Given the ubiquity of private clubs in Hong Kong, it takes more than money and status to truly…read morestand out. Where the Aberdeen Marina Club (深灣遊艇會) does this by showcasing world class facilities, top dollar amenities, and the kind of waterfront living atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between luxury and family-friend comfort. This is more than just a club, it's a destination. Since it's about 20 minutes away from the city, it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle. There are lovely views of the Sham Wan waterfront and the neighborhood is riddled with international schools, luxury condos, and nice cars. English is widely spoken throughout the property and it's spacious in practically every direction. There are multiple restaurants on the premises, which starts with the Horizon (#1), a high end Cantonese establishment that might be their most legit option. The Deck is their international buffet option, with views from their terrace and plenty of variety. The Bar looks fancier than it is, but it is loaded with an international (#2) selection of whiskey. Thai food is at the heart of the Balcony, which is best enjoyed during their lunch menu hour. The Backroom is their version of an upscale but small'ish western lounge, with an emphasis on wine and a limited fine dining scene. Portside reminds me a little bit of Harbourside, with indoor and outdoor seating options and a buffet that focuses on western and eastern fare. There is the Marina Grill and Marina Deli, with the former offering seafood and upscale western, while the latter is more of a pastry station. Caffè Luna is their Italian option, which is bright and welcoming, and has Neapolitan style pizzas to offer. Their kids club is also so impressive that it reminds me of something one would find in a kid's museum. There are mini-versions of race cars, grocery shopping, construction, hospital, police cars, etc. and a whole dedicated space with limitless possibilities of a child's imagination. I've not seen a better space in Hong Kong, so this is one of their biggest amenities. All of the aforementioned things barely scratch the surface. There are events, swimming pools, yachting and boating opportunities, social gatherings + private events (a wedding here would be amazing), and corporate meetings. There are also a fitness centre, amski (#3), basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, and a number of classes for both adults and children. Elite private club memberships don't come cheap, as I'm told it's by invitation only. I would estimate based on secondary market prices (i.e. sold to others by current members) that it can be as high as several million HKD for annual dues. Elite private club membership is serious, so beware of the transfer fees. I would happily come back for any occasion. Whether it's lunch, a wedding, a tennis match, or just an opportunity to stare at the water, there is no occasion too unworthy to justify a visit. This place is outstanding. ____________ (#1) http://www.yelp.com/biz/IfYXK4cSkcMuY0ojFHig5g (#2) When in doubt, go Japanese. (#3) A skiing simulation (#4) Do not quote me.

The Aberdeen Marina Club is one of the more diversified "country club" types in HK. Compared to…read moreJockey Club, LRC, or American Club, it has significantly more facilities - basketball and badminton courts, ice rinks, kids' playgrounds, pools, its own harbor and more. They're all kept in pretty good condition and you can hardly tell that there's any wear and tear. Its restaurants range from an all you can eat buffet to some middling Thai food as well as a Chinese restaurant. The food is passable - solid, in other words. The service here is always great - sort of the silent, acquiescent type that doesn't ever get chatty. I'd prefer they spoke up more but I guess it's a policy here. Great for hosting gatherings and parties - if you book a private room they have karaoke! The fragrance in AMC is usually impeccable but I remember an occasion back in December where there was this pungent odor by the G/F elevators that just wouldn't go away. Overall, definitely recommend coming here either as a member or with a friend who is!

Beautiful pier running a significant portion of the waterfront. Plenty of spots to get in the junk…read moreships as well as the access point for the star ferry across the water. Lots of photo ops of the buildings over on Hong Kong island, the clock tower, ships and the random people walking about! A guy was walking around with tricked out baby doll with fake diamond ear rings and a cigarette... I guess every place has one of these dudes. The area also has a number of spots for public events - like a break dancing competition that we saw today - as well as food trucks and lots of space for kids to run. A great, and apparently very popular spot that your shouldn't miss!

On week days I don't spend much time wandering around the streets (especially with this hot and…read morehumid weather...) but I devote some time to walk around on the weekends. A few months ago I used to go to New Territories and look for big opened spaces, like organic farms and the like, but I've realized there are still so many little spots to be discovered not so far from home. Wan Chai is full of surprises, whether it's that little boutique at a corner that you had missed every time you walked past, that lovely coffee shop that has a cozy terrace at the back, that health store, that park, that...oh, what's that? Looks like a playground. Famed Ship Street really has a little bit of everything: super hype bars and restaurants with J Senses at the forefront, exclusive J Residence, a couple of small holes in the wall that serve juices and sandwiches and, yeah, a playground named after the street. What's special about it? Basically, that you don't expect it there. It's always great to find a little space that few people go to and take a rest from the bustle around. It's just a playground, but I love the fact that it's laid across three levels: on the first there is a plot for children, on the second there's just an opened area and the third is a shaded area, small and not populated with flowers or green precisely, but there's a sitting area. Right now some workings are taking place around and it may not be as quite as it usually is but I love this spot to read or simply to take a break from my weekend tours around Wan Chai.

Yeah, Hong Kong certainly isn't all that famous for its beaches, despite the fact that it does…read morehappen to be located in the tropics. In a way that is the same with Singapore. Anyway, this is one of the beaches, and as a beach it is okay, a reasonable place to swim, though only if you happen to come here as a group. The problem that I found was that there really isn't any place to store your things, but then again that does happen to be a problem the world over.

Crowded. Easy to get to. Only one restaurant and they charge exorbitant prices. BYOB but dont be a…read morejerk - no glass. Tons of kids everywhere and their parents taking a million photos of them. There are a lot of boats in the bay to watch - we even saw someone on a jet pack or something doing tricks! The view is great and the water is almost cool enough to be truly refreshing. An easy afternoon there and back on busy bus lines, but a nice afternoon all the same.

What a happy little beach tucked away on Hong Kong island. Easily accessible by taxi or bus, the…read morenumber 6X from Central Exchange takes you almost to its door. Follow the road down and wind your way down to the beach on a variety of steps and slopes. Repeat the other way for the return journey. Also hidden down there is an immense playground (if you have kiddies) and a bunch of BBQ pits if you're that way inclined. If you're like me however, grab your towel, floatie, buddies and throw together a picnic. The sand is gorgeously soft, however the sea hides sunken reefs. Signs are up to show where they are, but a floatie or strong swimmers would be best in the event you pop your foot down and hit some rocks. Caution is advised. The bay features a floating pontoon, life guards and clean waters. It's totally peaceful ... unless you go on a public holiday when you're treated to a live Filipino band (not a patch on Dusk till Dawn). Note: the shop that used to be on the beach has now closed, so make sure you bring everything you need. Don't be a tool like me and forget the water. Yes, I did spend a whole day sipping Sprite and beers... I was rather parched when I realised on my way home to rehydrate (I only spotted the drinking fountains on the way out).

Albeit it is a bit far from where I live, I think this is one of the prettiest places I have been…read moreto in Hong Kong. My friend and I took the ferry to Lamma Island one late afternoon and it's one of the best decisions I've made. The sunset that day was absolutely gorgeous (and I have been to many beautiful places and saw my beautiful sunrises/sunsets). My friend lived in Aberdeen so the view is her daily usual (so jealous!) Anyways, I prefer the ferry ride from here to Lamma Island than the one from Central. The boats are smaller and more intimate. You could even go on the deck on a beautiful day such as this one to appreciate nature's gift!

The Discovery Bay Residents Club has been around for as long as I can remember living in the…read morecommunity for (more than 25 years!), and has provided a spot of leisure for the residents. Located only a 5 minute walk from the ferry pier it is also open to non-members, for a fee. I can imagine that when it first opened people were in awe of its facilities, grandeur and what not but after the years little to nothing as changed. The restaurant's menu is more or less the same, the gym is still small, and the pool and tennis courts haven't moved. Granted, the interior and presentation has improved, the facilities touched up and grown a little but it somehow manages to remain stuck in its early years, the glory days maybe. The DBRC's bigger brother, Club Sienna, is a prime example of what a residents club should look like. However, that being said the DBRC is still a place that is close to my heart and whenever I return to Disco Bay I'll find myself wandering through it's sliding doors. I'll play ping pong on a Saturday morning, tennis on a sunday evening and finish off with some fish and chips in their Tai Pak bar. There's much to do in the club, as well as places to do nothing, like the reading room. The staff are very friendly - maybe because they've seen my ugly mug 100s of times! - and informative. There have been many a complaint against the place but in all honesty, what can you expect when trying to accommodate 15,000 spoilt (mostly) people? At the end of the day I judge a clubhouse by how easy it makes a Sunday. The DBRC, with it's basic facilities and restaurant make my Sundays easy to handle and knowing that not much has changed over the years really helps me to feel at home.

Awesome new location for large-scale events. I was here last week for the Milk Mart. The event was…read morethere for 2 days hosting a number of fashion labels and handcraft stores. The open area is located under the enormous The Hong Kong Observation Wheel. There are some food carts and seating areas scatter around the place. The outdoor location just make the event more enjoyable! Although outdoor events are more prone to be affected by the weather, I look forward for more public events to be held in this new location. To arrive at this place, exit from the Central MTR station and walk along the foot bridge towards the ferry pier. Walk down the staircase after you go pass the IFC. The place is right opposite Pier 7.

I had reason to be at the New Central Harbour Front this summer for the Botero sculptures that were…read moreon display. These sculptures are giant, so this was the perfect outdoor spot for them. The venue is a short walk from covered footbridge that runs from IFC to the Central Pier. You can drop down to the ground level from the covered footbridge (either at the one closest to IFC or the one at the actual pier) and it will be a 5 minute walk over to the venue either way. During the daylight hours in the summer, it can be a hot walk, for there is little to no shade at the venue (trees are not fully mature nor large). I attended Art Central at this venue as well this past Spring. Kind of a natural outdoor extension to the Convention Center that is further up the way, this place in this spot makes sense and is useful space to many large events.