Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong, China

After successful outings in Pudong and Beijing, the Shangri-La group has debuted its diffused Kerry Hotel line in Hong Kong. The bigger surprise is that it’s chosen to do so in Hung Hom, a charming old world neighbourhood of wet markets, old tea houses and temples.

Architects Rocco Design have made the most of the Kerry’s location on Hung Hom Bay, and fronted the 16-storey convex pile with an elevated park, and 25m outdoor heated pool: the best views in the house are from the seventh floor bar and penthouse suite that overlook the grand sweep of Victoria Harbour.

In the lobby, interior designer Andre Fu sets the tone with beige Botticino Classico marble and Turkish onyx, while the 545 rooms are wrapped in eucalyptus timber, and glossy lacquered panels. Executive chef Matthew Bennink oversees a clutch of eateries including Merchants, which has a mod-Chinese menu matched only by the incomparable harbour views.