Hong Kong doesn’t shout about its intrinsic grandeur. This is a city that has always understood discretion—not just in what you own, but in the events and spaces you’re invited to. A fashion fitting in a warehouse, a tasting inside a Michelin-starred kitchen, a party in a grand house that most people will never have heard of… exclusivity here isn’t about excess, but intimacy, access, and the art of knowing where to look. Here, we ask those in the know to reveal what elite living really looks like—Hong Kong style.
15.05.2026
Inside Hong Kong: The Secret Side of this Special City
Steve Leung
Architect, interior designer and founder, Steve Leung Design Group
In Hong Kong, it’s not about how big or how expensive a home is. It’s about whether it’s comfortable or cozy. People are moving away from buying homes or renovating just to show off.
We just completed the Swim Club at the Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong hotel. As far as I know, there hasn’t been anything quite like this in Hong Kong before. At first, we thought just making it elegant and exotic would be enough—but we felt it needed to be more fun, with a bit of a retro vibe.
I like Club Bâtard at the Pedder Building, a heritage building. It occupies three floors, and there’s a wine cellar connecting all levels. I also go to the Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy in Sai Kung. It’s in a rural area, and is sizeable, with tennis, golf, and good restaurants. These clubs aren’t selling typical luxury. I’m talking about luxury redefined.
We are facing challenging times in many ways, but look at the success of Bar Leone, ranked number one in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025. It is Hong Kong’s glory.
