Hong Kong isn't all bright lights and big city. On the Southside of Hong Kong Island, or Southern District, you can find big open spaces and the quieter side of life. There's greenery, white-sand beaches, low-rise buildings, cleaner air and unobstructed views of the South China Sea. Southside gives residents a distinct resort-like feel, and a respite from a hectic work schedule.
So why doesn't everyone move to the Southside? Two reasons: cost and transport. Rents for Southside apartments and villas tend to be higher than in many densely populated northern districts. However, this is partly due to larger, more spacious apartments on average.
The Southside is made up of many neighbourhoods with prestigious addresses at Repulse Bay, Tai Tam, Stanley and Aberdeen. Repulse Bay is popular with young families for its abundant outdoor space, long stretches of beach and the nearby Hong Kong International School.
The area's main landmark is The Repulse Bay: a wave-like, high-rise blue building and small shopping plaza. Inside, residents have the convenience of a well-stocked Wellcome supermarket, upmarket homeware shops, a full-service spa, and restaurants and cafes.
One of Hong Kong's best restaurants, The Verandah, is located at The Repulse Bay. The venue is a remnant of the 1920s, with tall ceilings, whirling fans and wide windows opening to the sea. Close by is Deep Water Bay with a Mediterranean-style beach bar.
Heading east along the main road (Repulse Bay Road turns into Stanley Gap Road), Stanley is famous for its large open-air Stanley Market - one of the city's top tourist attractions. The area also attracts many expats for its village atmosphere with two fine beaches and an abundant selection of modern townhouses and low-rise apartments.