10 Honeymoon Vacation Ideas in Hong Kong

If you’re looking to honeymoon in Hong Kong, the city has an abundance of history, art, culture, and exciting city life. Here are the top 10 honeymoon vacation ideas in Hong Kong.

10. Tour the New Territories
You can learn a lot about the history and culture of Hong Kong by touring the New Territories. You can tour the FanLing Apiary, walking through orchards and blooms, or visit the Hoi Pa Village, an old Hakka settlement, or walk the Ping Shan Heritage Trail to see the only historic pagoda in Hong Kong, amongst other ancient buildings and relics from hundreds of years ago.

9. Shopping Hong Kong Style
If you want to shop ‘til you drop there are three interconnected malls in Kowloon – Harbour City, Ocean Centre, and Ocean Terminal which make up over 750 stores and restaurants. This is one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia!

8. Macau
Macau is a quaint little island in Hong Kong full of history. Visit the Temple of Kun Yam (Goddess of Mercy), Barrier Gate (the official crossing point to China), the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Taipa Bridge and in the evenings spend your time and your money at the Lisboa Casino. Visit the Macau city guide for more information.

7. Cheung Chau
Cheung Chau is an island in Hong Kong that has its own charm and history. Visit the Pak Tai Temple, the religious center of Cheung Chau, and if you happen to be there in May, you can experience the famous Bun Festival. If you have a sense of adventure, the Cheung Po Tsai Cave is the place where a famous pirate kept his stolen treasure. You can take a boat ride over and see what you can find! When you’re done sightseeing, relax on the Tung Wan Beach.

6. Ocean Park
Ocean Park is the largest entertainment complex and theme park in Hong Kong. It is Hong Kong’s Sea World with rides, a shark aquarium, a dolphin and sea lion show, the world’s largest reef aquarium, giant pandas, and cable cars to take you through the park. It’s a fun way to spend your honeymoon. Check the official site for Ocean Park for details.

5. Lantau Island
Lantau Island is a nice departure from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong Island, and its even bigger than Hong Kong Island. In fact, it’s the biggest island in Hong Kong and has quaint little fishing towns, the Giant Buddha on the mountain, and a scenic cable car ride.

4. Lamma Island
Lamma Island is a great place to honeymoon if you enjoy the outdoors. Start off by taking a leisurely stroll along Family trail from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan ferry dock. At the end, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner. There are no high rise buildings or cars allowed on Lamma Island, so it’s the perfect getaway to take a hike, watch the boats in the harbor, and enjoy the local food.

3. Sha Tin
During your honeymoon in Sha Tin, take the train to the Sha Tin Racecourse to see one of the world’s finest racecourses in Hong Kong’s largest park - Penfold Park. If you have a love for the arts, visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to gain an understanding of the culture and history of Hong Kong. And, for romantic accommodations, choose the Royal Park Hotel with views of the Shing Mun River and only steps away from the New Town Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in Hong Kong.

2. Hong Kong Island
For the perfect honeymoon on Hong Kong Island, reserve a room at the luxury, five-star Four Seasons Hotel. You won’t be disappointed! For a different dining experience, take a boat to the Jumbo Floating Restaurant to enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine in glamorous décor. And, then take the tram to Victoria Peak for a spectacular view of the city’s skyline!

1. Kowloon for Romance
The best place for first time visitors to Hong Kong is Kowloon. Take an evening stroll on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and look across the harbor to see the tall buildings lit up. Or ride on the top deck of the Star Ferry to see fantastic views of the city. Visit Kowloon Park during the day to experience the calm of a serene garden set in the center of a bustling city. And, make sure to stay at the elegant Hyatt Regency for a memorable honeymoon vacation!

Dubai Hotel Revenues reach AED8.7 Billion between Jan-Sept 2007

The total revenues of Dubai hotels and hotel apartments during the first nine months of 2007 touched AED8.7 billion on the back of a 7% increase in guests and 17.6% rise in guest nights compared with the corresponding period last year, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) reported on the concluding day of the World Travel Market in London.

Giving details about the stellar performance of the impressive portfolio of hotels and hotel apartments during January and September 2007 compared with the corresponding period last year, DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem said more than 5.1 million guests stayed with Dubai hotels, recording an increase of 7%. Similarly, the number of guest nights crossed the 15 million mark, posting an increase of 17.6%.

The number of operating hotel establishments was 441, an increase of 7.1%. The total revenues of hotel establishments stood at AED8.7 billion, a solid growth of 20.3%.

The number of available hotel rooms increased by 5.4% to 32,244. The average hotel rooms occupied rose by 9.7%, while the average room occupancy was 86.9%, an increase of 4.1%.

The total hotel apartment flats available were 10113, an increase of 16.8%, while the flat occupancy jumped up by 2.4% to touch 83.4%.

Mr. bin Sulayem said, "The excellent performance is a reflection of our marketing and promotional initiatives, especially in the overseas markets, to position Dubai as the world's leading tourism hub. It is also the fruit of an inspirational public-private sector partnership and government's unwavering determination to be a model destination."

Dubai is aiming to attract 15 million visitors by the year 2010, almost doubling the numbers from the present 6.5 million a year.

Starwood signs First Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Malaysia

Starwood is expanding its Four Points by Sheraton brand in Asia Pacific with the signing of its first property in Malaysia, the Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, Sarawak, which is scheduled to open in early 2009.

The Four Points by Sheraton brand was introduced to Asia Pacific a few years ago with hotels in Sydney, Geelong, Shenzhen and Chung Ho, and now has grown to a portfolio of 15 hotels, including 6 which are in operation and 9 under development in China, Cambodia, Vietnam and now Malaysia.

"We are thrilled with the signing of our first Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Malaysia. The Four Points by Sheraton brand is very popular among our customers and investors alike, as we have spent a lot of energy and laid the groundwork in the last 2 years. This brand is expected to grow faster than our luxury and upper upscale brands given the strong domestic travel in many markets, including Malaysia," said Miguel Ko, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.

The Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, Sarawak will consist of 300 rooms, 3 restaurants, a lounge and a pool bar, as well as over 17,000 square feet of meeting space. Located within 10 minutes drive from the city center of Kuching and 5 minutes drive from the Kuching International Airport (second largest airport in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur), the hotel will be easily accessible from the airport as well as retail centers, offices and high end residences.

Kuching, the capital of the East Malaysia state of Sarawak, overlooks the South China Sea and is the fourth largest urban city in Malaysia.

Prince Hotel & Residence, Kuala Lumpur joins WORLDHOTELS

Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur, a 5-star international hotel near the famous Petronas Twin Towers in the heart of the Malaysian capital, has joined WORLDHOTELS' Deluxe Collection.

"We are delighted to join WORLDHOTELS because we feel that their global reach and international marketing expertise will really help us to gain more international exposure - especially for meetings and events and overseas FIT travellers," said Lyndon Discombe, General Manager of the Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur.

The 608-room Prince is located In Kuala Lumpur's 'Golden Triangle' Central Business District, the hotel is directly opposite The Pavilion KL, Kuala Lumpur's newest talk of the town shopping mall, and only a short stroll from the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), close to 'Embassy Row' and numerous corporate offices including Shell Global Solutions, ExxonMobil, BP Asia Pacific and Boeing, it also neighbours the Bintang Walk entertainment hub and Bukit Bintang shopping district.

A leading meeting, conference and banqueting venue for medium-scale gatherings in Kuala Lumpur, the hotel features 448 stylish guest rooms and suites, along with 160 serviced apartments, incorporating the convenience and luxury of a 5-star international hotel with the comfort of home.

Short and long-term guests may choose from one-bedroom and family apartments to a penthouse, with residences incorporating a private lounge for breakfast.

High-tech features throughout include wireless broadband internet, multi-feature phones and workstation desks.

Renowned F&B options range from the chic Eccucino Brasserie and award winning Tai Zi Heen Chinese Restaurant to Taishojin Japanese Restaurant, Fidel's Cigar Room, a Mezzanine Bar and Lounge, and Terrace Pool Bar and Grill.

Integrated conference and meeting facilities on a dedicated floor accommodate up to 1,500 with nine function rooms including the Grand Prince Ballroom and Prince Ballroom. Facilities incorporate all the latest state-of-the-art technology, telecommunication systems and audio-visual presentation tools, backed by a highly trained MICE market team.

A Business Centre provides both individual work stations and private boardrooms for meetings as well as professional secretarial and administration services. A cosy Business Lounge adjacent to the Business Centre is ideal for informal meetings.

On another dedicated level is a beautifully landscaped Tropical Garden and swimming pool, as well as Fitness Centre with the latest work-out equipment and a Kids Club to keep children occupied and entertained throughout the day.

Also featured is the Mandara Spa, a resort-style city spa with Balinese design and a menu blending traditional Asian treatments with the latest spa techniques and products. Several of the treatments rooms offer panoramic Kuala Lumpur city views.

Best Western Targets 30 Hotels in Japan by 2010

Best Western International has ambitious plans for Asia, targeting 30 hotels in Japan by 2010, and a total of 200 hotels in Asia within the next three years.

Best Western Vice President International Operations Asia, Glenn de Souza, expressed his optimism on this achievable goal. “Visitor arrivals to Japan have shown strong growth in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue into the foreseeable future,” he said. “The ‘Visit Japan’ campaign has also given these numbers a timely boost.”

Mr de Souza added that Japan’s current economic conditions make the country more attractive to foreign visitors than in the past, while it continues to maintain strong fundamentals as a politically stable business hub.

“Japan has a lot to offer as a destination,” said Mr de Souza. “It is an art and cultural centre, has stunning architecture and is home to a range of natural attractions.”

Mr de Souza added that expansion in Japan will focus on major cities, with the ‘Premier’ brand receiving much of the attention. The aim is to meet the trend of providing convenient accommodation, while taking a share of the market away from smaller, cheaper “capsule” hotels.

Recent Best Western additions to Japan include the 228-room Best Western Joytel Osaka that occupies the top 10 floors of a modern tower and the 80-room Best Western Wakayama, which features spacious rooms in the city center.

Best Western Joytel Osaka’s guestrooms feature the latest electronic amenities, hot tubs and spectacular views of the city. Located in southwest Osaka and just a 10 to 20-minute subway ride from downtown, the hotel provides a 100-sqm function room capable of hosting 60 delegates as well as two 32-sqm breakout rooms.

Best Western Wakayama offers quick access to the world-famous Wakayama Chinese noodle restaurants as well as the area’s hot springs. The hotel presents a daily buffet breakfast with 10 rotating menus, and the lobby features a large-screen TV, massage machines and computers.

Several other Best Western hotels coming on line in 2009-2010 are in various stages of construction, renovation and re-branding. Among these are properties in Aomori, Hokkaido, Ishikawa, Kagoshima, Kobe, Nagano, Okinawa, Saga, Sasebo, Sendai and Tokyo with more destinations in the pipeline.

Already operating in Japan are Best Western Takayama, Best Western Kochi and Best Western Premier Hotel Nagasaki, each of which boast 80% annual occupancy rates.