Island getaways in Hong Kong (without the quarantine!)
Perfect Island Getaways in Hong Kong
A staycation in the city might help to get your mind off the hustle and bustle of your everyday life, but for the skyscraper-sick, a staycation in the city might not scratch the travel itch. Ranging from a fully pampered experience to glamping outdoors, here are a few island outings that will TRULY get the city off your mind.
1. Auberge, Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay often doesn’t feel like it’s a part of Hong Kong. The resort town is home to sprawling villas, golf carts, and delicious waterfront restaurants (one of which you can check out here!), reminiscent more of an island vacation than another residential area.
After getting on the ferry over, you can stay at the stunning Auberge for a weekend retreat. Rooms start at $1890 HKD a night, with rooms ranging from one-bedroom mountain view rooms to sprawling two-bedroom ocean view suites, facing the gorgeous South China Sea. The Auberge also has 10 private spa rooms courtesy of the Spa Botanica if you’re looking to unwind whilst there. The spa offers 180 minute treatments of scrubs, massages, body wraps, and facials.
2. Silvermine Beach Resort, Mui Wo
The Silvermine Beach Resort in Mui Wo, while not as luxurious as the Auberge, still has lots to offer for a more homely break from the city.
Rooms at Silvermine Beach Resort has both seaview and garden view rooms, and are more affordable with rooms starting at around $610 HKD and ranging to under $1000 HKD for their most spacious rooms. The resort is also family and pet friendly, offering rooms for both of those needs.
A main perk of staying at Silvermine is the activities organized by the resort itself. Booking a few days in advance, you can get access to kayaks and paddleboards, all a fraction of the price of places around Hong Kong. Leaving the resort itself, one can also take a trip around Mui Wo to sightsee in the beautiful natural scenery and quaint town lifestyle.
3. Glamping in Cheung Chau
Merging more into the luxurious, yet rustic category is glamping at the Saiyuen Adventure Park in Cheung Chau, home to the stargazing geodesic domes, African safari tent, and Mongolian der.
Each ‘glamping’ experience, regardless of what theme, is fully air-conditioned, furnished, and has available bathrooms. Due to its popularity, make sure to book MONTHS in advance if you want a spot on a weekend or public holiday. The safari tents start at around $1500 a night, while the geodesic dome climbs to around $2500 a night (but is so worth it!).
The camping area itself is vast, with goats and other wild animals casually roaming the grounds. If you visit Saiyuen, make sure to rent a BBQ pit at night for dinner to make for a fun group activity. Bring some fresh vegetables, condiments of choice, marinated meats, and you’ve got a delicious grilled dinner all cooked up. There is a mini shop with food and other small goods on the grounds, but everything is extremely overpriced, so we recommend coming fully prepared.