How Hong Kong Redefines Luxury

Here’s a sensation I never thought I’d experience: Hearing a flight boarding announcement while mid-shower. But that’s exactly what happened while I was lathering Bamford’s geranium-scented shampoo into my hair at The Pier, Cathay Pacific’s First Class lounge inside the Hong Kong airport.

Normally, arriving at the airport signals the end of a trip, but at The Pier the good times kept on rolling with a tasting menu from Mott 32 (crispy crab puff, braised wagyu beef), a massage at the on-site spa (yes, really) and a Manhattan sipped at the green onyx tiled bar. If it wasn’t for the airplanes smoothly rolling by the windows, I’d think I was still in Central Hong Kong.

You can hardly blame me for squeezing every last second of enjoyment from the city. With world-class cocktails bars, dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants and luxe hotels, Hong Kong is all about the finer things.

The most recent example is Peridot, a cocktail lounge on the 38th floor of The Henderson, one of Hong Kong’s newest gleaming towers. The interior, which takes inspiration from a shattered disco ball, features 18,000 individual lights that dot the curved walls and ceiling. Outside, the view of neighbouring towers, all sparkling and electrified for the nightly 8 p.m. lightshow, only adds to the drama. I feel like I’m sitting inside a giant jewellery box.

Dinnertime is a similarly transporting affair. VEA, helmed by A-list chef (and Toronto native) Vicky Cheng, is all about traditional Chinese flavours paired with elevated French techniques. The night’s menu included sea cucumber spritzed with aged Shaoxing wine, delicate blue lobster paired with sweetest tomato I’ve ever tasted and a mushroom-flavoured dessert that flipped my palate upside down.

The next day, lunch is more casual—but no less special. On a food tour led by my local guide, Cecilia, I duck into a subterranean noodle shop with a small menu and tables filled with locals. The standout here is the wonton soup. The broth is complex yet light—made even more interesting with a final splash of vinegar. Then it’s time for Dim Sum—a city-wide ritual—with a parade of classic hits like shrimp har gow and pork siu mai. To finish, malty milk tea served cold in an old beer bottle, paired with Hong Kong-style French toast coated in sweetened condensed milk.

But it’s not just about eating well here. The city is stunning—whether you’re strolling underneath the red, gold and purple lanterns at the bustling Temple Street Night Market or looking at the skyline from above. For the latter, hop on The Peak Tram—a historic rail line that snakes up to an elevation of almost 400 meters. From my window seat on the right side of the tram (take notes) the tree line gives way to shimmering skyscrapers.

For a different vantage point, I head to neighbouring Lantau Island to see the Big Buddha—as the name suggests, it’s a large bronze statue, and the centerpiece of the Po Lin monastery. Standing directly in front of the impressive figure, a local tells me to make a wish. That’s easy: return to Hong Kong again. There’s so much more to delight in.

Where to stay: Located in Hong Kong’s Central district, the Mandarin Oriental boasts nine restaurants, a private Krug champagne bar and a breakfast buffet you won’t be able to resist no matter how many courses you ate the night before. And don’t miss The Aubrey on the top floor. The eccentrically decorated cocktail bar becomes a bustling club on Friday nights—the perfect place to start (or end) your night.

Where to eat: While scoring a reso at one of the city’s many Michelin-rated spots might require some advance planning, it’s all going to be worth it once you bite into the Hong Kong roast chicken at Louise (dry-aged for four days and accompanied by Niigata rice) or the girolle and Japanese leek gnocchi under a heavy dusting of truffle at Arcane.

Where to get a drink: The city gets top marks for its cocktail culture. Case in point? Bar Leone’s Italian inspired cocktails populari won them the coveted title of World’s Best Bar—and a line out the door every night. Don’t feel like waiting? Head to The Diplomat, where the mixology is top notch (try the pandan martini) and the back room plays vinyl.

Where to shop: As you weave in and out of your favourite luxury shops inside K11 Musea (Loewe, Gucci, Balenciaga and many more are all well represented) don’t forget to look up at the ceiling. This cultural-retail hub was designed in collaboration with over 100 architectural talents. The result is an ornate, organic and artful space that continues even inside the elevators.

Flight plan: Cathay Pacific matches the haute-cuisine vibe perfectly. On the way back home, the business-class menu features hits from Duddell’s and Louise, two of the city’s Michelin-starred dining hot spots. Plus, The Bridge, its newly opened lounge at the Hong Kong airport, is a fitting end to the trip: Its Noodle Bar will take you right back to the heart of the city. And, yes, there are showers.

Start planning your dream trip to Hong Kong here.

Read more stories from FASHION’s March 2026 issue here.