CRYSTAL WONG
OCCUPATION: Fashion director, Harper's Bazaar Hong Kong
MY STYLE: Simple, chic, and fuss-free
I LOVE HONG KONG BECAUSE: It is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and fast-paced cities in the world! You can go shopping, eat around the corner, be fabulously fashionable, go to the beach, and go hiking in the mountains—all in the same day! It's also a small city, and you can take your kids wherever you want.
Lei Yue Mun
Named after its geographical locale (the channel that separates Hong Kong from Kowoon), this seafood mecca is part quaint fishing village, part bustling bazaar. The area first became popular in the ’60s, when it was customary for shoppers to select their fillets directly from fishmongers, and watch as they were cooked up right before their eyes. Today, dishes are prepared more formally but—rest assured—they’re just as fresh!
Artjamming
This art studio may be BYOB, but there’s plenty of paint on tap. Purchase a canvas (they come in several sizes) and enjoy an afternoon of groove-worthy music, unlimited paint, and plenty of brushes—if you’re not using your fingers, that is! Parents can sit back and watch with a bottle of wine or, if the creativity strikes, join in for a discounted family rate.
The Peak
At an altitude north of 1,800 feet, The Peak provides refreshingly cool—not to mention scenic—refuge from Hong Kong's scalding sub-tropical climate. Though the real estate has always been desirable, it wasn't until the Peak Tram began its ascent in the late 19th century that the neighborhood became accessible, touristy, and pricey. Today, the area is filled with restaurants, shops, and some of the most impressive houses on the island.
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The Peninsula Hong Kong
Hong Kong's oldest hotel, which began operations in 1928, is also among the most refined. Families will appreciate the Peninsula's proximity to the Hong Kong Space Museum, Cultural Centre, and Kowloon Park, and kids can pick out colorful bed linens, to make them feel more at home. On certain weekends, children ages 6-12 can also partake in the Peninsula Academy, a cooking tutorial led by in-house chefs.
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Café Gray Deluxe
Lemongrass-pumpkin velouté and salmon with champagne-caviar are among the delicacies offered at Café Gray Deluxe (which is run by Gary Kunz, the author of The Elements of Taste) but Crystal Wong comes for the good ol’-fashioned happy hour. “In the evening, the views of Victoria Harbour are stunning,” she says. The cocktails are divine, and the café also carries Boont Amber Ale, Little Creatures Pilsner, and other micro-brews, all sure to hit the post-work spot!
Sevva
The Prince's Building is full of destinations, but for a special treat (and an even more special view), head up to Sevva on the 25th floor. "In the afternoon, we'll come for egg tarts or a piece of yummy cake," says Crystal Wong. The in-house bakery, Ms. B's Sweets is always delectable, but don't miss dinner, when diners can enjoy music, family-friendly eats, and signature cocktails.
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Spices at Repulse Bay
For a true getaway, sit out in the colonial courtyard of Spices, part of the Repulse Bay Hotel. Diners can experience healthful fusion dishes (mango salad, curried goose) from Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Singapore, and beyond—all tactfully combined with European flavors. Back in the day, the eatery was quite the hub for Hong Kongers and ex-pats alike, as notable guests included Marlon Brando, George Bernard Shaw, and Prince Juan Carlos of Spain, who honeymooded in the area with Princess Sofia.
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Bumps to Babes
A humongous store for the smallest of kids, Bumps to Babes is Hong Kong’s premiere retailer for babies and their moms. You’ll find a vast selection of car seats, swingers, baby monitors, bottles, cribs, toys, and even trendy maternity wears. For older kids, Bumps to Babes offers a variety of educational toys such as alphabet flash cards, fraction puzzles, and tie-your-own-shoelace kits!
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