Recently, a few FROSCH Travel Advisors experienced the magic of Hong Kong, along with our wonderful Abercrombie & Kent, Mandarin Oriental and United Airlines partners. Two of the advisors in attendance, Joyce Miller Ricktor and Eliza Stave, share highlights of their visit to Hong Kong below!
Before we get to Hong Kong, we’ll quickly discuss the airport and air travel experience. Travelers often forgo thinking about their time at the airport and in the air, but these can be the most stressful parts of travel. If budget allows, this is the time to upgrade — this way your vacation begins as soon as you leave home!
When we got to Newark, we headed straight to the new Polaris Club, which was fabulous. The food was great, and the wine selection was wonderful. Onboard, the lie flat seats were greatly appreciated, especially for a long flight like this. United’s Ice Cream Sundae cart is cute and fun too!
SUPERB HOTELS
Your hotel stay in Hong Kong will be a highlight of your trip as you will instantly notice the gracious hospitality and warm welcome from the staff. When we arrived at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, the car door opened, and we were greeted personally without having to introduce ourselves. They already knew each of us by name!
The sleek, contemporary design of the hotel is beautiful, and the views are amazing. Our rooms overlooked Victoria Harbour, where we could see the Observation Wheel beautifully lit up at night. A stay here allows you to be right in the heart of the city. This hotel is also connected to The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, and via a walkway, to the Landmark Mall. Business and leisure travelers alike will love having the convenience of the many dining venues and stores, where you can shop every high-end designer imaginable.
The chic design of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is stunning. Walking around the hotel, you’ll see amazing artwork, including sculptures by the legendary Salvador Dali. The hotel also does a fantastic job catering to families by offering connecting room options. In both hotels, you’ll notice the dramatic bathtubs take center stage and are designed to be main focal points.
Wellness is taken to a whole new level at these two hotels, each with two-story spas offering intricate treatments following the traditions of Chinese medicine. Well- known specialists within the spa world are in residence on a rotational basis offering the best treatments for emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Ask your FROSCH Travel Advisor for more details on the different spa programs.
FANTASTIC CUISINE
During our stay at the Landmark, we had the opportunity to tour the kitchen at Amber, which was gorgeous! The food at both MO hotels was delicious, with a variety of different venues to please even the pickiest eaters. The Landmark has two new restaurants that just opened in May, Amber and Sushi SHIKON by Yoshitake. You’ll also enjoy the 1,600 champagnes, wines, and sakes on offer at their third dining venue, SOMM.
The modern continental cuisine at Café Gray Deluxe in Upper House was wonderful. The hotel itself is at the top of the hill with the restaurant located on the top floor. Diners enjoy breathtaking views of almost all of Hong Kong looking out onto the Kowloon side of the island. The restaurant staff dazzled with outstanding service, even celebrating Eliza’s birthday with singing and an amazing cake!
The food at The Chinese Library is exceptional. If you go, you must order the Peking Duck. It’ll be the best you’ve ever had – the skin is perfectly crisp! After dinner, take time to walk around the Tai Kwun neighborhood, which used to be a colonial era police station compound.
Of course, you’ll have heard about Classic Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula held in the lobby of this historic hotel. The line for this popular event will be around the corner. Everything about it is perfect – the impeccable waitstaff, the lovely music from the string quartet, the exquisite décor, and the scrumptious food that’s served.
NGONG PING 360 CABLE CAR RIDE
One of Hong Kong’s top attractions is taking the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car on Lantau Island. The glass-bottomed Crystal Cabin offers the most thrilling ride, with beautiful views of the canopy of trees, waterfalls, and picturesque scenery. Be on the lookout for hikers climbing the trails to the top.
At the peak, you’ll have a chance to visit the Po Lin Monastery, which was built in 1924, as well as the jaw dropping Tian Tan Buddha (the Big Buddha) and Ngong Ping Village. These are not to be missed on any visit to Hong Kong.
THE STREET EXPERIENCE
Hong Kong is a shopper’s haven, and you’ll immediately notice the importance of fashion. Here you’ll find a variety of items unavailable in the United States, as they are only made for Asian markets. You might walk by sneaker shops with rows and rows of outstanding, eclectic choices. The style and sophistication are elevated in a way that is unmatched. If you visit during discount weekend like we did, you’ll see lines wrapped around buildings!
Since Hong Kong was under British rule until the 1980s, you’ll find the colonial era architecture both intriguing and unexpected in an Asian country. Take time to walk around, experience, and discover all that Hong Kong has to offer. Whether you’re in Hong Kong on vacation or a business trip, you’ll find the people, culture, cuisine and sites enchanting!
Thank you, Joyce and Eliza for sharing your wonderful insight into Hong Kong!
TIPS FROM JOYCE AND ELIZA
Hire a Private Guide
You’ll be glad you did. We had a magnificent guide who shared such treasures during our local sightseeing. It’s the best way to gain true insight into the culture.
Taste Local Specialties
Find that hidden dim sum place or dumpling house. Try the tasty noodle soup served each morning for breakfast. Congee, the rice porridge popular in many Asian countries, might even be served on your plane as a breakfast choice. Sometimes the best travel memories are the different culinary experiences you have.
Ask your FROSCH Travel Advisor for ‘Skip the Line’ tickets on the NGONG PING 360 CABLE CAR
This is one of those times where the splurge for the extra cost is worth it. You will feel like a rock star as you bypass the line to get into your cable car.
Don’t Mind the Queue at the Classic Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong
Dress up, stand in line, and bring your patience. You’ll want to do this, and there’s a reason for the line.
Climb the 268 steps to The Big Buddha. You won’t be disappointed.
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