CONTEMPORARY LUXURY

Lucas Raven travelled to Mandarin Oriental’s flagship in Hong Kong who have launched four curated excursions to showcase Hong Kong’s diversity, guided by local experts and taste-makers, offering an insightful view of the city.

The hotel’s unparalleled location in Central offers easy access to this bustling metropolis and while each district in Hong Kong has its own cultural charm, the area dates back to the city’s colonial era and is where many historic landmarks still stand today alongside modern attractions.

THE FOUR CURATED TOUR OPTIONS INCLUDE:
Urban Photography Experiences

This photographic journey captures the spirit of Hong Kong through a camera lens with one of the region’s top travel photographers. Gain insights into architecture and geometry or document the city’s unique street life. Guests will also learn about perspective, shadows and movement, urban composition and background.

Typically don’t advocate traveling for the perfect Instagram shot (and I don’t think it should be the only reason to visit Hong Kong) – but while you’re at it, you may as well head to some of the most photographic spots in the city with a professional photographer walking you through the ins and outs of the busy, yet scenic streets. From Sky Terrace at the Peak all the way to the Big Buddha, this experience covers everything photogenic about Hong Kong.
Accommodating up to two guests, the half-day tour is priced at HKD 3,000 (four hours) and the full-day tour at HKD 5,000 (seven hours).

Enlightened Walks

Led by a resident filmmaker, this tour is tailored for guests looking to learn enlightening facts, figures and trivia, together with fascinating observations into the lives of Hong Kong’s seven million inhabitants.
Despite being the world’s most visited city, the most Googled question about Hong Kong is: What country does it belong to? It’s surprising because the answer isn’t as simple as you think. With its own money, passport, immigration channels and legal system, Hong Kong isn’t quite a part of China, but with Chinese flags flying from government buildings, well, and there’s the Chinese government appointing new officials to run the city, it isn’t fully independent either.

Officially, the answer to this question is China. However, unofficially, Hong Kong is by most practical measures its own country. While most Hong Kongers consider themselves Chinese, they do not consider themselves a part of China. They even have their own Olympic team, National anthem and flag. That said, this experience is rather enlightening. I learned a lot about the culture, whilst having fun!
This tour is priced at HKD 850 per hour for up to two guests, HKD 1,050 per hour for three guests and HKD 1,200 per hour for four guests. Minimum 4-hour booking is required.

Hong Kong Food Walks

While Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong offers a choice of ten award-winning restaurants and bars, the city is home to some of the most exciting local dining experiences in the world.
This city will not only delight the fashionista in you, but after a few days spent in China’s food hub, you likely will never think about Chinese food the same way again. Hong Kong has a whopping 61 Michelin-starred restaurants and too many hidden gems to count. If high-quality, inventive, offthe-beaten path and Instagram-worthy dining experiences are your thing, Hong Kong should undoubtedly be your next foodie destination. You can thank me later!
Guests can join a renowned local food writer on a culinary tour to discover the best of Hong Kong’s backstreets, food culture and local markets
Available for guests aged 15 years or above, this tour is priced at HKD 890 per hour for up to two guests and HKD 970 per hour for three guests. Minimum 4-hour booking is required.

Bespoke Art Walks

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong works with established artists and fosters new talent year-round. These carefully curated art walks are led by local art connoisseurs and help guests uncover the city’s core creativity. Journeys include visiting some of Hong Kong’s most renowned contemporary Chinese art galleries; delving into the history of Hong Kong and Greater China through art and antiques; or going off the grid to uncover some of the city’s most cutting-edge art found in not-for-profit spaces.
Over the past decade, Hong Kong has been gaining clout as Asia’s art capital. Every year, the city draws thousands of artists, curators, buyers and art enthusiasts from around the world for high-profile art fairs such as Art Basel Hong Kong, the Asia Contemporary Art Show, Art Central and the Affordable Art Fair. However, Hong Kong art extends far beyond these events, with the city’s museums and other creative destinations high on the list of ‘best things to do while in town’.
This tour is priced at HKD 2,000 per hour for two to six guests. Minimum 4-hour booking is required.

THE HOTEL

Now, let me talk about the hotel. The iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is the epitome of contemporary luxury combined with Oriental heritage. Having delighted guests with award-winning services and impressive facilities for over 50 years, it is a much-loved address for those seeking an exclusive sanctuary in the heart of this exciting city.
The hotel’s spacious rooms and suites offer magnificent views of the famous Victoria Harbour and the city’s skyline. A collection of 10 outstanding restaurants and bars, including three with Michelin Stars, a Shanghainese-inspired holistic spa, an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre, make Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong the quintessential “home away from home” for discerning leisure and business travelers alike.
Available throughout the year, guests can book the Bed and Breakfast room package, with rates starting at HKD 4,280 per room, per night, inclusive of daily breakfast for up to two persons. All four private tours are available at the additional cost stated and must be booked at least seven days in advance. ✤