Just as it did during the era of sea travel, when it became one of the world’s busiest ports, Hong Kong has benefited from its geographical location in the age of jet setting. The city stands as a hub for travel within the Asia Pacific region and beyond, as well as a popular MICE venue.

This has seen a proliferation of design-led accommodation across the territory: on Hong Kong Island, to name but a few, The Murray was the result of a stunning adaptive reuse project led by Foster + Partners; the St. Regis overlooks Victoria Harbour from its central location in Wan Chai, as well as providing an aesthetic feast throughout; the Mandarin Oriental is a veritable institution; and The Upper House’s muted luxury rooms speak to a sense of timelessness.

The Kowloon side of the harbour took a little longer to get into the swing, but recent years have seen the addition of The Rosewood, a Tony Chi-designed property designed as a ‘vertical manor’ in a building by Kohn Pedersen Fox; The Kerry Hotel, with its harbourfront terrace perfect for lazy afternoons; and K11 Artus, next to The Rosewood and forming a key part of the new Victoria Dockside cultural district.

Several of these properties — the Kerry, The Upper House, K11 Artus and the St. Regis — were designed by native Hong Kong citizen and renowned hotel designer André Fu, whose work celebrates all aspects of the city. ”The St. Regis is a hotel that genuinely celebrates the city’s heritage, with a modern and charming interpretation,” he says. ”On the other side of the harbour, K11 Artus is a luxury residence that brings an artisanal twist to a contemporary hospitality experience. Every guest room comes with an organically shaped balcony that offers breathtaking views of the city, whilst there are also vast co-living spaces that are adorned with crafts and museum-quality artwork.”

Other hotels have been around longer but remain firm favourites. The city’s grand dame of fashion design, Vivienne Tam, has long been a fan of the Mandarin Oriental. ”I adore it, especially for its ’go-green’ sustainability,” she says. “I always feel a sense of peace and tranquillity because of the attentive and caring staff — they make me feel at home. And the amazing decor has always been an inspiration.” Tam also notes the hotel’s attention to health and safety. ”The We Care initiative encompasses all of their health and safety measures globally, which protect both employees and guests. And their range of reusable fabric masks will be launched soon, featuring my custom pattern!”