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!

The venue itself: 4 stars Food in the dining room: 3 stars…read more I had the opportunity to be a guest at the FCC and it was a nice treat. The building itself is lovely, great Central location with an old school, established feel. I had dinner in the main dining room, which was well lit and cosy. I should've taken the member's advice and chosen from the Indian food menu, as the chefs are Indian. I ordered from the grill, giving the Australian petit mignon a try. The steak itself was cooked perfectly medium rare. The steamed veggies that came with it had no taste; it definitely needs seasoning. You have a choice for sauces and style of potatoes; I chose the fries and it was nothing to Yelp about. For dessert I had the American apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which is an extra $20HK. It took 20 minutes to prepare and was a nice ending; however, nothing about it particularly stood out. Our table brought our own bottle of wine, but I'm unsure if there's a corkage fee. Service was friendly and professional, though it was very busy Friday night and occasionally things would be forgotten (we didn't get our bread basket until midway through our main course.) Overall, decent dining experience. If there's a next time, I'll go for the Indian food!

I had breakfast at the Foreign Correspondent Club this morning and wasn't crazy impressed with…read moretheir food. I had their English breakfast set (mid $50) which included juice, two overeasy eggs (you can get them any style), ham (you can choose between ham, sausage or bacon), roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, toast and coffee (you can choose between coffee or tea, both are bottomless). The eggs were a little bit undercooked, some of the egg white was still runny, the ham was a little bit dry, but the mushrooms and tomatoes were fine. They are very generous with the toast, giving you four pieces. The coffee was a solid cup of joe. The saving graces for the FCC are the atmosphere (relaxed and casual) and extensive menu. There are plenty of choices such as an American breakfast set, English breakfast set, Hong Kong breakfast set, pancakes, omletes, pancakes, pastries, cereal, oatmeal, congee, eggs benedict, corn beef hash, and much more. I thought it was all very reasonably priced too for a members only club.

The Recreation Club at DB is one of a kind. The amenities it offers ranges from swimming, tennis,…read moreand even racquetball. Keep in mind that the club is only opened to members, hence residents of Discovery Bay but you're more than welcomed to bring in a guest to try it out. I just enjoy swimming at the pools here and it's definitely not as packed as the other ones around Discovery Bay. It's also a nice and quiet place to study or do work, especially during the summer because you're relaxing in air conditioning and not the ridiculous humidity.

things to do in sha tin:…read more cycling - best you go to taiwai station (just the stop next to shatin station), rent a bike at one of those bicycle shops just opposite taiwai station exit A, ride along shatin and shing mun river all the way to tai mei duk. you can have dinner at one of the many restaurants there lunch / dinner buffet - i recommend trying lunch or dinner buffets in royal park hotel and courtyard by marriott hong kong sha tin shopping - definitely go to new town plaza. they have shops like H&M, zara, armani exchange, gap, tommy, makeup brands such as chanel, dior, giorgio armani, etc... location: easily accessible to the airport via airport bus A41 or A41p (takes about 45mins) takes about 30mintues on the KCR to get to central scenery: go to sha tin park and chill walk along shing mun river