As the International Commerce Centre steadily climbs its way to becoming the world's third tallest building, and to being one of the most sophisticated buildings in Hong Kong, much of the integrated complex below it has been completed. While it is the iconic ICC that dominates the skyline and is the focal point of attention, the term 'luxury' is being applied to many of the individual projects that make up the overall development. From the high-end mega-mall Elements, based on the elements of nature, and top hotels, to grade-A offices, prime retail space and premium residential flats, everything is aimed at the luxury end of the market. In summing up the quality and mix of facilities, developer Sun Hung Kai described the complex as a 'complete vision'. The staggered nature of the development means more features are coming online all the time in the build-up to the completion of the 118-storey ICC in 2010. The latest to open its doors is The HarbourView Place show suite, Signature Homes' public window on its luxury residential hotel that will occupy the 50th to 70th floors of The Cullinan II. The first phase of 70 rooms is completed and will be officially launched this month, while the remaining 196 suites will become available later. The two blocks in The Cullinan project will be Hong Kong's tallest residential towers at 270 metres and in keeping with the luxury theme they were named after what was at the time the largest diamond in the world. The 3,106 carat Cullinan diamond was found in South Africa in 1905 and presented to King Edward VII of England. The nine largest gems cut from the diamond are mounted in the British crown jewels. The HarbourView Place show suite features a 1,138 sqft one-bedroom deluxe apartment 'optimised to the individual needs of guests with exquisite taste'. 'The suite is uniquely uncompromising in its approach to finish, and its branded in-room provisioning and facilities,' said Ms Belinda Kuan, assistant general manager of Signature Homes. 'It is a combination that will make The HarbourView Place a premier waterfront destination.' Four additional show suites of different sizes have now been opened for guests' private viewing. Conceived as a fresh paradigm in long-stay accommodation for business executives, the property fuses exceptional comfort and design with the advantage of being just three minutes from the heart of Central, according to Signature Homes. The HarbourView Place complements the company's other successful suite hotel project, Four Seasons Place, by forming the Kowloon-side element of a striking Victoria Harbour 'gateway'. Although distinct from Four Seasons Place in terms of architecture, decor and location, it builds upon its sister property's formula of 'luxury, service and style for discerning long-stay guests'. Accommodation will consist of a choice of 464-674 sqft studios, 802-1,138 sqft one-bedroom suites, 1,153-1,263 sqft two-bedroom suites, and 1,420-1,623 sqft three-bedroom suites. For this phase of suites, Signature Homes has set the room charge in the range from HK$29,000 to HK$92,000 per month, with the target room rate at over HK$60 per sqft. The company says the interiors set a new standard for luxury long-stay accommodation in Hong Kong, 'exuding contemporary elegance with a full complement of well-chosen branded furnishings and utilities, a rich palette of quality finishes and materials, and a high degree of functionality that makes each unit a true home away from home'. Additionally, The HarbourView Place offers the option of lavish 2,290-3,270 sqft presidential suites on the 70th floor, equipped with a dedicated private lobby. Responding to burgeoning demand for luxury long-stay accommodation, the property, boasting sweeping views of the harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula, raises the stakes with an extensive range of business and lifestyle amenities. Among the facilities on offer are a health club and lounge, reading area with internet access, personal storage space, laundry, a multipurpose function room and a heated 76th-floor rooftop pool. 'Demand for this kind of luxury long-stay hotel accommodation is far in excess of supply,' said Ms Kuan. 'Four Seasons Place, for example, has been fully let most of the time since it opened in 2005. We're confident that The HarbourView Place will very quickly attain a similar level of popularity.' The HarbourView Place follows in the wake of Signature Homes' successful Four Seasons Place in Central, and is the latest example of the company's commitment to bring 'peerless luxury' to discerning guests. Opened in 2005, it has 519 serviced suites and a prime location overlooking the harbour to West Kowloon. 'Our experience has shown us that this kind of luxury serviced suite hotel appeals strongly to business executives and expatriates,' said Mavis Kang, general manager of Signature Homes. 'The response to the new property in terms of inquiries from prospective guests and major corporations has met our most optimistic forecasts. We are confident that The HarbourView Place will prove a perfect lifestyle fit for these guests.' Location is a key element of The HarbourView Place's appeal and it offers conveniently seamless transport access for conducting local and international business. 'The ICC complex at Kowloon station brings together a set of advantages that are truly unique in Hong Kong,' Ms Kuan said. 'The sheer number of facilities and amenities encompassed within the property - from upscale shopping, dining and entertainment to hotels, residences and offices - is simply staggering, and it's all close to hand and seamlessly accessible.' Signature Homes is Sun Hung Kai Properties' luxury residential leasing arm and the leading provider of luxury residential accommodation in Hong Kong. The opening of the show suite is for 'prospective guests seeking opulent long-stay options' to view the standard of The HarbourView Place, and its prime location.
