Staycation review: Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong

A review of the 'Summer Escapade' staycation package

It’s been a year like no other and we’re thankful to see more businesses up and running again. If you’re looking to treat yourself to some R&R, there are many wonderful staycation deals to be had. For many, the Four Seasons is the gold standard with its perfect service, central location, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxurious rooms and amenities.

Recently we had the chance to try their Summer Escapade package (on until 31 August) which includes:

• 20% off the room rate

• Late check-out until 4:00 pm

• Daily breakfast for two at The Lounge or through in-room dining

• Complimentary upgrade to a harbour-view room or upgrade to a suite for $900

• 20% off purchases in The Lounge and in-room dining

• Add a Masters of Craft experience – private culinary, mixology and wellness classes with Four Seasons’ experts – for an additional fee

The Room

We checked into a Deluxe Harbour-view Room with a king bed (a two double beds version is also available). Upon entering, I ran to check out the view and then ran to check out the bathtub - two things I don’t have at home and was definitely going to enjoy during the staycation! Everything was tastefully luxurious from the furniture, to the (softest) sheets, to the L’Occitane products. There’s also a pillow menu if you’d like to try out some new options.

Lunch at Lung King Heen

Lung King Heen is legendary, holding 3 Michelin stars for twelve years straight. Locals are rightfully proud of the restaurant with Chef Chan Yan Tak being a born and bred Hong Konger, and the first Chinese chef in history to be awarded 3 stars. It was wonderful to finally try some of Chef’s signature dishes in the Executive Lunch Set 1 ($660) with some additions like the Baked Barbecue Pork Bun with Pine Nuts ($99). All delicious; the buttery abalone puff was especially unforgettable. A good deal for lunch considering the calibre of the food.

Private Mixology Class with Lorenzo

After lunch, I headed to the Caprice Bar for a Master of Craft mixology lesson with Lorenzo Antinori, the Four Seasons’ affable Beverage Ambassador for Asia Pacific ($1290 per person). We talked through the components of a great cocktail and then I learned to make one of the classics; a whiskey sour since I love cocktails with egg white. Alas I didn’t shake the shaker hard enough and the egg white didn’t foam at all. Oops. Time to try again.

Next it was time to try making a signature cocktail. Feeling experimental, and somewhat safe as Lorenzo said I could pick from whatever ingredients were on display, I chose apricot liqueur and lavender. This was combined with apple, grapefruit and lemon juices and then shaken profusely by me (I bruised my hand!)... and the end result was surprisingly tasty. I think Lorenzo was a bit shocked ha ha. All to say this class is great fun and suitable for all skill levels.

Other options include making Caprice dishes with Chef Guillaume Galliot, making a Lung King Heen signature dish with Chef Chan Yan Tak, making a healthy but hearty meal with Executive Chef Dirk Haltenhof, making a red velvet cake with Executive Pastry Chef Ringo Chan, and learning wellness techniques with Spa Trainer Angela Wong. All classes are $1,290 per person, capped at four people, and require 48 hours notice.

The Pool

How gorgeous is this infinity pool. Enjoy swimming while staring at the view or relaxing on one of the many loungers.

In-room Breakfast

Our last meal was this gorgeous in-room breakfast spread. The staff, set up and presentation were excellent, as was the food itself. In addition to a la carte options, there are five sets: Continental, American, Hong Kong, Japanese, and Well Feeling Start. Craving cod, I went for the Japanese Breakfast and selected the following options: fresh orange juice, miso soup, congee, pickled vegetables, egg custard and Japanese tea. I also added the Trio of Dim Sum (shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings, Shanhainese pork dumplings) because when on staycation...

Verdict

If you’re looking for a luxurious and comfortable staycation, you can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons. It’s got a great mix of excitement in the F&B options, refinement in the amenities, and comfort in the rooms. I think it’s just as great for a romantic getaway as for a friends, families or indulgent solo stay. Whether you already consider it a home away from home or want to try it for the first time, grab this deal while you can.

8 Finance St, Central, 3196 8888

*By invitation for Foodie