When asked by Harpers Bazaar recently for her top Hong Kong tips, Fiona came up with her must do guide to the city we so love.
Here it is for you.
What are your favorite things about Hong Kong?
Even though I’ve lived here for 11 years, the element of surprise still exists and I love that. It’s a city with extraordinary variety, an urban metropolis that’s also got great hiking trails and beaches, shops range from tiny family owned antique spots on Hollywood Road that have been there for years to brand new mega malls, and all of it has an amazing buzz.
When is the best time to visit?
Undoubtedly for the Hong kong Art Fair, which will be Art Basel for the first time this May. It’s an amazing week when incredible galleries from all over the world come to exhibit, with a huge opening night, fascinating talks and some pretty good parties. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
Favorite daytime activity
Exploring the local markets is by far and away my favourite activity. I might be looking for silks in the Western market, traditional beads in Hong Hum, leather in Sham Shui Po or meeting family owned hardware companies in Mongkok but I’m always guaranteed to come across something unexpected.
I love Sheung Wan, a neighbourhood that’s changing by the minute. Our office is here, and we’re surrounded by Chinese antique shops, brilliant little restaurants and The Cat Street Gallery, a great contemporary art space that’s always got an interesting show on.
Favorite Places to eat and what you order
Lunch at the Kee Club is a must for Dim Sum heaven.
Favorite cafés
Heirloom right by my office does delicious coffee and feels like a little slice of downtown New York in Central Hong Kong
Favorite Nightlife/bar
When friends come to visit, you can’t beat the views from Cafe Grey at the top of The Upper House hotel, or Sevva in the Princes Building for a post work glass of Rose on a warm evening
Favorite places to go shopping
The best way to go is bespoke. Tailoring in Hong Kong is second to none – and quick! So great for visitors to check out, too. Sung in Kowloon cuts the best clothing, or you can head to the Mandarin Oriental and Elsa at Tse to make your jewellery dreams come true or Mayer next door for custom made leather shoes, bags and travel bits and bobs.
Favorite spots for relaxation
Hong Kong is full of lovely reflexology places – for the ultimate lazy afternoon, a foot massage and movie at Ten Feet Tall on Queens Road Central is pretty hard to beat.
Favorite scenic spot/not-to-be-missed sight
I love going out to Shek-O. Somehow those big waves and beaches feel unexpected on Hong kong island, and the views out to sea high above Shek-O beach are pretty breathtaking.
Favorite hotel you would recommend to friends
For a slice of old school Hong Kong, the Mandarin Oriental is a must. Delicious restaurants, old world bars and the best service in the world.
What’s your ideal outfit for a weekend in the city?
It can get pretty hot in Hong Kong, so a nice crisp cotton safari style dress from Bottega Veneta, some Balenciaga Sandals, one of our own necklaces and a raffia oversized clutch like Francesca from our new Spring collection would do just about right!
Best Beauty Essentials?
Hong kong living can leave your skin needing a little TLC. I use an SK11 mask once a week and Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Cream every night to help fight the consequences of city living.
