Travel

Fiona Kotur’s 9 Favorite Hong Kong Spots

The accessories designer and founder of Kotur shares her insider’s guide to Asia’s most international city

After years working as a fashion designer in New York City (for brands like Ralph Lauren and Gap), Fiona Kotur moved to Hong Kong with her family in 2002 when her husband relocated for work. Two years later, Kotur decided to start her own business, specializing in handbags and shoes, which has since become wildly successful both in Asia and Stateside. What does she love about living in Hong Kong? “Having spent my entire life on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, moving here 14 years ago proved to be a surprisingly easy transition,” she says. “They’re both vibrant, multifaceted cities, with diverse neighborhoods and a bit of city grit to make it all interesting.” Here are a few of Kotur’s favorite finds in the place she now calls home.

Photo: Simon Upton

Star Ferry“The voyage from Hong Kong Island to Tsim Sha Tsui on Star Ferry is a classic journey, but never tires for me. If I have the time, it is my favorite mode of transportation, especially at night, when returning from the ballet or an evening out. The feeling of being on the water, and the sense of history amid the city lights is magical for every crossing.” Star Ferry Pier, Central; starferry.com.hk

Photo: Courtesy of Ammo

Ammo“For lunch I love Ammo (above), a beautifully designed restaurant by Hong Kong architect and designer Joyce Wang, within the walls of the culturally rich Asia Society. Ammo’s interior is as striking as its surrounding environment is peaceful. After lunch it’s nice to walk the grounds of the former military barracks and view the Asia Society’s current exhibitions.” 9 Justice Dr.; ammo.com.hk

Dragon’s Back and Violet Hill“Surprisingly, Hong Kong has many hiking trails through its jungle terrain just minutes from the city center and residential areas. It’s wonderful to have a walk or hike and forget the city around you, and return in time for a full day of work or other activity. My favorite hikes are the Dragon’s Back and Violet Hill, and they keep you in shape and connected with nature despite being in the middle of a large city.”

Photo: Courtesy of Duddell's

Duddell’s“I always take guests to Duddell’s for dinner. The restaurant club is home to an ever-changing, always interesting Asian art exhibition and hosts lectures and art talks during the year—sort of reminiscent of the Paris salons in the 19th century, but Chinese style. Launched by a friend and Hong Kong entrepreneur Yenn Wong, the restaurant has a beautiful interior designed by Ilse Crawford, and, most important, the food is excellent: the place has a Michelin star. It has the best dim sum in the city (pictured above) and my personal favorite, their Peking duck.” 1 Duddell St.; duddells.co

Photo: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong“When it comes to hotels, I’m old-school, preferring the Mandarin Oriental (above) for their classic style. It reminds me of a time when we first moved to Hong Kong and camped out there for a few weeks until our lease was ready. I love their high tea sets, with scones and their signature rose-petal jam.” From $440/night; mandarinoriental.com

Ellermann Flower Boutique“My house is never without flowers, and my favorite florist is Ellermann on Tung Street in Sheung Wan. Sending flowers from Ellermann is a gift I like to give. Every couple of weeks, I also spend an early morning at the Flower Market in Mongkok, buying fresh seasonal flowers for my own arrangements. Yesterday I was delighted to find the ginger blossoms had just arrived. It’s always wonderful to see what flowers are in bloom from the region.” 36 Tung St.; ellermanndesign.com

Photo: Courtesy of The Upper House

The Upper House“The Upper House represents another side of Hong Kong, and is a place I love to go for its restaurant, Café Gray Deluxe (above), and events. The hotel is designed by local architect Andre Fu, and graciously managed by my friend Marcel Thoma, formerly of the Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel in New York, where we first met. The ambience is serene and modern, and reflects the contemporary face of Hong Kong.” From $580/night; upperhouse.com

Art BaselArt Basel occurs for a week in March, and is my favorite time of the year in Hong Kong. It usually coincides with clear, cool weather—except for this year, when it poured every day—and it’s over the extended weeks that Hong Kong’s cultural activity flourishes, from the performance-art shows hosted by 10 Chancery Lane Gallery to Serpentine Gallery exhibits to Art Basel itself. It’s also incredibly social, with all the galleries hosting artist dinners and receptions. It’s definitely a lively time to visit.” artbasel.com

My roof garden“It’s surrounded by the city, but overgrown with bamboo and flowering plumeria. It’s my urban sanctuary!”

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