The Trip of a Lifetime to Hong Kong
Someone pinch me! It's been a few weeks since I got back from Hong Kong but I still can't believe the amazing trip I had. This was my first international media trip (or really, any media trip that required flying) and it made me question, is this real life?? There were a lot of firsts for me on this trip (although this was not my first time visiting Hong Kong) and I am extremely fortunate that I get these opportunities as I certainly wouldn't have them without all of you who read my blog and follow my Instagram. So thank you for joining me on this journey!
BACKGROUND
Hong Kong Airlines was launching its very first direct flight from SFO to HKG (they only have two routes from the US and the other is from LAX) so they coordinated with Shangri-La's Kerry Hotel to host a small group of us on their inaugural flight including Cyn Eats, A Side of Sweet, Honestly Yum, and Honestly WTF. Once we touched down in Hong Kong, we were only there for four days but we definitely made the most of our short time there because what is sleep...
THE FLIGHT
Since this was the inaugural flight, Hong Kong Airlines did not hold back. I was overly excited when I found out we were flying business class (they don't offer first class on this route) since I've never flown business class on an international flight. For this route specifically, they partnered with Top Chef Chris Cosentino of Cockscomb and Acacia House to create a special business class dining menu (he also happened to be flying on the same flight as us).
Prior to boarding the flight, there was a ceremony to celebrate the new route. The Hong Kong Airlines marketing team also happened to be on the flight as well since they were filming Chris. At times, it was basically one big party with all of us talking, taking pictures, and filming (I felt bad for all the other guests who had to put up with us but that's why they provide noise-canceling headphones!).
The plane was a new Airbus A350 with lie-flat seats! I know I'm stating the obvious, but lie-flat seats really do make all the difference in the world, especially on long-haul flights. However, even if you don't fly business class, the non-stop food service and movies are enough to keep you busy and help pass time during the flight (plus, economy tickets are extremely reasonable and start around $600 round-trip from SFO).
Now that we're on the topic of food, Chris's business class menu is comprised of 12 dishes including appetizers, main courses, and desserts that are regularly rotated. So each flight departing from SFO includes one of his dishes for each course along with other options. On our flight, we had the Shrimp (with sourdough crumbs, shaved parmesan, kohlrabi salad, and lemon anchovy dressing), Braised Beef Short Rib (Burgundy demi sauce with white bean puree and pickled pepper garlic broccolini), and Panna Cotta for dessert. Unfortunately, I did not get to try Chris's main course since it had meat and instead chose the vegetarian option, which was 5 Spice Aburaage (with white shirataki noodles and veggies). I did have the Shrimp and Panna Cotta, both of which I were surprised by since it's not easy to make food taste that good at 30,000 feet in the air.
To experience the flight for yourself, check out the SFO --> HKG story highlight on my Instagram! Or you can just book a flight, too 😉
THE HOTEL
Soon after we landed, we were greeted by a driver who whisked us away to Kerry Hotel in a Tesla (fun fact: all Shangri-La hotel cars have wifi and every Shangri-La hotel brand has a customized scent). My first impression of the hotel was that it was very spacious and modern and the rooms ended up being just that. Every room has floor to ceiling windows and a sitting area. The majority of the rooms have a view of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline (the view never gets old...even when you wake up to it at 5am every morning).
The hotel is quite expansive with 4 restaurants (all different concepts), a lobby lounge, a bar with an outdoor terrace, a health club and spa, an infinity pool, a co-working space, a presidential suite, and Hong Kong's largest ballroom. During our stay, we had the chance to eat at every restaurant in the hotel. I started almost every morning with breakfast at The Club, a lounge for guests staying in Club category rooms and suites (you can also pay for access to The Club on a daily basis), which offers personalized services and offers food and refreshments all-day.
My favorite parts of the hotel would have to be the pool deck and Red Sugar's (the bar) terrace, both of which have a direct view of the Hong Kong Island skyline. One morning we enjoyed an early morning breakfast at the pool while watching the sun rise. Another afternoon, we got to sit back on the terrace and watch the sun set as we sipped on cocktails and savored some bites.
Even though Kerry Hotel is located on the Kowloon side, it is super convenient to get to Hong Kong Island since there is a new MTR stop only a couple minutes away. However, there are definitely places to explore in Kowloon, which is more local and less touristy than Hong Kong Island. Plus, if you stay on the Kowloon side, you get the beautiful view of the Hong Kong Island skyline that you wouldn't get if you were staying on the island side.
Check out the videos from my trip on my HONG KONG Instagram story highlight and read about all the restaurants and activities HERE!
