When I arrived at the end of the cobblestoned driveway of Rosewood’s new property in Hong Kong, I was greeted by an enormous bronze sculpture of a reclining figure by the artist Henry Moore. It was a fitting piece, as I found myself in various states of repose during my recent visit, entranced by perhaps the best views of the city’s fabled skyline. Within minutes of checking into my 26th-floor suite, I was slouched in a Giorgetti club chair taking in the nightly light show that dances across the buildings of Victoria Harbour. The next morning, I found myself awake before dawn, watching the city come alive from the comfort of my bed: clouds rising over Victoria Peak, helicopters buzzing by, and tourists boarding the ferry to Hong Kong Island.
At the Rosewood, which occupies 43 floors of a 65-story limestone tower in the city’s now burgeoning Kowloon cultural district, you can never escape the views. And why would you want to? It’s as cinematic as any Wong Kar-wai film. When I wasn’t lounging, I padded about my suite, which, thanks to designer Tony Chi, is an opulent mix of East (green lacquered paneling, the octagonal Bagua symbol as recurring motif) and West (glen plaid wool headboards, wooden shutters).
When building her flagship property, Rosewood CEO Sonia Cheng wanted the hotel to reflect what her native Hong Kong has become—a stylish cultural capital. And this extends beyond the guest rooms. She’s filled the public spaces with an international art collection, including a life-size sculpture of an elephant by the Indian artist Bharti Kerr in the lobby and a series of Damien Hirst’s “Butterfly” works hovering over the banquettes in the tea salon. A pastry shop, filled with bright confections, looks more like a Parisian jewelry atelier, while Holt’s Café, a European-style brasserie, serves both dim sum and steak frites.
While there are more restaurants and clubs in the works (a steak house, a women’s club) as well a branch of Rosewood’s Asaya spa coming this fall, the swankest spot is no doubt the Manor Club, a 24-hour private lounge open only to suite guests. There’s a kitchen dishing up delicacies all day long, a library with a pool table, a bar with an expert mixologist, and an outdoor terrace with those inimitable views. Rooms from $612.
