Month: August 2013
Stay at the Mandarin Oriental before your cruise
Hong Kong China is a seamless fusion of East and West, rural and urban, traditional and modern. It’s an ideal port to begin or end a cruise. The Ocean Terminal is a major cruise terminal in Hong Kong accommodating many luxurious and elegant cruise vessels like the “Queen Elizabeth 2”.
Hong Kong is made up of three districts. Kowloon is one of the most densely populated places on the planet offering an array of places to shop, eat and sleep. The tourist-friendly Tsim Sha Tsui area is at the tip of the peninsula.
Connecting Kowloon to Mainland China are the scenic New Territories, where you’ll find 
elaborate temples and woodlands.
Hong Kong Island, across Victoria Harbor, is the city’s political and financial district offering stunning skyscrapers set against the towering slopes of Victoria Peak.
Before of after your cruise you may want to reserve a few nights stay at the Mandarin Oriental. Built in 1963, the majestic hotel is celebrating its 50th birthday. This 26 stories tall property offers stunning views of one of the world’s most exotic harbors.
General Manager, Jonas Schuermann and Director of Communications of the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong said, “In 2005, the hotel spent $150 million to renovate its guestrooms, 10 restaurants, and numerous public spaces, as well as to construct the Mandarin Spa. Now there are 71 individually-designed suites and 430 guest rooms with either exciting city or lovely harbor views.”
Culinary Options
“There are two Michelin starred restaurants from legendary French chef Pierre Gagnaire at Pierre and Mandarin Grill +Bar serving classic grill dishes and seafood,” said Schuermann.
At the Man Wah restaurant, they serve Cantonese dishes. Krug champagne is served with tasting menus at The Krug Room.”
During 2013 to celebrate the hotel’s anniversary, Executive Chef Uwe Opocensky will offer exciting adaptations of 1960s’ dishes with a 21st century twist in the exclusive Krug Room. He has created the “Fruit Loops 2013,” Julia Childs-inspired “Beef Bourguignon”, “Baked Alaska” and “Ich bin ein Berliner”.
The Mandarin Oriental’s Spa and Wellness facility is a multi-level retreat with 8 treatment rooms. There are two couples suites with private steam showers and a jucuzzi. Treatments at the Spa range from around the world to traditional Chinese Medicine.
For those who enjoy a gym, there is a 24-hour fitness center with Hong Kong’s first Kinesis studio. Guests who enjoy swimming laps, can in the indoor pool. There is a salon for hair styling, manicures and pedicures. Men may go to the Mandarin barber for traditional male grooming.
“Hong Kong is 80% green,” added Schuermann. “There are wonderful hiking, biking and walking trails throughout the International Cosmopolitan City.”
Guests staying at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong during the 50th Anniversary from Sept. 1 to Dec. 29, 2013 should book the Fantastic and 50 accommodation package that includes many of the 1963 highlights, offering guests the ultimate 50thcelebratory stay. Included in the package are:
– Two nights in the Oriental Suite
– Airport transfers
– “Meet & Greet” service
– A welcome bottle of chilled champagne
– One Champagne Breakfast for two, served in the privacy of your own suite
– Special 1963 dinner menu, with a 21st century twist for two at the Mandarin Grill + Bar
– Golden Sparkling body spa treatment for two
– 1963 Port Flight for two in The Chinnery
– Two keepsake silver tankards engraved with your initials
– Breakfast for two at Clipper Lounge the following day
This special two nights’ package starts from HKD19,888 for the first night and HKD9,888 for the second night, for a minimum of two nights. This offer is subject to availability.
For further information visit the website: http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong
This article was published in the August 2013 issue of Not Born Yesterday.
Cruise with Jill 