Despite being surrounded by water, Hongkongers rarely get a quiet moment to truly soak up the seaside serenity. For those looking to get away, the Tai O Heritage Hotel offers a true opportunity for a bucolic stay away from the city’s hum.

What’s the deal?

In honour of its 10th anniversary last year, Hong Kong’s only heritage hotel quietly received a glamorous update conceptualised by star interior designer Natasha Usher. It was out with the dark woods and dated furnishings and in with a serene, ocean-inspired colour palette for more of a “seaside second home” feel.

French wooden casement windows and fireplaces were retained in the five-month refurbishment of the 121-year-old, grade II-listed building, formerly a marine police station. Located in the “Venice of Hong Kong,” the boutique hotel has built a reputation as a bucolic staycation getaway from Hongkongers looking to escape the city and marinate in the bracing sea air. Just nine rooms overlook the Tai O fishing village, famed for its stilt houses, dried seafood snacks and boat rides to spot endangered Chinese white dolphins, commonly known as “pink dolphins”.

The hotel’s glass-roofed restaurant, the Tai O Lookout, lives up to its name with generous views of the South China Sea. Named after the guard tower from which marine police would watch for approaching pirates, this distinguished venue spotlights Hong Kong art and Chinese wooden furniture in its design and locally sourced produce on its menu, including mountain begonia and Tai O’s famous shrimp paste and salted fish.

Why stay?

As well as trips to Tai O, you have easy access to the island’s famed hiking trails, beaches and attractions, with the Big Buddha (also known as the Tian Tan Buddha), Po Lin Monastery, Disneyland, Mui Wo and shopping destination of Tung Chung just a bus ride away. And when you’re done, you have iconic lodgings to retreat to now that Lantau Island has the glamorous historic hotel it deserves.

Don’t miss

The free 20-minute hotel tour, a “sensory trip to the past” packed with fascinating takeaways that bring this storied corner of Hong Kong to life.