Destination Hong Kong

This is not a paid post.

I wondered what the queue was for as I approached a line of people on a busy Saturday afternoon in Hong Kong. It was the line to join if you wanted to cross the road. 

It was a pleasure to see that this former British colony and now Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, still maintained the best of British politeness. 

Hong Kong
Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

The place had changed dramatically since I was last there, before the Hong Kong Handover on July 1 1997. It had morphed into a city of construction. Its crowded skyline was punctuated by even more glitzy skyscrapers than I remembered. It seemed as if as soon as you turned your back another great piece of architecture rapidly emerged out of the dust. Although you heard languages spoken from all over the world, today’s Hong Kong had a distinctly Chinese flavour which just added to its charm.

As I stood by the fabled Victoria Harbour, I still felt a frisson of excitement. Gritty and edgy interwoven with romance and beauty melded with a smattering of the old combined with the new, Hong Kong felt more exhilarating than ever. While some of the place names such as Connaught Road, Stanley Market and Victoria Peak remain the same, this was a brand-new city.

I started my day with the familiar, a trip on the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hong Kong Island. A crossing is one of the highlights of a trip here. For first time visitors, another prerequisite is to visit the Peak from where you will get jaw-dropping views of the Harbour and the concrete jungle below as well as a glimpse of the green hills of the New Territories. 

Hong Kong at night
Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

What a changed place Hong Kong Island proved to be. Where once you bartered for bargains in small shops filled with electronics or fashion knock-offs and glanced at stalls displaying fake handbags and watches or went to a tailor’s workshop where you could get something made in an instant, stood shopping malls full of ubiquitous international brands.

After sauntering round the bustling ifc mall, a great place for a combination of shopping and stunning water views, I boarded a rather familiar-looking double-decker bus and headed to the south of Hong Kong Island to the touristy Stanley Market. The stalls may be awash with tacky souvenirs but there is always a chance of finding a bargain, especially if you like Chinese arts and crafts.

However, it is getting there that makes a trip unmissable. You pass through such gorgeous scenery including the beautiful Repulse Bay that it is really worth the bus ride. Stanley itself is a delightful village. There are plenty of eateries along the seafront where you can relax after a bartering session at the market.

Browsing for bargains
Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok Kowloon (it gets its name comes from the fact that it sells so much women’s wear) was recommended to me by the concierge of The Peninsular. (Regarded as the grande dame of hotels, this is the place to go for a traditional afternoon tea.) The lady wrote down the address in Chinese as well as English. Despite the fact that this was once a British colony, many people only speak Chinese. 

On route, I walked down Nathan Road, the main thoroughfare in Kowloon, which has become a quirky mix of museums, religious buildings and a diverse range of mid-market shops. 

Tourists and locals flock to Ladies’ Market in search of a good deal. Fakes are no longer displayed as the government has cracked down on counterfeit. But, that does not stop people trying to tell you that they have “copy bags” for sale.

While temples, abundant lush greenery, and a nightly show that lights up Hong Kong’s skyline, are draw cards of this 24-hour city, a gastronomic adventure has to be up there too. 

Climbing up the Peak
Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

You can have a full English breakfast, however Hong Kong’s own cuisine is Cantonese, so, why not start your day with dim sum for a change? Whatever your taste in food, you should find something to please at Hong Kong’s incredible selection of 5-star restaurants through to intimate diners and food stalls. When you see a place buzzing with locals, you will know that you have hit upon a gem.

If you fancy a bit more retail therapy as an entrée then head to Harbour City. It is the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong. While there are plenty of designer boutiques to mooch round you will also find around 50 restaurants to tempt you. 

Hong Kong is addictive. However long you are there it never seems to be enough time to soak up all the city has to offer. Which is why you have to keep going back.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

Cathay Pacific has five flights from Heathrow using 777-300s. There are daily flights from Gatwick using its new A350. Ensure when you are booking that it is Cathay Pacific operating the flight, so that you can experience its excellent inflight service. For best fares and rates visit cathaypacific.com or visit trailfinders.com

Stay at Harbour Grand Kowloon. A lovely hotel overlooking the harbour. Room was large. Service good. It is not near the centre but there is a regular shuttle bus to take you there

I booked through Trailfinders.  For more information visit trailfinders.com

Top long-haul destinations

This is not a paid post.

Recently carrying out some research, I “interviewed” several travel agents/tour operators to put a trip together to New Zealand. Trailfinders (trailfinders.com) was by far the most professional. My consultant understood my needs and wants. More to the point, unlike a lot of people, I spoke to, he knew what he was talking about. 

So, I asked Trailfinders what are its top long-haul destinations and to recommend some hotels that stand out from the crowd. 

 Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island

Australia
It is no surprise that this is one of the top long-haul destinations. This vast and diverse country has always held a special fascination for Brits. From lovely city beaches to seeing wildlife and tropical forests to exploring the Outback, there is something to fascinate everybody. Of course, there is tasty food and plenty of rather good wine to drink.

Standout hotel
For James Turnball, Trailfinders London City, it was the Southern Ocean Lodge (Southern Ocean Lodge) Kangaroo Island South Australia. He loved the dramatic views from the large windows of the stylish rooms. He says: “A favourite was the canapes and kangaroos. Amazing!”

South Africa
The Rainbow Nation is renowned for its natural beauty. There is nothing quite like standing on the top of Table Mountain or seeing the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard) on safari or being mesmerised by the penguins on Boulders Beach. At Robben Island, you can see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and learn about the country’s history. You certainly will not go hungry or thirsty in South Africa. The cuisine is excellent and the local wines are extremely quaffable.

Stand-out hotel
Rachel Webb of the Trailfinders Concierge Team picked the Tsala Treetop Lodge (Tsala Treetop Lodge), Plettenberg Bay.  

“Wow! What a beautiful property,” she says. “The suites are very spacious and private. You can enjoy the views of the forest through the floor-to-ceiling windows.” She points out that the food is delicious and good value. She adds that there is so much to do in the area such as visiting the Knysa Elephant Park, zip-lining or a walk at the Robberg Nature Reserve. 

Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sounds

New Zealand

For unspoilt scenery, it is hard to beat New Zealand. Pictures cannot do justice to this gorgeous country. From fjords, glaciers and snow-covered mountains and lakes in the south to subtropical forests and beaches in the north as well as interesting cities, this place is arguably one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. It is a wine buff’s heaven. It may only produce a small quantity of the world’s wine but quality counts here.

Stand-out hotel

For Beckie Fowler of Trailfinders Leeds it was the Bay of Many Coves, (Bay Of Many Coves) Marlborough Sounds. “This is a stunning hotel in an amazing setting. You arrive into the sound and the hotel is set in a very private quiet bay,” she says. “The apartments are beautifully set out with the highlight being the panoramic windows across the living room (leading to balcony) and bedroom which open fully with stunning views out across Marlborough Sound.”

The Fairmont Banff Springs, The Rockies

Canada
The Great Lakes, the Rockies and Niagara Falls are only part of this vast and diverse country’s allure. It also has plenty of buzzing sophisticated cosmopolitan cities such as Vancouver and Montréal. The Canadian Confederation celebrates this year, 2017, its 150^th anniversary.

Stand-out hotel
For Jenny McCaffery, Trailfinders Manchester, it was the Fairmont Banff Springs, (The Fairmont Banff Springs), The Rockies.

Built in 1888, this grand old building, originally a Canadian Pacific Hotel is shrouded in history - it has its own hotel museum on site.

“The hotel is gigantic and self-contained with everything you might need including 12 eating establishments, three pools, various shops, spa, curling rink in winter,” she says. “Its spectacular location, surrounded by Rockies scenery on all sides, would lead you to believe you are in the middle of nowhere, when in fact the hotel is only a 15-minute scenic walk into central Banff or 5 minutes in a taxi.”

More destinations coming up soon.

By Daralyn Danns