Hong Kong

Well, when your trip begins with Business Class flights with Etihad via Abu Dhabi it can be nothing but WOW. I headed off with three of my colleagues to travel to one of the world’s most vibrant and exotic cities, Hong Kong. Home to the spectacular Victoria Harbour and boasting a gastronomic and cultural scene with something to astound any visitor.

We spent four nights at the illustrious Cordis Hong Kong at Langham Place (managed by an Irish man no less), a stylish and contemporary hotel where everything is devoted to your well-being. In the heart of bustling Mongkok with a two-Michelin starred restaurant, world-famous spa facilities and a breathtaking rooftop pool, Cordis Hong Kong makes for the perfect city retreat. Not to mention that it was attached to a 14 floor shopping centre - seriously I thought I had died and gone to heaven when we discovered this.

There were so many highlights over the few days it’s hard to know where to start but certainly watching the infamous laser show from the balcony of the Ozone Bar; the highest bar in the world on the 118th Floor at the Ritz Carlton, is something that I will cherish forever. The Hong Kong skyline is truly breath taking and the cocktails were so delicious.

The following day we discovered the Ladies Market just minutes from our hotel and enjoyed a morning of battering and haggling. Make sure you have plenty of luggage space if Hong Kong is on your bucket list as it’s a shopper’s paradise and if you are a label diva then make sure that credit card is ready for action.

Hong Kong has so much more to offer, whether you want to get outdoors and climb the Peak, ride the historic trams, use the Star Ferry or Island Hop or just enjoy the amazing cuisine opportunities the city has to offer. One thing for sure is you will never be bored or go hungry. The city's dining has an immense and irresistible choice to suit all tastes and budgets. Another highlight for me had to be our dining experiences in particular, the last evening where we enjoyed the laser show yet again from the Michelin Star Hutong restaurant where we had the most spectacular Chinese banquet. A truly magical and memorable occasion.

I would love to go back some day and explore more of the stunning skyline and get lost in the city streets again and I would definitely recommend as a standalone exciting break or en route to further afield. A truly extraordinary travel experience.