Four Seasons Hong Kong; Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo; Nobu Hotel London Portman Square; Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison

BACKGROUND

The Four Seasons is one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious addresses, famed for having eight Michelin stars under one roof. Completing the final stages of a renovation – the hotel features new rooms and suites, a lobby makeover and revamped drinking dens.

WHERE IS IT?

Adjoined to the IFC shopping mall in Central, within walking distance of the main business hub and entertainment hotspots. Excellent transport options are on the doorstep, from the Airport Express and MTR to taxis and nearby Star Ferry.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The hotel exudes luxury and elegance from the moment you arrive; staff greet you warmly as your luggage is whisked away. The stunning new lobby now features Galley – an openplan lounge and bar, where the lunchtime crowd are dressed head to toe in Versace, with a Rolex or two peeking from expertly tailored cuffs.

ROOMS

The 399 rooms and suites are some of the most generously sized in the city, starting at 45 sqm. I stayed in one of the newly renovated Grand Harbour View Suites: a spacious 68 sqm corner unit.

The old traditional Chinese aesthetic has been replaced with a contemporary look and feel by Remedios Studio: clean, sleek lines, modern leather furnishings and a soothing palette of moody blues and greys.

But the starring feature is the view. Floorto-ceiling windows lining both the lounge and bedroom offer a dizzying 180-degree panorama over Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and beyond.

Smart flatscreen TVs feature in the bedroom and lounge, with mirroring technology to stream Netflix content. A circular table offers a place for working or dining, with power sockets nearby.

A cabinet area is fully stocked with Nespresso machine, pre-mixed Caprice Negroni (HK$290, US$37) and an elegant range of chinaware and glasses. Complimentary Evian water bottles are replenished daily, along with a fruit bowl and pot of tea.

The bed is enormous, with a pillow and duvet menu to customise the perfect sleeping environment. Handy dimmer and blackout-blind switches are located on both sides, as well as double plugs and USB sockets. A dressing area is stocked with plush robes and slippers, with a full length mirror.

Beautiful marble bathrooms feature dual sinks, a soaking tub, (book your complimentary Himalayan Salt bath ritual before 5pm), separate rain shower and smart toilet. Fragrant Bvlgari amenities and a Dyson hairdryer are notable treats, alongside useful amenities.

Guests who upgrade to the 45th floor Executive Club can also enjoy breakfast, snacks, afternoon tea and a light supper – plus breathtaking views from a wraparound balcony.

FOOD AND DRINK

The three-star French fine dining restaurant Caprice served up an exquisite experience, starting with canapes presented in a jewellery box and ending with a cheese board requiring two handlers. A star-studded ingredient list featured everything from Scottish langoustines to caviar and English lamb, exquisitely presented by a discreet army of knowledgeable waiters and sommeliers.

The three-star Cantonese feast at Lung King Heen was just as delicous. From a flavoursome chicken pottage soup and fluffy fried rice to a cooling mango and sago cream, every dish was a treat.

Newcomer ARGO bar replaces Blue Bar with a conservatory-style theme that offers a gorgeous, gilded hangout. A miniature champagne welcome cocktail arrived as I perused the “here today gone tomorrow” cocktail list, which draws attention to the potential plight of ingredients, such as coffee, honey and rice. Meanwhile, the classic Caprice bar has old-world glamour for a cosier setting, with a modern drinks and nibbles list.

Reservations recommended for all outlets.

MEETINGS

The hotel features a range of fully-equipped meeting spaces, including a 24-hour business centre and a large 708 sqm ballroom.

LEISURE

An infinity pool, lap pool, hot tub and cold plunge pool overlook the harbour, with chic cabana day loungers dotted around and gourmet snacks regularly handed out.

The gorgeous spa features extensive facilities, though some, such as the sauna and steam room, are closed during Covid. The signature two-hour Reawakening Ritual included a full body exfoliation, wrap and massage, which left me feeling rejuvenated.

VERDICT

Gorgeous new rooms make the Four Seasons easily one of the best options in Hong Kong, with a wealth of wellness-focused facilities in the heart of the city. Tamsin Cocks

BEST FOR

Endless dining, wellness and spa offerings

DON’T MISS

A one-on-one Chakra Meditation with in-house specialist Dr Tania Bardhan

PRICE

Rates for Newly Renovated Grand Harbour-View Suite in mid-November start from US$1,580 per night, excluding 10 per cent service charge.

CONTACT

fourseasons.com/hongkong