‘It's my new favourite city' – the beautiful stopover holiday with world's tallest bar and Hawaii-like beaches
This week it's all about the captivating city of Hong Kong, a great layover destination for anyone travelling to Australia or New Zealand.
5
5
The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited on a whirlwind two-day trip of the city.
She explained: "It's one one of my new favourite cities, having everything from amazing food and nightlife as well as beautiful nature parts.
"If staying in the city, head to the 18th floor of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, which is where you will find Ozone, the highest rooftop bar in the world.
"Or there is The Majestic Garden, a beautiful outdoor bar tucked behind a shopping mall restaurant, as well as the Quinary, named one of the best bars in Asia.
"But my favourite spot was Sai Kung, a short taxi from the main city where I found empty beaches more like the Philippines or Hawaii.
"If you want to splash out, a stay at The Peninsular is really something special, with Rolls-Royce pick ups and beautiful views over the river (although if you just want to explore the hotel itself, you can book a much more affordable and just as popular afternoon tea there instead)."
Here are some other top tips of ours when visiting Hong Kong.
Must see and do
It would be silly to pass through Hong Kong without visiting the Tian Tan Buddha (or Big Buddha), a giant bronze statue in Ngong Ping.
It's a pretty spectacular sight, perched atop the lush and leafy Mount Muk Yue.
If you're into theme parks, Disneyland Resort Hong Kong is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer, and there'll be a full year of celebrations taking place.
Noah's Ark Hotel and Resort is one of Hong Kong's most quirky and unusual spots
Visitors will get to watch the largest-ever parade along Main Street, a special night-time fireworks display and a show exclusive to the anniversary celebrations.
Best view
Ask anyone where to find the best view in Hong Kong and they'll undoubtedly say The Peak, or Victoria Peak, the highest hill on the island.
Tick off a bucket list experience by riding the historic Peak Tram, one of the oldest trams in the world, to the top where a viewing platform (Sky Terrace 428) awaits.
It was built in 1888 to serve the British governor and The Peak's residents and continues to run today as a popular tourist attraction.
Pack your hiking boots to take advantage of one of the many scenic walking trails.
Rated restaurant
Luk Yu Tea House is a dining institution in Hong Kong - and the food is so good, we're not surprised it's made it into the Michelin Guide.
Spread across colonial-era three floors, you can expect to tuck into classic Chinese flavours including crispy deep-fried chicken and sliced beef brisket noodles.
Don't leave without trying the dim sum, though, which are delicately hand-folded.
Best bar
As the World's 50 Best Bars heads to Hong Kong for 2025 at the revamped Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Bar Leone is looking to beat off the competition to retain its title from 2024.
This casual Italian-themed bar, founded by an awardwinning Italian mixologist, is famed for having mastered the classic cocktails, all of which come at a reasonable price.
Make sure to try the bar snacks while you're here, from mortadella foccacia to smoked olives.
Hotel pick
If you're after something a little different, look no further than Noah's Ark Hotel and Resort.
The quirky hotel was built as a full-scale replica of Noah's Ark, complete with animals walking two-by-two from the dock on to dry land.
The rooms inside are less funky, kitted out with comfy bedding and simple wooden-panelled walls.
It's a great spot for families or groups, too, with four-person bunk rooms as well as rooms with two queen-sized beds.
Double bedrooms start from £74 per night based on two adults sharing and including breakfast.
See noahsarkhotel.com.hk
For more information about Hong Kong, see discoverhongkong.com
5
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
22 minutes ago
- The Independent
Are online travel agents cleaning up their acts?
On Thursday I will fly on British Airways from London to Denver. The return trip cost £621. But I could have bought the same flights for around £30 cheaper going through an online travel agent (OTA). Odd though it may seem, the practice of selling some seats at deep discounts through a middleman has some merit from the airlines' point of view. The roots of the practice lie in the bad old days of heavily regulated fares. On many routes airlines could not be seen to sell tickets cheaper than the official fares. So they sold through companies called 'consolidators' who punted out cheap seats though retail agencies known as 'bucket shops'. Often the ticket would show an official fare that bore no relation to the amount paid – eg £1,200 for a trip that actually cost £500. That maintained the fiction that every airline was adhering to super-high fares. Thankfully, these days – in most circumstances – airlines can charge what they like. Yet they still often pay a modest commission to online agents who undercut them. Airlines use intermediaries to provide additional sales power. They want to be relevant in the intensely fare-sensitive part of the market, such as people who search on Skyscanner and other price-comparison sites. Take my flight from London to Denver this week. BA knows that there are plenty of us who will book direct, in order to minimise problems when things go wrong – and, in the case of buying on the benefit of a cooling-off spell of 24 hours in which to cancel for a full refund. To meet this demand, the airline can apply a modest premium. But for those who are simply interested in the lowest fare, BA seats are likely to be available more cheaply through an OTA. My rule is only to use an online travel agent if the saving is 10 per cent or more. In this case, it was under five per cent. Not enough to persuade me to agree to the online agent's terms and conditions. The OTA reserves the right to apply credit card surcharges, and has a 'confirmed quotation' stage – after which point, fares could be increased, with little choice but to pay the extra. What if the airline cancels the flight? The online agent doesn't even mention the word 'refund', even though this is the traveller's legal right in the event of a cancellation. As we discovered during the Covid pandemic, many OTAs took a cut of the airline's refund (and some just hung on to the customer's cash, blaming the carrier). In the EU, though, the rules are being redrawn in the traveller's favour. This week, the European Commission said that it had agreement from two giants, Expedia and that money will be handed back in full within two weeks of the cancellation. Similar undertakings have been made by other big OTAs, including Etraveli. You may not know this Swedish firm, but its brands include GoToGate and MyTrip. I used the latter to buy a ticket for a JetStar flight from Singapore to Melbourne earlier this year – which was cancelled at the gate. The cash took 17 days to come back. In contrast, still holds some of my money for a booking that fell victim to Covid five years ago. I shall revisit that transaction and see if the new agreement works to my advantage. It may be that UK travellers get a windfall from the EU's work – despite our bold decision to reap the many benefits of Brexit that we are now enjoying.
The Sun
23 minutes ago
- The Sun
Beauty fans rave about travel-friendly skincare essential that combats breakouts
WHETHER you're off on a sunny holiday or a last-minute staycation, travelling can often wreak havoc on our skin. That's where the 47 Skin four-step Summer Travel Essentials Bundle comes into play, designed to keep your skin clear and glowing - it's also hand-luggage friendly. 47 Skin Summer Travel Essentials Bundle, £86 Built for holidays, festivals or weekends away that you have planned in, the Summer Travel Essentials Bundle features four of the brand's bestselling products in under 100ml minis. The bundle costs £86 and you'll save 10% compared to buying each product separately. What makes 47 Skin special is the brand's signature Silver Chitoderm skincare formula - a unique, dermatologist-approved ingredient that forms an invisible barrier and kills 99.9% of blemish-causing bacteria. The set includes a cleanser, which purifies your skin without drying. The cult favourite serum, which adds an extra layer of hydration and protection for your skin barrier. A lightweight and breathable moisturiser, (perfect for heat and humidity), and the SPF which protects and soothes skin, without leaving a greasy film behind. SHOP HERE It's not just about convenience; 47 Skin has a cult following among beauty lovers with skin concerns because of its transformative effects. One happy shopper shared: "Beautiful SPF - the best one I've ever used. "No irritation to the eyes like others, no shine, white cast, or stickiness. "Bonus that it acts as a great base for makeup.' Another reviewer praised the range, sharing: 'This seems to be really helping and restoring my confidence that I was starting to lose. 10/10 would recommend.' Another beauty fan added: 'An amazing product - I urge anyone struggling with bad skin to give this a try. It's been a game changer.'
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Discover a cruise experience that takes luxury at sea to new heights
As warming sunshine tumbles through the sky's wispy cloud cover, I lean my elbows against the edge of a Jacuzzi whirlpool on Queen Anne's Grills Terrace. The water is wonderfully warm, pairing brilliantly with the crisp glass of champagne that I sip as I look across at the dramatic Scottish coastline and sparkling sea. I could get used to this. The impressively big (and impossibly luxurious) ship is my home-away-from-home for the next week as she leisurely makes her way around the British Isles. Not only am I lucky enough to be on board, but I also find myself travelling in luxuriant style in one of Cunard's famed Queens Grill suites. After boarding earlier this morning – where a fellow passenger embodied the welcoming atmosphere when he called out 'welcome aboard Queen Anne!' – I was whisked up to my suite where my dedicated butler, Ben, greeted me. 'I'm here to make your stay perfect,' he told me as he showed me around. And I believe him. Home sweet home Seeing a Cunard Queens Grill suite for the first time is an unforgettable experience. It was hard to know where to look first – at the stylish blue and pastel accented decor, the sumptuously soft striped carpet or the marbled counter tops of the spacious bathroom? Or perhaps the king-size bed, or the huge balcony awaiting through double doors? The welcome chocolates and champagne on ice were certainly hard to miss – as was the mini bar area, where Ben explained I could order two complimentary bottles of my choice to enjoy during my stay. I went for Cunard's rosé label and the special Queen Anne edition gin, perfect for pre-dinner G&Ts on my balcony. Despite seriously overpacking, the huge double wardrobes allow ample room to unpack (something that the Queens Grill butlers can also help with). I opt for a delicious lunch in the comfort of my own suite, which sees Ben lay a beautiful spread of maple caramelised brussel sprouts and grilled seabream atop a white tablecloth and silverware, before I make my way up to the exclusive Grills Terrace to soak up the view from the whirlpool. It seemed only right to accompany the moment with a glass of bubbly. Speciality dining That evening, as I sip a G&T on my balcony surrounded by a sparkling sea, a soft knock at the door announces Ben delivering my nightly pre-dinner canapes – moreish goat cheese and carmelised onion tartlets today – alongside some freshly sliced lemon slices. 'I thought you might enjoy them with your gin,' he says as he places the lemon down. It's small, thoughtful details like this that epitomise Cunard's White Star Service. I make my way up to the luxurious Queens Grill Restaurant, where Ilven, the maitre d', greets me warmly. I'm shown to the table that will be reserved for me the whole trip as a Queens Grill guest. The restaurant is a sight in itself: beautifully detailed decor with soft hues of blue and pastel, twinkling chandeliers and pristine table settings. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant give it an unparalleled view of the glistening waves. Fellow Queens Grill guests, Bob and Glenys Latham, are equally enchanted. They always pick Cunard, they tell me, and have even brought a slice of the Cunard experience back home with them: 'We have a little aperitif and canapes at home in the evenings now,' Glenys says. 'It's just a lovely tradition.' As I discover, the Queens Grill menu changes daily, but never fails to impress. My first meal starts with salmon gravadlax before I tuck into Lyburn Old Winchester gnocchi with a sage and walnut crumb. Dining while looking out onto the great horizons as Queen Anne steadily cuts through the water is an experience I'll never forget. Relax in luxury I wake to the view of waves rolling gently past my window before heading up to the Queens Grill restaurant for a decadent breakfast. Made-to-order omelettes, full English, pastries, eggs royale, freshly cooked pancakes – whatever you can think of, they've got it. It's the perfect start to set me up for the ultimate day of relaxation at Queen Anne's Mareel Spa, beginning with a Fire and Ice manicure (I'd run out of time to get my nails done before the voyage but thankfully the wonderful spa manager slots me in straight away). It's certainly an upgrade from my typical nail salon: after my colour is applied, Marie gives me an exfoliating hand and arm massage before applying a cooling gel and wrapping them in hot towels. Then I'm left to admire the best manicure I've ever had. Next, a massage. My therapist takes time to understand any specific aches, pains or problems I have and it really shows – the treatment feels like it was made for me. I can feel tension melting away from each muscle group as I sink into a daze of relaxed bliss. Afterwards, I glide into the thermal spa to let the full effects of the massage settle. Lying on one of the heated stone loungers set around the Jacuzzi pool, I doze into a peaceful state of tranquility. It's a steady state of bliss that continues back in the luxurious privacy of the Queens Grill suite, where dinner is served, extending the feeling of relaxation deep into the evening aboard Queen Anne. Spoilt for choice Sea days on Queen Anne mean a world of possibilities: sipping morning coffee overlooking the Irish mountains and brilliant blue sea; breakfast on my private balcony; a spot of reading by the Pavilion pool; a sauna that gets my skin glowing; and almost certainly an indulgent afternoon tea in the Princess Grill Restaurant. But there are also port days, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a destination's culture before returning to their luxurious sanctuary back on board Queen Anne. I join a brilliant river cruise along Dublin's River Liffey, which gives me insight into the city's history, culture and heart. Back on board, I return to an immaculate suite (thanks, Ben). I have just enough time to savour the canapes he's delivered before heading out for dinner at the speciality Indian restaurant, Aranya. It's busy, and with the excitement of Dublin I didn't book ahead, but with the help of the concierge service, I'm welcomed warmly and led to a table. Soon, I'm tucking into a delicious starter of soft shell crab and popadoms, followed by an incredible vegetable biryani plus daal and naan for the table. After dinner, I head to the Queens Room to watch Irish musician Tara Howley. She deftly swaps between fiddle, whistle, uilleann pipes and vocals in a showstopping celebration of Irish music that brings the twinkling lights of Dublin fading on the horizon right back into the room. Unparalleled luxury From my first moment on board, it was clear that this voyage would be an oceanic experience unlike any other. Waking to a new view every day, surrounded by breathtaking vistas and sparkling seas is, in itself, an incredible trip. But when you add to that Cunard's impeccable White Star Service, delicious dining options that take you around the world, a world-class spa and salon, and your own personal butler, the trip reaches new – and unbeatable – heights. My last morning on board Queen Anne sees us gliding round the tip of Land's End. I'm treated to breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline – indelibly intertwined with maritime history and tradition – and can make out the thin line of Wolf Rock Lighthouse as well as the white ship masts marking Penzance's harbour. After breakfast – a freshly made omelette, buttermilk pancakes and berry compote – I relax on the Grills Terrace, soaking up the sun, sea air and tranquil luxury that Cunard delivers in abundance. I've stood on the Cornish shores looking out at the boundless sea and silhouetted ships many times; I never imagined I would be lounging on Queen Anne's exclusive terrace, a mimosa in hand, gazing back from the other side.
