Rosewood Hong Kong opens today as a magnificent new ultra-luxury property in the heart of the Victoria Dockside arts and design district on the shores of Victoria Harbour. Situated on one of Hong Kong’s most significant waterfront locations in Tsim Sha Tsui – Kowloon’s dynamic, culturally compelling heart – the property is set to become a grand icon for the city, celebrating the area’s role as Hong Kong’s new creative and cultural epicentre.
Rosewood Hong Kong – guestroom
A visionary legacy
The opening of Rosewood Hong Kong, the 26th international property for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, is a defining milestone for the group, solidifying its stature as one of the world’s most dynamic hotel brands and leader in global style. This showpiece of the brand’s highest aspirations epitomises Rosewood’s essence and represents the complete manifestation of a differentiated and modern expression of ultra-luxury hospitality for the world’s “affluential explorers.”
From the brand’s inception 40 years ago as a fine private home that opened its doors to guests, each Rosewood hotel worldwide continues to be guided by A Sense of Place® philosophy and the concept of the hotel as a living canvas celebrating artistry in all its forms. This spirit reaches its zenith at Rosewood Hong Kong. Guests can experience the first urban outpost of the brand’s pioneering wellness concept; gastronomic innovation showcasing locally grown and artisanal ingredients; masterworks by the most highly acclaimed artists of our generation; supremely stylish, residentially natured gathering and living spaces – all within a masterfully designed and meticulously curated journey in architecturally bold environs commanding the harbour.
Rosewood’s opening in Hong Kong marks the evolution of another meaningful historic legacy. The site is the former Holt’s Wharf, dating back to 1910, which was subsequently acquired and developed into New World Centre, a lifestyle magnet for the city in the 1980s, which holds a unique place in the hearts and minds of local residents as a place of discovery and wonderment. New World Centre – a proud expression of Hong Kong’s transition to modernity and establishment as a regional business hub – was the creation of Dr. Cheng Yu-tung and Dr. Henry Cheng, the grandfather and father (respectively) of Rosewood Hotel Group Chief Executive Officer, Sonia Cheng.
A vertical estate
The Kohn Pedersen Fox-designed, 65-storey exterior pays homage to the city’s impressive verticality. In lush counterpoint are the beautifully landscaped lawn, verdant gardens and terraces with spellbinding harbour views. Renowned hospitality designer Tony Chi of New York studio tonychi, has created a complete and immersive experience for a new age of elevated residential hotel living. A homage to Rosewood’s origins as an aristocratic manor, Chi has conceived the entire hotel as a “vertical estate” which incorporates significant green spaces and outdoor areas throughout, creating openness and room to breathe as a defining element of the Rosewood Hong Kong guest journey.
Artful luxury
As visitors transition from the harbourside thoroughfare Salisbury Road by cobblestone drive, the urban din falls away against a backdrop of oversized bonsai, lush topiary and a serene forecourt that fronting the harbour.
Guests are greeted by a significant semi-abstract bronze sculpture by the late British sculptor Henry Moore. “Three Piece Reclining Figure, Draped” in the courtyard, featuring one of the artist’s key themes — the human figure in repose – is a mid-century sculptural masterpiece.
At the hotel’s entrance on the second floor, a magnificent bronze façade frames the lobby doors with Rosewood Hong Kong’s signature “seal of the house” on the door handles, symbolising the privacy, intimacy and exclusivity that await within. Entering the statuesque yet intimate lobby is akin to entering a refined private residence.
At the reception, a large window overlooks an ornamental bonsai tree, framing the harbour beyond. Two sizeable contemporary works by American artist Joe Bradley surround the lobby, with their vaulted limestone walls and marbles floors lending an air of soulful, storied elegance.
An auxiliary guest lobby evokes the grand rooms of Europe’s stately homes, showcasing oak marquetry ceiling panels, coconut wood columns and a revelatory art moment by contemporary Indian female artist Bharti Kerr. Entitled “The Skin Speaks a Language Not its Own,” the life-sized sculpture of an elephant lying splendidly in repose fills the room with a powerful, emotive presence.
Masterful and important art throughout the property includes works by Henry Moore, British artist Damien Hirst, as well as China’s Wang Keping and homegrown Hong Kong artist Wilson Shieh. Significant works are juxtaposed with an eclectic, whimsical approach to decorative arts throughout the hotel.
Generously curated stays
More than 80 per cent of Rosewood Hong Kong’s rooms boast standout harbour vistas, with the remainder featuring verdant Kowloon Peak views overlooking the fabled Lion Rock and distant, scenic mountains.
There are dedicated, generous “salons” on each guestroom floor from the 24th level up. Each features carefully selected objects that reflect Hong Kong’s richly layered past. Guests may linger over a book with a fine tea or a cocktail before retiring to a guestroom where lovingly curated treasures and vintage collectables blend mid-century sophistication and fine modern accents with haute Chinoiserie touches.
The Ultimate in Residential-Inspired Hospitality
Generous space and residential luxury are the hallmarks of Rosewood’s 322 light-filled guestrooms, which start at 53 square metres (570 square feet) and include the Grand Harbourview Rooms, boasting panoramic views of Hong Kong Island. Elevated homely comforts include eclectic curios and objets d’art, curated interior details, considered amenities, generous marble bathrooms with freestanding soaking bath and separate, freestanding vanities with hammered copper sinks and twin showers, as well as spacious walk-in closets.
Sumptuous textures and finishes weave a tactile tapestry into each and every room. Elegant lacquer panels feature a contemporary take on the octagonal Chinese bagua symbol — a motif
that subtly appears on property’s floors, ceilings, walls and doors – and is juxtaposed with chequered Loro Piana navy fine wool wall covering for a sartorial touch.
Distinguished suite stays
Rosewood Hong Kong is home to the highest number of suites of any Hong Kong luxury hotel and also some of the largest. The 91 suites, starting from 92 square metres (990 square feet), offer carefully curated stays, bespoke services, and inviting, artful interiors, with layered vignettes of carefully chosen custom furnishings that lend an air of having been lovingly acquired over time. Contemporary artworks with an accent on Hong Kong’s art talents are stylishly placed.
Suite guests enjoy exclusive services including access to Rosewood’s Manor Club executive lounge, personal butler service, monogrammed pillow cases and robes, along with personalised amenities from arrival to departure. On each floor, the 123-square-metre (1,323-square-foot) Grand Harbour Corner Suites offer glittering panoramic harbour views from every vantage point.
In addition, Rosewood Hong Kong features 18 of the most outstanding signature suites in the metropolis, each with its own unique character to meet the diverse needs of today’s sophisticated travellers. The crowning jewel amongst them, the superlative 1,000-square-metre (10,764-square-foot) Harbour House floor boasts spectacular views from private sky terraces on the 57th level and unique décor and design. Enhancing the lavish interiors, a garden oasis features harbour view sun decks and private lap pools. Located on the same floor, the Harbour House and Garden House can be combined, offering an entirely private five-bedroom retreat complete with a state-of-the-art private gym.
Extended stays for the ultimate in fuss-free city living will be amply catered to by the exclusive Rosewood Residences, set to launch this Spring. Introducing 186 spacious, inspired interiors and uniquely positioned luxury accommodations designed for longer-term stays, the Rosewood Residences Hong Kong will offer a separate private entrance and dedicated 53rd floor club facilities, including an indoor swimming pool and private fitness centre, along with a host of special services and amenities for guests.
Privileged retreat
With its prime position on the 40th floor affording spellbinding Victoria Harbour views and multiple outdoor terraces, Rosewood’s signature executive lounge concept, the Manor Club, extends a sense of residential refinement to suite stays. Offering 24-hour service in an exclusive space, all-encompassing personalised services include elegant complimentary food presentations and handcrafted beverages throughout the day, a distinguished bar overlooking the harbour, a games room with pool table, as well as a host of auxiliary amenities.
Authentic dining
Each of Rosewood Hong Kong’s eight dining concepts possesses a distinctive character and showcases creativity and a contemporary interpretation of accessible gastronomy and refined beverage craft. The hotel’s culinary programme is characterised by an accent on local cottage producers and seasonality via its Partners in Provenance programme.
Holt’s Café is named after the historic Holt’s Wharf upon which Rosewood Hong Kong stands today, and elevates traditional Hong Kong cha chaan teng dining culture to an upscale, lively contemporary experience. With glamorous interiors featuring inspiration from Europe’s fin de siècle grand cafés and brasseries, Holt’s Café serves a diverse mix of comforting creations marrying Cantonese dishes with international influences. The Tea Conservatory features an extensive list featuring Chinese, premium aged, single-origin herbal blends and rare vintage teas.
The Legacy House Chinese restaurant showcases sophisticated interiors designed by Melbourne’s award-winning BAR Studio and is blessed with an expansive outdoor terrace presenting sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. Two distinct experiences include the bustling main dining room and the seven privileged private dining rooms, each modelled after a different landmark moment in the life of Cheng family founding patriarch, Dr. Cheng Yu-Tung.
As Rosewood Hong Kong’s monument to nuanced Cantonese cuisine, The Legacy House pays homage to Dr. Cheng’s significant life. Honouring his Shunde roots while offering much-loved, updated Chinese favourites, the menu places an emphasis on regional Shunde cuisine, which is renowned for its elaborate preparations that bring out the inherent flavours of the pristine ingredients.
DarkSide bar is destined to become Hong Kong’s most sought-after destination for premium drinks in a handsome setting, offering speciality cocktails, coveted vintage cigars, a choice selection of wine and spirits, and nightly live jazz sessions. The al fresco outdoor terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour is the perfect spot from which to enjoy a fine cigar and a distinguished libation.
The Butterfly Room, Rosewood Hong Kong’s inviting all-day lounge, speaks of comfort and elegantly restrained luxury, courtesy of contemporary art and custom furnishings. Guests are invited to enjoy refined continental breakfasts, chic coffee breaks, sophisticated pre-dinner drinks and small plates. Afternoon Tea is a show-stopping highlight, as patrons are transported to some of Europe’s most exquisite tea rooms with savoury bites, irresistible pastries and indulgent sweets.
At The Butterfly Patisserie, glittering confections take centre stage. Modelled after a high-end jewellery atelier, the elegant environs of The Butterfly Patisserie showcase breathtaking centrepieces of tiered cakes, rows of artisan gelatos and sorbets, and glass walk-in display cases in every twinkling, artful corner.
Majestic weddings and events
Set over the third and fourth floors, 3,200 square metres (34,450 square feet) of expansive meetings and event space are enhanced by one of Hong Kong’s few truly private garden venues: an elegantly landscaped lawn with immersive Victoria Harbour views.
Lending an air of exclusivity and distinction, a dedicated event arrival space on the second floor opens to an elegant old world staircase, creating an unrivalled setting for grand entrances.
Bathed in natural light that floods through its picturesque windows, a series of beguilingly beautiful social spaces on the third floor frame the 1,000-square-metre (10,700-square-foot), pillarless Grand Ballroom. With an accent on residential luxury, the event galleries offer distinguished, versatile meeting spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows coupled with a grandiose private kitchen and entertaining area.
In the Grand Ballroom, an automated skyfold partition lends customisable drama, with faceted, geometrically-shaped chandeliers that add glamour and can be lowered for greater intimacy. The ambience is reminiscent of the lavish, palatial ballrooms of Europe’s stately homes.
The Pavilion on the fourth floor offers 1,000 square metres (10,700 square feet) of superlative, residential style event space including the 300-square-metre (3,122-square-foot) Pavilion Hall with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. A master stroke for private meetings and events, The Pavilion is home to four salons, animated by a dedicated private show kitchen.
The fourth floor event space also features, in a marriage of comfort and beauty, The Orangery, where each corner of its 118 square metres (1,270 square feet) space pays homage to refined elegance. From the expansive covered terrace overlooking the Lawn, to the dove blue, suede-swathed, and pastel lacquer interiors, The Orangery is an inspirational destination to raise a glass and toast life’s most cherished, magical moments – be they bridal or occasional.
Rosewood Hong Kong’s Events Studio is a showcase of the property’s event accessories and accoutrements, giving guests the opportunity to curate a customised event and bring their vision to life in every detail.
Transformative wellness
In addition to Rosewood Hong Kong’s outdoor infinity pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre overlooking the harbour, the property will host the first urban outpost of Asaya, Rosewood’s signature integrative wellness offering, in Autumn 2019. Following the platform’s launch at Rosewood Phuket in 2017, Asaya – a word derived from Sanskrit to signify the setting of intention or hope – is founded on the key objective of empowering self-change and transformation. Set over two dedicated floors, Asaya will revolve around specific individual wellness goals, supported by alternative therapies and rituals, enriching fitness and lifestyle activities, healthy eating plans, a dedication to pure, authentic ingredients and specially designed social spaces for relaxation and reflection, with a membership programme that aims to build a sense of community both for local residents and global guests alike.
