Header image: K11 ARTUS Retox in Luxury Staycation package
Chances are you’ve heard of (or at least seen!) K11 ARTUS. A few months ago, Instagram was buzzing with photos and videos of the space, especially the curved balconies that come with every room. It looks like a gorgeous place, but what exactly is it? A hotel? A serviced apartment?
Turns out, it’s both.
Some floors are for long-stay residents. Other floors have rooms that are bookable for nightly stays. The layouts are the same, which means hotel guests have the option of booking one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments as well as studios (which are the most like traditional hotel rooms).
So why choose K11 ARTUS over another five-star hotel in Hong Kong?
The rooms
The room you choose depends on the experience you’re after. Whenever I go on a staycation in Hong Kong, my MO is to relax. Sleeping, reading, eating and taking baths are basically all I want to do! Those looking for a similar experience would likely be perfectly happy with a K11 ARTUS studio or another luxury hotel room in the city.
K11 ARTUS shines for those who want more space, activities and people. During my visit, I stayed in a Grand Harbour 1-Bedroom. It was huge, at nearly 1,000 square feet. There is plenty of space for two people, with the living space capable of hosting at least two more people (should restrictions allow). This would be a great spot to cook up a meal with friends in the kitchen. I think it would also be a good space for a family with young kids.
Or maybe you’ve been wanting to do a group trip or a family retreat? In that case, the two- or three-bedroom options are just what you need.
The vibe
The first time I visited K11 ARTUS was actually a few weeks before my staycation. I’d gone to eat at The Commune, K11 ARTUS’ restaurant, to review the new menu (more below). Arriving at 7pm, the hotel-residence had a very dark, mysterious vibe. It may sound a bit cheesy, but I felt like I’d just arrived at a superhero’s house!
During the day, the space – designed by André Fu, who also designed other local luxury hotels like The St. Regis, Kerry Hotel and The Upper House – feels incredibly relaxing. In some ways, there’s a lot going on, with little details everywhere you look. But it’s all very inviting, with lots of places beckoning guests to slow down, sit still and take in the view or a good book. If you want to be more active, there are foosball tables and a jumbo chess set, or you can contact the guest experience team for a personal art tour.
The staycation packages
Feel like you’ve been indulging a little too much? The Detox in Bliss package (from $4,300/night) was created for those looking to recharge, reconnect and relax.
This package includes:
- KLUB 11 Gold Card membership
- One-night stay at K11 ARTUS
- Breakfast for two The Commune
- Three-course seasonal healthy set lunch (can be tailored to vegan, vegetarian and keto diets), including detox drinks for two at The Commune
- In-room yoga amenities (yoga mat and yoga block) for use during your stay
- Residence art tour and K11 MUSEA tour, if desired
- Welcome gift of $200 K11 MUSEA e-voucher
Or maybe you’re wanting to indulge during your staycation – especially with some cocktails? The Retox in Luxury package (from $5,000/night) includes a private 30-minute cocktail-making lesson led by K11 ARTUS’ head mixologist, the charming and affable Slamat Haryadi (previously of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong). Slamat is also happy to work his magic and whip up some cocktails while you relax. My personal tipple of choice is The Art-Domus, made with goji-berry vodka, purple yam liqueur, almond milk, honey, citrus and egg white.
This package includes:
- KLUB 11 Gold Card membership
- One-night stay at K11 ARTUS
- Breakfast for two at The Commune
- Private 30-minute mixology session in your room with a hotel mixologist, including one selected cocktail paired with two canapés per guest
- Residence art tour and K11 MUSEA tour, if desired
- Welcome gift of $200 K11 MUSEA e-voucher
The food
The Commune recently announced a new culinary direction, moving towards East-meets West fare. Executive Chef Julien Casset (previously, Chef de Cuisine at the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Bistro by Yannick Alléno in Shanghai) has revamped the menus. There are some lovely breakfast and lunch sets, as well as many à-la-carte dishes designed for sharing, though you may want to keep whole plates for yourself. Anyone is welcome at The Commune – you don’t need to be a hotel guest or resident.
There are four sets available for breakfast ($200 each): Chinese, Western, Tonic and Speed Boarding (like a fancy continental breakfast). I opted for the Tonic set, which comes with poached eggs, a bagel with cream cheese, avocado slices (or gravlax) and tomato salsa, coconut chia pudding, seasonal fruit and a choice of tea, coffee or fruit juice. It was high-quality, wholesome food done well.
For lunch, we had the three-course seasonal healthy set lunch ($330/person), with the lunch menu changing every month, as part of the Detox in Bliss package. This included a fresh papaya salad roll as a starer, gweilo shrimp wonton as a main (huge!) and a fresh fruit salad and coconut sorbet for dessert. This was indeed nice and light, though no nutritional information was provided. It may be worth asking ahead of time if you have restrictions or preferences.
When I went to The Commune for dinner, it was with a group, so we were able to try a variety of items from the à-la-carte menu. There’s a good mix of light and indulgent dishes – something for everyone.
Highlights included the following:
Asian hamachi ceviche ($188)
Balinese beef tartare ($158)
Unagi teriyaki sliders ($108)
Wagyu beef po chai fan-style paella ($398) – if you only get one thing on the menu, get this!
Whatever time of the day you go, The Commune is an absolutely stunning spot, with floor-to-ceiling views of the harbour everywhere you look. Guests who want even more food choices can choose from selected K11 MUSEA restaurants, ordering right from your own in-room TV.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a unique twist on a luxury staycation, check out K11 ARTUS. There are great options whether you’re going solo, with your partner or even with extended family. Not quite ready to splurge on a stay? The Commune is the perfect spot for a quiet meal or some intimate drinks. Check it out… and let me know if you get the same “superhero’s house” vibe that I did!
Victoria Dockside,18 Salisbury Road, TST, 2107 3388, info@artus.com.hk
This write-up is based on a complimentary media staycation provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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