GBA Lifestyle News
No matter how many times they roll around, Hong Kong’s blistering, sweaty summers never seem to get any easier to deal with. Not to worry — we’ve rounded up a few suggestions that might help you keep your cool.
Summer’s the best time to make use of Hong Kong’s handful of ice rinks. Pay a visit to Cityplaza Ice Palace. The only ice rink on Hong Kong Island was one of the first to open in the city and boasts facilities fit to host international championships and performances. No wonder its design has inspired those of other rinks throughout the region. Even if you’re an ice skating noob, falling on your butt on the nice cold ice definitely beats sweating outdoors.
Cityplaza Ice Palace, 1/F, Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Rd, Taikoo Shing, Tai Koo, 2844-8688.
If you’ve ever wanted to gently mist your skin with sub-zero nitrogen gas, book yourself in at Polaris Wellness Centre, Hong Kong’s only cryotherapy center. Choose among three different treatments: whole body cryotherapy, localized cryotherapy, or a cryo-facial. The first involves stepping into a cryosauna, where your entire body except for your head is exposed to -90°C to -140°C dry nitrogen gas for up to three minutes. The latter two involve applying the gas to targeted areas of skin. Oh, and the treatment is supposed to boost collagen production, strengthen your immune system, and improve your blood circulation, among plenty other effects. Hey, if it’s good enough for Demi Moore and Daniel Craig, maybe it’s good enough for us.
Polaris Wellness Centre, 2/F, Wing’s Building, 110 Queen’s Road Central, 2167-7218.
Nothing lowers the body’s temperature quite like an ice-cold snack. Shaved ice is a delicious option, and it’s fun to share, to boot. A tried-and-true favorite is Japanese joint Shari Shari Kakigori House, which offers a dizzying array of shaved ice flavors and toppings, from mochi and panna cotta to crushed cookies and even roasted soybean flour. Try one of their best-selling flavors such as earl grey milk tea or strawberry special.
Shari Shari Kakigori House, G/F, 14 Haven Street, Causeway Bay, 2529-1223.
Sometimes the only solution for a swelteringly hot day is good ol’ A/C. Hong Kong has no shortage of indoor spaces blasting freezing cold air, from restaurants to shopping malls. But if you want to maximize your time sitting around enjoying the cold, why not do so with a good movie and some gourmet snacks? Emperor Cinemas has both, with plush reclining seats and classy cocktails to match.
Emperor Cinemas, multiple locations including 3-4/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2522-2996.
Margaritas, daiquiris, mojitos, and pina coladas are all well and good, but the Italians are onto something with the aperol spritz, a light, bubbly cocktail that blends bitter and sweet through the use of the Italian aperitif and Prosecco. Grab a glass at buzzing Italian wine bar Stazione Novella in Soho. There’s an array of other Prosecco and Campari-based drinks on the menu, too.
Stazione Novella, 52-56 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central, 2559-0559.
There’s no shortage of beaches, rivers, and island getaways in Hong Kong, but if you’re searching for a stunning locale that’s a little more off the beaten track, trek on over to Sheung Luk stream. Sure, it might require a bit of a hike, but working up a sweat is sure to make the water feel even better. (If you’re not up for hiking, you can always bus, minibus, cab or speedboat over, with a few minutes’ walk afterwards.) The stream boasts deep river pools, spectacular waterfalls, and dizzying cliffside drops surrounded by dense forest.
Sheung Luk stream, Sai Kung East Country Park, Sai Kung
