Luxurious Staycation Spots In Hong Kong With Great Interior Design
Even prior to Covid and being stuck in Hong Kong I was a huge fan of the Staycation. At least twice a year I would go by myself and get a much-needed break from work and the kids to rest and recharge. People have different criteria for what makes a good staycation hotel choice: big bathtub, in-house spa, room service menu-the list goes on and on. While I definitely enjoy all of these, the first thing I look for is amazing design. My ideal staycation spot is one is that doesn’t have run of the mill, cookie cutter interiors. Up the design factor and I’m all in.
Hong Kong has no shortage of high-end boutique hotels, offering wrap-around vistas of the city, incredible pampering services, and authentic Chinese cuisine. But some hotels have a greater focus on design than others. Here is my list of 4 great spots with dazzling designs, so that you too can have both a relaxing and well-designed getaway near home!
The Arca
Located in Wong Chuk Hang on the Southside of Hong Kong, The Arca was designed by firm Design Eight Five Two (DEFT), and was “inspired by magnolia flowers and based on the ‘craftsmanship spirit.’” Its rooms have a clean, contemporary feel, and are distinctive because of their inventive use of colors and textures-this is definitely not your typical hotel room. Everything down to the doorknobs has been meticulously chosen. You feel more like you are in someone’s well-designed modern home/guest room, than at a hotel. The Arca has excellent views of the Aberdeen Harbor and the mountainside, and a rooftop bar and infinity pool if you do feel like venturing out beyond your lovely room!
PRO TIP: Check out the Arca’s special offers — the ‘Girl’s Pamper Night’ is a must to try with your girlfriends!
The Murray
Situated along Cotton Tree Drive, The Murray hotel is located in what was a former government building. Foster + Partners architects reimagined the hotel’s interiors through the use of muted earthy tones, beautiful hardwood floors, and a plethora of leathers and fabrics. “The concept was to showcase the inherent beauty of the materials – there are no applied finishes such as paint; all the materials are expressed honestly and come together to redefine luxury.” Add to this five dining destinations, and a rooftop terrace with remarkable views, The Murray does not disappoint; this is city chic at its finest.
PRO TIP: If you can’t bear to leave your fur babies behind, The Murray allows animals and even has a “pet gymnasium.”
The Tuve
The Tuve was designed by studio Design Systems does not announce itself, but it definitely makes a statement. Hidden behind a black recessed doorway, with only a small metal name plate embedded in the pavement outside, this hotel is not about ornamentation, but it is all about attention to detail. It is an excellent study in materials: metals, marble, and stone abound, all in hues of black, white and gray. Photographs by Kim Holtermand are some of the only things that adorn the walls; the pictures are of fog covered Lake Tuve in Sweden (hence the name of the hotel), and perfectly blend with the hotel’s aesthetic. The pared-back design continues into the guest rooms, where items such as the aircon controls and mirrors are hidden away so that the spaces are uncluttered and serene.
PRO TIP: Check out their hotel restaurant, Superhooman, hidden behind metal doors on the ground floor.
The Putman
Located in Central, The Putman Is a boutique hotel designed by Andree Putman. She imbued the spaces with soothing, neutral tones, and carefully selected accessories from the collection of her own namesake. Details like the the Art Deco-inspired glass facade outside, and the Italian Bisazza hand-laid mosaic tiles in the bathrooms all lend themselves to the feeling that you are in a place that has been meticulously thought out from top to bottom.
PRO TIP: With the exception of a few standard rooms, each unit occupies its own floor, so make sure that you ask for the latter and you will feel like you have your own private residence in the heart of Hong Kong.
So there you have it, four staycation spots that I return to time after time because of their interior design, and because after just 24 hours, they truly make me feel like I’ve gotten away!