Come May Hong Kong’s barometer turns to thunder as frequent rainy spells storm the region, causing damp, drizzle and downright sogginess, all of which make indoor hibernation all the more desirable.
Luckily, there’s plenty of respite from all the brolly-bashing and puddle-hopping, with swoonsome spas, stellar shopping and flop-spots perfectly situ’d to keep you dry.
Spa:
If pampering is what the doctor ordered, why not treat yourself to yourself to a little spa-di-la at the delectable Peninsula Spa? Better yet, make an entire afternoon of it with the grande dame’s Afternoon Tea and Spa package, which offers a 90-min aroma body massage pre- or post-sampling its famous cha n’ dainties.
For an instant mood-booster, pop along to hushed Central retreat Ten Feet Tall, and take your pick from an array of aromatic oil and pressure point massages (the foot reflexology is tops), as you kick back in a plush leather recliner.
See:
If you’d rather channel your inner culture vulture, get clued-up on the Territory’s origins at Hong Kong Museum of History. This unassuming 70s block in TST is a cavern of interactive exhibitions about the region’s natural landscape, folk culture and heritage. Once done, pop next door to the Hong Kong Science Museum to ogle Cathay Pacific’s first DC3 airliner, mingle with robots – come June you can even get up close and personal with six Egyptian mummies, set to arrive in the city as part of The Eternal Life: Exploring Ancient Egypt by The British Museum.
Alternatively, settle in for a film at hip cat Broadway Cinematheque located in Yau Ma Tei, a vibey Kowloon nabe beloved for its retro cafes, temples and markets. This iconic arthouse cinema (the only one of its kind in Hong Kong) screens flicks in their original language with Chinese and/or English subtitles, and also boasts a quirksome Kubrick-themed cafe and bookstore – the perfect pitstop idling away the afternoon.
Shop:
Who cares about the weather when you’ve got eight floors of design-led retail at your fingertips? The boutiques at heritage hottie PMQ (Police Married Quarters) just off Hollywood Road, can vary, but it’s worth a gander for fash, jewellery, furny, decor and more by small-scale local makers, plus there are often pop-ups and markets. LUXE faves include trinket trove Cecilia Ma, sartorial outfitter Kapok and leather lovely Smith and Norbu.
Shopping is thirsty work and thankfully, rainy-day refreshments are a mere pixie skip away – mod-Brit Aberdeen Street Social is located on-site and serves cocktails round the clock. Or, if you’re after something a little more substantial, flit to nearby Soul Food plating up zingy Thai flaves in a neat little eatery.
This article originally appeared on PenCities.
Want more? snap up the LUXE Hong Kong guide.
