The Upper House, Hong Kong, China

Following the success of The Opposite House in Beijing, Swire Hotels continues to expand its portfolio, this time returning to its home turf, with the launch of The Upper House, in Hong Kong.

Located atop the plush Pacific Place shopping complex in Admiralty, as the name suggests, the hotel, which starts from the 38th floor, leads you up and away from the hustle and bustle below, into a hushed, tranquil haven of soft, considered lighting, sleek wood and limestone. Local designer Andre Fu’s layout is clean and simple, with an overall reduced aesthetic, that - tempered by his smart choice of materials - boosts the interiors to give them a solid sense of timelessness.

All of which does not detract from the spectacular views of the city and beyond- best experienced from a window booth in Café Gray Bar on the 49th floor. Here, we suggest a preprandial cocktail, while rubbing shoulders with Hong Kong’s elite, before meandering over to the restaurant, where chef Gray Kuntz serves up fresh, international cuisine from burrata with basil pesto, balsamic and pine nuts to perfectly executed barbecued veal cheek.

And while there is no pool or spa, there is a small gym to work off any indulgence, or better yet, head out to nearby Hong Kong Park for a leisurely stroll.