Rosewood Hong Kong is based in the former Holt’s Wharf, which dates back to 1910, It was subsequently acquired and developed into New World Centre, a lifestyle magnet for the city in the 1980s, which holds a unique place in the hearts and minds of local residents.
New World Centre – a proud expression of Hong Kong’s transition to modernity and establishment as a regional business hub – was the creation of Dr. Cheng Yu-tung and Dr. Henry Cheng, the grandfather and father (respectively) of Rosewood Hotel Group Chief Executive Officer, Sonia Cheng.
“With Hong Kong evolving from a business and financial centre to become a true global cultural capital, I wanted to create an iconic property that not only showcases the city’s rich history but also reflects its bright future,” says Sonia.
“New World Centre was conceived as my grandfather’s ultimate gift to HongKong, a celebration of its progress, vibrancy and spirit. I hope that Rosewood Hong Kong enhances this legacy and helps fulfill his and my father’s vision for the city that they loved.
“Rosewood Hong Kong sets bold new benchmarks for design, guest experience, cuisine, and culture. Our ambition is to create a new world standard for ultra-luxury hospitality and a focal point of the vibrant Hong Kong lifestyle, reflecting its incredible dynamism, style and diversity.”
Renowned hospitality designer Tony Chi of New York studio tonychi, has created a complete and immersive experience for a new age of elevated residential hotel living. An homage to Rosewood’s origins as an aristocratic manor, Chi has conceived the entire hotel as a “vertical estate” which incorporates significant green spaces and outdoor areas throughout, creating openness and room to breathe as a defining element of the Rosewood Hong Kong guest journey.
“For me, Rosewood Hong Kong is the majestic ‘estate on the harbour’ that pays reverent homage to the great founding family that built and operates it, and also the legacy of its surrounding community,” says Chi.
“Having designed Rosewood London – an elegant mansion in a royal city – and being in the process of refreshing The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, in New York, an iconic residence in Manhattan’s Upper East Side; there’s a remarkably rich and overarching sense of continuity and a sense of place that binds all these properties together.”
Generous space and residential luxury are the hallmarks of Rosewood’s 322 light-filled guestrooms, which start at 53 square metres (570 square feet) and include the Grand Harbourview Rooms, boasting panoramic views of Hong Kong Island.
In terms of F&B, each of Rosewood Hong Kong’s eight dining concepts possesses a distinctive character and showcases creativity and a contemporary interpretation of accessible gastronomy and refined beverage craft.
Holt’s Café is named after the historic Holt’s Wharf upon which Rosewood Hong Kong stands today, and elevates traditional Hong Kong cha chaan teng dining culture to an upscale, lively contemporary experience.
With glamourous interiors featuring inspiration from Europe’s fin de siècle grand cafés and brasseries, Holt’s Café serves a diverse mix of comforting creations marrying Cantonese dishes with international influences.
The Legacy House Chinese restaurant showcases sophisticated interiors designed by Melbourne’s award-winning BAR Studio and is blessed with an expansive outdoor terrace presenting sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. Two distinct experiences include the bustling main dining room and the seven privileged private dining rooms, each modelled after a different landmark moment in the life of Cheng family founding patriarch, Dr. Cheng Yu-Tung.
DarkSide bar is destined to become Hong Kong’s most sought-after destination for premium drinks in a handsome setting, offering speciality cocktails, coveted vintage cigars, a choice selection of wine and spirits, and nightly live jazz sessions.
The Butterfly Room, Rosewood Hong Kong’s inviting all-day lounge, speaks of comfort and elegantly restrained luxury, courtesy of contemporary art and custom furnishings. Guests are invited to enjoy refined continental breakfasts, chic coffee breaks, sophisticated pre-dinner drinks and small plates.
At The Butterfly Patisserie, glittering confections take centre stage. Modelled after a high-end jewellery atelier, the elegant environs of The Butterfly Patisserie showcase striking centrepieces of tiered cakes, rows of artisan gelatos and sorbets, and glass walk-in display cases in every twinkling, artful corner.
In addition to Rosewood Hong Kong’s outdoor infinity pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre overlooking the harbour, the property will host the first urban outpost of Asaya, Rosewood’s signature integrative wellness offering, in Autumn 2019.
Set over two dedicated floors, Asaya will revolve around specific individual wellness goals, supported by alternative therapies and rituals, enriching fitness and lifestyle activities, healthy eating plans, a dedication to pure, authentic ingredients and specially designed social spaces for relaxation and reflection, with a membership programme that aims to build a sense of community both for local residents and global guests alike.
