In need of a cheeky staycation in Hong Kong? Hotel Icon in Tsim Sha Tsui offers a totally relaxing spa experience, great cuisine and design-led accommodation
There are so many cool things to do in Hong Kong. Whether you want to check out art and culture landmarks like Tai Kwun, explore the regional landscape on these Hong Kong hikes or if you’re looking to nab a bargain at the best Hong Kong markets – the city is constantly moving and changing, so you’ll never feel bored. But if you’re looking for a break from all the excitement, might we suggest a Hotel ICON staycation?
5 reasons why we love Hotel ICON in Tsim Sha Tsui
1. Think green at Hotel Icon
Step into the hotel lobby and you are transported to a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui – think high ceilings, plenty of wood elements and the iconic 18-metre-tall green installation right above the reception, which happens to be Asia’s largest indoor vertical garden.
As you can probably tell from the ubiquitous green elements, the hotel celebrates nature and sustainability, but its efforts go beyond its nature-driven décor. In fact, the property introduced Hong Kong’s first electric hotel shuttle bus back in 2012, making transport between the hotel and the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui a breeze for guests in an eco-friendly way. Hotel Icon also donates all surplus edible food from the kitchens to Food Angels, an organisation that provides healthy food for local families in need – we love this initiative.
On top of all this, you won’t find plastic straws or packaging in your room when you book into Hotel ICON. No, no, no! Expect biodegradable amenities, filtered water systems and even refillable bathing products here. Throw in the paperless check-in, and we think it’s one of the greenest properties in Hong Kong, if not the region!
2. Hong Kong pride
Owned by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the hotel takes pride in its Hong Kong identity. Throughout the property you will find traces of homegrown talents, including Chinese-inspired interior designs by William Lim, captivating paintings of the city streets by Chow Chun Fai on the 28/F and playful exposed light bulbs in The Market that pay tributes to the iconic local wet markets. There’s also a selection of handpicked Hong Kong-related books in the 28/F Club lounge, which come in handy as you indulge in a glass of champagne prior to dinner at Above & Beyond.
3. Tranquil spa haven
Run by Banyan Tree (need I say more?), the Angsana Spa boasts calm earthy tones and nature-driven approaches. I went for the Javanese treatment and, as explained by my therapist Jessie, it is designed to relieve body tension and promote better sleep patterns through deep pressure with pushing and stroking movements. With a focus on my shoulders, neck and lower back, Jessie performed consistent and powerful deep thumb pressure pushing, pressing and circling along and around my body’s energy meridians to break down tensely knotted muscles. Along with the application of the soothing lavender oil, her gentle yet firm stroking palm movements also stimulated my body’s lymphatic system and improved blood circulation.
The Angsana Spa signature massage is a one way ticket to pure bliss. From start to finish the complete experience at the Angsana Spa was second to none. I am a total sucker for the finer details, such as being served butterfly tea (a cool purple broth) before the massage, to having an aromatic arrangement of dried flowers placed below the massage bed for you to inhale your way through the massage. Each Angsana spa therapist undergoes at least 350 hours of training based on a stringent Banyan Tree Spa academy curriculum and you can tell this with the on-point pressure and the calm energy they exude. I also love a spa that has all the facilities in the room – from a private toilet to a private shower, there was nothing you could have asked more from this spa experience. Oh, the tea and dried fruits at the end was just the icing on the cake. Walk in, float out.
Truth is – I arrived the spa with a heavy head and a drained body that afternoon, with hopes that the treatment would somewhat ease the maddening discomforts. And thanks to Jessie, the treatment kicked all the right boxes – I left the spa feeling thoroughly rejuvenated, relaxed and blissful.
4. Sweet perks
We love the bottomless mini bar in our room which has a good mix of naughty and healthy snacks, soft drinks and liquor. Thanks to the Above and Beyond programme, we enjoyed private check-in and out services away from the crowd on the 28/F. Sunsets are best spent lounging in the cosy Club Lounge, where you sip on free-flow champagne and nibble on canapés whilst indulging in the breathtaking harbour view.
5. Quality cuisine
Hotel ICON is not short of quality dining venues. While The Market is known for its popular buffets, Above & Beyond offers Cantonese fine dining with a picturesque harbour backdrop. Afternoon teas and light refreshments are also served at the Green Café, often with innovative themed menus.
Hotel ICON definitely makes it to our list of favourite places for a staycation in Hong Kong. We”ll be back again soon.
Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 3400 1000, 尖沙咀科學館道17號
