Banyan Tree Residences, Lijiang, China

Spa access, 24/7 room service and nannies are just some of the services offered by hotel residences in lifestyle packages aimed at eliminating day to day hassles and pampering residents, and hotel residences are fast becoming one of the most successful contemporary real estate trends. In Europe, America, the Middle East and Asia, the hotel residence formula combines luxury hotels and residential condos into a single development in which resident owners enjoy a luxury home, but also have access to previously ‘guest only’ amenities.

In the UK, Hyatt Hotels is cooperating with Knightsbridge for a royal living experience in which Hyatt personnel will walk dogs, offer laundry services and more. In Germany, the ‘The Residences’ at the Ritz-Carlton will soon be launched at Berlin’s Beisheim Center and will offer everything from a personal sous-chef, 24 hour room service, babysitting, shoeshine service, massages and physiotherapy. Meanwhile, Las Vegas’s newest Residences, built on the MGM Grand grounds, offer spa, restaurant, as well as a casino and Studio 54 night club as part of the resident parcel.

Banyan Tree Residences, Bintan, Indonesia

In Asia, Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd, a leading developer of luxury resorts has recently launched its brand of Banyan Tree Residences in Phuket and Bangkok, Thailand, Lipang, China and Bintan Indonesia, all of which offer a full spectrum of hotel amenities, including a butler, private chef service, villa dining and concierge.

The trend of adding residential units to hospitality projects is in some cases driven by economics, where the sales of condo units are used toward the construction costs for the hotel. However, the trend also driven by high-end consumers who are choosing hotel residences as an answer to hectic urban living and wish to supplement a luxury property with a first-rate lifestyle experiences.

Superbly located in the heart of Tsimshatsui in one of Hong Kong’s most popular shopping and business districts Hotel Panorama by Rhombus threw open its doors in March this year featuring 324 rooms complemented by an extensive range of business and leisure facilities. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the chic rooms offer breathtaking vistas of Victoria Harbour or Hong Kong city.

When you tire of your room, soak up yet more harbor and city views from the already acclaimed Santa Lucia Restaurant Lounge. Fitness fanatics will love the lush Sky Garden, Putting Green, and state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, while those on business are well catered for with the hotels extensive Business Centre and Rhombus Club Executive Lounge.

8A Hart Ave., Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; 852/3550-0388; hotelpanorama.com.hk, panorama@hotelpanorama.com.hk

Hotel HKF

Recently recognized as the Best New Hotel in Hong Kong Hotel LKF offers discerning business and leisure travelers a unique blend of service in style. Located in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, this deluxe boutique hotel features 95 spacious rooms and suites with a unique collections of contemporary photography specially commissioned by the hotel.

Azure Restaurant Slash Bar, on the 29th and 30th floors of the hotel, commands sweeping views of the vibrant city skyline. The contemporary cuisine and signature cocktails are almost as dramatic as the vista.

33 Wyndham St., Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong; 852/3518-9333; hotel-LKF.com.hk; LKF@hotel-LKF.com.hk

Hotel Bonaparte

A hidden treasure conveniently located between Causeway Bay and Wanchai the newly opened Hotel Bonaparte is easily accessible by a range of transport options, and is within walking distance of the subway, Airport Express, buses, taxis, and ferries.

Neighboring the award-winning, multi-purpose Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai and the business and financial hub in Central, the hotel offers superb convenience to business travelers, supported by extensive in-house facilities including Internet access and meeting facilities. Despite its convenience, the 82-room affordable, small, modern boutique hotel is charming and cosy, with unique add-ons including complimentary minibar and limousine transfers.

11 Morrison Hill Rd., Wanchai, Hong Kong; 852/3518-6688; hotelbonaparte.com.hk bonaparte@hotelbonaparte.com.hk

Featuring 545 chic rooms and suites, the hotel is at once modern and convenient and yet provides leisure and business travelers with all the comforts of a home away from home.

The Business Center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including broadband Internet access, with additional services available on the Club Level for extra convenience. After a day of meetings, unwind and relax in the hotels Fitness Center, featuring extensive facilities including a golf putting green, cardio and weight equipment, and an outdoor swimming pool set amid lush landscaped gardens.

Refuel and recharge at the hotels four superb restaurants and bar. Head to The Panorama Seafood & Grill Restaurant for succulent fresh seafood and delicious grills complemented by stunning panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. Or, savor authentic Cantonese delights in the award-winning Dynasty Chinese Restaurant followed by a classy cocktail in the Lobby Lounge before you hit the town. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it at the Renaissance Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong.

22 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 852/2369-4111; renaissancehotels.com/hkgnw

Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, the hotel this month debuts its stylish, new-look guest rooms. The 602 luxurious rooms, including 25 suites and 5 executive floors, all command breathtaking views of the city, harbor, or mountains. Following the makeover, the new rooms are contemporary yet simple in design, with furnishings and creative lighting to ensure a comfortable and relaxed stay.

Enhanced state-of-the-art in-room technology includes a Remote Jack Pack, allowing guests to scamlessly connect a range of portable electronic devices to the new LCD flat-screen television. Business is made additionally convenient with high-speed Internet access, an executive working desk, and a unique data phone. Each room also has a lounge sofa, bathtub, and separate shower, coffeemaker, and plush beds fitted with silky 300-thread-count sheets.

Dining at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong is a pleasure, with six award-winning restaurants and lounges featuring a variety of creative cuisine. Indulge in super-fresh seafood at Fish Bar, enjoy inspired sashimi, sushi, and teppanyaki at JW s Sushi Bar, sample the finest Cantonese and regional Chinese cuisine at Man Ho, or feast on contemporary American cuisine at JW s California. Fine wines are served by the glass or bottle in the sleek, sophisticated Q88 Wine Bar, with live musical entertainment to help you unwind after a day of business or leisure.

The hotels newest outlet, the Riedel Room, offers a stunning fusion of traditional and modern. The worlds first Riedel Room features a unique wine list, with the added bonus of top-line Riedel Crystal wine glasses from the Sommeliers series. An exclusive menu is available to complement the fine wines, and a walk-in cellar allows guests to select their own wines from a collection of more than 80 different types and over 200 bottles.

The JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong is located in the Pacific Place Complex on Hong Kong Island, within walking distance of major landmarks, and conveniently positioned for public transport and airport access. There really is no better time to experience the joys of Hong Kong in the new look, new taste JW Marriott Hotel.

Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong; 852/2810-8366; jwmarriotthongkong.com

There are few hotels in the world able to rival style and service of the award-winning InterContinental Hong Kong. Standing out above the crowd in its unique waterfront location in Kowloon, the shimmering property offers unparalleled views of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island.

More stylish than ever thanks to a five-year US$70-million makeover, the hotel features 495 contemporary guest rooms including 92 Harbor view suites. All rooms have Sharp Aquos LCD televisions, Bose home entertainment sound systems, wireless broadband Internet access, and 24-hour butler and concierge services.

A unique selection of nine rooms and suites on the 3rd fl o o r each with a private teak patio and glass wall overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong skyline offer a true resort experience, with the hotels acclaimed leisure facilities just a few steps away.

The hotel is an urban resort with a 24-hour Fitness Centre and an Asian-inspired pool terrace with a heated outdoor swimming pool, trio of infinity spa pools overlooking the harbor, and the feng shui-inspired I-Spa. The new poolside spa cabanas offer a range of Asian holistic treatments by Ytsara, which are exclusive to InterContinental Hong Kong.

When it comes to wining and dining, InterContinental Hong Kong is gastronomic paradise. Dramatic dining options include SPOON by Alain Ducasse, serving contemporary French cuisine inspired by Alain Ducasse, the worlds most awarded chef, and NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong with its innovative Japanese cuisine from world-famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The hotels Chinese restaurant Yan Toh Heen is internationally acclaimed for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and delicious dim sum. The STEAKHOUSE wine bar + grill is a haven for meat lovers and oenophiles alike.

For an urban resort experience, reserve the Patio package, inclusive of accommodations in one of the new Harbourview Patio rooms or suites with breakfast served on your private patio or at the Pool Terrace; signature Nine Dragon Cocktails and canap s served on your terrace at sunset or prior to the evening Symphony of Lights show; and a couples spa treatment at I-Spa. Rates start from HK$8,900 net for a Superior Harbourview room.

18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong; 852 2721-1211; intercontinental. com

Cruises set sail from piers on either side of Victoria Harbour at all times of the day. One of the best times to take to the water is during the nightly A Symphony of Lights multimedia spectacular that includes 44 buildings. The show is an all-around vision of colored lights, laser beams, and searchlights performing a stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronized to music and narration. There are five main themes (Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership, and Celebration), and shows kick off at 8 p.m. nightly.

The best places to watch the spectacle are from a boat, along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront between the Avenue of Stars, or from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on the waterfront promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

Central is famed for its luxury boutiques and sprawling shopping malls, including The Landmark, The Galleria, Prince’s Building, Alexandra House, and the IFC mall. All ooze glamour with designer shops and exclusive brand names in abundance. But Central still offers a number of bustling local markets where you can indulge in bargaining. Two parallel streets known as “The Lanes,” Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West, are a Ciot of stalls hawking everything from inexpensive clothing, watches, and costume jewelry to luggage and shoes. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.

Farther west towards Sheung Wan is a bustle of sidewalk hawkers on Central’s stepped “ladder” streets. The Western Market in Sheung Wan (at the corner of Connaught Road and Morrison Street) is a beautifully renovated Edwardian building filled with Chinese handicraft stores and fabric shops. The area around here is famous for its small Chinese-style shops selling dried seafood and medicinal herbs.

In Kowloon, be sure to stop by the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. Even if you’re not in the market for a pet, it’s a great place to absorb the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong street life, and is constantly a hive of activity. Similarly, even if you don’t want to buy flowers, don’t miss a stop at the Hong Kong flower market. Here, you’ll find an overwhelming selection of colorful displays, exotic blossoms, and feng shui houseplants.

Dim Sum

Reputed to be the culinary capital of Asia, Hong Kong showcases cuisine that is an exotic fusion of Eastern and Western flavors. Its cultural blend, proximity to mainland China, and reputation for quality have made Hong Kong a gourmet paradise, with over 9,000 restaurants offering almost every cuisine under the sun.

Many of the restaurants and bars in Central offer a true Hong Kong experience. Budget eateries featuring local snacks can be found along Jardine’s Bazaar, Tang Lung, and Matheson streets, while bars, sushi parlors, and a number of fine-dining establishments line Sunning Road. Head to Times Square to enjoy an alfresco beer as the sun sets, then enjoy a meal in one of the many cozy restaurants that pepper surrounding Lee Theatre Plaza, Percival Street, and Paterson Street, in Causeway Bay.

Lan Kwai Fong is one of the most popular places for a relaxed meal followed by a big night out on Hong Kong Island. Here you can find specialties from around the globe, including Middle Eastern, Italian, Mexican, French, and American to name but a few. As an added bonus, many restaurants feature alfresco dining areas, so you can enjoy your meal under the glow of the island’s skyscrapers.

Farther west around Staunton, Shelley Street, and Elgin streets, SoHo offers a mix of trendy bars and restaurants specializing in international cuisine. Alternatively, far fresh seafood, head to Sai Kung, Lamma Island, and Lei Yue Mun. Pick your favorite seafood from the tanks at the restaurant and let the chefs take care of the rest. The town of Stanley also offers a unique mix of laid-back eateries in a relaxed, seaside setting.

Tsim Sha Tsui is a dynamic district for gourmands. A veritable smorgasbord of tastes is on offer, from international cuisine to traditional Chinese delights, along Hillwood Road and Austin Road. Browse main thoroughfares like Nathan Road, Canton Road, and Chatham Road, as well as side streets such as Ashley Road and Granville Road.

Hong Kong Skyscrappers at Night

Having co-hosted the Olympic equestrian events last months, Hong Kong is on a high. There’s never been a better time to visit the bright lights, big city of Hong Kong and experience all that the amazing territory has to offer.

Consisting primarily of Hong Kong Island, Lantou Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories, Hong Kong is also home to some 260 smaller islands. Aside from its large archipelago, Hong Kong is    also famed for its large architectural ambitions: it currently has the world’s greatest number of skyscrapers, some 6,382 in total.

Given population pressures, the city has more people living or working above the 14th floor than any other on earth, making it the most vertical city in the world. Needless to say, it also has one of the most awesome skylines in the world, and architectural wonders abound at every turn. Impressive structures of note include I.M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong International Airport, and Tsing Ma (one of the world’s largest suspension bridges), among many others.

Flying Business Class with Qantas has never been so luxurious. From the moment you arrive at the stylish Qantas airport lounge, to the moment you reach your destination, as a Business Class guest you are treated to an exclusive range of world-class Qantas facilities and services to ensure the ultimate comfort and convenience.

Room to Lounge

Designed by Australian firm Woods Bagot, the acclaimed Qantas and British Airways Lounge in Singapore offers state-of-the-art amenities in a chic setting. The spacious lounge provides travelers with an extensive range of state-of-the-art business facilities, self-service bars, a gourmet meal station, dedicated entertainment zones, and even areas for showers at your comfort. Guests traveling from Australia will be treated to numerous luxuries at First Class Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, from chair-side waiter services to complimentary spa treatments at the Payot Paris Day Spa.

Australian Made

Notable Australian industrial designer Marc Newson has long been involved in the development and design of Qantas aircraft interiors, on-board products, and airport lounges. He is the creator of the highly collectible Business Class amenity packs, stocked with premium moisturizing and revitalizing products from Australian skincare range, Ultraceuticals, in addition to Kevin Murphy haircare products. Soft cotton pajamas and matching eye shades designed by Peter Morrissey are available on selected long-haul flights.

Sweet Dreams

International Business Class passengers can enjoy the comfort of the acclaimed Qantas Skybed, also designed by Newson. The spacious Skybed offers a sleek, contemporary design and a range of innovative features including a fixed cocoon-style seat and screen for privacy; cushioned lumbar support; a back massage feature; a large screen with multichannel entertainment; clever storage options; and much more.

Wine & Dine

Business Class passengers can now access a self-service Business Bar that offers a range of premium snacks and beverages in addition to the regular meal services. Qantas International First and Business Class cuisine is crafted by award-winning Australian chef and restaurateur Neil Perry, and features modern Australian food.

Qantas A380s

From October, the new Qantas A380s will take to the sky, offering travelers unparalleled levels of comfort and style. The First cabin has 14 private Suites, each featuring a 17-inch LCD monitor and a fully flat, extra-long bed. In the Business cabin, guests can enjoy an enhanced version of the Skybed sleeper seat in the private lounge area on the upper deck of the aircraft. The Qantas A380 will also feature the airline’s Premium Economy classólocated on the upper deck of the aircraft behind the Business cabin, offering extra room and superior service to Premium Economy passengers.

For more information on how you can enjoy the Qantas Business Class experience, visit qantas.com