Why choose Hong Kong for a honeymoon or romantic holiday? Well, it’s a bustling, sophisticated metropolis where East and West collide beautifully. Visit Hong Kong for its many festivals, bars where live music pumps out all night, luxury spas and Michelin recommended restaurants.
While 48 hours isn’t enough to do this thriving city justice, Hong Kong is a popular stop-over on the way to Europe… And 48 hours in this romantic urban landscape is better than no time at all!
Friday night:
Check into your luxury digs for the next two nights at Island Shangri La. This stunning hotel overlooks one of the city’s most prestigious shopping malls and is within easy reach of many of Hong Kong Island’s most famous sites and attractions. Get a room with romantic views over Hong Kong Harbour, or, for the ultimate indulgence, check into a Club Floor and avail yourself of the fabulous Horizon Club Lounge where breakfast and afternoon canapes are served. You’ve just arrived, and while Hong Kong is calling, first stop is the Restaurant Petrus, the Shangri La’s French restaurant. Conde Nast Traveler have voted this hotel as one of the best in the world for dining, so don’t worry, if French is not your thing there are plenty of other choices!
Saturday morning:
Grab a cab up to Hollywood Road, one of the city’s first streets and a place where you and your sweetheart can easily get a feel for the old Hong Kong. The area is famous for antique shops and even if your budget doesn’t stretch to a real antique, there are some souvenir and trinket shops where you might be able to grab a keepsake. The area is also becoming known for its art galleries. One of the most famous sites around here is Man Mo Temple – visit and pay your respects, or perhaps have your fortune read by a Chinese fortune teller. Before leaving the area, go for a romantic stroll down Ladder Street – the crazy up and down stairs offer great photo opportunities. Finally, enjoy a late lunch at The Press Room, a French style brasserie with a relaxed ambience, good wine menu and incredibly fresh seafood.
Saturday Afternoon:
Head to Western Market, Hong Kong’s oldest surviving market building. Western Market is great for arts and craft, but the big drawcard is the fabric market which houses merchants who used to sell their wares from the old alleys of Central. Get some gorgeous fabric before enjoying some dim sum for afternoon tea, and perhaps watch a tea dance. It isn’t fancy, and you may have to sit at a communal table, but it is good dim sum and pretty inexpensive – plus, isn’t your romantic getaway or honeymoon about spending it with the one you love?
Saturday evening:
Grab a cab over to Kowloon side and the famous Peninsula Hotel. Tonight we are dining in style at the Philippe Starck-designed Felix. You’ve got to take advantage of any opportunity to indulge in the view while in Hong Kong – there is a reason that the harbour is said to be one of the most picturesque in the world – and Felix serves up some of the best views this side of the Harbour. Be sure to book – this is where the city’s chic-set eats and drinks, and you definitely need to experience a romantic evening here! The mouth-watering food and innovative cocktail list alone ensure it will be a night to remember. Phone (852) 2920 2888 to make a reservation.
Sunday:
Enjoy an easy day today, rise late and linger over breakfast at the Shangri La’s Horizon Club before getting a cab to The Peak. This is the city’s highest point, and the most exclusive neighbourhood. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the New Territories. Then, for the afternoon head to the ferry pier and grab a Star Ferry over to Kowloon again – one of the cheapest ways to enjoy the Harbour at only $2 HK each way, and also completely romantic! We are going back to The Peninsula for the famous High Tea before heading to Mong Kok and the biggest mall this side of Hong Kong – Langham Place. With more than 200 shops, you will find the typical high-street stores such as H&M and Levis, with a Vivienne Westwood and one or two other high-end labels.
Dinner tonight is about the views again at Woolloomooloo Steakhouse Wan Chai. Ask for a table by the window and enjoy a fabulous steak and wine before heading up to their rooftop bar – 38 floors above, with views out over the Harbour and Kowloon, and Happy Valley and Wan Chai sparkling below. Arrive early for the sunset, stay until 8 for the light show… definitely a romantic night to remember! You could easily miss the entry. Floor 31 & Rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai.
Related article: A Hong Kong Honeymoon (that a Foodie will especially love!)
