With its effervescent street life and non-stop bustle, Hong Kong’s doesn’t at first seem the most serene of cities. But beyond the hustle there are plenty of spiritual sanctuaries, feel-good eateries and nature escapes waiting to be explored. Here are the tiptop wellness spots across the city.
EAT & DRINK
LockCha Tea House
A far cry from the raucous hustle of many tea houses, this elegant, lattice-screened retreat, set amid the lush greenery of Hong Kong Park, is the perfect spot to unwind with a soothing cup of cha. There’s an array of tastings and demonstrations, alongside a menu of light and flavoursome veggie dim sum.
G/F, KS Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, 10 Cotton Tree Dr, Admiralty, +85228017177, lockcha.com/teahouse
Grassroots Pantry
Even the most ardent carnivores will be satisfied with the fresh, meat-free morsels plated up at this light-filled, contemporary-rustic eatery. Its innovative, sustainable and organic menu takes its cues from Asian cuisine, offering dishes as diverse as macro tsukemondo donburi to popcorn chicken, plus a wide range of fresh juices and teas. Great brekkie spot.
108 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan. +852 2873 3353, grassrootspantry.com
Mana! Fast Slow Food
A champion of sustainability before it became fashionable, Mana! is the pioneer of raw-ganic, vegetarian and vegan food in HK. Join the green queens flocking to the petitie, buzzy Soho eatery – if the scrumptious veggie burgers, filling-topped zaatar flats or revitalising healthy shakes don’t tickle your tastebuds, the sinfully sweet desserts including the gooey coconut cake surely will. Seating inside is tight; head to the flora-bedecked courtyard when weather permits.
92 Wellington St, Central (takeaway counter on the opposite side of the road plus second Mana! Café in Poho) +852 2851 1611, mana.hk
12 Noon
Whether you’re looking for a healthy pitstop or just want to grab your lunch to-go, this centrally located counter is on-hand with an array of replenishing cold-pressed juices and wholesome pre-prepped meals to keep you powered up through the day. You’ll find a range of hot and cold dishes, from soba noodle and quinoa salads to flavour-packed chicken nasi goreng wraps and veggie nuggets. Start the day with one of their excellent breakfast sets complete with invigorating booster shots.
Shop G7, Nan Fung Pl, 173 Des Voeux Rd, Central, +852 2890 9848, twelvenoon.net
HEALTH & FITNESS
HealthWise (Chinese Medicine)
Locals and visitors alike swear by ancient Chinese medicine to remedy all manner of health concerns, and Troy Sing is the go-to for TCM and acupuncture. Alongside the medical clinic, there’s a range of treatments that will help you feel better inside and out, be it acupressure or cupping to relieve muscle tension, the circulation-boosting gua sha scraping or a visage-enhancing Qi facial.
Prosperous Bldg, 48-52 Des Voeux Rd, Central. +85225267908, chinesemed.hk
Flex Studios
Perfect your downward dog at the sleekest studios in town; Flex has two island-side locations, offering Pilates and yoga (including pre- and post-natal), Xtend Barre and kiddie sessions, plus a range of HIIT and strength classes. Sessions, led by some of the city’s top instructors, are open to all levels of experience.
3/F, Man Cheung Bldg, 15-17 Wyndham St, Central, +852 2813 2399 (second branch at One Island South, Wong Chuk Hang), flexhk.com
Reviv
Boost your wellbeing with an instant pick-me-up at Reviv, whose re-energising treatments work to counteract all-manner of big-city ailments. Not for the faint of heart (if you’re a nervous Nelly around needles, this ain’t for you), the IM Booster Shots claim to offer wide-ranging benefits such as increased hydration, vitamin and antioxidant restoration, plus longer-lasting energy. Book a session at the clinic’s chic, light-filled digs to try for yourself.
Rm 2202, 1 Duddell St, Central. +852 2530 9882, revivme.com/hong-kong
EXPLORE
Chi Lin Nunnery
Pause for a moment (or afternoon) at this tranquil, 1930s-built, Tang-style Buddhist nunnery, constructed entirely from intricately interlocking wood. Next door is the lotus pond-dotted Nan Lian Garden, a scenic manicured patch backdropped by the towering high-rises of surrounding Diamond Hill. Better still, onsite restaurant Chi Lin Vegetarian offers some of the tastiest plant-based plates in all of Hong Kong.
60 Fung Tak Rd, Diamond Hill, Kowloon. +852 2354 1888, nanliangarden.org
Hong Kong Botanical Gardens
This sprawling green lung located smack-bang in the middle of Central is a great place to get reacquainted with nature amid the skyscrapers. Originally the site of a c.19th British army garrison, ignore the animal enclosures and instead totter along the heritage trail, which leads you past several colonial-era buildings. Peek inside the botanical-filled greenhouse and take the kiddies for a spin in the rainbow-hued playground, or simply relax on the grass by the fountain.
Albany Rd, Central.
Hiking
Around 40 percent of Hong Kong is natural parkland, criss-crossed with hiking trails, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Among the island’s best is the gentle, family-friendly Tai Tam Reservoir nature walk; local favourite the Morning Trail, a view-tastic wind up to Victoria Peak, and the glute-busting Twins. Farther afield, Sai Kung is home to the famous Maclehose Trail; a 100km-long roller coaster through the region’s most rugged terrain, while Lantau Island’s Lantau Peak Trail offers unrivalled panoramas from HK’s second-highest summit, before a descent into charming Ngong Ping Village. Take your pick!
hiking.gov.hk
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This article is produced by LUXE City Guides. Cigna makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of the content of the article.
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