Sugared & Spiced

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The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Address: International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon,  Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2263 2263
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong/
Visited on: 2011-12-23

Good morning Hong Kong! After we reluctantly wriggled out of our ultra comfortable bed, we made our way to the Club Lounge for breakfast. Floor-to-celing windows, soft velvety morning light, jazz in the air, and the sweet smell of fresh pastries and coffee – a fine way to wake up.

Note: for those not staying at the Club Lounge levels, breakfast is served at The Lounge & Bar on the 102nd floor. 

Club Lounge

Decor, love the telescope

Couch area

Stool area

The buffet features a selection of cold cuts, fresh fruits, yogurt, pastries, hot dishes, fresh juices, and eggs made to order. I’m also guessing the kitchen can conjure up whatever you fancy at the moment – after all, it is THE Ritz-Carlton – but I was very happy with what was already on the table.

The spread

Cheese and cold cuts

Hot food: a mix of East and West

Pastries

Fruits

Maybe it’s too early for these…or not?

Breakfast up high

Fresh pastries

Dim sum

Yogurt cup

PC or Apple, your pick

Time to burn off some calories. At the very top on the 118th floor sits the world’s highest fitness center and its outdoor terrace. The gym is equipped with Kinesis One and the latest cardiovascular equipments, all connected with Visioweb, a digital platform offering internet, TV and iPod connection during workouts. Fancy.

Gym

Outdoor terrace

But what I was going after was the indoor infinity pool, also located on the 118th floor. Take a dip in the wonderfully warm water, or lounge by the poolside for an unrestrained view. Look up and you’ll see the 144 LED screens on the ceiling displaying images of the ocean for a relaxing ambiance, as if the whole space isn’t already oozing tranquility. By the way, the floor in the changing room is heated! It’s these small details that make the difference.

Infinity pool

Infinity pool

Infinity pool

Outdoor Jacuzzi. Life just doesn’t get much better than this.

Outdoor Jacuzzi

 Clear weather

Upon returning to the room, we were pleasantly surprised by a fruit bowl and a plate of macarons on the table. Lounging by the window with a cup of freshly steeped hot tea in hand, I soaked up the view from below bit by bit. Couldn’t help but to feel on top of the world.

Surprises

Reading by the window

Leaving The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is not easy. The gorgeous hotel, brought alive by gracious staff waltzing in and out, is a place to linger. Even if you don’t stay here overnight, drop by and have a cocktail up at the Ozone – you will enjoy this, I’m sure of it.

Click here to see my previous post on rooms and amenities.

Reception

Arrival Lobby

Sunset viewed from the lobby

View from the lobby

The ICC, aglow in the sun (view from the IFC)