Earlier this month, the Hong Kong skyline was painted in a dramatic light installation to celebrate the fourth-ever installation of Art Basel Hong Kong. What has become Asia's biggest art fair, the three-day event featured over 239 galleries from 35 countries with 50,000 visitors this year - even the fiscally strapped Chinese came to buy. Art Basel now marks the arrival of the spring season in Hong Kong, an idyllic time between the chilly winds of winter and onset of summer's harsh humidity when the city is best for first-time visitors and weekend adventures.
For those that know Hong Kong, you'll want to stay in Central even if it is further from the actual fair site. The Upper House is our top pick; a minimalist design marvel with unparalleled views from virtually every room and rooftop Cafe Grey that's a sexy Hong Kong social staple. Posher art patrons will opt for the Peninsula, a bit underwhelming by design and infested with tourists, but still the alternative to Landmark Mandarin Oriental that's closer to many of the city's top galleries. By day, opt for exploring the city's burgeoning art scene that includes worthy outposts from mega-galleries like Gagosian, White Cube, and Lehmann Maupin. Also hit new PMQ with its collection of homegrown artisans, local boutiques and also conveniently home to Jason Atherton's Aberdeen Street Social - a dining must.
With incredible outposts of L'Atelier by Joel Robuchon, Tom Aiken's The Pawn and Pierre Gagnaire, you could almost visit Hong Kong without ever eating Chinese. But to miss Chef Siu Hin Chi's Cantonese grandeur at Duddel's, T'Ang Court at The Langham or the master himself Bo Innovation would be a true faux pas. Afterward, hit the city's vibrant cocktail scene at speakeasies like Foxglove or the lounge of Mott 32 that everyone recommends for dinner but we think is far better for late-night drinks. And when the night simply shouldn't end, hit the rooftop bar of Sevva atop the Prince's Building with perfect harbor views that seem so far away from any financial woes.
