Harbouring only the best - Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

John Chekian believes that one of the world’s best journeys is the ferry ride across Hong Kong Harbour. On the frantic harbour shores, right at the doorstep of the posh shopping and entertainment complex of Pacific Place, the Island Shangri-La is an easy walk to a metro station, Victoria Peak Terminal or the famed Star Ferry Terminal. It contains some of the city’s highest rooms, between the 39th and 55th floors of an impressive tower, in which enormous windows bring a powerful sense of place to its fortunate guests. This location is the absolute best for business, conferences, shopping and dining on the island. If you feel moved to promenade in Kowloon, the Star Ferry provides all the wow you need in transport. But the Island Shangri La is the dazzling balm you need in a hotel.

Hong Kong is a dense and intensive cityscape but that often obscures the fact that much of it is devoted to parkland spaces. The Island Shangri-La taps into the philosophy of “a place to breath” in the midst of forests of glittering buildings, incorporating touches such as a greened-up outdoor pool and café. Similarly, guests love the plant-filled roof garden on the 56th floor. It is a place from which to admire the island’s skyscrapers and to chill out in rattan chairs beneath the cooling sweep of ceiling fans.

Apart from a clutch of chic places to dine, the glamorous rooms are swathed in silken fabrics of delicious cream, gold and burnt orange, whilst the elegant furniture, dreamy beds, the mirrors and marble of the bathrooms bring touches of the palatial to mere mortals. We have the inside tips on the floors where harbour views are simply the best.

The staff doesn’t quite leap tall buildings but, from curbside to club level, they do spend their time catering to guests’ every whim by quietly whizzing about like Clark Kent’s alter ego. Solicitous service is their mantra. From an arty atrium dominated by a 16-story Chinese mural and from yoga to Yum Cha, this is the pinnacle of hotel perfection on Hong Kong Island.

CONCIERGE EXCLUSIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 3 NIGHTS IN AN HORIZON HARBOUR VIEW ROOM • ROUND TRIP AIRPORT TRANSFERS • ONE CULINARY JOURNEY SET DINNER WITH WINE PAIRINGS FOR 2 • ONE 60 MINUTE SWEDISH MASSAGE FOR 2 & BOTTLE OF FINE WINE • FROM HKD18,900 PER ROOM • VALID UNTIL JUNE 2012

Contact John Chekian for more information on 1800 047 047 or email him at: jchekian@conciergetraveller.com