Regent Hong Kong transformed by visionary designer Chi Wing Lo

Reopening in June 2023, Regent Hong Kong unveils a glimpse of its transformation.

Regent Hong Kong, first opened in 1980 on the shores of Victoria Harbour, has been transformed by Hong Kong-born, Milan-based designer Chi Wing Lo.

Highly regarded for his meticulous approach and working with the most skilled artisans, Chi Wing Lo and his team have brought more than 30 years of architecture, interior and furniture design to their first hotel project.

Regent Hotels & Resorts joined the IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle collection in 2018. The two-year reworking of the heritage hotel has seen a new interpretation of modern luxury with striking design elements, and new restaurants and bars.

Tom Rowntree, Vice President of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands for IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Chi Wing Lo has encapsulated the Regent vision to create something different and unique — a design that can represent Hong Kong and create a sense of serenity, contrast, and balance within the city. Regent Hong Kong is a true flagship for the brand.”

Design notes

Relaxing tones and carefully chosen details feature throughout Regent Hong Kong. To celebrate the brand’s approach to framed views, the splendour of the harbour is augmented with textured ceilings, custom-design furniture and careful compositions so as to invite guests’ contemplations from Regent Hong Kong’s unrivalled setting. One such example is the layered scene offered in guestrooms where purposefully positioned mirrored sliding doors reflect the vibrant waterfront, focussing the viewer’s eye on the spectacular cityscape.

“A beautiful view without a special vantage is merely a postcard anyone can buy; a view without a frame is simply a view that has not passed through the eyes’ lens,” says designer, Chi Wing Lo.

“With this in mind, framed views of the harbour take centre stage in a multitude of interpretations. The Oasis Bathroom is a sanctuary for the senses, with the bath experience reimagined as an art form.”

Wall are minimised to create an open-plan layout. In select harbour-view rooms, a sliding door opens to reveal harbour views from the curved, free-standing soaking tub. In others, a unique moongate design of Nero African granite leads to a one-of-a-kind bath and shower experience.

The use of flamed and brushed granite, natural oak, split-cut granite accents, honed Calcutta vanity counters, and furniture-style washbasins all come together with the aim of creating a tranquil atmosphere within each guestroom.

“A guestroom that evokes contemplation cannot be ‘loud’, nor should its finishes, colour or elements be fighting for dominance amongst themselves. The sound of tranquillity is a symphony of silence played by the soft-tone carpet, the harmonic furniture, the diminishing echo from the patterned mirror, the rhythmic vaulted ceiling, few clear but melodic and reticent details… and fine craftsmanship in wood, leather, fabric, glass and stone,” said Chi Wing Lo.

Dining

The hotel’s dining options soft-launched in December 2022.

Classic dishes and favourites return to the menus, along with new immersive culinary journeys that are inspired by Hong Kong’s diverse culture and art.

Restaurants at Regent Hong Kong include The Steak House, serving curated selections of fine meat from around the world, seared on the original charcoal grill; Harbourside, an immersive buffet with a focus on Asian and Western cuisine; the Lobby Lounge, an ideal afternoon tea location with a selection of original coffees and Chinese teas enjoyed with views of Victoria Harbour.

The two-Michelin-star restaurant, Yan Toh Heen, which remained open during the renovation period, has reverted to its original name, Lai Ching Heen, from when it opened in 1984, meaning “Regent scenic pavilion” in Cantonese.

Regent Hong Kong joins Regent Chongqing, Regent Shanghai, Regent Phu Quoc and the soon-to-open Carlton Cannes – A Regent Hotel under the revitalised Regent brand positioning. Regent Bali Canggu is set to open in late 2023, and further Regent hotels are planned for Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Kyoto and Sanya within the next few years.

regenthotels.com