Hong Kong is the ultimate combination of western and asian influences; serene tranquility or digital technology; modern skyscrapers or original colonial buildings;  shopping centres with designer labels or local markets; diverse cuisine in international restaurants or kerbside street stalls.   Whatever your flight of fancy – East, West, past, present, city, nature – Hong Kong can offer it all.

The four main areas of Hong Kong are Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories and the Outlying Islands.

Kowloon has traditionally been noted as the tourist hub of the city.   Nathan Road, or the Golden Mile, runs through the centre of Kowloon and is lined with shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment.  Tsim Sha Tsui is at the lower tip of Kowloon, close to waterfront Star Ferry Terminal and offers amazing views over the harbour to Hong Kong Island.  Mongkok is at the northern end of Nathan Road, an ideal area to purchase electronic items and mobile phones or a visit to the Jade Markets or Ladies Markets.

The Royal Garden Hotel Kowloon is an easy walk to Nathan Road and the MTR station.  There are seven restaurants and bars with a rooftop swimming pool offering amazing views.  Upgrade to a business room which includes breakfast daily and free internet.

Hong Kong Island  is the commercial and political centre but is fast becoming home to trendy nightclubs, bars, shops and restaurants.   Original colonial buildings stand alongside modern skyscrapers.  Attractions include the Victoria Peak Tram for fabulous views of Hong Kong,  Happy Valley Racecourse and the Stanley Markets.

The Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay Hong Kong is a stylish and contemporary hotel which offers fantastic views from the rooftop swimming pool.  The hotel is opposite Victoria Park and a short walk to the MTR station for access to the shopping and entertainment of the Causeway Bay area.

The New Territories is considered the farm belt of the city.  The Outlying islands such as Lamma and Lantau are often visited by tourists on day trips.  Lamma Island has a traditional Chinese fishing community and there are many seafood restaurants on the island.   Tours to Lantau Island visit the Po Lin Monastery with the largest bronze buddha statue in the world.

It is not all shopping, dining and culture though – there are fantastic options for families too.   Take a day trip to Ocean Park which is Asia’s largest oceanarium with wildlife, aquarium, performing dolphins, a cable car and other thrill rides.   Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island, opened in 2005.  It is the smallest of Disneyland Resort with the theme park and two hotels but there are plans for future extensions.  Hong Kong Disneyland is made up of four themed lands – Main Street USA, Adventureland, Tomorrowland and Fantasyland which come together to create a magical adventure for all ages.

Disney’s Hollywood Hotel pays tribute to the glamour and Art-Deco style of the 1930’s, the Golden Age of movies.  Located a few minutes by free shuttle from Disneyland, the hotel is set in 21 acres of gardens and styled in a map of Los Angeles.  Large comfortable guest rooms are suitable for families, with Disney themed amenities and cleverly hidden characters in the decor!  Stroll the Hollywood themed gardens and grounds, take a photo with a 1930’s classic car or splash about with Goofy in the piano shaped swimming pool.  It’s a small world after all!

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Here we are again. That time of year when elves start moaning about chronic fatigue as Santa puts them on double shifts to meet his deadlines. Well perhaps if they slaved away all year long like everyone else they could take a well deserved Christmas vacation too. So take your pick from our four amazing destinations, beautiful hotels, fun tours and unique activities across the US and Canada and do your bit for elf envy… Read more »

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We hate to ask, but do you know what you’re doing for Christmas yet? Here’s a thought. Pop over to Europe and do something exotic, fun, romantic, exciting. You know, something a bit different than last year, and the year before and… well you what we mean. There’s classic castles, reindeer rides, Dickens parties and everything. Come on, at least have a look. And if you don’t fancy anything, you can head down to Kent and check out the Santa Train… Read more »

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Ditch the tree lights, stockings and reindeers, we’re bringing in the firefly shows, food tours and pandas because it’s Christmas holiday season – Asian style. From lantern festivals and Lama temples to sampan rides and roller coasters - plus a sleigh load of great hotels to call home at the end of the day. Read more »

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If the sound of Ho Ho Ho makes you think “No, No, No!” then you’ll probably need to get away this Christmas to power up your merry mood. But what kind of holiday do you choose? How about something relaxing, adventurous, exciting or just plain different - but always surrounded by natural wonders and lashings of local fare? So take your pick, then pin a note to the tree, “Dear Santa, we skipped town. Sorry mate, no beer and cookies this year…” Read more »

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