With private dining rooms, shark tanks, a fleet of chauffeur-driven limousines, a newly built 45-foot catamaran and even its very own art gallery, M1NT is setting a new benchmark for the modern day luxury members' club and taking the city by storm!
www.prive.hk
Behind the grand doors lies a chic playplace for Hong Kong’s vibrant party go-ers. Lanterns and Moorish décor cast a sultry glow on the club, while over 6,000 feet of space ensure you’ll have enough room on the dance floor to show your stuff when resident DJ Dim Sum kicks off the night’s mix of classics, pop and hip hop.
cooking classes
Chinese Cuisine Training Institute
7/F, Pokfulam Training Centre Complex
145 Pokfulam Road
Pok Fu Lam
2538 2200
ccti@vtc.edu.hk
Always wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a Chinese restaurant? Here's your chance to take a sneak peek by learning from the pros. A brief intro to Chinese cooking, chef demos and hands on preparation of 2-3 authentic dishes, followed by a luncheon of delicious Chinese cuisine cooked by lil' ol' you! Morning and afternoon sessions Monday &ndash Friday at $620/HK per class (minimum 10 people per class).
diving
Bunn's Divers Institute
M4, Chuen Sung House, 188 Johnston Road
Wan Chai
3422 3322
Has the excitement on land not been doing it for you lately? Fancy a whole new adventure? Then stretch those sea legs over to the Bunn's Divers Institute where they'll facilitate your introduction to the underwater world. Beginner courses start at $3000, which includes 5 lectures, 2 pool-training, and 2 open-water sessions along with equipment. The Institute is well established and has hosted some local water-loving celebs. It also offers both local and international diving tours to get you on your way!
explore
Jason Wordie
2476 5057
Local historian Jason Wordie gives tours of Hong Kong on anything from the "Secrets of Central" to the "Walled Cities" as well as making special trips to Macau. He is a fountain of knowledge about Hong Kong and taking one of his tours is worthwhile just for the experience of hearing him speak so passionately about the city. Check his website for further details.
YWCA of Hong Kong
1 MacDonnell Road
Mid-levels
3476 1300
Don't know the difference between Wan Chai and Chai Wan? The YWCA of Hong Kong offers many tours and activities to help you get to know your city better.
gym
Pure Fitness
Kinwick Centre
32 Hollywood Road
Central
2970 3366
Pure Fitness
Two IFC
Mall Level 3
8 Finance Street
Central
8129 8000
Great studio classes as well as trainers brought in from all over the world. Beautiful locations, but not just for the beautiful people. We love the DVD's available to watch while you are on the equipment . . . it makes the time pass by so much more quickly.
hire a helicopter
HELIEXPRESS
2108-9899
Taking the ferry to Macau is so last season! Arrive at Hong Kong's playground in style in your own chopper with HeliExpress. If Macau's not your thing, you can still rise above the skyline with a 12-minute journey from Kowloon to Tsing Ma Bridge and then back over the harbour.
hire a junk
Jubilee
2530 0530
With a large fleet of Chinese junks, speedboats and yachts, Jubilee specializes in providing the whole sea-faring experience by offering catering, crew and guides. Get ready to hit the harbour in high style!
paint/party
Art Jam
123 Wellington Street
Central
2541 8816
Ever wondered what you would make of a blank canvas? This is your chance to find out. Grab a friend or three and head to Art Jam, where they provide the paint and materials, you bring the wine, and with that, the inspiration!
pilates
Iso Fit Pilates
8/F, California Tower
30-32 D'Anguilar Street
Central
2869 8630
You like 'em long and lean...Your muscles that is silly! Iso Fit Pilates, is a fully equipped pilates and gyrotonic studio (Madonna does both!), that offers private as well as group studio classes. Excellent for beginners as well as the super experienced. Classes are available for mat (with and without props), Reformer, Allegro, pre/post-natal, and gyrotonic. You'll leave feeling fit and toned...perfect for when you walk out of their Lan Kwai Fong location.
salsa lessons
Herman Lam
1/F, Kai Kwong House
13 Wyndham Street
Central
2320 2605
Renowned dancer Herman Lam turns up the heat at group salsa lessons for various levels at a convenient studio on Wyndham Street.
swim, sunbathe & people watch
For when you are still waiting for your American Club
Membership (any day now!), or just can't stand the
unrelenting heat of a public beach, get a day pass to a
luxe hotel pool. Lounge on the plush white day beds and
cool off in the giant pool. Escape from the hustle and
bustle with a day pass at one of the following: JW
Marriott, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Central, 2810 8366,
Shangri-la, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central,
2877 3838.
tennis lessons
Tennis Ministry
kraft@tennisministry.com
Maria Sharapova who? Is what you will be saying after a few lessons with Bob Kraft! Ok, well maybe a few months of lessons, but with Bob Kraft's teaching experience as well as his excellent mental coaching, you will be on top of your game in no time! Mr. Kraft has been teaching private and group tennis for over 30 years. Originally from the U.S., he has lived in Hong Kong since 1992. He is a certified professional with a top rating from the USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) and has been advising top ranking tennis players around the world for the past few years. From the autumn through spring months however he is based in Hong Kong and teaches children and adults alike.
volunteer
American Women's Association of Hong Kong
7C, The Monticello
48 Kennedy Road
Wan Chai
2527 2961
If you are interested in giving back to the local community, the AWA offers various well-organized, flexible opportunities to work with babies, students, families and the elderly. You can also join one of their teams to help plan a charity fundraiser or event. These activities are for members only, but the membership fee is only $700 annually, all of which goes back into their charity and education fund. And, don't worry you don't have to be American to sign up!
Hands On Hong Kong
Room 1505, World Wide House
19 Des Voeux Road
Central
Want to spend time painting schools for underprivileged children, helping students with their English or having lunch with the disabled but don’t have time to commit to full a weekly or monthly volunteer program? Hands On Hong Kong is the place for you. Register for their monthly newsletter filled with one-off volunteer activities and just sign up for the ones that best fit your schedule. Doing good has never been so easy!
wine tastings & classes
Vincrest International (AWSEC)
3rd Floor, Crawford Tower
99 Jervois Street
Sheung Wan
2964 0188
Monthly wine tastings, wine education certificate classes for all (backed by the UK Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)), and experts available for hire to lead private or corporate tasting events. Start twirling your glass and get your taste buds ready!
yoga
Pure Yoga
16/F, The Centrium
60 Wyndham Street
Central
2971 0055
With four gorgeous studios, fabulous teachers brought in from all over the world and a growing cult following, Pure is quickly becoming the mecca for yoga buffs and aspiring yogis city-wide. Classes include different levels from beginner through advanced in Hatha, Ashtanga, Power and Hot. Keep an open mind, listen carefully and prepare to be inspired!
