Hong Kong’s vibrant Wan Chai district offers a plethora of wellness options and green spaces where the business traveller can relax the body and mind
It’s hard to believe that the hustle and bustle of the city is right below me. All around is green and serene: birds are singing, insects are chirping, and a light wind whooshes through the trees.
Here on Bowen Road you’ll meet a motley crew of locals and tourists alike. Dog walkers, ultra-fit long-distance runners and cheerful badminton-playing seniors all come here for some respite from the stresses of everyday life in the city below.
Earlier this morning at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong where I am staying, I had taken an 8am poolside Tai-Chi class of my own with Tai-Chi Master William Ng, before enjoying my power breakfast with homemade yoghurt and organic fresh fruits. I then strapped on my most comfortable pair of trainers and hopped in a cab to Hopewell Centre, just 15 minutes away. A leisurely walk eventually takes me up to Bowen Road, where I am rewarded with the familiar, calming sight of people practicing Tai-Chi. My morning feels so complete.
Inspired by my tranquil surroundings, I decide to continue my walk all the way up to Stubbs Road Lookout, where you can get a stunning view of Wan Chai district.
Returning to my hotel, I enjoy a rejuvenating shower and head to the in-house One Harbour Road restaurant for a well-earned lunch. After exercising, I don’t feel like having a heavy, meat-filled dish, so am thrilled to see that the restaurant has launched new vegan menu options that include plant-based meat alternatives and fresh, organic ingredients.
After lunch and my morning hike, I want to spend most of my afternoon sitting down. Therefore, I decide to head over to Johnston Road, a short walk from the Grand Hyatt, where I hop on the first tram (known locally as a “ding ding”) I spot, grabbing a seat upstairs at the front. From here, I’m afforded fantastic views of the city and can snap all the photos I please from the comfort of my seat.
I ride the tram all the way to Causeway Bay, a veritable shopping paradise – but wellness is the focus of my day, so I forego the shops and board the tram back to Wan Chai. Straight off the tram, I spy a Chinese herbal tea shop on the corner of Spring Garden Lane and gulp down a bitter-but-delicious healthy herbal tea, before taking an easy stroll to Stone Nullah Lane, where I admire the famous Blue House.
As evening begins to approach, I saunter back to my hotel and retire to the Club Lounge on the 30th floor, where I’m able to enjoy evening cocktails and canapes, all while drinking in the unobstructed views of the Harbour. I see the Star Ferry making its regular journey across Victoria Harbour – of which my room at the Grand Hyatt also has a view – over to Kowloon. This part of Hong Kong is well-worth exploring, but I’ll do it another day.
After an eventful day, I retire to my harbourview room, select my favourite pillow from the Grand Hyatt’s pillow menu, and fall into a deep, restful sleep.
Tel: +852 2588 1234
hongkong.grand.hyatt.com
