Travel

Plan Your Next Staycation at Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotels

Just how many people travel to another country to stay at a hotel? Not a lot, for sure, and that’s how a excellent brand like Marco Polo Hotels steps it up.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering how a staycation is possible in a bustling city like Hong Kong. As a gateway to Asia, it brings in millions of arrivals—in 2018, the number soared to a record high of 65.1 million visitor arrivals, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. That being said, there’s no shortage of things to experience for tourists and travellers.

From dabbling in business to enjoying theme parks to indulging in local grub to hitting the town at night to learning about culture, the vibrant city is bound to have something for you—precisely why Hong Kong is a go-to place for a lot of Filipinos. Ask any Filipino who’s been out of the country about where they’ve first travelled to; chances are, you’re going to get “Hong Kong” as an answer.

It’s hard to resist the temptation of exploring what Hong Kong has to offer, but for some seasoned travellers who’ve experienced all these quite a few times, a different experience—like a staycation—might serve as a welcome change. Just how many people travel to another country to stay at a hotel? Not a lot, for sure, and that’s how a excellent brand like Marco Polo Hotels steps it up.

Photo from Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel

In Hong Kong, Marco Polo Hotels has 3 branches: Marco Polo Hong Kong, Gateway Hotel, and Prince Hotel, all of which are located in Kowloon, at the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. All three hotels have access to Harbour City, Hong Kong’s one-stop largest shopping complex which houses over 450 shops. This might serve as a test of willpower for those who love shopping, since the world’s leading luxury brands are just literally a few steps away from their hotel room.

Staying at Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotels ensures a relaxing staycation, with well-appointed rooms and suites—ranging from Superior and Deluxe to Continental Club and Harbour View Rooms—many of which feature breathtaking views of the harbour and Hong Kong skyline. The service is a guaranteed experience in itself, as their hotel staff are friendly and helpful.

Photo from Cucina

Whichever branch you choose to stay at, you’re bound to have a superb dining experience with their array of restaurants. The famed Cafe Marco is a classic, and you can’t miss out on its other restaurants such as Cucina, Three on Canton, among others.

Considering that The Culinary Journeys is a campaign that’s been built into the hotel chain’s mission, you get to enjoy local fare, and international cuisines as well. This way, guests can travel the world through their palates without leaving Hong Kong.

Guests may also enjoy access to the Continental Club Lounge, where breakfast can be taken for a quiet start to the morning, offering exclusivity and delicious morning fuel. (Just a tip: don’t forget to grab some of the Portuguese egg tarts. When I had breakfast with Harbour City’s Karen Tam during my stay, she divulged that many Filipino celebrities hail their tarts as the best among all Marco Polo Hotel branches. After having a small serving of these tarts myself, I couldn’t help but agree, and told her that I wish I could bring boxes of them home.) Afternoon tea can be enjoyed at the Continental Club Lounge, as well as cocktails to cap off the night—or start it, if you plan to explore Hong Kong’s neon nightlife.

Don’t get me wrong, you can always try to look for something new to do, or revisit what you love about the city, but if you’d like to try it, there’s so much to do without having to leave the four walls of your hotel room.

Considering a staycation in Hong Kong? You know where to go.

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Find Your Summer Spirit in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Breathe in the tropical atmosphere, as you find summer joys through sight, sound and taste at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu. Poolside fun during the day, spent serenely and luxuriantly—a refreshment in hand. While the evenings are for outdoor family movie nights, with the ocean waves rippling in the background.

Summer is all of that, and more! Plan an extraordinary weekend with an array of exciting activities that await your arrival. Discover your #ShangriLaSummerSpirit from 15 July to 30 August.

Tiki Bar at Buko Bar

Epicurean Delights by the Pool

Keep yourself fueled up as you splish and splash with the whole crew. Take a quick break from all that summer jazz with Mediterranean and Polynesian-inspired bites exquisitely crafted for your palate. From rice balls and pastas, ice creams to sliders—indulge in tastes and aromas that transport you to a world of endless, golden summers.

Mediterranean Selections at Acqua

A Whimsical Touch

Make it a colourful summer for the kids! Let them explore their own version of paradise with whimsical floaties, sure to keep them happily afloat. Your little ones can now freely kick and play in the water with fun and fascinating, animal-shaped inflatables.

Pleasant Sundowner Tunes

Bid the sun adieu and embrace the sunset hues with live acoustics at the Main Pool from 4pm to 6:30pm.

Tiki Cocktails at Buko Bar

Champagne Bar at Acqua

A Toast to an Endless Summer!

Unwind and savour the tropical vibe as our expert mixologists craft refreshing Tiki cocktails and serve chilled bottles of exquisite champagne by the pool! With a backdrop of swaying palm trees and stunning ocean views, sip on delightful beverages and toast to unforgettable summer moments in paradise.

Family Outdoor Movie Night

Gather your nearest and dearest for an enchanting evening as we set up a large outdoor screen by the pool under the starry night sky. Cozy up as you enjoy a family-friendly movie that will delight both those who are young and young-at-heart at Treasure Island from 7pm to 9pm.

Surrounded by lush greens, let the experience bring you to a world of joy and laughter, creating cherished memories for you and the family. For more information on Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, you may contact (032) 2310288. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/ #FindYourSummerSpirit #FindYourShangriLa

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LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show

Dame Judy Dench (center in white) with gallery owner, Jerry Sibal, Edwin Josue, writer Eva Gullas and artist James Doran-Webb.

The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.

Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.

One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.

The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.

One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.

Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.

What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.

The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb

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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!

Leisure

Club Serena: A ‘Serene Luxury’ Experience in the Heart of Cebu’s Diving Mecca

photography by GPA Art and Photography

A three-hour drive, or more, depending on traffic, the fishing town of Moalboal in the southwest of Cebu Island is an extremely popular destination for divers and weekenders who love the white sand and pink sunsets. It is also a favorite place to stay for expats looking for a laid-back life of endless coffees or cocktails.

Thankfully, the big chain resorts haven’t discovered it and places to stay are mostly small family-run resorts. But if pampering is what you are looking for, there is only one hotel to book in Moalboal. Club Serena Resort is a 1.7-hectare beachfront property perched above coral rocks, presenting a unique union of luxurious accommodations and a host of activities to be enjoyed. This hidden gem is reached through a dirt road away from the main highway. Fronting a wide swath of white sand beach, it is an easy walk past several smaller resorts to reach the main town.

Recently renovated by noted architect James Jao, the new Club Serena has 17 rooms, three swimming pools, a restaurant, and a beachfront event space, all designed with modern Filipino aesthetic. On the drawing board are more rooms to be added, an expansion of their modern dive shop, and their popular Kids’ Club program. Their food outlet, Mira, offers all-day dining, favorite among visitors and locals, as well as the growing expat community that has settled in Moalboal.

Club Serena offers diving courses for adults and kids by their resident operator, Seven Seas Aquanauts Phil. Corp, a PADI 5 accredited diving facility operating since 1988. For a complete list of the courses and their rates, please call (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307.

The resort encourages above-water activities as well, and they have several paddle boards and kayaks available for guests to use.

For rates and more information, visit www.clubserenaresort.com or email sayhello@clubserenaresort.com or (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307. You can also visit their Facebook page for updates.