Luxe Life

Kyle Johnson nudges shoulders with the crème de la crème of Hong Kong to divulge the most luxurious ways to spend your visit to Asia's World City.

Pamper yourself at a day spa like Plateau at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is a city that seeks to offer everyone everything. Within a one-block radius, visitors can pick up a bowl of noodles on the street for $1, or dine at one of the world's top restaurants for $3,000 a head. If you have the funds, this is a city where you can spend your hard-earned cash without batting an eye. Read on to find out our top choices for indulging in the swish side of the city.

Swank Shopping

Shopping for brand-name goods tops our luxury list simply because of their sheer prevalence in Hong Kong, courtesy of low taxes and a relaxed travel policy in mainland China that has brought a new, up-and-coming middle class of designer shoppers to the territory. Asia accounts for 40 per cent of world luxury brand sales and, outside of Japan, more luxury items are bought in Hong Kong than in any other Asian country. (To see for yourself, just pay a visit to the Louis Vuitton store in Tsim Sha Tsui, where a long queue for entry is nothing out of the ordinary). Designer stores are located all over the city.

Indulgent Dining

For the past three years, a buyer in Hong Kong has snapped up the world's most expensive truffle. Last year, a group of property developers broke all previous records by paying $1.63 million dollars for the 750-gramme "Queen Tartufo" Alba truffle at a charity auction. With this in mind, the prevalence of extravagant dining in Hong Kong should come as no surprise. The most prestigious restaurants are decked out with designer decor, fully stocked wine cellars and private rooms. Many are found in the city's luxury hotels and malls, so ask your concierge for suggestions.

Bird's Eye View

If travelling around Hong Kong's best sights on a packed tour bus isn't your thing, treat yourself to unsurpassed views from a private helicopter ride. A 15-minute ride around Hong Kong Island for up to five passengers costs $6,000, while an hour-long ride around the entire territory, including Lantau and the New Territories, will put you back $18,000. The heliport is at the Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. See www.heliservices.com.hk for more details.

Pampering to Perfection

Sometimes looking your best comes at a cost, and the city's spas are banking on just that. Hong Kong has become a centre for a wide range of well-being treatments. For for ultimate indulgence, you can choose from diamond and caviar facials to a full 24 hours (or more) of pampering in special spa suites at certain hotels.

Fit for a King

Unless you're a runway model, finding that perfect suit off the rack is probably a challenge. Hong Kong has long been known for its abundance of fine tailors, who can create stylish bespoke suits in a matter of days, or less. Clients can choose every detail to fit their individual style - fabric, type of vents, width of lapel, angle of pockets, number of pockets and so on. After the final fitting, you will have a custom-made suit and all the bragging rights that come with it.

Presidential Accommodation

A luxurious holiday requires luxurious accommodation. All of the top hotels in Hong Kong have rooms reserved for the likes of royalty, celebrities, dignitaries and millionaires. Far larger than the majority of residential homes in the city, presidential suites include almost anything a guest could ask for, from personal butlers to private pools. Contact the hotels directly for prices and availability.

Hire a private helicopter for a tour to remember. Hong Kong tailors are known for quality and speed.

	Arts Appreciation As the historical gateway to China, Hong Kong has always been a trading hub for Chinese antiques, but today the city is witnessing a surge in the arts as a whole. Art galleries are popping up in prime real estate spots, and prominent art and antique auctions are being held regularly and with great success. If you are seeking an artsy souvenir to remember your indulgent holiday, look no further than Hollywood Road, also known as 'Antiques Street', where many arts and antiques galleries are located.		Deluxe Racing The Hong Kong Jockey Club horse races are a big deal in Hong Kong. When a race is on, onlookers hold their breath and root for their top pick to cross the finish line first. What better way to indulge than to place money on your lucky horse and then watch the race from the comfort of your very own Raceday Private Function Room at the Happy Valley Racecourse? Bookings can be made by calling 2966 8599.
	Glamorous Gems For centuries, Chinese culture has cherished jade and pearls. While jade is considered a spiritual material, worn for good luck, good health and protection from evil spirits, pearls have been collected, grown and harvested in China for more than 2,000 years. Markets all over the city are full of both jade and pearls, but true jewellery aficionados should head to jewellery stores to purchase these astonishing treasures. With these types of purchases, there is only one lavish rule to remember: the bigger the better.		Travel in Style Hong Kong is home to the highest number of Rolls Royce automobiles per capita in the world, so there is no shortage of luxury transportation in the territory. Explore the city on your own time with a private driver, leather seats, air conditioning and tinted windows as you tailor your tour to your schedule and interests. And if you just can’t be bothered to take the easy Airport Express train to the airport, hire a car for that last taste of luxury as you head home. Ask your concierge for details.

Arts Appreciation

As the historical gateway to China, Hong Kong has always been a trading hub for Chinese antiques, but today the city is witnessing a surge in the arts as a whole. Art galleries are popping up in prime real estate spots, and prominent art and antique auctions are being held regularly and with great success. If you are seeking an artsy souvenir to remember your indulgent holiday, look no further than Hollywood Road, also known as 'Antiques Street', where many arts and antiques galleries are located.

Deluxe Racing

The Hong Kong Jockey Club horse races are a big deal in Hong Kong. When a race is on, onlookers hold their breath and root for their top pick to cross the finish line first. What better way to indulge than to place money on your lucky horse and then watch the race from the comfort of your very own Raceday Private Function Room at the Happy Valley Racecourse? Bookings can be made by calling 2966 8599.

Glamorous Gems

For centuries, Chinese culture has cherished jade and pearls. While jade is considered a spiritual material, worn for good luck, good health and protection from evil spirits, pearls have been collected, grown and harvested in China for more than 2,000 years. Markets all over the city are full of both jade and pearls, but true jewellery aficionados should head to jewellery stores to purchase these astonishing treasures. With these types of purchases, there is only one lavish rule to remember: the bigger the better.

Travel in Style

Hong Kong is home to the highest number of Rolls Royce automobiles per capita in the world, so there is no shortage of luxury transportation in the territory. Explore the city on your own time with a private driver, leather seats, air conditioning and tinted windows as you tailor your tour to your schedule and interests. And if you just can’t be bothered to take the easy Airport Express train to the airport, hire a car for that last taste of luxury as you head home. Ask your concierge for details.