With cheap airfares available and even better hotel deals, now 
is an ideal time to slip away for 
a long weekend. One of the best locations for a romantic extended weekend away is Hong Kong. Most flights will have you ready for hotel check-in late afternoon/early evening and ready for some late-night shopping, dinner out and then two or three days of exploring and pampering – all in what is arguably one of Asia’s best destinations right on our doorstep. To find a hotel that you really enjoy spending time in, which has a great range of restaurants to boot, is a real treat. Racing around a city is all very well, but when you are tired and stressed and you only have a couple of precious days to yourselves, sometimes it’s great to just sleep in and indulge in some precious time together. Speaking with each other, uninterrupted, is the new black, so they say.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK


Plan your weekend away and have enough options so that if you actually do feel like leaving the hotel, you know what’s on offer. Try researching your destination on local online sites. Also, the hotel concierge is a great source for recommendations. When there are no kids, no phones and no Saturday sport to dash off to, sleeping in, having a late breakfast or room service and reading the local papers and magazines really is the best treat!

The Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong, is consistently ranked as one of the top hotels in Asia and is perfect for a romantic weekend away. The luxurious rooms have marble bathrooms with televisions, enormous beds that could sleep your entire family and internet connections in all rooms – perfect to Skype the kids back home. The room service and attention to detail is extraordinary, including complimentary fruit baskets, wine and chocolates. 


THE SPA


The Peninsula Spa has created a range of signature treatments using authentic European, oriental and Ayurvedic philosophies for a holistic experience. With views of Victoria Harbour from the treatment rooms (including saunas, steam rooms and relaxation lounges), this state-of-the-art spa is the perfect antidote for any stressed-out couple. Before each treatment you are encouraged to arrive an hour early and make use of the spa facilities. We booked in for the Time Together package and were treated to a luxurious private spa for two with our own spa pool, double bath, and Asian tea lounge to sit back and soak up the spectacular views.

Whether you want to escape a hectic job or the kids, are suffering jet lag or want to kick-start a detox program, this really is the place to indulge. We had one of the best spa treatments we have ever experienced. There are a range of massages, facials, deep-cleansing, de-stressing and anti-cellulite treatments to try, and all are well worth the price. There is also something quite magical about having a spa treatment alongside your wife, and it’s a great way to get the weekend underway.  
 


ROOM WITH A VIEW


The Philippe Starck-designed restaurant, Felix, on the 28th floor is well worth a visit, for a drink in the bar at least. It’s a fun space comprising the American Bar, the Balcony, the Crazy Box disco and the Wine Bar. The Long Table also has stunning views of Victoria Peak and the Kowloon Peninsula. Don’t miss the famous Afternoon Tea in the Lobby. It’s a grand affair and well worth queuing for it if you haven’t booked. Cake plates are stacked high with sweet and savoury slices and there is a wide range of teas. It’s also an excellent place to sit and watch the mix of locals and tourists pass by. 
 


SHOPPING DISTRICT


With the Peninsula Hotel set right in the heart of Kowloon’s shopping district, surrounded by all the big European and American fashion brands, you are in a perfect position to pick up some extraordinary bargins during sale time. Harbour City has the best range of shops and is close to the hotel. It also has a number of fantastic restaurants and cafés. Within walking distance of the hotel is the underground rail system (MTR) and the historical 
Star Ferry (worth catching for taking in vistas of the harbour from another perspective), which will take you to Hong Kong’s other major shopping districts: Causeway Bay, Wan Chai and Central. 


DON’T WANT TO SHOP?


Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Museum of Art, Science Museum and Museum of History are all worth a visit and are within walking distance of the hotel. You can become a little blasé as you stroll to another museum, but you’re on a romantic weekend getaway and there are plenty of small bars and boutiques along the way – something for everyone – so enjoy the sites. 



A FAMILY AFFAIR


If you’re on a family holiday the Peninsula Kids’ Academy offers an action-packed program, including a cooking class for children aged six to 12 run by the Peninsula chefs every Saturday morning. The hotel is child friendly with a family pool and a range of activities on offer.