A City. Oasis. Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

Transcription

1 A City Oasis R Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

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3 island shangri-la, hong kong

4 THERE S NO GREATER ACT OF HOSPITALITY THAN TO EMBRACE A STR ANGER AS ONE S OWN.

5 it was a remarkably clear night and the cool misty air left our skin dewy and moist. From high up on the Peak, we looked down in awe at the city below. The entire island was a maze of skyscrapers, shoulder to shoulder, like blades of grass on a football field. Soaring towers, mirrored shopping malls and neon-lit restaurants danced the fandango. The streets teemed with pedestrians and chatter, and countless red taxis scrambled in every direction, like a colony of ants scattering from the first drops of rain. Across the harbour, even more buildings sparkled in the night sky, and all around, the old mountains hugged the city as if protecting it from harm. I stared in admiration at the city pulsing with life, knowing somewhere down there in the midst of the bustle was our very own oasis, a perfect sanctuary called Island Shangri-La. 1

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7 it was like stepping into a time machine. Chandeliers adorned with delicate crystal teardrops shimmied to Beethoven s Moonlight Sonata and the white and green marble floor glistened with regal grandeur. A striking staircase carved out of dark Brazilian mahogany led the way to my suite, and stopping for a moment on the 41st floor to admire the view, I was greeted by a magnificent silk mural composed of waterfalls, mountain pathways and a gracefully winding river. Yet amidst the opulence and sophistication, there was still a certain warmth in the air, something deeply settling and soothing, like that unmistakable feeling of coming home. I sunk into the armchair and gazed out the window at the majestic green mountainside, ethereal and somehow wise as if it knew the city s deepest secrets. Two black kite raptors circled by the window vigilantly, whilst inside, warm copper tones and a quaint chandelier softened the room, and as I sat there with the wise old mountain by my side, for once in a very long time, I truly felt safe and secure. 5

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12 a long morning walk through lush Hong Kong Park ended perfectly with brunch back at the hotel. The restaurant flaunted bountiful splashes of red and gold and beautiful silk panels of golden phoenix and butterflies. Perfectly packed parcels of succulent dim sum arrived at our table, filling the air with the rich aromas of Cantonese cuisine. And when the waitress poured our tea ever so delicately and discreet, we really did feel, as if just for a moment, we were the guests of honour at this divine Summer Palace. Perched 56 floors over the dazzling city, Restaurant Pétrus beamed with romance and glamour. Outside, the incandescent moon shone compassionately in the night sky, whilst inside, the restaurant was enchanting, almost whimsical. Dome-shaped ceilings of blue skies and galloping horses were reminiscent of a 19th century French castle. And with the harpist playing romantically in the background, the first sip of my 1989 Chateau Pétrus sent shivers down my spine, making for a night I would remember for a very long time.

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15 dusk ran its multi-coloured paintbrush over the city leaving it glittering furiously. A soft wispy cloud riding the cool autumn breeze sailed towards the Horizon Club roof garden, dissolving just in time to reveal a stunning view of the harbour with cruise ships and Chinese junks alit and afloat. At the lounge, the low murmur of imbibers slowly crescendoed as cocktails and canapés flowed freely. When I heard my name in that gentle voice, I looked up expecting to see a friend, but instead, it was the man from concierge. I studied him for a moment the softness in his eyes, the warmth in his smile. There was something strangely familiar about his face, like he was an old friend I had not seen in years. Jolting me from my thoughts, the man handed me my suit jacket still redolent of hot steam from the press, and when I thanked him, he smiled knowingly as if he had read my mind, leaving me wondering again whether he really was an old friend.

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19 Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) Fax: (852) Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. Published in Hong Kong Printed and bound in China. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. ISL0412

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21 There, to his joy and surprise, he found a friendly and prosperous population who made haste to display what I have always regarded as our oldest tradition that of hospitality to strangers. Lost Horizon, James Hilton It was through this 1933 classic that we found our name. And it was this novel that inspired our heartfelt hospitality. Every hotel around the world has its own story to tell and, in keeping with how it began, each captures its account in a little book. Collect as many books as you can from over 70 hotels and resorts around the world.