They say if you want an experience that optimises the West, there is no better City to do it than New York… But if you want to experience the East, Hong Kong has to be one of your best options.
Airline - Cathay Pacific
From the UK, you would struggle to find a better flight carrier to Hong Kong than Cathay Pacific. They have direct flights from Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow, with excellent, unrivaled service. Their state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system offered an impressive selection of the latest films, TV and music and Wi-Fi is available to purchase, all of which helps pass the time beautifully on this relatively long flight.
The quality of food served on board goes above and beyond the typical economy experience, especially when you venture into their on-board snacks, available throughout the flight. Upgrade to premium economy to better your experience, with its most obvious difference, the notably extra legroom seats, with leather-padded calf and footrest, making the 11+ hour flight so much more comfortable!
Cathay Pacific’s award winning business class service, gives the typical priority check-in and boarding, premium lounge access, and an exclusive cabin featuring fine dining and award-winning seats - but it really is ‘the warmth of Asian Hospitality’ that makes the experience so special, and is the theme that runs throughout all cabins.
Their Outbound flight times means you arrive early morning into Hong Kong, ensuring you maximise your time. On the return overnight flight, you also arrive into the UK early in the morning, giving a full day to recover from the 8-hour time difference and any feelings of jet-lag.
For more information on Cathay Pacific airline or to book, please visit https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_GB.html
Arrival
Upon Arrival into Honk Kong there is a range of options to get into the city.
The Airport Express Train runs every 10 minutes and takes just 20-24 minutes, so it is a great option for single passengers, or small groups - however the downside is that arriving into Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong Stations, means that further onward transportation would be required to your chosen hotel
For larger groups, private transfers are a better option, with direct point to point travel, ideal after a long flight and great for keeping the group together. Time to get into the city can take as little as 35 minutes, however depending on arrival / departure time, allow for about 1 hour with traffic, especially around rush hour times.
Accommodation – The Kerry Hotel
I was fortunate enough to stay in the stunning 5* Kerry Hotel, part of the Shangri-La brand. Situated along the waterfront of Hung Hom Bay and the Kowloon District, this urban resort has 546 rooms with over 60% offering views over Victoria Harbour and a glimpse at the Hong Kong Skyline. The entry level Deluxe rooms start from a more than generous 42 square metres, larger than most in Hong Kong, going up to a Club premier sea view room with a balcony – or, if the budget allows, stunning suites are available.
The benefit of the Club level rooms which are worth considering, is the access to the private club lounge, with evening cocktails and canopies from 5.30pm and an extended late checkout.
The Kerry Hotel has five dining options, each offering something different. I enjoyed the Dockyard, a new Gourmet Food Hall concept which brings together a range of quick serve Asian style eateries, all of which can be ordered from your table via an easy to use app. This is brilliant idea and perfect for groups as everyone can order what they want from an array of different outlets - keeping them all happy! Live bands and music add to the cool atmosphere of this food concept hall, which is positioned right on the harbour front.
The Red Sugar lounge is a must for sipping fantastic cocktails and drinks on the outdoor terrace whislt watching the sun go down across the stunning views of the city as the iconic lights of the skyline appear.
For more information on the Kerry Hotel Hong Kong or to book, please visit http://www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry/
DMC – Destination China
I was fortunate enough to be hosted by Destination China, a DMC that is represented in the UK by Mags World Wide. Destination China is one of the best DMCs throughout China and Hong Kong, which becomes obvious witnessing their attention to deal and level of service they provide for all incoming enquiries and groups.
Gunther Homerlein, the General Manager of Destination China, was kind enough to take me for dinner at the Members only ‘China Club’. Upon entering the China Club, situated in the old Bank of China building, one of the first things you notice is the incredible array of art on display, which is the private collection of the late entrepreneur, David Tang. The dress code is formal which lends itself to its classical and elegant feel as you wander around the Club’s diverse rooms, which are spread over different floors, including private dining rooms which are perfect for groups.
We dined in the main restaurant, which was full of life and a wonderful ambience, complete with live traditional band and singer, and a live demonstration of traditional Chinese noodle making – something unique to witness and enjoy!
The food was outstanding and probably among the best Chinese food you can eat in Hong Kong, especially the Pork dishes that I salivate now just thinking of! Gunther was a fantastic host, relating fascinating stories and facts. I look forward to seeing him again in Hong Kong, - this time with an incentive group in tow!
For more information please see below:
Mags World Wide - https://magsworldwide.com/
Destination China - http://www.destinationchina.biz/
Activities
Travelers don't just remember the destination, it is also the activities they do which stick with them and Hong Kong has plenty to offer.
The thing I loved about Hong Kong is that it was such a bustling city but it only took a short taxi ride before you were in the hills surrounded by greenery - you really got to enjoy the best of both worlds. I was fortunate enough to take the cable car, the city's oldest form of public transport and a memorable journey, up to Victoria Peak to experience an alternative view of the amazing Hong Kong Skyline.
Other notable activities are:
Happy Valley Race Course - great as a venue space or on race days (Wednesday and Sundays)
Disney Land!
Ocean Park Theme Park
Visit to one of the many Beaches
Shopping - some of the best in the world
Visit one of the Islands - day trip
Golf
Summary
Hong Kong was a bustling city with so much to offer that I could keep writing another 100 pages on this blog and still have more to discover. The only way to experience it is to visit it yourself and see why it is one of the top must visit cities in the world.
The uniqueness of the city, activities and dining, paired with the level of service and hospitality, means that any company offering an incentive to Hong Kong would really excite and motivate it’s employees or customers, to earn a place on such a trip. Once there, they will have an amazing time and an experience they will never forget - which exactly what incentives is are all about!
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