The List

Upper House Hong Kong
Upper House Hong Kong
Upper House Hong Kong

10

Upper House Hong Kong

Hong Kong

A temple of Zen high above Hong Kong

Pioneering design: It's a case of onward and upward at this 117-room bolthole, which sits loftily above Admiralty's Pacific Place. Upper House Hong Kong is the first hotel project from hotshot Asian designer André Fu. Its interior is a visual story of creativity and architectural glory. Setting the tone is the brutalist facade, courtesy of British designer Thomas Heatherwick, followed by the red-toned wooden lift inspired by Japan's torii gates. Fu's design aesthetic is grounded in the concept of an 'upward journey' ensuring a seamless flow throughout the space as it travels between the floors in shades of cream, stone, caramel and, more recently, shades of stormy blue.

Art in every corner: Totalling more than 400 pieces, the artwork punctuating the space is as much about decoration as it is atmosphere. Each piece has been carefully chosen and commissioned to bolster the sentiment of calm evoked throughout. Flitting from abstract ceramics and smooth sculptures etched in marble, sandstone and bronze, to a 40-metre metal installation inspired by water by Hiroshiwata Sawada found in the inner atrium, it brings an added layer of wonder to any stay.

Finding peace: Whether you're there on a stopover or embarking on a city break, sizeable rooms and studios rival the average square footage of a Hong Kong apartment. The peaceful experience begins with the pioneering paperless check-in that forgoes a registration desk. Inside the rooms, each lodging is a restorative space that majors on muted tones with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city beyond. Clean lines yield to curving window sofas, while warm lighting and sculptural accents and coffee table books finish the look. The addition of limestone bathtubs and spa-esque lighting solidify its status as a masterpiece of pared-back luxury. The signature André Fu suite can be found just below the cloud-scraping top-floor restaurant and boasts sweeping views of the Hong Kong skyline best enjoyed from the dining room that seats 18 guests or your own personal massage room.

Sky-high hospitality: Crowning the property is Salisterra, a space that pulls in visitors and locals alike for its refined Mediterranean-leaning cuisine and exemplary service – think sharing plates of salt-baked sea bass and perfectly cooked octopus on curry sauce with yoghurt and pomegranate. For something lighter, the jade-coloured bar area serves cocktails and elevated snacks.

Key Information