It’s been a year like no other, and we’re thankful to see more businesses up and running again. If you’re looking to treat yourself to some R&R, there are many wonderful staycation deals to be had.
For many, the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is the gold standard with its perfect service, central location, Michelin-starred restaurants and luxurious rooms and amenities.
Recently, we had the chance to try the hotel’s Summer Escapade package (on until 31 August 2020), which includes the following:
- 20% off the nightly room rate
- Late checkout until 4pm
- Daily breakfast for two at The Lounge or through in-room dining
- Complimentary upgrade to a harbour-view room or upgrade to a suite (+$900)
- 20% off purchases at The Lounge and through in-room dining
- The addition of a Masters of Craft experience – private culinary, mixology and wellness classes with Four Seasons’ experts – for a fee
The room
We checked into a Deluxe Harbour-View Room with a king bed (two double beds are also available). Upon entering, I ran to check out the view and then ran to check out the bathtub – two things I don’t have at home and would definitely enjoy during the staycation! Everything was tastefully luxurious, from the furniture, to the (softest) sheets, to the L’Occitane bath products. There’s also a pillow menu if you’d like to try out some new options for cushioning your head.
Lunch at Lung King Heen
Lung King Heen is legendary, holding three Michelin stars for 12 years straight. Locals are rightfully proud of the restaurant, with Chef Chan Yan Tak being a born and bred Hong Konger – and the first Chinese chef in history to be awarded three stars. It was wonderful to finally get to try some of the chef’s signature dishes in the Executive Lunch Set 1 ($660/person), with some additions like baked barbecue pork buns with pine nuts ($99). All were delicious; the buttery abalone puffs were especially unforgettable. This is a good deal for lunch considering the calibre of the food.
Master of Craft mixology lesson
After lunch, I headed to Caprice Bar for a Master of Craft mixology lesson ($1,290/person) with Lorenzo Antinori, the Four Seasons’ affable Beverage Ambassador for Asia-Pacific. We talked through the components of a great cocktail, and then I learned to make one of the classics – a whisky sour, since I love cocktails with egg white. Alas, I didn’t shake the shaker hard enough and the egg white didn’t foam at all. Oops. Time to try again.
Next it was time to try making a signature cocktail. Feeling experimental, and somewhat safe (as Lorenzo said I could pick from whatever ingredients were on display), I chose apricot liqueur and lavender. These were combined with apple, grapefruit and lemon juices and then shaken profusely by me (I bruised my hand!)… and the end result was surprisingly tasty. I think Lorenzo was actually a bit shocked! All to say this class is great fun and suitable for all skill levels.
Other Master of Craft options include making Caprice dishes with Chef Guillaume Galliot, making a Lung King Heen signature dish with Chef Chan Yan Tak, making a healthy but hearty meal with Executive Chef Dirk Haltenhof, making a red velvet cake with Executive Pastry Chef Ringo Chan and learning wellness techniques with spa trainer Angela Wong. All classes are priced at $1,290 per person, capped at four people, and require 48 hours advance notice.
The pool
How gorgeous is this infinity pool! Enjoy swimming while staring at the views or relaxing on one of the many sun loungers.
In-room breakfast
Our last meal was this gorgeous in-room breakfast spread. The staff, set-up and presentation were excellent, as was the food itself. In addition to à-la-carte options, there are five sets: Continental, American, Hong Kong, Japanese and Well Feeling Start. Craving cod, I went for the Japanese set and selected the following options: fresh orange juice, miso soup, congee, pickled vegetables, egg custard and Japanese tea. I also added a trio of dim sum (shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings and Shanhainese pork dumplings), because when on staycation…
Verdict
If you’re looking for a luxurious and comfortable staycation, you can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons. It’s got a nice mix of excitement in the F&B options, refinement in the amenities and comfort in the rooms. I think it’s just as great for a romantic getaway as it is for a friend, family or indulgent solo stay. Whether you already consider it a home away from home or want to try it out for the first time, grab this deal while you can.
8 Finance Street, Central, 3196 8333, res.hongkong@fourseasons.com
This write-up is based on a complimentary media staycation provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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