Here at Sassy Mama, we can’t forget our Hong Kong roots… We’re kind of the experts when it comes to seeking out fam-friendly things to do in the Big Bauhinia… So as a little pressie, we decided to package up all our expertise and recommendations for out of town visitors and open up our little black book. Here’s how to vacay in HK!
HOTELS
THE PENINSULA
Hong Kong’s very own Grande Dame, The Peninsula has always been a great choice for mum and dad’s R&R needs, but who knew they were so kid-friendly? From now until September 30, their Family Moments package offers 50% off an adjoining kids’ room plus under-12’s eat for free. If your little darlings get bored of the Pen’s scrummy children’s room service menus, they can rustle up their own soon-to-be-award-winning cuisine at an in-house kids’ cookery course. Featuring sushi, chocolate, pastry and dim sum lessons, you’ll soon be reaping the benefits of Junior’s new found love of cooking! The Peninsula Kid’s Academy offers a wide range of cultural and fun activities every day, and full details are available on booking. Aside from the stunning Pool with a View, the Peninsula offers the usual child-friendly amenities such as cots, bottle warmers and sterilisers. Additionally, there are a few of the extra special touches you’d expect from a high-end hotel such as mini-bathrobes and toiletries, cuddly teddy bears to take home and colourful bed linens.
Room rates start from $4580 and any activities should be booked in advance to ensure availability. Call (852) 2920 2888 for all available packages.
HYATT SHA TIN
The Hyatt Sha Tin is perfect for a staycation, far enough from Central to feel like you’re not in Hong Kong, but near enough to be hassle-free, with easy access via the MTR (check our full review on Sassy here). Their Family Summer Getaway is perfect for a quick refresh and, with Sha Tin being one of the few places in the ‘Kong that you can easily and safely ride a bike, ideal for the whole family. The package includes one night’s accommodation, drinks for mum and dad at the Pool Bar, bike hire and breakfast. It also includes a session at Camp Hyatt, a dedicated activity centre for children offering both outdoor and indoor facilities if the heat and humidity gets a bit too much.
Sassy Mama Tip: A must-do at the Hyatt Sha Tin is a visit to Melo Spa. From the ultra-comfy robes to the good-enough-to-eat local honey and pomelo body treatments, this makes a great post bike ride indulgence for the grownups!
The Family Summer Getaway offer runs until September 2nd and a full schedule of activities is available at time of booking.
Room rates starting from around $1500. Call (852) 3723 1234 for full details.
GRAND LAPA, MACAU
How about something a little different from the usual Cotai Strip blackjack and poker vibe? The Grand Lapa Macau is part of the Mandarin Oriental Group and the only 5* resort located downtown, right near the Jetfoil terminal. With a fabulous outdoor pool, a waterfall and rock climbing on site, this offers the kids a great opportunity to blow off some steam on your visit to our sister SAR. From now until August 26th the Kid’s Co. club at the Grand Lapa are offering a full day summer camp schedule with activities from rock climbing to craft making. Kids over 3 are welcome and prices start from MOP 150 per day, including lunch.
Room rates start from $1330 and a wide variety of summer family packages are available via the website. For full details, contact The Kids Co. on (853) 8793 4820.
CAMPING
Yes, that’s right, camping! Just outside our urban jungle lies thousands of square kilometres of glorious greenery and beautiful beaches, perfect for a family adventure. Pitch a tent, zip up your sleeping bag and don’t forget the ghost stories.
OOH LA LA, PUI O BEACH, LANTAU
Enjoy hassle-free family camping at Ooh La La on Pui O Beach, Lantau Island. They will provide and set up all equipment, including the tent. Bring your own grill or enjoy their freshly prepared food. They make it easy so your family can enjoy the 3.5km deserted beach, wild buffaloes bathing, and frozen margaritas for the adults…all a short ride away from the hustle and bustle of the city. For active kids, kayaks and bikes are available to hire.
Visit their website or call (852) 2984 8711 for more details and rates.
PALM BEACH TEPEE VILLAGE, CHEUNG SHA, LANTAU
How cool are these? Individually hand-painted tepees are the accommodation of choice at Palm Beach Watersports Centre at Cheung Sha beach. With sizes up to 26 feet in diameter (sleeps 20!) this is the perfect place for an alternative sleepover with the kids and their friends. During the day, there’s plenty to keep them busy, with windsurfing, kayaking and body boarding to name but a few of the sports on offer.
Rates are from $500 per tepee and a range of camping ‘upgrades’ are available. You can contact Palm Beach at (852) 2980 4822 or email [email protected]
SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT
OVERNIGHT JUNK
Missing the pre-kids party junk of old? Combine the lure of the ocean waves with a family adventure by shifting your staycation seawards. Saffron Cruises offer junk trips all over Hong Kong, with a choice of comfortable motor cruisers or traditional junks with campbeds on deck for ultimate stargazing. Fully crewed, Saffron will arrange catering and drinks so all you have to bring are your sea legs!
Prices vary, contact (852) 2857 1311 for more information.
HIKING HOSTEL
Once you’ve tired of all the luxury over at the Peninsula, The Bradbury Jockey Club Hostel is the perfect down-to-earth antidote! Adjacent to the lovely Plover Cove Reservoir in Tai Po, New Territories, the hostel hosts a wide range of family-friendly outdoor activities and water sports. The local hiking is second to none with spectacular views from the nearby Pat Sin Leng range, and older kids will love renting bikes to cycle along the magnificent main dam of the reservoir.
With 16 person dorms, two, four and eight person rooms there are options to suit every size of family, and prices start from a tiny HK$95 for adults. You must become a member of the Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association to stay, although this is valid for 12 months and entitles you to benefits such as discounted local talks and exhibitions, shopping and travel deals.
Contact the Bradbury Jockey Club for more information on (852) 2788 1638.