Whether you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle, enjoy some kid free time or have some well deserved R&R, Hong Kong has plenty of fabulous stay-cay options. From glamping it up in the New Territories to 5 star luxury with a harbour view, here’s our pick of Hong Kong’s staycation spots.
Beach Club, Pui O
If you are keen to really get a change of scenery and become one with nature, camping at Treasure Island Group’s Beach Club, Pui O, South Lantau will take you away from it all. Not a high rise in site, just a 3.5km deserted beach, beautiful sunsets, peace and quiet. The 2-4 person tent options are already set up with all the necessary equipment to make your camping adventure as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. You can use their BBQ facilities or dine at Mavericks next door, which provides a chilled California beach vibe and a prime view of the sunset. There is plenty or absolutely nothing to do, your choice!
N.b. The camping is seasonal and Maverick’s is open Friday night to Sunday night (bookings recommended).
Getting here:
By ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then by taxi is most convenient
By taxi or bus from Tung Chung
If you’re feeling active, you can take a leisurely 2-3 hour hike from Mui Wo
The Auberge
While you might think of Discovery Bay as a day trip destination, The Auberge boutique hotel has everything you need for a one or two night escape from the city. Choose to dine at the hotel or at one of the many plaza restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice. With sweeping water views, a guest pool, day spa, plus many local businesses, there is plenty to keep you entertained. Take a stroll around the parks or venture in to the surrounding hills, take a horse drawn carriage ride or just stay in your room with the ‘do not disturb sign’ on.
Getting here:
By ferry from Central Pier 3 to Discovery Bay South Plaza, then take the Auberge Coach directly to the hotel. Scheduled buses C4/9/C9 will get you to the North Plaza, where you can take a short walk to the hotel.
Mingle Farm
Have you ever imagined sleeping in an inflatable bubble? (no me neither). Well you can do that, and much much more, at Mingle Farm in Yuen Long. Aecospheres, which are literally giant inflatable bubbles, can sleep up to 6 guests and offer varying degrees of privacy. If you fancy yourself a bit of an exhibitionist, you could opt for the completely clear bubble! Whichever you choose, you will be in the comfort of air-conditioning, or heating, with all bedding, towels and toiletries supplied. Note the bathrooms are a shared facility. All meals can be pre-ordered with the property and you can even dine in their bubble dining room (additional costs apply).
N.b. We haven’t tried Mingle Farm and online reviews were hard to find. So, if you decide to give it a go please send us your review to contact@thehkhub.com
Getting here:
Closest MTR station is Tin Shui Wai
Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel
In little over 30 minutes you will feel like you’re a world away at the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel. Located seaside, amongst tropical gardens, with a day spa and fabulous resort style pool, you might just want to move here permanently! The Gold Coast offers its visitors one of Hong Kong’s longest stretches of beach, well maintained jogging/walking tracks, a huge grassed area (that you are actually allowed on), an abundance of dining and entertainment options and most importantly, no chaos. The hotel has newly refurbished Deluxe Seaview Rooms that are bright and contemporary with plenty of room to stretch out in their King-size beds.
Getting here:
Regular hotel shuttle buses run to/from TST, Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi
Cheung Chau Bed & Breakfast
Why not immerse yourself in a community that is thriving with local artisans, where bikes are the only mode of transport and you can explore ancient rock carvings, walking trails, temples and even a real pirate cave! A stay at the European influenced, Cheung Chau Bed & Breakfast, will offer you a real change of pace. You can explore this island in less than a day but I recommend you take your time. Enjoy the views from North lookout at sunset, then reward yourself with dinner at Seafood Street. Wander through the lanes and discover boutique shops and cafés, then relax on Tung Wan Beach.
Getting here:
By ferry from Central Pier 5 to Cheung Chau
Photo from Flickr
Ovolo Southside
If you are keen to escape the surrounds of your IKEA furniture and cosy up somewhere a little more trendy, you can’t go past the Ovolo Southside. A converted warehouse, the Ovolo group have created a funky and fresh concept, never before seen in a hotel. The hotel fits perfectly in to the industrial art scene of the Southside and offers a bunch of freebies… wifi, breakfast, free mini bar and free happy hour (yes, that’s right)! The property features some pretty impressive restaurants and bars, so you won’t need to go anywhere else (and you probably won’t want to).
Getting here:
Taxi or bus 70, 590, 75 or 90 from Hong Kong Station to Wong Chuk Hang Road.
Tai O Heritage Hotel, Lantau Island
Hong Kong is full of history, and you can become a part of it with a stay at Tai O Heritage Hotel, Lantau Island. Exquisitely restored in 2009 by the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Fund, the former police station, circ 1902, was converted in to a luxurious 9 room boutique hotel. The hotel overlooks the oldest fishing village in Hong Kong, where traditional stilt houses are still occupied by fishermen and their families today. The hotel also offers tours of the Hotel, Tai O Fishing Village and a sunset cruise so you can get the most out of this step back in time.
*car parking is not available at Tai O Heritage Hotel and South Lantau roads are closed without a valid permit.
Getting here:
By Ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then Bus 1
By Bus 11 from Tung Chung
The Pottinger, Central
If you’d like to wake up in old world charm and 300 thread count sheets, then you’ll love The Pottinger, Central. 150 years ago this hotel would have been waterfront property, so if the walls could talk, they would have a lot to tell. Affectionately named after Hong Kong’s first Governor, The Pottinger is adorned with iconic Hong Kong photographs and rooms are decorated in a modern, heritage style. Why not combine a stay here with a walking history tour of Hong Kong, regardless of how long you’ve lived here, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Hyatt Regency
Craving some 5 star luxury, but want to be somewhere a little less familiar? Get over to Sha Tin and check-in to the Hyatt Regency. You can soak in the magnificent pool with its majestic mountain backdrop, hire a bike from the hotel and explore the local sights along Tolo Harbour, or get some pampering at the spa and enjoy the peace and quiet this location provides. If you want to ‘stay-cay’ with your kids in tow, then you are in the right place. Camp Hyatt operates 7 days a week, for kids aged 4-12, and there is a host of activities to keep them happy and occupied, whatever the weather.
Getting here:
Closest MTR Station is University, then a short 3minute walk
Alternatively take a taxi
The Four Seasons, Central
Prefer a luxury getaway with that iconic Hong Kong view? You can’t go past The Four Seasons, Central, with its heated, infinity roof top pool that overlooks the harbour, and an amazing spa where you can completely indulge yourself. With floor to ceiling windows, you will definitely want a harbour view room here and why not splurge some more at one of their Michelin star restaurants, go on… you deserve it!
The Peninsula, Tsim Sha Tsui
I think it’s safe to say, we’ve all dreamed about staying at The Peninsula, Tsim Sha Tsui. It is the epitomy of luxury and an icon as Hong Kong’s oldest hotel. Pack a frock and suit and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail (or 2) at the original ‘bar with a view’, Felix, then after dinner, retreat back to your room and pop on your fluffy robe to soak up the old world charm of this amazing hotel. Breakfast gastronomy will be waiting for you at the Verandah in the morning, so get some sleep.
Kim is a creative, happy-go-lucky Aussie mum of 2 girls. She has an extensive travel background and after nearly a decade in Hong Kong has discovered her love of discovering new things and helping start-ups. She blogs about it here: