Where to find gifts this holiday
season inHong Kong
For some indulgence, head to Sir David Tang’s
Wanchai emporium
Tang Tang Tang Tang
(
tangtangtangtang.com)
, an opulent, airy
lifestyle boutique that sells everything from silk
handkerchiefs to electric wine-bottle openers.
Beyond that, there’s a carefully curated selection
of bespoke frames, tea sets, Chinese zodiac
shoulder bags and other Hong Kong-centric
gifts. This place lures both locals and tourists.
One of Hong Kong’s most beloved eco-shops,
Ecols
(
ecols.com
) gives shoppers the comfort of
knowing that everything they buy is enjoying a
second life. From jewellery made of tyres, bags
made of ring pulls, soy candles and watches
made of wood, Ecols showcases products that
are a great blend of sustainable and stylish.
Shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind gifts
should stroll along Sheung Wan’s
Gough Street
,
where indie designer shops are sandwiched
between a host of trendy cafés. From
neighbourhood stalwart
Homeless
and iconic
Timothy Oulton
to eclectic
Woaw
and edgy
Tikka
, this place has the makings of an afternoon
spent eating, drinking and browsing.
134
FAHTHAI
HOT TIP
Hong Kong WinterFest runs from 5 December to 1 January, finishing off with fireworks above Victoria Harbour
PERSONALISED ITINERARIES; FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE
THEGUIDE
hong kong
Hong Kong, two ways:
lively and leisurely
Guides to the city courtesy of a sporty personal trainer
and ameditative spa director
BY HIM
Andrew Cox kicks off each day
with a mix of martial arts and
gymnastics to boost strength.
This partner and director of
training at
Joint Dynamics Hong
Kong
(jointdynamics.com.hk)
educates people in
wellness and fitness throughout the Asia Pacific.
BY HER
Helen Norman is a health
coach and the spa director
for the
Shangri-La Hotel
.
She is also the founder of
mywellnessguru.com
and says
there are many tranquil spots in Hong Kong in
which to enjoy time away from frenetic city life.
“My me-time yoga classes take place at
Anahata Yoga
(anahatayoga.com.hk).
I’m always
inspired by the wealth of knowledge possessed
by its yogis, who come from India and other
countries in Asia. I love the
Oriental Spa
at The
Landmark Mandarin Oriental
(mandarinoriental.
com)
for the heat and water area – great for
serious muscle aches after a hike. I sneak over to
The Peninsula Spa
at The Peninsula Hong Kong
(hongkong.peninsula.com)
for decadence with
my man. Try the half-day spa journey: de-stress
and sip champagne while enjoying the best neon-
lit city views after sundown. It’s a splurge but it’s
worth every penny. I’m also a fan Lan Kwai Fon’s
affordable
Sense of Touch Spa
(
senseoftouch.
com.hk
) for a mani, pedi and massage. Finally,
for a quick gel nail on the way home from work,
Iyara Central
(iyarabeauty.com)
on Cochrane
Street is the ideal place to go.”
“
Big Wave Bay, Shek O
is a sanctuary for
my family on weekends. Get there before the
11am rush and the sounds of the bustling city
fade away amid the sound of crashing water.
We swim, body surf, play touch footy, hike
the rocks and climb the trees. Hong Kong is a
hiker’s dream and the
Dragon’s Back
, which
is easy to get to via taxi or bus, has impressive
views and winds up at the beach. It overlooks
the coast line and sometimes you’ll have
paragliders floating above you with the birds.
For an even greater challenge, I go off-trail rock
hopping up streams off the Morning Trail or the
path heading towards
Pokfulam Reservoir
from
The Peak. I love each step, leap, jump, scramble
– it’s like a moving meditation.
Ryze Trampoline
Park
(ryze.info)
is loads of fun if you’re into
flipping, tumbling and tight ropes. It’s a great
way to spend a very active hour.”
Festive
shopping
