YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL
THE LANDMARK HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNISED HOTELS IN THE WORLD AND PART OF THE EQUALLY ICONIC MANDARIN ORIENTAL GROUP.
This is a potent and dynamic property, set against one of the most vibrant cities in the world creating a heady mixture of excitement and refinement. Located strategically in Central Hong Kong and a stone’s throw from notable commercial buildings, designer shopping and entertainment, this is the spot to be in Hong Kong. The property is famed for its chic contemporary design, featuring some of the largest suites in the city, a holistic spa, the much-lauded two-Michelin-starred Amber Restaurant and the famous MO Bar that has seen a host of celebrities such as Wyclef Jean. With its grand opening in 2005, The Landmark set a new precedence for luxury accommodation that many have tried to emulate, but still have not surpassed. General Manager Greg Liddell describes the hotel as “a new benchmark for luxury, elegance and dedicated service combined with state-of- the-art technology and the latest in contemporary design.”
Although the hotel is placed in the middle of a dynamic city, limiting the number of accommodation to 113 rooms has retained an alluring level of intimacy. The Landmark can be described as more of a lavish boutique residence than a characterless city hotel. It also marked the first time that two of the most famed and fabulous hotel interior designers worked together – Peter Remedios, of Hong Kong, and Adam D. Tihany, a native of Transylvania. Bringing together these two artistic powerhouses created the sumptuous yet sleek look of the largest hotel rooms in Hong Kong as well as the visually stunning lobby, restaurant and bar areas. Style-wise The Landmark has become a paradigm in a city of sky-high standards, quickly shooting up above the rest.
The rooms are beautifully honed pieces of modern design; clean lines and clear colour palettes dominate these contemporary creations. Every modern convenience is catered to, multiple flat screen televisions; enhanced quality surround sound systems and fast wireless broadband are standard to keep abreast of things in this fast paced metropolis. Careful touches such as the 7-ft round bathtubs and 430-count cotton sheets are provided throughout, creating the perfect way to relax and envelop yourself in comfort after a day in a place renowned for its exceptionally fast pace of life. The suites are an impressive 900-square-feet in size, providing a much needed feeling of space which is a scarce commodity in Hong Kong. Complemented by Italian marble bathrooms and modern art, the entire property is a truly stylish sanctuary for both business and pleasure travellers.
The Adam Tihany designed two-star-Michelin Amber Restaurant is the masterpiece in this complex. It is also the recipient of the San Pellegrino’s ’50 Best World Restaurants’ accolade. A sculpture of gold pipes hang from the ceiling, snaking and shimmering above and creating a warm glow that envelops diners in a dazzling natural light. Headed by Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus, this paragon of evolved French cuisine selects the best and freshest ingredients from both Asia and Europe to create a contemporary ambience with a delightfully light twist, not often associated with French cooking. He says, “I did not learn to cook in France,” of his formative years in the kitchen, “What I developed there was a deep appreciation for French peoples’ pride in their fertile land and what they farm or raise.” He therefore holds a deep respect for well reared and grown produce that is reflected in the innovative menu.
This becomes clearly evident when casting an appreciative eye over the incredibly crafted Degustation Menu. Starting off with luscious and elegant seafood dishes such as Hokkaido sea urchin, Tasmanian Salmon and langoustines served with a fresh brioche and parsnip puree, sensory oral explosions are executed with a culinary craftsmanship that defines the dining experience. The a la carte menu offers such premium delights as a dry–aged polmard veal chop served with Parmesan reggiano and asparagus for two. Such fine ingredients are meticulously sourced and combined to create perfection. Finished with a chocolate soufflé made from 85% abinao chocolate and accompanied by cacao sorbet is an indulgent heaven. Dinner is complemented by wines from the impressive collection of over 6000, picked out by Head Sommelier John Chan.
The Oriental Spa is widely regarded as one of the best urban spas in Asia and is a welcome haven within Hong Kong. It must be one of the few spas globally that houses a Turkish Hammam, Moroccan Rasul and Roman Laconium, all to relax and pamper like emperors and genies of the great classics. Additionally there are 15 spa suites, ice fountains, amethyst crystal steam rooms, sauna, an indoor pool and a fitness studio. Depending on your fitness or time out timetable there is definitely something sensational to suit. For the ultimate extravagance you can book yourself in for an entire day that includes massage, scrub, lunch and relaxation in one of the private spa suites. The massages are signature treatments that meld together the expertise of traditional Chinese Medicine and aromatherapy techniques to create a deeply satisfying and satiating experience to enliven the senses and quiet the mind.
If something a little faster paced is in order then you can pop to the Landmark Shopping Centre that is part of the hotel and is brimming with every high-end designer brand both Asian and European. Shopping is practically a professional pastime in Hong Kong, but with prices far cheaper than other parts of the world due to low taxes then there is no excuse not to have a satisfactory splurge. There is also plenty to explore beyond Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon Penninsula and a prestigious team of concierges can arrange everything from within the hotel, according to your passion for exploration.
The Madarin Oriental Landmark is a distinguished and architecturally inspiring pinnacle of high living in the city that has it all. A must stay for a visit to Hong Kong and perfect for business, family or intrepid travellers. It encapsulates everything that is innovative and interesting in a stupendous central location of this great city.
