Posts Tagged Ritz Carlton
2011 Year in Review
The ultimate highlight in 2011 was our Hole-in-One on September 11th. That alone is enough to remember 2011 by.
Nevertheless, there were other significant events worth mentioning. In February, we represented Hong Kong in the BMW Cup International World Final 2010 at the Lakes and Canyon Courses at The Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket, Thailand.
We also had a guided tour of the highest hotel in the world – the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong. A nice welcome return to the luxury hotel scene in Hong Kong since its departure in 2008.
Our favorite new restaurant in 2011 would be Yardbird, where the chef, Matt Abergel, previously at Zuma Hong Kong takes chicken to a new level.
The sad passing of Steve Jobs shocked the world. May he rest in peace. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
In October, we were invited to the final leg of the Shui On Land’s China Golf Challenge at Caesar’s Golf, Macau. A very unique event with Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy and China’s Liang Wen-chong playing 18 holes in seven cities in China over seven days.
Here are some of our favorite photos in 2011…enjoy.
110911 Discovery Bay, Jade #3 (Par 3) - Hole-in-One
110913 Yardbird - Matt Abergel
111016 ChinaGChallenge - Westwood and caddie discussing putt
111227 Last Birdie of 2011 - Discovery Bay, Diamond 4 (Par 5)
World’s Highest Hotel – The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
We were invited to visit the Club Lounge of the spanking new Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong for afternoon tea. When we arrived at the ground level entrance of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in West Kowloon, there must have been more than 20 people lining up just to get in. But with typical Ritz hospitality, free drinks were served to those in line. Luckily we were taken straight up to the 103rd floor to the hotel’s Reception Lobby and avoided the wait. The restaurants are located one floor below and we will be sure to come back and try the Italian, Tosca, very soon.
We were then quickly whisked up to the 116th floor, straight to the Club Lounge. On the center counter were some cheese, spoon sized appetizers and desserts to nibble on. There were also scones, oh yes, of course scones. We were seated at the Library Room, a comfortable and cozy environment perfect for a lazy relaxing afternoon. Great views of Stonecutters Island, Tsing Yi and Lantau Island in the distance. Numerous barges and ships dotted the busy Victoria Harbour shimmering under the late afternoon sun from the west. On the other end of the lounge, the Meeting Room presented stunning views of Hong Kong Island in a more formal setting.
A guided tour of the hotel took us to the Spa by ESPA on the same level, which had a HK$500,000/US$64,100 ‘organic’ art piece illuminating the reception area. We peeked inside one of the two couples’ suites and not only did it have its own shower and jacuzzi, there was a resting area with spectacular harbor views. Maybe we’ll spend our afternoon here next time instead. The swimming pool not only is the world’s highest, but has a huge video wall and ceiling allowing them to change the scenery or mood to suit any occasion. Pretty cool. We also visited the Junior and Premier Executive Suites. As expected, the views were spectacular and all corner rooms come with a telescope for guests to check out the city in more detail. Last but not least, we had to check out the highest bar in the world – OZONE. Serving Asian tapas and Japanese specialties on the 118th floors, this is also on our must-visit list.
A nice welcome return to the luxury hotel scene in Hong Kong since its departure in 2008. And with so many facilities to try, maybe the most effective way is to book a room and stay for a weekend 
The Ritz-Carlton
International Commerce Centre
1 Austin Road West
Kowloon, Hong Kong
T: +852 2263 2263
W: www.ritzcarlton.com
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Signage on street level
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Floors 102 to 118 in ICC
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Reception Lobby on 103/F
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