com

Echo Camp White Desert, Antarctica

If you crave an out-of-this-world vacation, then these unique space-station-like pods located in the Queen Maud mountains of Antarctica should top your bucket list.

Accessed from Cape Town by private plane, there are six accommodation pods, with each allowing 2 guests, at the recently opened Echo camp, two of them being standalone with a kingsized bedroom and ensuite bathroom and the other four interconnected with four bedrooms, lounge area and dining room. Built with sustainable materials, each heated pod has floor-to-ceiling windows and white carpeting, thus blurring the lines between cosy indoors and icy outside.

While you contemplate the pristine vistas all around, a group of well-trained staff, including hosts, guides and personal chefs who cook gourmet meals to your order, assures that your stay is nothing less than memorable. If you book the Early Emperor package, you can partake in thrilling activities like fat biking, abseiling, ice climbing and skiing right outside your pod. Above all, you should not miss an excursion to the colony of Emperor penguins that usually dwells a few kilometres away.

Given that Echo is a polar camp within the coldest place on Earth – temperatures can plunge below -60oC – guests require a thorough medical checkup and doctor’s all-clear before venturing south. The team at White Desert, Antarctica’s only hotel, also conduct safety lessons prior to the trip of a lifetime.

Location: Antarctica
Price: Starting at US$780,000 (HK$6.1 million) per person for seven days
Reservations: info@whitedesert.com Season dates: 24th November 2023 – 31st January 2024

ANI

Drawing its name from the Swahili word andjani which means ‘journey ahead’, ÀNI is the world’s first private resort collection. Founded in 2010, ÀNI offers exclusive retreats in the most beautiful and far-flung corners of the earth, from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia. Each ÀNI destination is designed exclusively for a single group of guests, accommodating up to 20 or 30 guests across 10 to 15 suites. Currently offering four resorts worldwide, ÀNI’s destinations include Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Dominican Republic, and Anguilla, each claiming panoramic ocean views in a pristine natural setting. Consummately private, each resort operates as an all-inclusive experience except ÀNI Anguilla which is on a half-board basis. They support their local ÀNI Art Academy and offer every facility and space a group of guests could possibly desire during their stay. A full complement of staff (between 20 and 30 per resort) tailors every detail – from dining and spa treatments to kids’ activities and exploration of the region – to ensure a bespoke experience that defies expectations.

Locations: Thailand, Sri Lanka, Dominican Republican and Anguilla

Price: Starting at US$75000 (HK$580,000) per person

Click here to make your reservations.

A unique ocean-going yachtcation with Lantau Yacht Club

With panoramic views of the South China Sea in the backdrop, Discovery Bay’s newly revitalised Lantau Yacht Club is serving up an idyllic and unique staycation package for a romantic getaway or a relaxing ocean-going adventure with the family.

New Lantau Yacht Club Hong Kong_biggest_mooring_gafencu_yachtcation

Relish in a refreshing seascape away from the bustling city by hopping on your yacht to the premium club house’s first and one-of-a-kind yachtcation — a more private, safe and exciting experience from the typical high-rise hotel stays and city crowds.

Lantau Yacht Club Hong Kong_gafencu_yachtcation

Discerning yacht aficionados and ocean-lovers can explore the many natural wonders and yachting hot spots around the beautiful Lantau Island and the resort style residential community Discovery Bay, before ending the day moored at the newly revitalised marina to enjoy an idyllic and special vacation on board.

New Lantau Yacht Club Hong Kong_gafencu_yachtcation_caffe napoli_dining

Provided impeccable service and exclusive access to the premium club house, guests can indulge in a fine wine and dine 4-course meal with complimentary sparkling wine at Caffè Napoli, while enjoying the facilities within, as well as slew of other perks around the resort town of Discovery Bay.

New Lantau Yacht Club Hong Kong_gafencu_yachtcation_auberge

Lantau Yacht Club Yachtcation Package:

Price: From HK$2,200
(Prices may vary according to the lengths of yachts and choices of menus)

  • 1 Overnight Wet Berthing on your yacht with Complimentary WiFi
  • 4-course dinner for 2 with complimentary sparkling wine at Caffè Napoli
  • Free use of tennis courts and shower facilities
  • 15% off on Spa Treatments at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong
  • 15% off on best available room rates at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong
  • 2 complimentary transfers within Discovery Bay
  • Discovery Bay DIY Tour with DB Shopping Directory and Hiking Guidebook Provided

 

For reservation and enquiry:
(852) 2987 9591 / member.service@lantauyachtclub.com

For more information:
www.lantauyachtclub.com

 

Island Getaway: A quick sight-seeing guide to Cheung Chau

Not many cities can match up to Hong Kong’s dynamic cultural scenes, especially when it comes to experiencing rich heritage, vibrant festivals and delicious local delicacies. Every year, during the month of May, Cheung Chau island transforms from a quaint fishing village to one of the most visited locations in the city for its annual Bun Festival — attracting tens and thousands of people. If  you’ve yet to take trip down this outlying island, this week would be the perfect day to do so as the local Bun Festival will be held on from 17 to 20 May. From Instagram-worthy landscapes and cuisines to costumed-parades and the annual Bun Scrambling event, here’s a quick sight-seeing guide to Cheung Chau.

How to get to Cheung Chau
Taking a trip to Cheung Chau is the perfect excuse to take your sailboat or yacht out into sea, but if without, fret not because hopping on the ferry from Central Ferry Pier No. 5 is just as easy. There are two ferries available at the pier: the fast ferry will get you to the island in around 35 minutes, while the  journey on the ordinary ferry can take up to an hour. Just remember to get to the pier early as it gets crowded on public holidays.

Check out local art at Valor
If the sunshine and island vibes of Cheung Chau isn’t enough to start your morning off on a bright note, a quick stop for coffee would likely get you going. Valor is a cafe that doubles as an art hub where it serves  a special coconut ice-dripped and features a rotation of artworks by local artists and photographers.

Take Instagram-worthy photos on the way to the beach
Take a stroll along the beautiful coastline of the island on the paved trail the North Pavilion where a panoramic view of the South China Sea offers a refreshing perspective of Hong Kong. There are also several Instagram-worthy pit stops worth making on the way, from natural rock formations to the 18th Century Cheung Po Tsai Cave. For a less trafficked path, the trail to the Mini Great Wall is an easy family-friendly alternative that leads to the less crowded Kwun Yam Beach where the seven-decade-strong local Hing Kee bar serves fresh mocktails and cold beers by the shore.

Snack on local delicacies
Exploring the many backstreets of the island is any foodie’s adventure where almost everything can be found from Western diners to local desert shops, but the highlight of a trip to the Cheung Chau is snacking on the slew of street food and delicacies unique to the island, from giant fish balls and potato swirls to refreshing frozen fruits and grilled squid.

For a departure meal, a visit to Cheung Chau cannot be complete without a Canton-style seafood feast by the seaside where every eatery lined along the harbour front offer a range of fresh seafood options, from razor clams to mantis shrimp, whole crabs and seasonal fish.

Visit traditional Chinese temples
There are several temples in Cheung Chau that date back centuries and are frequently visited by locals. The Pak Tai Temple, in particular, was built in 1783  to honour of the Taoist God of the Sea. Distinguisibale by its dragon-guarded ceramic roof, the temple houses several Qing (1644–1911) and Song (960–1279) dynasty artefacts and is the dedicated venue for the annual Bun Scrambling event on the day of the spirited Bun Festival.

 

To read more articles click on the below titles:

Six beautifully unique temples to visit in Hong Kong

A guide to some stunning hidden yachting destinations in Hong Kong

Hidden Hikes: 6 unique locations in Hong Kong

Beat the work-from-home blues with the new FUEL FIX staycation from W Hong Kong

The award-winning Bliss Spa at five-star W Hong Kong is offering stressed-out city dwellers with an innovative new wellness experience in the form the Vital Dome treatment. Part of its new FUEL FIX staycation package, Vital Dome is a state-of-the-art infratherapy technology that’s proven to enhance body rejuvenation and healing.  

Vital Dome treatment

To achieve these myriad health benefits, the vital dome immerses your entire body in a 360-degree shell fitted with black carbon panels that generate even infrared heat. It is said to stimulate detoxification, slimming and even enhance anti-ageing processes through heat-stimulated cellular regeneration.

Treatment rooms for FUEL FIX Vital Dome experience

Priced at HK$980 for a 45-minute session and HK$1,280 for an hour-long treatment, four standard programmes are on offer: Ultimate Detoxification, which helps combat insomnia, stress and fatigue; Metabolism Stimulation to improve circulation, particularly targeting cold hands and feet; Slimming & Toning, which reduces premature skin ageing and improves your body shape; and Performance Enhancement, ideal for fitness enthusiasts seeking to improve performance and boost physical recovery.

Try W Hong Kong's FUEL FIX staycation

Weekend vacation-seekers looking to enhance their Vital Dome experience can even opt for the FUEL FIX staycation package. This pairs a 30-minute Vital Dome Detox Experience for two with a relaxing one-night stay at one of W Hong Kong’s capacious rooms or suites, breakfast for two at KITCHEN, smoothies and healthy snacks, as well as an alcoholic fruit cocktail each – an apt nod to the hotel’s motto of “Detox. Retox. Repeat.”. What’s more, if you book one of the sumptuous suites on offer, you’ll even receive a W Hong Kong x Miss Runner biodegradable yoga mat.

New FUEL FIX staycation at W Hong Kong

The FUEL FIX staycation offer from W Hong Kong is valid from now until December 30, 2020, and a 10-percent service charge applies.For spa booking enquiries, please call +852 3717 2797 or email bliss.hk@whotels.com. For room booking enquiries, please call +852 3717 2000 or email reservations.hk@whotels.com.

Plan your ultimate weekend getaway on a yacht

Chartering a yacht in Hong Kong is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Unknown to many, Hong Kong has 263 islands scores of which are hidden gems still untouched by Instagrammers and which can serve as great weekend getaway destinations accessible via luxury yachts.

 

Chartering a yacht could cost between HKD $22,000 and $160,000 per day. So, it’s best to make every cent worth it by picking a sloop that matches your every needs and desires.

From hosting launch parties to taking the kids out for an adventure family weekend trip, there is a variety of things that a yacht can offer beyond lounging under the sun and enjoying beautiful scenery.


 
Smaller yachts such as catamarans and sail boats like those available for charter at Next Wave Charters are great when you’re hopping around nearby islands. This type of sloop is perfect for lounging outdoors or spending the afternoon on a fishing trip with a couple of close friends. It’s a more intimate experience that allows you to detach from the city life and reconnect with loved ones. Prices start from HKD $22,500.

Super yachts, on the other hand, goes beyond the weekend getaway. Perfect for a customizable itinerary that involves visiting the pristine beaches of Phuket or Vietnam for four days and more on a luxury boat with a full crew to service your luxurious family holiday. Prices are subject to the itinerary, but you can be looking at spending at least HKD $200, 000. Ocean Emerald offers journeys to various popular destinations around Asia. 

Ideally, motor yachts, also known as power yachts, are smaller than super yachts but are more versatile than catamarans and sailboats. They are the perfect setting for day trips with a group of friends or the whole family, where you can have fun in the sun with wake boards and jet skis. Prices start from HKD $160,000 (excluding amenities and catering) and can be chartered through Saffron-Cruises or Asiamarine.

Adventure Weekend: A guide to exciting staycations for the family

Most people in Hong Kong have been hunkering down and staying home since January this year —for obvious reasons. With overseas travelling out of the picture, staycations have been trending.  Although, relishing in the comforts of a five-star hotel is often enticing, it may not appeal to families with active lifestyles and adventurous spirits. But worry not —Hong Kong has plenty of green lands and open seas to revel in that could equate to a holiday in Thailand or the Philippines. Here are some ideas for planning an exciting staycation for the adventurous family:

exciting family staycation in hong kong sai yuen monkey climbing abseiling teepee tent geodesic domes camping day and oivernight gafencu
Image from saiyuen.com

Saiyuen Camping & Adventure Park
With four different camping grounds that offer the accommodations in the form of safari tents and teepees. The children will have their fun in the outdoors tree-climbing and abseiling provided with the campsite facilities. You can also take up the chance to star-gaze within their geodesic domes. 

exciting family staycation in hong kong jkclub caravan camping day and overnight gafencu
Image from jkclub.com.hk

JK Club
Parked in its own private drive, this campsite offers a well-equipped caravan experience for the family that misses bunking in a mobile home on long roads. Although you won’t be able to drive in these caravans, you will however have plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to visit around Lantau Island and a BBQ feast to enjoy afterwards. 

exciting family staycation in hong kong Asiamarine yacht day and overnight gafencu
Image from asiamarine.com/hkg 

Asiamarine
If you prefer a more luxurious stay but still want to breathe in the open air, enjoy the sun on deck, wakeboard against the waves, and spend the night at sea on a yacht. Asiamarine provides an array of sails of different sizes for both half-day charters or overnight trips. Equipped with Bose sound systems, a BBQ grill, and accommodations that vary between two to four cabins, you can enjoy the luxury of quality and space away from the city.

exciting family staycation in hong kong hellohongkong yacht day and overnight gafencu

2-Day Eco Adventure Sail
Another option for taking the kids out to sea is through hellohongkong.com, where they offer a two-day Eco Adventure trip around Hong Kong’s protected Geoparks and a visit to the pristine sandy white beaches of Tai Long Wan. Inclusive with an overnight accommodation in their 56-feet fully-equipped cruising sloop with two double cabins that can sleep four to six people comfortably.

Whether under a tent or out at sea, these staycations will be an experience for the family to remember and an exciting story for the kids to tell. However, in these challenging times, although we try to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, we do advice our readers to enquire with the above establishments directly for updated news. 

 

 

Champagne Staycation: Live it up with Veuve Clicquot at W Hong Kong

There’s really nothing quite like sipping on some champagne while watching the sunset and breathtaking panoramas of Victoria Harbour to change your mindset and rise above the humdrum of everyday life. This, it seems, is the premise for luxury hotel W Hong Kong‘s new “Live it up with Veuve Clicquot” staycation offer. 

W Hong Kong WOW Suite with VCP touches

Indeed the East Tsim Sha Tsui-set five-star destination seems to be taking every advantage of its central location and stunning vistas to attract the city’s weekend-vacationers, all sweetened, of course, with the offer of some deluxe bubbly courtesy of renowned champagne maison Veuve Clicquot. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is your run-of-the-mill staycation.

VCP touches at the W Hong Kong

To start, you get a one-night stay in a sumptuously appointed 1,300sq.ft WOW suite, where you can immediately kick off the relaxation and take in the views with welcome canapés and a glass of bubbly. In a thoughtful gesture, W Hong Kong has seen fit to equip the room with some Veuve Clicquot touches, to the room, just in case you forget why you’re there. If that weren’t enough, after you’ve settled in and explored everything the capacious suite has to offer, a knock on the door at sunset signals the next stage of your stay – an entire bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé to enjoy at your leisure. 

Perhaps the main attraction of the “Live it up with Veuve Clicquot” package, though, is the one-hour private champagne tasting session with your own personal Veuve Clicquot brand ambassador. Here you can sample a wide variety of the brand’s top sellers, with the highlights undoubtedly being the delicious Vintage 2008 and the extraordinary La Grande Dame 2008. Thought-provoking, educational and wholly enjoyable – thanks in no small part to the glasses of bubbly to partake in – this is truly a unique and personalised experience, one that includes some HK$3,000 worth of the golden tipple.

W Hong Kong WOW Suite

Finally, after an evening of luxurious, champagne-filled extravagance, a final gift will be awaiting you upon check-out, ending the experience on a truly high note. So if you’re eyeing a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself to a fantastic getaway experience, perhaps the “Live it up with Veuve Clicquot” staycation is just the ticket. Available until 30th September, just enter the promo code “NCL” when booking through the W Hong Kong website. You can also call +852 3717 2000 or email wreservations.hk@whotels.com.

Staycation Series: Art and artful dining at MGM Cotai

Art and hospitality converge in epic style at MGM Cotai just in time for the festive season. Living up to its promise of being a truly world-class fully integrated resort, MGM Cotai has redefined the ‘hotel’ experience altogether, bringing haute couture, gourmet cuisine, art installations and collectibles all under one roof. And, of course, what a stunning roof that is… apparently, the largest free-span gridshell glazed roof in the world and a Guinness record-holder, the natural lights filtering through the roof at all times make the entertainment zone a veritable wonderland, bringing to life the gardenscape installation in the area aptly called The Spectacle.

MGM Cotai

If that’s not enough, guests can discover the joy of art exhibits in almost every nook and corner of the common areas, starting from the reception at the lobby where a huge painting titled Dancing Light 2016 by Hsiao Chin, one of the early pioneers of 20th century Chinese abstract art, hangs over the reception desk. Moving on to the Emerald Lobby, one encounters Alchemist, the disruptive artwork by creative maverick Cai Guo-Qiang, who uses gunpowder explosion to build art out of destruction. Other manifestations of contemporary art can be found at every turn, such as the Harmony (2017) installation by cross-media artist Wang Kaifang who has used 3D printing and 24-carat gold leaf to capture the movement of silk in air as a rather fitting abode for haute couturier Guo Pei’s fashion store in the hotel.

While the hotel team has carefully curated contemporary art from across the globe, that’s not to say that the treasure trove of ancient art has been overlooked. So, leading the art collection are 28 Chinese imperial carpets dating from the Qing Dynasty that once adorned the Forbidden City in Beijing. Replete with dragons, flowers and other potent motifs, the carpets give us a glimpse into the lives and times of the bygone royals.

MGM Cotai

Moving on to matters more modern, the hospitality team at MGM Cotai has surmised – quite correctly – that there is no better way to appease patrons than through the art of food. So, the restaurants take forward the concept of creativity through their culinary efforts. Most noteworthy among these is, of course, Coast, helmed by celebrity chef Graham Elliot, the popular TV personality from cooking show Top Chef, that offers Californian and West Coast cuisine.

However, no visit to MGM Cotai can be complete without experiencing the culinary delights within Grill 58. With its menu designed by the three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, it is a meatophile’s delight with a wide range of premium cuts and aged meats. While chef Colagreco wasn’t available during our tasting, his understudy Chef Pio proved to be as able behind the kitchen counter as he was before it. A true performer, he took us through a gastronomical journey, explaining each component of the dishes, their special ingredients and even surprised us with a palate cleanser quite fittingly named Dragon’s Breath. The true standouts of the menu, however, were the red mullet cooked in a bag to retain all its natural aromas and the Wagyu A5 grade beef that was served with pickled onions, wasabi and black truffle. While the meat was deliciously marbled with concentrated flavours, the wasabi and the pickled veggies added a delightful twist when consumed together.

Those who want to opt for a lighter snack should, however, head to Aji, the Nikkei cuisinary within MGM Cotai. Bringing to fruition a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine is Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, one of the world’s most acclaimed Nikkei experts in the world. ‘Aji’ – which means ‘taste’ in Japanese and ‘pepper’ in Peruvian – bring together the flavours of the East with the spices of the West to create dishes that are as unique to behold as they are to consume. It is entirely to Chef Tsumara’s credit that not only has he brought authentic Nikkei cuisine to Macau but that he has also completely reinvented bar food in the process. To accompany the cocktails at Aji, guests can expect food that is in no way less than a multi-Michelin-starred fine-dining menu, but at par in all respects, be it in execution or presentation. So, we have the Patacones – deep-fried plantain, tofu and quail egg injected with ponzu sauce that is as sumptuous to look at as it is to eat. Another Instagrammable dish surely was the Amazonian Foie Gras – foie gras mousse with turmeric, Amarillo and apple puree. The paired drinks turned out to be equally delectable, be it the Aji Sour or the Aji-Ha or Peruvian beer, you really can’t go wrong with any of the choices. And that in itself sums up our staycation at MGM Cotai – replete with art and artful living and dining, the integrated resort has taken the fine art of living to another level, one where the whole hotel is transformed to an objet d’art.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay