Monday, April 12, 2010

Hong Kong - All Black Style

Circumstance gave me a rare opportunity. In the first months of 2010 I decided to give my career a new challenge. A fortunate outcome was that I had a whole month to go on any journey that took my fancy, the only drawback being that I would have to travel alone.
Setting the itinerary was quite a challenge as part of me wanted to relax but my spirit was seeking a sense of adventure. First instincts were to go to Europe or the US, but the troubling weather quickly dispelled this notion. New Zealand became a serious contender, however at the last moment Vikki and I decided this is somewhere we should go together for the first time.
Time was running out so within one afternoon, after some serious ‘what if’ on the frequent flyer calculator, my journey was set in train.
First stop Hong Kong, having been there three times over the last couple of years, my longing to return there was even stronger.

Flying in style

Landing at the airport was I shortly ushered by the chauffeur to a Mercedes S550 to take me to the Hotel.

The pace of growth of this city is astounding as every time I visit there are more city towers and apartment blocks.


I always look forward to catching the Star Ferry across to Hong Kong Island and it is one of the reasons why I love staying on the Kowloon side.

Time to visit the Hublot boutique and see some new novelties. The staff are always welcoming and I feel like a regular here.


I was mesmerised by the All Black pieces with the Black Diamonds. This type of bling I’m starting to appreciate.

At the boutique, I met up with Emil for what was going to be a very memorable night. First stop was the P&L Club which is the first cigar club with Art Deco design in Hong Kong. It has a walk-in humidor storing the best Cuban cigars in the world, and a lounge area with vintage furniture from the UK.

Dinner was at a fabulous Italian restaurant (the name escapes me) just up the hill from the Hublot boutique. The entree was a mouth watering scallop and caviar combination. I was thinking, ’it couldn’t get much better than this’.

Then the main was served which was the most succulent Californian lamp generously sprinkled with truffle.

This dinner certainly set the foundations for what was a holiday of a lifetime.

Hong Kong at night must be one of the most magical experiences. I look forward to visiting here again.