Sassy’s Travel Guide: Staycations

Despite Hong Kong’s plethora of public holidays, busy work schedules and never ending social commitments make it hard to get away. When dreaming of white sand beaches or far flung climes, we sometimes forget that all we actually want is some down time, to truly relax, switch off and feel a little bit pampered. Luckily, luxury is one thing that Hong Kong knows how to do well! With some of the world’s best hotels literally on our doorstep, it’s time we saved just one or two nights, ditched the tiring airport hopping and holidayed in our own neck of the woods.

Staycationing is the new jet-setting… quick transit times, environmentally friendly and all the money you save on flying can be put towards eating and shopping! To help give you a pointer in the right direction, Sassy has put together our top list of staycations in Hong Kong and Macau. And if the reviews alone weren’t enough to encourage you to put down your computer and start your staycation, look out for the Sassy Deals we have secured to make booking that bit more exciting!

Upper House, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Upper House has a reputation as the trendiest hotel in Hong Kong; this is a hotel where the beautiful people go. Corner baths overlooking the harbour, gloriously indulgent cocktails at Cafe Grey, a whole hotel decorated with the most striking interior design… and who doesn’t love their signature smell?! Whilst only a short hop from where we live, staying at Upper House for just one night feels like being transported to a whole other world. The rooms are perfect for escapism and relaxation, the bar and restaurant ooze more cool than the rest of Hong Kong put together and the in-room facilities will leave you speechless. Oh, and don’t forget the smug feeling as you walk past all the other diners who have to grab a cab home as you saunter up to your deluxe room, recline in your oh-so-soft bed, sip on free drinks from your in-room maxi bar and shut the blinds on your iPod remote.

See our full review of Upper House here.

The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 2918 1838

www.upperhouse.com

The Ritz Carlton, Kowloon, Hong Kong
One of the newest additions to Hong Kong’s glistening hotel scene, The Ritz Carlton offers a form of sky-high luxury that leaves competitors lagging behind… literally! The hotel occupies the 102^nd to 118^th floors of the new ICC building, affording you the highest and most spectacular views of Hong Kong’s skyline right from your bedroom window. Unbeatable service, attention to detail and luxurious decor alone would make the Ritz Carlton a must visit… but throw in the views, history and prestige associated with the Ritz brand and it would be a travesty to leave Hong Kong without having laid your head on their divinely soft pillows. Allow enough time to pamper in their spa, dine in their incredible restaurants and sip cocktails in the world’s highest bar. We reckon you might be so enamoured with the hotel that you will be tempted to take up residence.

See our full review of The Ritz Carlton here.

SASSY DEAL: Get a 15% discount on all treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA. Simply mention the code “RC SASSY” when making the booking. Valid during weekdays only from the 1st May 2012 to 31st Oct 2012.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2263 2263

www.ritzcarlton.com/hongkong

 
Wynn Macau, Macau
Macau isn’t necessarily the obvious choice for a relaxing staycation; however, the mere 60 minute effortless ferry journey provides the perfect physical separation from your Hong Kong worries without you really having to leave the country. The Wynn is one of the stalwarts of the Macau hotel scene and offers a level of attention to detail, luxury and intimacy often overlooked in these 1,000 room super-hotels. The perfect location for a girls’ weekend away, there are endless opportunities for pampering – whether you lounge by the pool, melt into a massage or gorge on the sheer array of delicious food on offer. The decor manages to combine just the right amount of casino-style brashness with some more luxurious subtle and elegant touches. With intimate unintimidating casinos, decadent hotel rooms and endless relaxation opportunities, the Wynn is the perfect place to spend some time with your BFFs.

See our full review of Wynn Macau here.

Wynn Macau, Rua Cidade de Sintra, NAPE, Macau, +853 2888 9966

www.wynnmacau.com 

The Banyan Tree, Cotai Strip, Macau
A tranquil oasis in the middle of a city of excitement, The Banyan Tree manages to cosset itself in a pocket of slower paced serenity. It hasn’t compromised the chain’s core design values and principles to fit into the casino scene and instead has retained its focus on quality, exclusivity and luxury. From your evocative and modern bedroom to the un-crowded peaceful pool and right down to the Thai-esque spa, The Banyan Tree is the perfect destination for those looking for a romantic and purely self-indulgent break. Why do a date night in Soho when you can hop on a ferry and be submersed in 5 star hospitality and luxury? This 246-bedroom sanctuary lets you enjoy all the facilities of the Galaxy resort without any of the glare and disruption… And to really keep him happy, send him off to the casinos whilst you get pampered in the spa!

See our full review of The Banyan Tree here.

SASSY DEAL: Sassy girls get one complimentary Afternoon tea when booking under the Best Available Rate. Simply enter the code “BTCNMCSAS” when making your reservation on www.banyantree.com. Offer valid from the 6May to 30 June 2012, on weekdays only.

Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Macau Resort, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai, Macau, +853 8883 8833

www.banyantree.com

There you have it, the best staycations in the 852 (and 853). Because every day can’t be a holiday, so make sure that you enjoy the holiday destinations that are right on your doorstep!