Thou Shalt Not Party: 10 Commandments to Save Your Weekend

Hong Kong! Verily, we say unto you: Monday mornings need no longer be sheepish memories of Jägerbombs, blackouts and tightly-drawn curtains. It’s time to say no to tequila slammers and yes to making every second of your days off count. Convert to HK Magazine’s Ten Commandments and reclaim your weekend, one day at a time. Literally.
 

1. Thou Shalt Visit Farmers’ Markets

After all that greasy drunk-person food you swallowed in your misguided Sevens-revelry, your body’s probably in dire need of food that has actual nutritional value. While you’re at it, why not help support local farmers, too? There are a number of farmer’s markets in the city you can visit. Food blogger Janice Leung, AKA e*ting, co-founded the new Island East Markets (Tong Chong St., Quarry Bay, open Sundays 9am-5pm, www.hkmarkets.org); with more than 40 stalls, it’s possibly the largest farmers’ market in the city. There’s also the Tai Po Farmers’ Market (next to the fire station on Tai Wo Rd., Tai Po, open Sundays 9am-5pm). Founded by the Federation of Vegetable Marketing Co-operative Societies in 2005, this is Hong Kong’s most established farmers’ market and attracts more than 3,000 visitors every weekend. Finally—if you’re really lazy—stop by the small yet convenient Organic Farmers’ Market@Central (Star Ferry Pier No. 7, Central, open Wednesdays noon-6pm and Sundays 10am-5pm).

2. Thou Shalt Eat Out. Like, Proper Out

If the restaurants on Hong Kong Island are serving up a hefty dose of ennui to go with their overpriced appetizers, consider venturing out to the New Territories to check out one of Hong Kong’s proper destination restaurants. Out in Tai Po, the Yuen Country Hideaway (9 Tai Om Village, Tai Po, [email protected]) is a cozy, bright blue village house where you can rent a retro-styled room for the night ($350-$450). While you’re there, check out some homemade Asian cuisine, made with locally-sourced ingredients by resident chef-owner Amen Tsang. His private kitchen, Sik Yum Sik Sik, is basically the inn’s dining room, so you’d be a fool not to give it a go. Another tried-and-true favorite is One-Thirtyone (131 Tseng Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung, Ma On Shan, 2791-2684, www.one-thirtyone.com), a Western fine-dine in a village house set on beautiful grounds overlooking Three Fathoms Cove. Supremely romantic and yes—very expensive. A monthly set menu four-course lunch is $600 per head, while a six-course dinner is $1,200 per head (see pic, below).

 

3. Thou Shalt Go Camping (The Lazy Way)

Spending the night outdoors doesn’t have to mean roughing it. If wilderness survival isn’t your thing, hit up one of these comfy and easily-accessible spots—not having to trek all the way there will just free up more time for some of the many sports and activities on offer. Palm Beach (Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau, 2980-4822, www.palmbeach.com.hk) owns several teepees set on a 20,000-square-foot lawn. The biggest teepee can hold up to 20 people, while smaller teepees are ideal for families and smaller groups. A full range of water sports activities is available, including stand-up paddleboards. Or hit the surf with a weekend stay at Long Coast Seasports (29 Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau, 8104-6222, www.longcoast.hk). The center offers all kinds of water sports activities, including equipment rental and professional instruction. You can stay in one of the four guest rooms, or if you’re feeling adventurous, secure a tent in the Long Coast garden. Don’t worry—they provide all the stuff; all you have to bring is yourselves.