A Staycation at the iconic Intercontinental, Hong Kong

In a city of looming skyscrapers and vertical one-up-man-ship, The Intercontinental stands firm and strong in its prime harbour side spot. Built when Kai Tak airport meant height restrictions reigned supreme, its eye-catching low-rise style has Feng Shui principles permeating its every corner. As the city has sprawled and grown around it, The Intercon has remained a stalwart of indulgent luxury; home to some of the city’s best restaurants and most definitely the best views of our iconic skyline. It seems a shame that it should be reserved for tourists alone…For all of the above reasons, I have deemed it imperative to ensure a stay at The Intercontinental is booked in any of the following circumstances:

• If you have luxury-loving guests in town for whom your fold out bed just won’t cut it. You would of course have to join them in order to fully showcase your home city and explain the skyline fully…
• If you have a special occasion coming up with a loved one or dear friend but don’t have the time to escape the city.
• If you’re planning the ultimate show-stopping party – I assure you, nothing can beat their phenomenal humongous suites with their own terraces and infinity pools with sweeping views of the harbour and full event assistance on offer.

A little tip though, whilst all of the rooms are exceptionally well designed, with world-class facilities, deep bathtubs, luxury bedding, oversized dressing gowns and on-call service at the drop of a hat, not all of them have a harbour view. For the true Intercon experience, I suggest swallowing the premium for a view. Then you can sit all smug in your dressing gown as the sun sets and Hong Kong’s infamous skyline lights up like your very own private movie screening.

Another tip, it’s worth paying the bit extra for Club Intercontinental access at the time of booking. First of all this is cheaper than buying access when you arrive and second of all, it’s completely worth it. A beautiful space overhanging the hotel’s lobby, it’s the perfect space to sit and read a book, browse the papers but most of all, spoil yourself. Offering up a sumptuous buffet breakfast, a delightful afternoon tea and fantastic evening cocktail session with canapés, champagne and beautiful mood lighting, I guarantee you will spend a large chunk of your time here immersed in the indulgence of it all and will most definitely get a good return on your investment!

But you will have to drag yourself out of the Club at some point to explore the rest of the hotel’s unique offerings. First up, That Pool. A phenomenal harbour side rooftop pool with wonderful Hong Kong panoramas. Yes, there is the larger main pool where gracious staff will serve your every whim including some cheeky free poolside snacks, but the real draw is the infinity pool. Located at the front of the terrace, the varying temperature pools allow you to bathe feeling suspended over the harbour watching the passing ships and ferries go by. Then there’s I-Spa. One of Hong Kong’s more exclusive spas, the therapists are fantastic and the private spa rooms offer up a reliable and restorative dose of pampering to any needy and wearied bodies.

As if the rooms, view, Club, spa and pool weren’t enough of a reason to splash out on a killer staycation, there’s the ridiculous number of dining options luring you over to Kowloon. Most famed are the 2-michelin starred Spoon by Alain Ducasse and Hong Kong’s only Nobu offering, but recently redone is the immaculately beautiful and highly renowned Michelin starred Cantonese restaurant, Yan Toh Heen. If those alone weren’t enough, the more intimate STEAKHOUSE wine bar and grill serves some of the best meat, delightfully charcoal grilled (charcoal grills are few and far between in HK due to building regulations).

Having spent the most magical day at The Intercontinental willingly and blissfully sampling all of the aforementioned delights, I can boastfully declare it worth every penny and a Hong Kong experience that needs to sit at the very top of every 852-ers HK bucket list.

A stay at The Intercontinental Hong Kong in a harbour view room starts from $3,200 with advance purchase. Expect to add about $1,500 for Club access per room.

The Intercontinental, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com/index.php, 2721 1211