Hong Kong holidays

Looking for a lavish retreat this holiday? The Peninsula is perfectly opulent. Boasting a glistening indoor pool with panoramic views across the Hong Kong skyline, mouth-watering Michelin-star dining and a craft cocktail bar with a jazz pianist – it’s easy to see why this hotel styles the title, Grande Dame of the Far East.

Think Hong Kong is too pricey? Think again. Stay at the iClub Ma Tau Wai for great value in the middle of the action. Simple, sleek and stylish, this adults-only hotel makes a great base, and continental breakfast is included to start your day right. Later, join a walking tour of this idyllic neighbourhood and try the local cuisine.

Choose accommodation perfect for the whole family. Book your holiday at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and dive into the heated infinity-edge pool on the terrace, high in the sky overlooking Victoria Harbour. The hotel’s concierge will be happy to arrange family dining, babysitting and suggest outings perfect for day trips. The children’s menus and the child-sized bathrobes ensure that the whole clan will enjoy a slice of the high life here.

Stay somewhere convenient for a shop and drop holiday: the Eaton Hong Kong. Savour the edgy décor, the hotel’s own food hall and a Michelin-starred restaurant. After active days shopping in Kowloon and beyond, find your zen in the sanctuary of the rooftop pool.

Take a break in the Central District, between Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo at the Lan Kwai Fong @ Kau U Fong. It’s close to many of Hong Kong’s highlights, nightlife and unexpected delights. Relish a dining experience at the hotel’s one-star Michelin restaurant, Celebrity Cuisine, for tantalising Cantonese fine dining.

Venture to the curiously diverse Old Town Central. Wander through Central and Sheung Wan, where eastern and western aesthetics meet, and landmarks highlight Hong Kong’s history. Stroll along the slopes and catch sight of the colourful street art along the small alleyways, from Hollywood Road to Sai Ying Pun’s ARTLANE. Follow your nose and soak up the aroma of flavourful dishes before tucking into authentic cuisine. Try the crispy buns with lemon and honey and order the signature tomato noodle soup at Sing Heung Yuen open-air food stall. Alternatively, treat yourself to a Michelin-starred experience at Duddell’s and try the supreme lobster noodles; they have an impressive selection of tea. Stay in the heart of the action, at the opulent Mandarin Oriental.

The alluring Causeway Bay is a favourite for stylish shopping hauls from big-name brands in glossy malls – but there’s more to explore once you’ve had your splurging fix. Once a humble fishing village, this area now offers a blend of contemporary architecture and 19th-century landmarks. Amble along at ground level to see the independent boutiques and artisanal side of Hong Kong. Sample a cup of traditional Hong Kong-style milk tea from a dai pai dong (open-air food stall) and try tantalising stir-fried dishes. When dusk falls, head to the rooftop of Park Lane Hong Kong for a drink with a view at the hotel’s Skye bar and restaurant.

Wan Chai is one of Hong Kong’s most dynamic districts, with its array of shimmering skyscrapers, hidden temples and hip bars. Begin by venturing along the Wan Chai Heritage Trail, which is made up of two parts. There are 15 stops on the architecture and cultural routes, and exploring them all will take around two hours. From the Wan Chai Market to the Pak Tai Temple, there’s plenty to see. Ready for a bite to eat? Head to Oddies Foodies for a street-made eggette (bubble-shaped waffle) with a scoop of gelato. Choose to stay along the harbourfront at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, a luxurious retreat in Wan Chai.

To the south of Kowloon is Tsim Sha Tsui, a thriving area with plenty of highlights. Explore the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and make your way to the Avenue of Stars, which celebrates Hong Kong’s film history with tributes to Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Bruce Lee and more. Wander along the waterfront promenade, then make tracks to the dome-shaped Hong Kong Space Museum. If you fancy a spot of shopping, head to Harbour City and saunter through Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall. Soak up the luxuries of The Langham and take time out with a dip in the hotel’s rooftop pool – a colonial-styled sanctuary. Venture out to the Eyebar along Nathan Road at night for a drink with a view and see the bright lights of the city bounce off the waters of Victoria Harbour.

To the north of Kowloon is Mong Kok – one of Hong Kong’s most bustling areas, brimming with people, markets and street food bites. Find your way to Sneakers Street (Fa Yuen Street), undoubtedly named for its myriad of shoes. From limited-editions to top-name brands, this spot will meet all your sportswear desires. Top shoppers can stay at the Royal Plaza with direct access to the shopping mall MOKO. Getting peckish? There’s an array of street food to try. Explore Soy Street or San Yeung Choi Street and tuck into authentic Hong Kong-styled snacks, from fish siu mai (a fish dumpling) to the popular chou doufu (stinky tofu). If this isn’t for you, there are plenty of stands with international cuisine, like pizza and poutine, so you won’t go hungry.

If you’ve got time, make a day trip to Macau. The trip takes just over two hours by ferry from Hong Kong Island. The extraordinary blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture makes this territory unique, and thanks to the easy journey, you’ll be nibbling on egg custard pastries and exploring the beautiful A-Ma Temple in no time. Just don’t forget to bring your passport. Nicknamed the Vegas of the East, Macau is bursting with bright lights, world-class shows (including the world’s biggest water show, The House of Dancing Water) and destination replicas, such as Venice’s gondolas. Find your bearings along the Cotai Strip, watch Abracadabra at the House of Magic and meander in and out of the numerous casinos. Macau offers thills and spills for those with time on their side.