The best staycations in Hong Kong for families, from outbound adventures to pampering packages for pets
- The summer holiday season is upon us and the coronavirus crisis means that international travel is out
- Instead, make the most of the city with island retreats, dog-friendly hotels, cycling specials and Disneyland discounts
School’s out for summer and the Covid-19 crisis has put paid to any hope of jetting abroad, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a memorable family holiday. If there’s one thing the pandemic has given us, it’s the chance to explore our city with fresh eyes for its scenic corners, fascinating geography and rich culture. From brilliant wellness breaks and the learning of new skills to camping and cycling, Hong Kong offers an incredible range of things to see and do – any further Covid-19 measures permitting.
With occupancy levels at an all-time low, hotels are pulling out all the stops to woo local families, with tantalising room rates and added extras. But you’ll have to move fast for the best deals. To help, we’ve rounded up the pick of the staycation pack. Prices are for one night unless otherwise stated and include taxes, service charges and niggly extras.
Culture hit
The West Kowloon Cultural District has come on leaps and bounds lately, with loads of new arty and outdoorsy things to see and do. Fulfil your culture nerd dreams with a stroll around the Art Park, dipping into exhibitions at the M+ Pavilion and checking out the light diffusing, view framing Growing Up building, looking out for street art performances along the way. This summer, you’ll also find pop-up stalls selling ice creams, fruit shakes, waffles and craft beer, but we suggest packing a picnic, sprawling on the grass on one of the lawns and enjoying the harbour view.
Nearby is The Olympian, where you can stay in a rambling Harbour View room on its Family Fun package, from HK$2,326. There’s no pool but the rate includes breakfast and free snacks and drinks from the lounge. Or let The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong pitch a tent in your sea view room, 100 storeys up, for the Ritz Kids Night Safari (from HK$3,600, including breakfast and lounge access).
Back to nature
At the Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp, next to the Sai Kung Country Park gate, you can book a two-bedroom accommodation unit from HK$536 midweek, rising to HK$1,552 for an eight-bed unit on a Saturday night. If you take the grandparents, you’ll get a discount of 50 per cent (fill out the elderly information form before you pay). Beside a river, the accommodation is basic but has air conditioning – and Wi-fi for a small fee. It’s bundles of fun: activities include archery, swimming, orienteering and evening barbecues with toasted marshmallows.