Living the High Life

Money can’t buy happiness – but it can pay for some one-of-a-kind visitor experiences, Kyle Johnson discovers.

Hong Kong is no stranger to luxury. As one of the leading financial centres in the world, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange ranks seventh globally and is a hub for public offerings and free trade. The region’s annual per capita GDP leaps above the rest of Asia, which probably has something to do with the fact that it is home to the most billionaires in Asia, led by Li Ka-Shing, the 14th richest man in the world. It’s no surprise then that Hong Kong is ranked as the fifth most expensive city in the world to live in (and the third in Asia, behind Tokyo and Osaka), has the world’s most expensive apartment to date (a 6,158-square foot flat that sold for HK$439 million), and is said to have the world’s least affordable homes.

That being said, all types of visitors, from affluent travellers to cash-strapped tourists looking for a taste of extravagance, will have no problem finding lavish ways to fill their time in Asia’s World City. Here are ten suggestions on how to spend that hard-earned cash.

		Exclusive Outings Sometimes, affluent visitors want private tours tailored to their specific interests rather than a standard tour experience. While the Hong Kong Tourism Board offers tours of all sorts, a few operators are geared towards privacy and personalisation. One of these guides is Chris Rowthorn, who writes for Lonely Planet guidebooks (US$50 per hour. Enquiries: chris@chrisrowthorn.com). Another is Helen Giss, founder and managing director of Asian Cajun, who specialises in services for sophisticated travellers (enquiries: 2817 3687). And if you desire to travel in style from the moment you arrive in Hong Kong, The Peninsula Hong Kong offers hourly use and airport transfer services to and from the hotel in one of their Rolls Royces ($1,350 per hour or for a one-way transfer; $2,700 for a round-trip transfer. Enquiries: 2920 2888).
		Decadent Dining The five-star restaurants throughout the city are a far cry from the street food served at local dai pai dongs (cooked food stalls). From Michelin stars and pricey views to foie gras and expensive local Cantonese favourites such as abalone and sea cucumber, the city’s top restaurants make dining out a marvellous affair. Some spots even have private dining rooms, private cooking classes and special set dinners with wine pairings for the most extravagant clientele.
		Superior Shopping – Deluxe Goods This city is a bona fide shopper’s paradise. For deluxe wares, skip the markets and head straight to the high-end flagship stores or the top floor of any shopping centre. If you need more help, hire a local shopping stylist, such as Kelly England ($2,500 for 2 hours. Enquiries: 2547 7088), or take a private shopping tour like the one offered by Walk Hong Kong ($2,000 per half-day or $3,000 per full day. Enquiries: walks@walkhongkong.com).
		Aerial Adventure Sightseeing is taken to new heights with harbour helicopter tours. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences don’t come cheap, but at least they’re not easily forgotten. The chopper flies high above the skyscrapers in Central, coasts around Happy Valley with full views of the racetrack to North Point, and then makes its way to The Peninsula’s rooftop helipad or the Wan Chai heliport. Tours include either afternoon tea, lunch or a massage at The Peninsula ($1,080-$1,680. Enquiries: 2366 4251).
		Exceptional Art The art industry is a growing market in Hong Kong, and many galleries have such impressive displays and pieces that they would not be out of place in world-class art hubs such as New York or London. Collecting art is a great way to invest in something that’s not only appealing to the eye but also has the potential to grow exponentially in value. The most recent trend on the Hong Kong art scene is a blending of progressive contemporary pieces and traditional Chinese influences.
		Handmade Tailoring It’s not every day that you are able to buy a handmade suit, but in Hong Kong you can walk away with just that in as little as a couple of days. Tailoring is a Hong Kong tradition that has produced some of the best bespoke specialists around. They work quickly and are geared towards visitors who desire to fill their wardrobe with perfectly-fitting attire and who demand attention to detail. If you already own a suit that you absolutely love, bring it along and the tailor can use it as a guide. The finer the fabric, the higher the price. Tailors can be found all over the city. Ask your concierge for recommendations.
		Rich Racing The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a Hong Kong institution. Founded in 1884, the club’s racecourses in Shatin and Happy Valley are the places to be during racing season. On a lucky night there’s the potential to walk away with more cash than you started with. If you really want to live like a high flyer, join the “Come Horseracing Tour” for admission to the Member’s Enclosures, an unlimited buffet with drinks, and a whole lot of other perks to make you feel like a regular ($900. Enquiries: 2368 7111).
		Prime Pampering There’s nothing that screams indulgence like a day at the spa. Hour upon hour of massage, soaks, scrubs and relaxation just isn’t something that most people do on a daily basis, and that’s why it’s so nice to indulge in on holiday or even during a business trip. Hong Kong residents love their spas, so visitors can choose from a multitude of spa services, from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to out-of-this-world hotel spas and boutique urban retreats. With a sky-high budget, customers can easily spend the entire day at the spa with services like steam and sauna rooms, pools and relaxation rooms, as well as enjoying Chinese tea and healthy snacks.
		Superior Suites Hong Kong has no shortage of elegant hotels, and in each of those outstanding hotels is a number of exceptional suites, completely designed with the luxury traveller in mind. Suites offer multiple rooms, with more space and furniture than normal hotel rooms. They often come with private concierge services and access to clubhouse floors and facilities. Naturally, these rooms come with a higher price tag as a result.
		Treasured Antiquities Antiques are a sought-after commodity for cultured travellers. Hong Kong is the historical hub for the antiques trade between China and Europe, so it is no wonder that there is a plethora of antiques shops all over the city selling pieces of history that range from antique maps and silk rugs to dynastic bronze figures, terracotta collections and Neolithic pottery. Most of the antiques are concentrated along the well-known Hollywood Road above Central on Hong Kong Island. For the real deal, look for the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Quality Tourism Scheme sticker in shop windows.