Moments after stepping off the plane, we were whisked down a private elevator to a waiting Mercedes. This was the first indication of the exquisite level of service we would receive during a whirlwind weekend in Hong Kong.

I immediately began daydreaming about designer shopping, restaurants with commanding views, and immersing myself in local culture. Little did I know that all of this would be the cherry on top of a suite with the best view in the city.

The sweeping skyline of Hong Kong is like a stunning woman who captures your attention. Located on the Kowloon Waterfront overlooking Victoria Harbor, the Intercontinental Hong Kong provides unrivaled views of this beauty. As day turned to dusk and buildings across the harbor came to life with light, I understood once again why this city is in the international limelight. By night, the buildings are almost dizzying in their splendor, and by day they are radiating with energy.

After a $70 million renovation, the 495-room Intercontinental Hong Kong delivers much more than views. Names like Alain Ducasse and Nobu will be music to any food-lover's ears. The hotel has embraced technology to simplify your trip, including designing travel itineraries on an iPad. And then there's the Presidential Suite -- this 7,000 square foot suite is the largest in Hong Kong featuring a 2,500 square foot terrace with a rooftop infinity swimming pool.



The Intercontinental offers a series of 'In the Know' experiences that bring intimate Hong Kong to you. We chose a market tour, followed by a crash course in dim sum. Arriving at the market with Senior Sous Chef Man Kam Hing at our side, we ducked under colorful canopies and saw fish still swimming in jugs, waiting to be hand-picked by a chef. Sampling dim sum from a 90-year-old restaurant owner with a hearty smile, my curiosity was piqued about how this style of food was created.

Back in the kitchen of Michelin-rated Yan Toh Heen, we dove into our dim sum class. The Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai taught us about the yin and yang in traditional Cantonese food as we chopped and cooked. The Chinese maintain balance by eating vegetables for yin and meats for yang. Throughout the class, he encouraged us to keep a balance of color, flavor, and texture. Working in a Michelin-rated fine Cantonese kitchen immersed me in local tradition, and as a bonus I left with many recipes to try at home.



Hong Kong offers many pleasures during the day, but when night falls, this city shines as a symbol of modernity. We embarked on an Aqua Luna Harbor Cruise to watch the nightly light show in Victoria Harbor (from 8:00 – 8:13pm). Laser beams, searchlights, and colored lights danced in the sky, showcasing the soaring steel and chrome buildings of the Hong Kong skyline. As the cool breeze blew off Victoria Harbor, it was impossible not to feel the vitality of this city.

Some global destinations don't change much between visits, but this couldn't be further from the truth in Hong Kong. During each visit new attractions, stores, and restaurants make it feel like you're visiting for the very first time. The opening of the 1881 Heritage Area has been luring many travelers back to Hong Kong, to see the rejuvenation of an old part of the city. Here a former Marine Police Headquarters has been transformed into a boutique hotel, complete with stylish restaurants and bars. Hullet House occupies a powerful position overlooking the harbor, and was perfect for a romantic evening stroll.

The next magical experience in Hong Kong took place on the 28th floor, at a restaurant called Hutong. A dark interior and red lanterns, reminiscent of ancient China, were juxtaposed against the dramatic skyline. Stellar cuisine demands to be shared; we found ourselves reaching across the table to share a bite of crispy lamb ribs and soft shell crab. Heat continued after our meal with the local nightlife scene, including cocktails on the sleek outdoor terrace at Sevva and strolling past the velvet ropes at Hong Kong's most exclusive nightclub, Dragon-I.



Local glamour extends beyond the nightlife scene to shopping. As we strolled along in SoHo (south of Hollywood), I couldn't help but feel that in this city, clothing achieves art status. Browsing through Sonija, original designs made me glad I brought an extra suitcase. For unique accessories and jewelry, go to the heart of Hong Kong design: Sin Sin Atelier. After splurging on clothes and jewelry, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see what antiques were on offer along Hollywood Road. Delicate Ming vases at this famous market attract shoppers from around the globe.

On the cutting edge of cuisine, shopping, and nightlife, Hong Kong is a city that is constantly reinventing itself. It is impossible not to feel invigorated by this strong sense of progress, of the next thing, the next challenge. While Hong Kong will certainly change between visits, one thing will not: the stunning view from the Intercontinental Hotel. In the taxi on the way to the airport a billboard read, 'Touch the Future.' During my visit to Hong Kong, I felt like I already had.



INSIDER TIPS

• The weather is best from November through March.
• In Hong Kong it is customary to exchange business cards when meeting someone. The exchange of pristine business cards and looking over the card carefully before shaking someone's hand is considered respectful.
• Ask the concierge for a 'cheat sheet' or list of popular Hong Kong attractions both in English and Cantonese as many taxi drivers don't speak English.
• The best way to watch the light show is aboard the Aqua Luna Harbor Cruise.

WHERE TO STAY

Intercontinental Hong Kong - Harbor-view rooms are essential. Deluxe suites end in '00' such as the Presidential Suite, #1600, for the single best view in the city.

WHERE TO DINE

Hutong - This restaurant represents old China, reinterpreted. Incredible views from the 28th floor.

Yan Toh Heen - 1 Michelin Star Restaurant at the Intercontinental. Praised as one of the world’s finest Chinese restaurants specializing in Cantonese cuisine.

Nobu - Famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa showcases his innovate cuisine with this restaurant, the first in Asia outside of Japan.

NIGHTLIFE

Sevva - Dress to impress at this cocktail lounge and terrace, complete with fantastic views.

Dragon-I - Most exclusive club in Hong Kong with modern and sexy décor.

WHERE TO SHOP

Sonjia - Expect glamour and vintage details at this store.

Lane Crawford - upscale department store with 5 stores throughout the city.

Roger Concept - This upscale tailor will make a suit fit like a glove.

Sin Sin Atelier - Unique jewelry and accessories. You won’t be able to buy just one thing.

Raquel Baldelomar has been a contributing writer for Luxury Travel Magazine since 2008. She provides readers with unique, insider information about destinations, hotels and travel experiences.