Regent Hong Kong makes a landmark return to Victoria Harbour. Contributor Katha Nauriyal checks in for its swanky new interiors and swoon-worthy vistas. Designer Chi Wing Lo chats with Hotel Designs about the vision behind…
In the ’80s Regent ruled the roost in Hong Kong’s hospitality scene, graciously hosting royalty and eminent celebrities. In 2001, however, the hotel was acquired by InterContinental, and many would agree that it lost its original charm as it entered a new era, which naturally felt less glamourous as the hotel industry became saturated with lifestyle hotels and the meaning of ‘luxury’ was arguably left behind.
Today, though, Regent has rekindled its allure, re-emerging in its original home. Located smack on the promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui, the hotel becomes the latest entrant in the rush of luxury hotels, joining neighbours such as, Rosewood and The Peninsula.
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Majestic castle-inspired wooden doors with metal bolts proclaim the king-size sojourn that awaits. Doormen extend a warm welcome, as soothing ripples of a feng shui fountain alleviate the bustle of downtown Kowloon.
“A key part of the design vision was to craft a sequenced journey from outside the hotel to inside as the dramatic harbour view unfolds. Here, one leaves behind the franticness and anxiety of a pulsating city, and is welcomed by the serenity of the Regent domain,” shares Hong Kong-born design visionary, Chi Wing Lo.
Image credit: Regent
18 golden domes hover above the Porte Cochère. The Regent Hong Kong logo is backlit against a wall of dark bronze patina with shimmering glass bricks, creating an illusion of green trees indoors.
Setting foot, you’re captivated by the Golden Illusion Passageway, a striking symphony of vertical hand-stacked glass brick screens made to resemble floor-to-ceiling crystal chandeliers.
The check-in desk, one of the longest in the city I’m told, makes for an arrival that is both sumptuous and regal. The reception is a block of softly-lit translucent onyx, generous in length. Behind, a wall is dedicated to a 15-metre-long LED screen with digital art that encapsulates the spirit of ‘rebirth’, commemorating the hotel’s grand return.
The deep-tone granite-floor gallery is an amalgam of lights, finished with intricate Chinese elements and LiuLi glaze art, an ancient coloured glass once used by royal families.
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The adjoining Lobby Lounge is a meeting place for afternoon tea. It’s kitted with plush semi-circular sofas, revolving armchairs, and curved glass frames with the harbour and island skyline cradling them. Avenue of Stars, Art Museum, Exhibition Center and Space Center are all part of its picture-perfect cityscape.
A distinctive basket-like weaving pattern is a running motif – from guest rooms and elevators to ceilings and staircases. “Weaving is ancient. The woven pattern symbolises a tightly knotted collective effort for this refurbishment project which would have been impossible without the contribution of every individual”, explains Lo.
The lobby’s Spirit of Regent Retrospective montage is a beautiful piece of custom art – an elongated scroll-like screen paying homage to the hotel’s storied legacy. From abstract compositions to elaborate brushwork, all curated from fragments of the hotel’s original art collection. This includes the glow-like round canvas, known as Lyrical Brush Strokes, placed near the elevator. “By recalling the past in the context of the present, the history of Regent finds its continuity and the legend lives on,” he adds.
A Caclacatta white marble staircase sits elegantly in the extended lobby. It’s meticulously preserved, holding a special space in the hearts of guests who once celebrated weddings and milestones in the Regent Ballroom.
I’m escorted to my harbour-view room, situated on one of the higher floors. It’s a cocoon of calm, away from the noise. Beautifully appointed, it oozes a warm, tranquil ambiance that envelopes you as soon as you walk in. Airy, immaculate spaces feature muted carpets, soft-hued furnishing, and acoustics that effortlessly reflect the estate’s special location. “The ultimate balance is to achieve a unity that the Regent Hong Kong is an integrated part of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong harbour is very much a part of every guest room,” Lo explains.
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The wonders of Victoria Harbour and the city’s iconic skyline are brought to life through mesh-patterned mirrored sliding doors and grand glass frames. The window-front daybed ensures you can fully appreciate the views.
Decadent and brightly lit, it’s fitted with glossy wooden details, leather-coated fabric, and rhythmic vaulted ceilings. The décor is stylishly minimalist, equipped with a well-stocked minibar. A sumptuous double-sized bed comes with an exclusive pillow menu for a restful night’s sleep. Lo’s designs draw inspiration from local Chinese traditions, where squares signify the Earth and sky, and circles depict perfection.
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The Oasis Bathroom stays true to its name. Bask in the views from the luxurious curved free-standing soaking tub. Granite fixtures with natural oak imbue a sense of peace. Calacatta vanity counters, lighted make-up and shaving mirrors, and AXOR overhead shower, all make for a comfortable powder room to get ready in for a fun night out.
The resort-like pool terrace is a haven in the midst of the city. It features infinity spa pools, cosy parasols and daybeds with views of the harbour, K-11 mall, and other hotels that abound on the property. Also, a 24-hour fitness centre, an inviting spa, restaurants and bars adorned with exquisite Chinese-inspired motifs much like the rest of the property.
Regent Hong Kong promises an opulent experience never far from the city’s best attractions. Expect a gift that keeps on giving and a visit that’s second to none.
Since you’re here, why not read our review on The Dorchester in London?
Main image credit: Regent
