Only two hours by plane from Manila and yet so very different, Hong Kong is such a vibrant city with incredible energy and landscape. The people there were incredibly posh, you could barely walk a street corner without passing a perfectly polished woman holding a Birkin. Not even kidding, there is an Hermes epidemic (only the best kind to get). In this vast island, there was so much to do, so with the help of my Luxe City Guide app, my friend and I found our way to some of the chicest spots in all of Hong Kong.
I used the Luxe app which was able to allow me to add stores, restaurants, and leisure places (you must get a foot massage) to a list. Then Luxe can arrange the places in the direction and order that makes the most sense. We then were able to navigate around the city, following directions from one fabulous shop to the next. Below is an actual step by step list of the days that Luxe App created for thorough shopping, fine dining, and a bit of pampering. To keep things simple, I thought I would tell you what Luxe Loves and what The Potted Boxwood Loves about these inside spots around this royal city.
P.S. If you can’t make it to Hong Kong soon, read Kevin Kwan’s new book, China Rich Girlfriend. It is a fun close second and a sensational summer read.
*All opinions are my own and please note this is not a sponsored post…I really do just love this app!
All Photos By Christina Dandar For The Potted Boxwood
click words for links
Stay: THE PENINSULA
Luxe Says: Ritzy old panoramic dolly boasting vintage decor accents, a fleet of Rolls Royces, helipad,chic indoor pool and harbour-view spa, plus refined Gallic Gaddi’s, Swiss cheese Chesa, slick Canto Spring Moon, view-tiful Felix bar and resto, and an ace afternoon cha.
The Potted Boxwood Says: A grand lobby full of fantastic people watching and gilded ceilings for days. A contrast from the lobby, the serene and private rooms shine in burled wood, marble, and provide a plush comfort of tranquility from the busy city. Go to Felix for great food, the views, and the loo.
The always active lobby.
Tea brought up to the room upon check-in.
A well prepared room service.
Shop: LALA CURIO
Luxe Says: Parsons grad, Laura Cheung, channels trad Chinese motifs, plush texture and vibrant hues across her mod furry, upholstery, lighting, homeware, art range. NY loft meets trinket treasure trove.
The Potted Boxwood Says: You will want to move into this store that has the ideal mix of swank, class, and trend. Perfectly outfitted with beautiful fabrics, mink obi cushions, and a blue chinoiserie wall that you’ll be dreaming of for days. Plus, they are so nice they gave us an umbrella for the rain…which may have checked it’s way back to the states.
Eat: MOTT 32
Luxe Says: Rough-luxe subterranean lair of show-stopping Chinoiserie-dappled design and meticulous mod Sino fare. Opt for a table on the main floor for maximum buzz.
The Potted Boxwood Says: A must go to place for a post-shopping lunch. Don’t expect to concentrate on your company, you will be too busy taking in the hanging calligraphy brushes, the blue and white porcelain on the walls, and the spectacularly hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper. Oh, and if you don’t get the crispy pork buns, you haven’t lived.
It seems to me every bathroom I went to was photo worthy, this was no exception.
Shop: SHANGHAI TANG
Luxe Says: Oriental opulence, sensual silks, vibrant colors and stylish silhouettes abound at this bold bi-level manse.
The Potted Boxwood Says: You know you have gone overboard when you need to put things back. They have beautifully made silk pajamas, dresses that look so high-end it hurts, as well as perfume that smells so heavenly, cashmere that is made so delicately, and housewares that are full of such intense style. A colorful version of Barney’s that made my suitcase overweight and a fun vessel of presents.
The decor in the store was phenomenal.
A custom dress room.
Loved their blue and white, it even came in a phone cover.
Shop: SIN SIN
Luxe Says: Gorgeous, unique silver, jewellery, apparel art and accessories inspired by Sin Sin Man’s travels throughout the region, but it’s the fabrics that will have you ooh-ing.
The Potted Boxwood Says: Walk in from the rain and have a cup of tea with the stylish owner who will have you stripping down to your knickers to try on her lush silky shirts and pants. Off of a quiet street you walk into a contemporary clean downstairs and are quickly transported to a chicly collected upstairs full of one-of-a-kind rings, scarfs, and make-up bags that will last you a lifetime.
A unique collection of statement rings.
Eat: HO LEE FOOK
The name is exactly what you will say after eating here, with an added “that was good.” A newer restaurant that can have lines out the door, but a sweet friend persuaded for a table. While the entry is pretty spectacular, it is the delish and overly satisfying flavors that will leave you happy as can be.
Do: The Flower District
Leave your wallets at home. Start your day walking around the flower district smelling and observing bright colors and pops of pretty flowers peeking around every corner. I am envious I can’t frequent this more often, Dallas take note.
Shop: Jade and Pearl Markets
A one stop shop for gifting. Necklaces, calligraphy brushes, tassels, pearl studs, and jade for days. Just be careful putting on a piece of jade, it may never come off…be warned.
Dine/Drink: SEVVA
Luxe Says: Scene-sational aerie atop the Prince’s Building with a tremedous terrace, mind-bending wraparound vistas, blossoming decor and sinful desserts. Perfect for power-lunchers who want to impress.
The Potted Boxwood Says: While my friend and I were the only ones in the room without a Birkin and freshly blown-out hair (not remotely joking), we managed to take a comfy seat booth-side in a lavender dining room sparkling with chandeliers, champagne, and diamonds. The champagne and caviar pasta is not to be missed, neither is the display of desserts. Next major birthday, you can find me here.
A perfect airy spot for afternoon tea. 
Spa & Beauty: TEN FEET TALL
Luxe Says: For a marginally more luxe experience than your average HK reflexology dive, flop at this sweet retreat of lounge-worthy recliners and heavenly hoof rubs. Heads, paws, and bods get a serious pummelling too.
The Potted Boxwood Says: Walk in and don’t look back, Why Not? No literally, “Why Not.” It is the name of their heavenly, mind-altering massage where your head, neck, shoulders, and feet get massaged at the same time. Sip on some cucumber water and let your heart melt. Good thing I don’t live in HK, I would be here daily.
Dine: CAFE GRAY DELUXE
Luxe Says: Dapper bronzed buck blessed with an “in” clique, twinkly views, raging bar and clever Kunz’s tidbits. Come for delightful high tea and lazy long lunches by day; dim-lit palate sensualism by night.
The Potted Boxwood Says: A perfect date night with lighting that could make Tevas look good. Drink some champs, have some oysters, and get the short ribs, and make it to the bathroom for some pretty great views.
Drink: THE CHINA CLUB
Luxe Says: Sir David Tang’s members-only 1930’s Shanghai joint features antique everything, from the furniture to the barmen, not to mention an unrivalled collection of Chinese art and literature. Take pre or posts in the Long Bar or on the twinkly roof terrace, then dine on the main floor or in one of the hushed private rooms. A good concierge will get you in, Jim.
The Potted Boxwood Says: A good concierge will indeed get you in, and the Peninsula did not disappoint. Walk through the doors and you’re not in your average country club. Give them your name and order champagne. While I could spend all day in the chinoiserie walls of the sophisticated little library, it is the terrace that will make you feel you own the city. Sweeping views and late night snooping made this a fun after dinner spot.
The lobby of The China Club.
The library. Colonial meets the orient.
Just look at that wallpaper and the spiral staircase.
These lamps were everywhere. They don’t make them like they used to…how timeless!
Expansive and lively views of Hong Kong.
A city worth visiting. As my mom says, if you are going to do it, do it right. Luckily, Luxe made sure of that.