https://www.scmp.com/rss/328238/feed Amanda is a culture, travel and lifestyle writer based in Hong Kong, always on the search for the next great story and the city's strongest coffee. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard In recent months, families across Hong Kong have faced the difficult task of helping children process emotions resulting from the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, on top of a stream of unsettling news from around the world. Even children not directly affected may have seen images online, overheard adult conversations, or sensed anxiety at school and at home. Many parents struggle with how much to explain and how to respond to reactions that can seem unpredictable or confusing. “Children often... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3351775/how-parents-can-help-their-children-deal-grief-after-tai-po-tragedy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3351775/how-parents-can-help-their-children-deal-grief-after-tai-po-tragedy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:00:13 +0000 Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard Every year when Art Basel Hong Kong opens its doors, Hong Kong once again assumes its role as East Asia’s art world crossroads. Collectors, gallerists and curators from across the region converge on the city, reinforcing a perception that Hong Kong remains Asia’s most globally integrated art market. But beneath the spectacle lies a more nuanced question. What is Hong Kong’s position within an increasingly multicentred East Asian art ecosystem? From the vantage point of Asia Art Archive (AAA),... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3350942/hong-kongs-rise-east-asias-thriving-art-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3350942/hong-kongs-rise-east-asias-thriving-art-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:00:14 +0000 Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard According to a 2024 survey by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, 45 per cent of students polled identified their stress levels between seven and 10. These results demonstrated the first increase in four years. With stress levels on the rise, so too are the physical and mental consequences. These can range between sleep disruptions, headaches, changes in appetite, irritability, withdrawal and feelings of hopelessness. On Monday, it was reported that an 11-year-old boy in Tuen Mun died... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3330206/under-pressure-rising-stress-crisis-among-hong-kong-students?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3330206/under-pressure-rising-stress-crisis-among-hong-kong-students?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:17:39 +0000 Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard It’s hardly breaking news that students everywhere are struggling with the amount of homework they are given. Hong Kong in particular is known to impose some of the heaviest expectations, and in 2022, the city’s education minister even felt it necessary to caution that homework should aid education rather than torment students. Homework’s intended purpose is to allow for knowledge developed within school to grow further and be cemented. “It is an essential element of a Malvernian education,... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3317407/hong-kongs-great-homework-debate-how-much-too-much?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3317407/hong-kongs-great-homework-debate-how-much-too-much?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:15:08 +0000 Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard Stephen Graham’s Netflix series Adolescence received universal acclaim from critics on its release in March this year. The British drama tells the story of a family whose seemingly ordinary existence is thrown into turmoil when their teenage son is accused of murder. What unfolds is a deep dive into the dangers of social media, toxic masculinity and misogyny. While entirely fictional, the drama had viewers and critics alike commenting on the realistic depiction of the worrying threats facing... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3319456/hit-netflix-series-adolescence-raises-key-questions-about-shaping-masculine-identities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3319456/hit-netflix-series-adolescence-raises-key-questions-about-shaping-masculine-identities?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Jul 2025 22:15:08 +0000 Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard Hong Kong’s reputation as a city of high-achieving students continues to be well deserved, with the results of the 2023/24 Hong Kong Outstanding Students Award released in a ceremony held earlier this year, on January 11. Organised by the Youth Arch Foundation and supported by the Lion & Globe Education Trust, the Hong Kong Outstanding Students Award was established in 1985. To date, it has celebrated the academic prowess, involvement in extracurricular activities, and achievements in community... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3311490/celebrating-stellar-achievements-hong-kongs-outstanding-secondary-students?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3311490/celebrating-stellar-achievements-hong-kongs-outstanding-secondary-students?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 May 2025 22:00:15 +0000 Hong Kong’s emphasis on the visual arts is noticeable to all who visit, from the wealth of renowned galleries and acclaimed artists staging exhibitions within their walls, to annual events including Art Basel and Art Central, which form a cornerstone of Hong Kong Art Month, attracting legions of visitors from all over the world. The visual arts are equally well represented across Hong Kong’s educational institutions, each aiming to bolster the city’s home-grown talents and equip young creatives... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3304729/how-hong-kong-universities-are-shaping-future-arts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3304729/how-hong-kong-universities-are-shaping-future-arts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:15:07 +0000 Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard A study conducted by the University of Cambridge in 2013 concluded that financial habits are established in children by the age of seven. Over time, these habits can become ingrained and carry into our adult lives. The researchers argued for making financial education an essential component of the British national curriculum. While the Cambridge research is firmly rooted in British contexts, there are lessons for children across the world. Murray Forest, Western co-principal of primary at Yew... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3298938/how-international-schools-are-preparing-students-make-right-financial-decisions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3298938/how-international-schools-are-preparing-students-make-right-financial-decisions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Feb 2025 04:25:08 +0000 The challenges of education on mental health in younger students are well documented – both societal and academic pressures. Research from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) concludes that the suicide rate among 15- to 24-year-olds doubled between 2014 and 2022. This rate stands as one of the highest in the developing world. But it’s not just younger students who experience mental health difficulties. According to Mind HK,... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3293113/how-hong-kong-universities-are-tackling-rising-mental-health-challenges-among-students-help-ai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3293113/how-hong-kong-universities-are-tackling-rising-mental-health-challenges-among-students-help-ai?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jan 2025 04:52:02 +0000 Hong Kong’s international schools have much to be proud of – from their world-leading academic achievements to their reputation around the world. But outside academia, schools across the city are finding other causes for celebration. In recent years many of the city’s schools have been turning their attention to charitable endeavours and giving back to their local communities. Hong Kong International School (HKIS) is one such institution. “We aim to learn, listen, connect, empower and serve as... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3291214/how-hong-kong-schools-are-going-beyond-academics-help-students-cultivate-charitable-spirit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3291214/how-hong-kong-schools-are-going-beyond-academics-help-students-cultivate-charitable-spirit?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:00:11 +0000 In Hong Kong, sex education in schools has long been considered an awkward subject and it has come to the fore again in recent months as new guidance for Hong Kong’s educational institutions has courted controversy. Teaching materials released in August for Secondary Year 3 students – aged 14 to 15 – promote an approach centred on abstinence to encourage a reduction in the negative consequences of premarital sex. The guidance suggests a range of activities to which young people can turn to... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3284604/why-hong-kongs-new-sex-education-guidance-so-controversial-advocates-urge-improvement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3284604/why-hong-kongs-new-sex-education-guidance-so-controversial-advocates-urge-improvement?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Oct 2024 23:00:10 +0000 In a city as vibrant and fast-paced as Macau, the hungry need not look far to find a fine dining institution worthy of a visit. The city’s leading restaurants are known for their high quality produce and innovative twists on classic cuisines. Now, increasingly, attention is being paid to sustainability – no easy feat in a territory that, by necessity, imports most of its ingredients and where much hospitality is focused on clients expecting only the very best. In one sense at least, local... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3279881/macaus-opulent-fine-dining-scene-using-ai-tackle-sustainability-how-restaurants-galaxy-macau-sands?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3279881/macaus-opulent-fine-dining-scene-using-ai-tackle-sustainability-how-restaurants-galaxy-macau-sands?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:00:09 +0000 Recent months have seen the value of diamonds become the subject of much interrogation, with the emergence – and relative popularity – of lab-grown gems, and a broader decline in luxury spending the key factors weighing heavily on the industry. In February, De Beers CEO Al Cook acknowledged that the brand had built up a diamond inventory worth around US$2 billion. This excess of supply led to a halt in production and on April 23, the diamond specialists announced a reduction in global output to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/jewellery/article/3274570/why-jewellery-industry-isnt-giving-natural-diamonds-heritage-brands-trade-rarity-real-stones-demand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/jewellery/article/3274570/why-jewellery-industry-isnt-giving-natural-diamonds-heritage-brands-trade-rarity-real-stones-demand?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Aug 2024 03:00:10 +0000 When notable achievements and successes from schools come to mind – particularly at the end of an academic year and with the release of exam results – academics often form the focal point of conversations. Such a focus is understandable, with three Hong Kong schools among the top 10 International Baccalaureate schools in the world. But while academic successes are evident across the city, they are by no means the only cause for celebration. From pursuing sporting accolades, to harnessing the... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3269119/esfs-hong-kong-students-excel-academics-technology-and-social-causes-spotlight-star-students-ava?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3269119/esfs-hong-kong-students-excel-academics-technology-and-social-causes-spotlight-star-students-ava?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jul 2024 03:00:09 +0000 A recent survey on social and emotional support for children with special educational needs (SEN) adapting to primary school – conducted by the Hong Kong Christian Service – found that the number of SEN primary and secondary students in Hong Kong has doubled over the past decade to reach nearly 60,000. In 2023-24, total government expenditure on education was around HK$114.7 billion – an estimated 15.1 per cent of total government spending for the financial year. But have the city’s SEN... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3257989/special-education-20?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3257989/special-education-20?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 May 2024 03:00:12 +0000 International school applications can vary from place to place, but there are long-held beliefs about the process which can cause stress to both prospective students and parents. It would be misleading to say that the admissions process at an international school is always straightforward. Sometimes these steps are easily navigable and the necessary information well signposted – but that’s not always the case. And it does not help that the situation varies from school to school and that there... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3244591/admission-international-schools-how-parents-can-avoid-stress-getting-familiar-policies-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3244591/admission-international-schools-how-parents-can-avoid-stress-getting-familiar-policies-and?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jan 2024 03:00:16 +0000 Life has long imitated art, but in the realm of high jewellery, the reverse is equally true. For decades, the world’s most beautiful natural wonders have inspired high jewellery designs, from vibrant floral blooms to striking exotic animals. But the jewels themselves can lend inspiration to designs as well. “We find inspiration for our high jewellery in the stones themselves,” explains Jonathan Abram, brand director at Ronald Abram. He describes the jeweller as a “stone-led design house” that... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/jewellery/article/3245811/top-high-jewellery-maisons-cant-shake-their-fascination-nature-guccis-four-seasons-and-graffs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/jewellery/article/3245811/top-high-jewellery-maisons-cant-shake-their-fascination-nature-guccis-four-seasons-and-graffs?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Dec 2023 08:00:14 +0000 In recent years, schools have placed a steadily growing emphasis on whole-child approaches to education, moving beyond conventional academic marks of success and towards a deeper understanding of social and emotional growth and wider well-being. With children spending up to 20 per cent of their lives at school in any given year, the impact of an institution’s approach to well-being on students is palpable. “Schools play a significant role in promoting positive mental health and addressing mental... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3243095/mental-health-matters-factors-essential-students-well-being-include-supportive-teachers-caring-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3243095/mental-health-matters-factors-essential-students-well-being-include-supportive-teachers-caring-home?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Dec 2023 02:00:12 +0000 There’s a time and a place for understated accessories, but high jewellery offers an alternative: the chance to make a statement. “More than ever, jewellery is a way of making a statement about your personal style,” says Céline Assimon, CEO of De Beers Jewellers. And how to shout that the loudest? “When you wear a diamond cuff – unlike when you wear earrings or a necklace – you can see it on your wrist. You can touch it and feel its power and protection,” she adds. “Cuff creations have indeed... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/jewellery/article/3245600/cuffs-bracelets-and-bangles-offer-maximalist-style-statement-high-jewellery-artists-de-beers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/jewellery/article/3245600/cuffs-bracelets-and-bangles-offer-maximalist-style-statement-high-jewellery-artists-de-beers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Dec 2023 07:00:17 +0000 After a long and drawn-out pandemic period, talk of Hong Kong’s resurgence has ballooned into a full-fledged choral celebration, with upbeat voices echoing across several of the city’s business sectors. And they could not come soon enough: the city’s economy contracted by 6.1 per cent in 2020, according to a report by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. But better forecasts are finally on the horizon, and the International Monetary Foundation predicts GDP growth of up to 3. 5 per cent for 2023-24.... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3225147/inside-hong-kongs-sudden-hunger-art-and-culture-2023-record-auction-sales-teamlabs-first?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3225147/inside-hong-kongs-sudden-hunger-art-and-culture-2023-record-auction-sales-teamlabs-first?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jun 2023 08:01:01 +0000 Israel may not be the first place that springs to mind when considering wine-producing regions, given that 60 per cent of its land is classified as desert. But its limestone and volcanic soil, coupled with mountainous terrain and a Mediterranean climate, make for an ideal environment for winemakers. Throw in Israel’s status as a leading hub for agricultural innovation and its widespread use of drip-feed irrigation, and its burgeoning wine industry becomes more obvious. So is renewed interest in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3221673/inside-israels-long-history-winemaking-middle-eastern-dna-found-every-european-grape-rothschilds-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3221673/inside-israels-long-history-winemaking-middle-eastern-dna-found-every-european-grape-rothschilds-new?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 May 2023 09:05:56 +0000 With a recent string of successful live events under its belt – from Clockenflap to Art Basel to the Rugby Sevens – Hong Kong’s tourist trade is alive and well, and so too are its luxury hotels. In the era of “revenge travel”, a unique experience in opulent surroundings has become all the more appealing so here are Hong Kong’s most luxurious hotel suites. Read on to find out where you should check into on your next visit for a truly sumptuous stay. 1. André Fu Suite, The Upper House Where: The... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3215972/hong-kongs-8-most-luxurious-hotel-suites-ever-grand-hyatts-presidential-suite-ritz-carlton-suite?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3215972/hong-kongs-8-most-luxurious-hotel-suites-ever-grand-hyatts-presidential-suite-ritz-carlton-suite?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Apr 2023 02:00:17 +0000 Building any sustainable venture in Hong Kong is hard – green initiatives don’t come easy in one of the world’s most densely populated metropolises. Despite the difficulties, chef and owner of Mono, Ricardo Chaneton, refuses to compromise on his vision for a more environmentally friendly F&B industry. The recipient of the Sustainability Hero award for 2023 in 100 Top Tables, South China Morning Post’s annual fine dining guide for Hong Kong and Macau, Mono is a Latin-American restaurant located... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/100-top-tables/article/3215245/how-mono-championing-eco-conscious-dining-hong-kong-ricardo-chanetons-latin-american-restaurant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/100-top-tables/article/3215245/how-mono-championing-eco-conscious-dining-hong-kong-ricardo-chanetons-latin-american-restaurant?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Mar 2023 08:10:59 +0000 Hong Kong’s cultural landscape might have suffered a muted few years, but despite the odds, the art world has proved surprisingly resilient. Quick to adjust to the changing world, Art Basel launched online viewing rooms in 2020 with its first digital-only fair, followed a year later with a hybrid format which attracted the support of both international galleries and spectators. This year, the annual art extravaganza returns with its biggest instalment since 2019, set once again across two floors... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3213752/everything-you-need-know-about-art-basel-hong-kong-2023-cultural-extravaganza-returns-hkcec-its?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3213752/everything-you-need-know-about-art-basel-hong-kong-2023-cultural-extravaganza-returns-hkcec-its?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Mar 2023 02:30:10 +0000 Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard “I guess when I started it wasn’t as front-page news and it was a bit slow, then Beeple went boom and it started exploding.” Szabotage – a contemporary and street artist and designer who has seen his own success in NFT art – is referring to the record-breaking sale of Beeple’s NFT artwork Everydays: The First 5000 Days for US$69 million in 2021. The sale spearheaded a movement and interest in digital art, which was driven by an entirely new generation of art consumers. But since the landmark... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3213750/whats-next-nft-art-despite-beeples-record-breaking-sale-crypto-scams-and-volatility-slowed-down?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3213750/whats-next-nft-art-despite-beeples-record-breaking-sale-crypto-scams-and-volatility-slowed-down?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:21 +0000 Hong Kong’s creative community has never been without a fighting spirit, and in recent years, it has needed one – pandemic-related restrictions kept creatives apart, making collaborations all the more difficult. “Collaboration is key when it comes to what we do,” reiterates Maria Wong, managing director of street art festival HKwalls. “It’s important to identify the right partners to spark ideas with.” Wong is a curator and arts producer who has brought the city’s streets to life. Each... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3213109/inside-soho-house-hong-kong-artsy-members-club-hosting-street-art-festival-hkwalls-2023-again-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3213109/inside-soho-house-hong-kong-artsy-members-club-hosting-street-art-festival-hkwalls-2023-again-and?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:00:13 +0000 March is proving to be mayhem for events in Hong Kong, with the recent successes of events including Clockenflap and the Hong Kong Arts Festival earlier in the month, and the hot-ticketed Rugby Sevens tournament taking place at the end of this month. And with Art Basel’s 2023 iteration promising bigger names, more galleries and a whole host of new offerings, it may come as no surprise that the rest of the city is following suit. Here’s our pick of the biggest and best cultural events hitting... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3212666/beyond-art-basel-11-best-cultural-events-hong-kong-month-coco-chanel-ballet-and-ms-yayoi-kusama?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3212666/beyond-art-basel-11-best-cultural-events-hong-kong-month-coco-chanel-ballet-and-ms-yayoi-kusama?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:00:15 +0000 A top-notch sound system is the essential base of any audiophile’s home decor choices. Today’s luxury speaker systems are works of art in their own right, encasing state-of-the-art technology in striking designs, often with a price point to match. Here are some of the world’s most sought after luxury speakers. Wilson Audio Alexx V Wilson Audio’s reputation has been more than 50 years in the making. Ever since the arrival of the WAMM (Wilson Audio Modular Monitor) – the world’s first commercial... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/3207766/4-most-beautifully-designed-speakers-money-can-buy-bang-olufsens-beolab-90-kef-blade-one-meta-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/3207766/4-most-beautifully-designed-speakers-money-can-buy-bang-olufsens-beolab-90-kef-blade-one-meta-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:00:17 +0000 Read more of SCMP’s Good Schools Guide “Mental health and education are interrelated – because in order to do well, students must be well,” says My Thanh Mac, department head and upper school guidance counsellor at Canadian International School (CDNIS) in Aberdeen. The derogatory “snowflake” tag unfairly dogs members of our younger generations. A certain generation of old-school adults still think mental health issues are largely imaginary, that if youngsters just knuckled down and get on with... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3203283/how-international-schools-hong-kong-met-challenges-ensuring-students-mental-safety-through-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3203283/how-international-schools-hong-kong-met-challenges-ensuring-students-mental-safety-through-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Jan 2023 03:00:16 +0000 “I’ve always had a passion and curiosity for food,” says Barry Quek, head chef at Whey in Hong Kong, a contemporary European fine dining restaurant infused with proudly Singaporean influences. Born and raised in the Lion City, Quek cut his teeth at some of the world’s most notable fine dining restaurants, spending time at Singapore outposts of French banner names Joël Robuchon and Les Amis. In the years since, Quek earned a legion of loyal fans across Hong Kong with Beet, a deceptively simple... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3205067/inside-chef-barry-queks-culinary-vision-whey-hong-kong-contemporary-european-fine-dining-restaurant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3205067/inside-chef-barry-queks-culinary-vision-whey-hong-kong-contemporary-european-fine-dining-restaurant?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:16 +0000 Christmas, a time of giving, gathering and joy, right? Not, sadly, for everyone – a recent YouGov survey found that 26 per cent of those polled said Christmas made their mental health worse. So at a time when the masses are eating, drinking and merrymaking, what’s causing concern for so many? “We are expected to be excited about Christmas, socialise more and have family dinners – and the complicated mission of getting the right gifts. It’s not surprising that Christmas can be a time of dread for... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/3203565/how-manage-stress-and-your-mental-health-christmas-cooking-festive-dinner-shopping-gifts-and-going?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/3203565/how-manage-stress-and-your-mental-health-christmas-cooking-festive-dinner-shopping-gifts-and-going?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Dec 2022 00:00:15 +0000 Life in Hong Kong can be hectic at the best of times, with most of us running a mile a minute without time for pause. But as the year draws to a close and offers moments for reflection, it can be a good opportunity to set some time aside to give back to those in need. There are always those less fortunate than ourselves, and the city is home to a host of charities in need of volunteers. So whether you’re looking to get your hands dirty, get out and active or even to learn a new skill, there’s a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202678/5-hong-kong-charities-still-need-volunteers-christmas-teaching-domestic-workers-and-collecting-food?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202678/5-hong-kong-charities-still-need-volunteers-christmas-teaching-domestic-workers-and-collecting-food?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Dec 2022 01:00:12 +0000 It has been a veritable roller coaster, with peaks and troughs for us all, but whether you’re looking to celebrate a year well spent or setting your sights on a better one ahead, one thing is for sure: everyone is ready for a party. And while we’re ready to party hard, these Hong Kong wine and dine institutions are on hand to give 2022 a send-off to remember. 1. Aqua With its sights firmly fixed on a brighter year ahead, Aqua’s Welcome to the Future New Year’s Eve party begins with a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3202660/sip-sip-hooray-where-celebrate-new-year-hong-kong-6-best-places-book-rosewoods-michelin-starred?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3202660/sip-sip-hooray-where-celebrate-new-year-hong-kong-6-best-places-book-rosewoods-michelin-starred?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Dec 2022 06:00:09 +0000 Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard With the nights getting longer, the temperature dropping, and red and green adornments found around seemingly every corner, it can only mean one thing – Christmas is roaring to life in Hong Kong … and invading our public spaces. The lights, tinsel and festive garb are in full swing across the city’s shopping malls. Here’s our pick of glittering installations to check out – all currently on display and in place throughout the entire month of December. 1. Mrs Claus Bakery at Landmark Santa isn’t... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202559/where-see-christmas-decorations-hong-kong-8-best-festive-mall-displays-cantopop-star-serrinis-times?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202559/where-see-christmas-decorations-hong-kong-8-best-festive-mall-displays-cantopop-star-serrinis-times?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Dec 2022 04:00:11 +0000 This year’s winter events leave culture vultures spoiled for choice – from Disneyland to immersive productions and an outdoor cinema, here’s where to go and get in the joyous spirit. 1. The Nutcracker When: December 16-31 Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre How much: HK$180 to HK$1,200 A stalwart of festive performances in Hong Kong (and everywhere else) The Nutcracker returns this year with quintessential nods to its host city – think waltzing Bauhinia flowers, a bamboo forest and the like. This... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3201855/11-festive-hong-kong-events-christmas-2022-hong-kong-disneylands-greatest-show-and-longines-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3201855/11-festive-hong-kong-events-christmas-2022-hong-kong-disneylands-greatest-show-and-longines-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Dec 2022 00:00:24 +0000 Hollywood is awash with glitz and glamour, only heightened by the ornate high jewellery with its dazzling diamonds and other precious gemstones. Perhaps the most famous association between the silver screen and the world of high jewellery was established in 1961 with the release of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Audrey Hepburn wore the now-iconic Tiffany Diamond in the film’s promotional images, the 128.54-carat yellow diamond set into a necklace. Hepburn is one of just four women to have worn the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3201389/how-high-jewellery-became-permanent-fixture-hollywood-beyonce-and-lady-gaga-have-worn-audrey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3201389/how-high-jewellery-became-permanent-fixture-hollywood-beyonce-and-lady-gaga-have-worn-audrey?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:19:42 +0000 You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who’s left feeling disappointed at the sight of a traditional chocolate-filled advent calendar, but in recent years, a legion of luxury crafts makers have gone above and beyond, putting an altogether more indulgent spin on the Christmas classic. Get ready for some of the most luxurious advent calendars money can buy … 1. Ingle & Rhode Advent Calendar Purveyors of ethical fine jewellery, Ingle & Rhode have carefully curated 25 shimmering treats for its... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3200993/6-ott-luxury-advent-calendars-worth-every-penny-christmas-ingle-rhodes-us29750-jewellery-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3200993/6-ott-luxury-advent-calendars-worth-every-penny-christmas-ingle-rhodes-us29750-jewellery-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Nov 2022 00:00:10 +0000 Fantasy film and television has long drawn in loyal fan bases, from Trekkies (Star Trek) to Potterheads (Harry Potter) and, more recently, Thronies. And those looking to truly immerse themselves in the whim and wonder of their favourite fantasy realms have travelled near and far to immerse themselves deeper in the stories. According to a report compiled by the Travelstart Competitive Index, in 2018 more than 80 million people cited films and television series as a key factor influencing their... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3198027/how-game-thrones-prequel-set-boost-spains-tourism-house-dragon-had-scenes-filmed-caceres-home-unesco?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3198027/how-game-thrones-prequel-set-boost-spains-tourism-house-dragon-had-scenes-filmed-caceres-home-unesco?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Nov 2022 10:50:32 +0000 It once would have been seen as a compliment for any English sparkling wine to be compared to its better-known counterparts in Champagne. But in recent years, British grapes have even been beating their French rivals in blind tastings. “It used to be seen as a cottage industry,” said Brad Greatrix, senior winemaker at Nyetimber, recalling the humble origins of English sparkling wine – which has undergone something of a reputation overhaul in recent years. The reasons for this, Greatrix explains,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3195694/could-english-sparkling-wine-ever-dethrone-champagne?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3195694/could-english-sparkling-wine-ever-dethrone-champagne?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Oct 2022 08:57:12 +0000 “I’ve wanted to be a chef since day one, and I have never thought about going into another career path.” With more than two decades in the industry and two restaurants on the name-making 50 Best list, Vicky Cheng’s career speaks for itself. “As a young chef, the moment Vea was recognised as one-Michelin-starred, that was one of my biggest career milestones,” says Cheng. Today, the 37-year-old chef helms Michelin-starred Vea, along with Wing, a more recent addition to Hong Kong’s fine dining... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3195547/inside-michelin-starred-chef-vicky-chengs-cooking-secrets?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3195547/inside-michelin-starred-chef-vicky-chengs-cooking-secrets?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:27:30 +0000 Hollywood’s biggest names aren’t just earning their pay cheques from the box office these days – many of them have founded their own beauty or wellness brands. And while some celebrities, including the likes of Travis Barker and Kate Moss, may be recent converts to the world of wellness, others have already turned their side hustles into successful multimillion-dollar businesses. But just who is raking in the most cash? 5. Miranda Kerr: Kora Organics, valuation unknown She’s best known as a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3195429/5-most-successful-celebrity-backed-wellness-brands-ranked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3195429/5-most-successful-celebrity-backed-wellness-brands-ranked?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:00:15 +0000 It’s a dish that stems from humble origins, though its name does little to stoke an appetite. Mapo tofu is said to have originated in Chengdu in the late 1800s. Ma translates to “pockmarks”, while po refers to an older woman. Together these reference the dish’s inventor, Mrs Chen, an elderly woman with smallpox scars. As the story has been retold over the years, this remark is remembered as something of an endearing nickname. Whether that’s true or not, Mrs Chen was revered for the dish, and her... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3195193/what-mapo-tofu-and-where-did-it-get-its-ugly-name-top-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3195193/what-mapo-tofu-and-where-did-it-get-its-ugly-name-top-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Oct 2022 01:00:14 +0000 With the long-awaited news of quarantine-free travel when returning to Hong Kong, many people in the city are in search of travel inspiration – and fast. Here are five hotel openings offering travellers a luxurious city break within a few hours’ flight from “Asia’s world city”. 9 luxury hotels owned by celebrities, from Liz Hurley to Leonardo DiCaprio 1. Park Hyatt Jakarta Park Hyatt Jakarta opened its doors in July of this year, marking the brand’s debut in Indonesia. The hotel occupies 17... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3194687/5-asias-best-new-luxury-hotels-bulgari-hotel-tokyo-rosewood?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3194687/5-asias-best-new-luxury-hotels-bulgari-hotel-tokyo-rosewood?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:00:14 +0000 Everyone spoils their kids now and then. Still, when money is no object, the choice of gifts can run pretty special. Just check out these choice items, all common enough presents but transformed in the hands of artisans and jewellers into dazzling rarities that celebrate the heights of imagination and craftsmanship. 1. Stevenson Brothers Crystal Zebra rocking horse It’s been a staple of many children’s rooms since Victorian times, but the rocking horse’s roots date back to the Middle Ages and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3192144/4-luxury-toys-kid-who-has-it-all-hermes-bag-wheels-mini?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3192144/4-luxury-toys-kid-who-has-it-all-hermes-bag-wheels-mini?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:00:19 +0000 Since the pandemic, the luxury hotel industry has embraced an expanded definition of wellness, integrating it into all aspects of guests’ stays, from interior design to spa offerings and a roster of dedicated wellness programmes designed to promote a healthy body and mind. Read on to discover some of Asia’s newest high-end hotels with a focus on wellness. 1. Anantara Ubud, Bali With just 66 guest rooms and villas, this intimate sanctuary is nestled in Ubud’s verdant rainforest. It lies in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3190893/5-best-new-luxury-wellness-hotels-visit-asia-six-senses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3190893/5-best-new-luxury-wellness-hotels-visit-asia-six-senses?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Sep 2022 01:00:32 +0000 Known for his roles in films such as Ride Along, Scary Movie 3 and Think Like a Man, actor and comedian Kevin Hart is one of Hollywood’s biggest names. But he’s also been gaining attention over the years for an altogether different reason. Hart boasts a jaw-dropping luxury watch collection, which includes everything from a limited-edition Royal Oak to a diamond and ruby-embellished Rolex. Let’s take a look at some of his most impressive timepieces. 1. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph – up... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3189891/inside-kevin-harts-blinging-luxury-watch-collection-rolex?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3189891/inside-kevin-harts-blinging-luxury-watch-collection-rolex?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:00:22 +0000 The Lion State has a well-earned reputation among international tourists that centres around its culinary offerings. But in recent years, travellers have been flocking to the city for an altogether different experience. From a ‘‘fun run” in 1982 that saw 8,000 participants, the Singapore Marathon – now known as the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon – has grown to become Southeast Asia’s largest. The 2019 instalment – the last held in-person due to the Covid-19 outbreak – drew 50,000 runners... https://www.scmp.com/country-reports/country-reports/topics/singapore-national-day-2022/article/3188079/singapore-grand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/country-reports/country-reports/topics/singapore-national-day-2022/article/3188079/singapore-grand?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Aug 2022 10:00:17 +0000 What: Aurora Diamante How much: US$1.47 million approx Why: There are certain objects that carry a symbolism that far exceeds their material purpose. A fountain pen is one such item. Once a status symbol for working professionals, its quality was not only seen in the product itself, but also in its users’ resultant penmanship. Aurora, Italy’s first fountain pen company, was founded in 1919 in Turin by textile manufacturer Isaia Levi. The brand’s name, evoking the Roman goddess of the dawn, was... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3187292/yes-aurora-diamante-fountain-pen-costs-us147-million-heres?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3187292/yes-aurora-diamante-fountain-pen-costs-us147-million-heres?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:30:10 +0000 After many months – or often, a couple of years – of cancelled holidays and rescheduled travel plans, the tourism industry is slowly regaining momentum. But that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily returning to the way it once looked. The first trip overseas in the post-pandemic era is serious cause for celebration, and for many, that warrants planning an experience out of the ordinary. Rather than Michelin-starred meals and shopping in the world’s busiest cities, we yearn for far-flung adventures,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3186875/why-luxury-travellers-are-getting-close-nature-five?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3186875/why-luxury-travellers-are-getting-close-nature-five?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Jul 2022 06:43:10 +0000 Actor, rapper and businessman, Mark Wahlberg has been making headlines since his debut in the 1990s. But it’s not just his performances or his business acumen catching people’s attention – the 51-year-old is also known for sporting one of Hollywood’s most enviable luxury watch collections. We take a look at his most highly coveted timepieces. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow 116595RBOW One of the most recognisable and eye-catching of the Daytonas, this timepiece boasts 36 baguette-cut sapphires... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3184067/inside-mark-wahlbergs-blinging-luxury-watch-collection?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3184067/inside-mark-wahlbergs-blinging-luxury-watch-collection?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Jul 2022 16:10:20 +0000