Art Basel Hong Kong: After Dark

See

Hong Kong’s 24-storey vertical art space H Queen’s is home to eight world-class international and local galleries, making it a must-visit for any serious collector (particularly if you have a penchant for large-scale installations). The gallery roster includes David Swirner, Galerie Ora-Ora, Hauser & Wirth, Pace Gallery, Pearl Lam Galleries and Tang Contemporary Art.

For a classic Hong Kong experience, book a cruise on iconic red sail junket boat, Aqua Luna. Guests cruise Victoria Harbour inside the luxuriously hand-crafted vessel with prime views of the Symphony of Lights show and finish the night with a 10-course Northern Chinese dinner at harbour-side restaurant Hutong.

Eat

With 81 restaurants awarded Michelin stars in 2017, the dining scene in Hong Kong is as dynamic as the city itself. If you’re after authentic Cantonese, the long-standing, three Michelin-star T’ang Court at The Langham Hong Kong won’t disappoint, while Alvin Leung’s Forbidden Duck in Time Square Tower is a must for duck-lovers.

A seating at Duddell’s is non-negotiable on any collector’s itinerary. Founded by avid collector Alan Lo, the venue blurs the line between dining destination and art gallery with a year-round art program of talks, performances, screenings and cultural events.

The ambitious exhibition program is guest curated by forces from across the globe, bringing the best of international modern and contemporary art to Hong Kong (with many on special loan from the rarely seen archives of private collectors).

For another art-centric dining experience, duck behind the discreet doors of Bibo, Hong Kong’s only Relais and Chateau venue. Inside, works by Jean-Michel Basquit, Daniel Arsham and Damien Hirst colour the interiors, while French concept food graces the tables.

Drink

Quinary in Hong Kong Central is helmed by award winning mixologist Antonio Lai. Lai serves up signature drinks infused with traditional eastern ingredients – think Earl Grey Caviar Martinis and the Quinary Sours – using instruments and techniques more commonly seen in laboratories than behind bars.

At the end of an inconspicuous alley in Central you’ll also find Stockton, a sophisticated speakeasy with live jazz and blues, a late-night food menu, top-shelf whiskey and cocktails inspired by famed personalities.

Newer on the scene are the sleek cocktail bar The Old Man, a nod to Hemmingway’s 1950s novel of the same name. Japanese cocktail bar Bar De Luxe is housed above menswear boutique Attire House. You can sample the largest gin selection in the city paired with fresh local herbs and botanicals at Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour.

If you feel more comfortable in five-star surrounds, The Ritz-Carlton’s OZONE is the highest rooftop bar in the city. Established venues The Chinnery at Mandarin Oriental and Lobster Bar at Island Shangri-La were both ranked in Asia’s 50 Best Bars List in 2017.

Image: Duddle’s Salon, Hong Kong. Courtesy: Duddle’s, HK.