My Week In Pictures From Hong Kong

If you ever want to feel tall, blonde, and 'Western' in a city with a population of over 7 million, then I would suggest you pack up your over-sized Chloe bag and head to Hong Kong. I had the privilege of visiting this amazing city over the Jubilee, which I know sounds very unpatriotic, but there were tons of expatriates in Hong Kong to celebrate with... and boy do they know how to have a fun time in Hong Kong!

Union Jack clad- getting into the Jubilee spirit!

There is so much to do in this city, which literally never sleeps, and a week there can easily fly by. I have tons of recommendations, but I will let my photos from my wonderful week-long visit let you decide what you need to experience when in Hong Kong.

If you aren't scared of heights...

Then take the tram, one of the world's oldest railways, up 1,300 feet above sea level to The Peak.

I cannot believe people were once carried up the peak by sedan chair. Now that must have been a real workout! As you can see, I went to The Peak on a rather foggy day...

 ... but the panoramic views from the sky terrace were still incredible!

After seeing the amazing sights from the highest point overlooking Hong Kong, it is worth checking out the shops and restaurants at The Peak Tower. Although it is a major tourist attraction, it is a good spot to pick up a silly souvenir or two.

If you're not feeling too queasy being at such a great height, then you MUST go 118 floors up the Ritz Carlton in Kowloon to visit the highest bar in the world, Ozone. The interior décor of Ozone is illuminated by wild Las Vegas-esque mood-lighting and the views of Hong Kong and Kowloon from the outdoor open roof bar will make your jaw drop! 

While you're at Ozone, you might just have to enjoy the breeze and a cocktail or two, while munching on the delicious mini Wagyu beef burgers. They are absolutely delicious and worth every savory calorie. 

On your way back to Hong Kong from Kowloon, I would really recommend taking the Star Ferry, which offers the most amazing night time views of a brightly lit Hong Kong from the water. Sailor outfit not required.

If you're feeling lucky...

The horse races every Wednesday evening during the racing season at the Happy Valley Racecourse is quite the social scene. The arena is packed with people who are busy placing bets or taking in the adrenaline filled atmosphere while sipping on pitchers of refreshing drinks. As you can see, I wasn't the only one trying to get a snapshot of the horses galloping by!

After arriving in Hong Kong, I immediately took the ferry to Macau, which is the local miniature version of Las Vegas. Staying out late eating the famous Portuguese food at Fernando's or A Lorcha and gambling in the casinos is one way to beat jet lag! This was my first view of Macau when I stepped off the ferry boat..

Whether you're up big or have decided to cut your losses and walk away from the poker table, why not dance the night away at CLUB CUBIC, which could be straight out of a Lady Gaga music video?

Grab a beverage and prepare to shake your groove thang until the wee hours!

For the foodies...

It goes without saying that I ate my face off in Hong Kong. The fruit is so fresh and delicious, and I was amazed by all the different types of produce you could buy at the supermarket. It's not every day you can easily make a fruit salad with lychee, dragon fruit, and durian right?

I also fell in love with all the fresh fruit juices you can order in Hong Kong. Sign me up for a glass of fresh watermelon juice any day!

 

The only bad thing about eating absolutely incredible dim sum every day, is that I will now have very high dim sum standards. Oh what I would do for another plate of those perfectly steamed morsels of goodness, dipped in soy sauce with a dash of chili sauce - sigh!

When it comes to puddings, there is a very clear reason why the Chinese have far smaller waistlines than Westerners. For starters, they don’t cover desserts in caramel, chocolate sauce, or ice cream! Most of the steamed bun dim sum puddings I had were usually made from sweet bean  paste.

 

Egg tart and figs served with rice infused coconut juice and lychee syrup were a delicious and relatively healthy pudding.

My verdict on food in Hong Kong after this trip: if you dim sum, you win sum! 

If you are a beach bunny...

A mid-week trip to a practically deserted and beautiful beach on Lamma Island is only a 30 minute ferry ride away from Central. There are two beaches on Lamma Island, but I preferred the more secluded Lo So Shing Beach, where I was one of four people soaking up the sun!

Despite the massive power station, I thought Lamma Island was picture perfect. Lush green trees are scattered everywhere, and there isn't a car in sight because automobiles are not permitted on the island. 

If you are into seafood, then go to Rainbow restaurant, where you can eat Nemo and all his friends. You could literally devour an aquarium here if you wanted to!

For the shopaholic...

If you're a big shopper, then you will fit in just fine in Hong Kong. The ten storey mall in Times Square will be sure to knock your Prada socks off! The fashion in this city is cutting-edge to say the least, and every label under the sun seems to have a mega-store in Hong Kong. Whether you are buying high-end designer, or just looking to purchase some keepsakes, you can find just about everything for sale here. Looking in the window at YSL, I was amused to see pastel colors are also very popular in Hong Kong at the moment.

I have always been a sucker for good packaging, so my cousin literally had to drag me out of some shops before I bought bags of perfectly wrapped boxes of tea, silk pajamas in an origami-like napkin, the endless bags of candies and dried fruits, oh the list just goes on!

For all the party animals...

I think my liver is still recovering from my week in Hong Kong - my credit card certainly is. They say New York is the city that never sleeps, but I would argue that Hong Kong is the city with insomnia, because people here go out each night until dawn, only to do it again the next night. Seriously, I don't know how they do it! This is a picture of Lan Kwai Fong on a Tuesday night...crazy busy for a Tuesday right?

My lovely cousin Clarissa is a local in Hong Kong, so she just had to drag me to all her favourite haunts around town - much to my delight! One moment we were having jello shots at Al’s Diner in Lan Kwai Fong and the next minute, we were exploring the many cool private rooms in Felix Bar at The Peninsula. I have never been on a light-sensitive dance floor before, and I hope it won't be my last time!

Views of the 8pm nightly laser light show from the top of The Peninsula are unbeatable. Having a cocktail while also getting a dose of culture and seeing the sights -or should I say lights- is my way of putting the T in tourist!

I should also mention that the lady's bathroom at The Peninsula offers the most breath-taking views of Hong Kong. I took my sweet time washing my hands in this sink!

The after party at Feather Boa in Soho was a particular favorite spot of mine. It is a discreet and not easily found bar that was once an antiques store. Go behind a large curtain and you will find a room full of fun and quirky people letting the good times roll in what looks like Miss Havisham's house. The chilled strawberry daiquiris served with a powdered chocolate rim coating are out of this world!

If you just need to relax...

I would be lying to you if I said that seeing all the sights amongst the ultra-busy streets of Hong Kong doesn’t tire you out a bit, especially in the June humidity.

 

When you just need a breather, treat yourself to an indulging massage or pampering spa treatment. I had an amazing full body massage at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong's Plateau Spa. The spa suites there are 5 star fabulous!

Another great way to chill out in Hong Kong is to dip into a refreshing swimming pool, while gazing at the city’s skyscrapers...

 

…followed by sipping out of a fresh coconut. This is the most blissful way to hydrate in my book!

 

You also cannot go wrong with a nice low-key evening picnic by the water. Gazing at the amazing sights of this city by night is perfection. 

 

So, what do you think? Have my pictures from Hong Kong convinced you to book a flight asap?! I had heard a lot of hype about this city before visiting, but I have to say Hong Kong certainly lives up to it.  

Ta ta for now Hong Kong, I cannot wait to visit you again.