HONG KONG

Between the steely skyscrapers and lush greenery, Hong Kong’s hotels are some of the finest in Asia, and with new openings and revamps across the city, the hotel scene is more spectacular than ever before.

- Lee Cobaj

Political unrest, protests and a pandemic — it’s an understatement to say that Hong Kong has had a difficult time lately. But the city is waiting with open arms: hotels have been gearing up for tourists to return, adding new restaurants and revamping facilities, and there are stacks of new attractions, too, from micro-parks to gigantic museums. Thanks to its excellent and affordable transport system, Hong Kong’s puzzle of scenery and skyscrapers is a breeze to get around, but each neighbourhood has its own distinct identity: financial districts Central and Admiralty are all glitz and glamour, while nearby Wan Chai retains a gritty, urban feel. North Point, meanwhile, feels like the Hong Kong of 40 years ago and is a top spot for food-lovers. Kowloon, too, has no shortage of great places to stay, from five-star sky palaces to art-led hotels with rooftop pools. Venture further to the more peaceful Outlying Islands, and you’ll discover a whole other world again.

Best for social butterflies
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG

There are many reasons the Mandarin Oriental has been topping the world’s best hotels lists for nearly seven decades, but one is its location in Central, where it sits at the heart of the city, both geographically and socially. The lobby is a spectacle: lashings of black marble, opulent chandeliers, magnificent artworks, smart businesspeople brokering deals and others clip-clopping to the superb spa. Rooms exude contemporary Asian luxury — thick Chinese rugs, golden silks, rosewood panelling — and, this year, there’s a slick new club lounge. Also new is The Aubrey, a madly exciting bar with maximalist interiors inspired by the 19thcentury European craze for Japanism.