• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
GO TO EXPAT LIVING SINGAPORE
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Expat Living Hong Kong HomepageExpat Living Hong Kong

Moving to Hong Kong and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Hong Kong.

Menu
  • Living In Hong Kong
      • Living Here
      • Where To Live
      • Schools
      • For Guys
        • online shopping websites21 fashion websites shipping to HK
        • Expat Living Readers' Choice Awards 2021 - WinnersREADERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2021 WINNERS
        • What it’s like living in Hung Hom
        • Luxury homes for lease in Hong Kong
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things To Do
      • What’s On/Calendar
      • Competitions & Offers
        • What to watch – or listen to…
        • 9 family-friendly hikes in Hong Kong
        • Great podcasts we are listening to!
        • Key Chinese events and festivals in Hong Kong - Chinese New YearTraditional Festivals & Events in HK
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Activities & Things To Do
      • Education & Enrichment
      • Health & Wellness
      • Mums & Babies
      • Podcasts
      • Kids Offers
        • jobs of the futurePreparing children for the jobs of the future
        • Language courses for all the family
        • Where to get stylish kid-friendly mats
        • Does your child need a little extra help?
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Décor
      • Readers Homes
        • Heveya mattress - eco-friendly bedroom furniture, sustainable productsGoing “green” in the bedroom
        • Luxury homes for lease in Hong Kong
        • Beautiful ginger jar lamps for your home
        • Where to get stylish kid-friendly mats
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Short Breaks
      • Further Afield
      • Travel News & Offers
        • Beach escapes - Gili Lankanfushi – MaldivesPlan ahead: 8 great beach escapes
        • Top skiing destinations - Whistler, CanadaStunning ski stays in Europe and beyond
        • Mongolia - kidsA family adventure in Mongolia
        • Where to stay and what to do in Thailand - MerdekaQuick getaways: Where to go in Thailand
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Recipes & Groceries
      • Bars & Restaurants
        • Carrot and lentil soup recipeRecipe: Carrot and Lentil Soup
        • Vegetarian recipe: Vietnamese rice roll with quorn mince and bolognese sauce5 meat-free meal ideas to try
        • Chocolate Tiffin - RecipeNo-bake Chocolate Tiffin Recipe
        • Fiamma Italian restaurant - tortelliniTaste Test: Peak Italian Cuisine at Fiamma
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • online shopping websites21 fashion websites shipping to HK
        • Buying diamonds - The Diamond Registry can offer competitive pricing as a major international diamond distributor.Looking for a good deal on diamonds?
        • Where to go for pampering
        • Paraben-free skincare for men!
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Medical & Dental
      • Fitness
      • Wellness
        • Gyms in Hong Kong - best places for keeping fit8 great places to go to keep in shape
        • Home workout5 workout moves you can do at home
        • Central & Stanley Wellness - functional medicine treatmentFunctional medicine and how it helps
        • KAMA CBD OilWhat is CBD and can it help your health?
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
      • Magazine
      • Advertise With Us
        • December – February 2021
        • DEC-FEB 2020 – $36 (USUAL PRICE $48)
        • City Guide 2020-2021
        • City Guide 2020-2021 – $28
      • View all
    Close
Home » Newsletter » Getaways from Hong Kong: 4 Family-friendly Eco-chic Resorts

Getaways from Hong Kong: 4 Family-friendly Eco-chic Resorts

22 November, 2016 by Kate Farr 4 Min Read

https://expatliving.hk/getaways-from-hong-kong-4-family-friendly-eco-chic-resorts/

We all know living in Hong Kong is fantastic, but there is no denying we need to get away with the family a few times a year to de-stress. For families committed to reducing their eco-impact, luxury resorts can seem like an ethical compromise. However these eco-chic destinations offer the perfect combination of thoughtful design, social awareness, great family activities … and a touch of tasteful luxury for the ultimate in guilt-free family downtime.

#1 Six Senses Con Dao, VIETNAM

Vietnam travel
Six Senses Main Swimming Pool

 

Located on a small island off Vietnam’s southern coast, Six Senses Con Dao is surrounded by crystal-clear oceans that teem with native sea creatures. One such species is the dugong, a globally endangered sea mammal that the resort is determined to protect. Working in partnership with government organisations, Six Senses is striving to conserve beds of sea grass – the dugong’s main source of nutrition – growing in the resort’s bay, restoring their habitat for future generations. Young visitors can learn about this rare creature during their stay, as well as discovering how to make their own safe drinking water at the Crystal Water Plant, safely exploring sea turtle nesting areas and even making crafts using recycled paper.

Meanwhile, Con Dao’s all-villa accommodation is pure luxury, with each private house making the most of panoramic ocean views and its own private pool. Both the resort and the globally renowned Six Senses Spa aim at reducing their carbon and environmental footprint, making this a responsible indulgence.

For more information on Con Dao’s conservation programme and to book, visit sixsenses.com

 

#2 Soneva Kiri, THAILAND

 

Soneva Kiri Intrepid Explorer Eco Den
Soneva Kiri Intrepid Explorer Eco Den

Modern-day Robinson Crusoes can experience an island adventure unlike any other at Soneva Kiri, on the little-known Thai island of Koh Kood (or Ko Kut). Arrive by private plane or helicopter, then speedboat across pristine waters to reach the resort, which offers just twenty resort villas – some of the world’s largest. Committed to a Slow Life ethos (it’s an acronym that stands for “Sustainable Local Organic Wellness Learning Inspiring Fun Experiences”), Soneva takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously indeed, publishing an annual report highlighting the company’s environmental and charitable efforts, and setting targets for further improvements across the coming year.

Other than luxuriating in the villa’s private pool, families can hit The Den, a spectacular sculptural space in the form of a manta ray, crafted from bamboo and tucked into the lush tropical hillside. This is the ultimate kids’ club for children from 12 months to 13 years: cross the drawbridge into the cavernous structure to find a hidden world of eco-crafts, art and music, along with exciting excursions to explore the stunning island and its natural wonders. There’s also an outdoor cinema, where film-goers relax on beanbags as the sun goes down, plus the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon tea perched high above the dense surrounding forest in a treehouse, served by safety-harnessed waiters.

For more information on the Slow Life concept and to book, visit soneva.com

 

#3 Nihiwatu, INDONESIA

Relax and de-stress
Relax and de-stress

 

A luxurious resort that’s 100 percent philanthropic, Nihiwatu sits on the isolated Indonesian island of Sumba, 400km from Bali. Founded to protect this wild and rugged place and its people, the resort remarkably ploughs all of its profits back into the community through its private NGO, The Sumba Foundation. The charity has worked tirelessly since its inception to improve life on the island while supporting and protecting its unique indigenous culture, and has to date set up 15 primary schools, built nearly 50 wells to supply over 170 villages with safe water, and founded five medical centres, helping to reduce malaria infection by 85 percent in affected areas.

Visiting families can experience the foundation’s work first-hand by volunteering at one of the local village schools, or, for slightly younger children, by painting colourful murals to decorate the school’s walls. Of course, being based on an island, the resort offers a wealth of water activities, including sustainable spearfishing for visitors over 12 years, rock-pooling and snorkelling in the surrounding reef, as well as a junior pony club that teaches equestrian care. End your day on the veranda of your palatial private villa, crafted from natural materials and tastefully dotted with Sumbanese antiques and soft furnishings.

Learn more about Nihiwatu and The Sumba Foundation at nihiwatu.com and sumbafoundation.org

 

#4 Morukuru Ocean House, SOUTH AFRICA

Morukuru Ocean House - upstairs bar and lounge
Morukuru Ocean House – upstairs bar and lounge

 

Further afield, and overlooking the Indian Ocean on the rugged South African coastline, Morukuru Ocean House sits within the pristine De Hoop Nature Reserve, home to over 260 species of wild birds, not to mention some of the best whale-watching opportunities on the Western Cape. Aside from the stunning natural beauty and abundant fauna on the coast, travel a little way inland for a more typical safari experience, spotting zebras, baboons and even leopards if you’re lucky!

The palatial four-bedroom Ocean House sleeps eight and offers the reserve’s only five-star accommodation; however, the retreat wears its luxury lightly, with smart use of solar power and excellent insulation ensuring that the property runs entirely off-grid, minimising environmental impact to this pristine spot. With a private butler, chef and nanny on hand to ensure that you won’t lift a finger – other than to snap another shot of that view – this is the perfect once-in-a-lifetime escape to mark a special occasion with extended family.

 

For more information on South African safari and booking information, a2asafaris.com

 

Can we go to all of them? We love exploring Asia and beyond – and writing about it – check out where else we have been over on our Travel page!

 

Categories: Newsletter Travel Tags: Hong Kong-1 Indonesia Luxury Resort South Africa Thailand Travel Vietnam

You May Also Like

Top skiing destinations - Whistler, Canada

Stunning ski stays in Europe and beyond

Where to stay and what to do in Thailand - Merdeka

Quick getaways: Where to go in Thailand

Best places to go shopping in Singapore

Primary Sidebar

Editor's Picks

Kellett School

Best International Schools In Hong Kong, Preschool to Secondary

Furniture in Hong Kong: Guide To The Best Furniture Stores

sightseeing in Hong Kong

Top 30 Hong Kong Attractions & Best Places To Visit

Where to live in Hong Kong

Guide to Living in Hong Kong and where to live

Landing pads: places to stay in Hong Kong

Brunch in Hong Kong

Best Sunday Brunch Places in Hong Kong

What's On

Puccini's Turandot Opera

The MET’S “Nightly Met Opera Streams”

Students at Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong Academy – Applications Open for 2021/22

CDNIS - Admissions

CDNIS Admissions Timetable: Apply Now for January and August 2021

Events & Weekend Activities - The Grounds is the city's first responsible entertainment destination

The Grounds: HK’s first ‘COVID-19 responsible’ entertainment destination

Elsa in scene from Frozen

FWD Presents: The Frozen Exhibition Hong Kong

You Rise art exhibition by JM Robert

“You Rise” Solo Exhibition by JM Robert

Expat Living Hong Kong 🇭🇰

expatlivinghk

Open
🎉 We're so pleased to announce the winners of our Readers' Choice Awards! Congrats to all the companies who were voted among the best in Hong Kong, and to the voters who won the amazing prizes. See the full results online now at 👉 expatliving.hk/readerschoice

.
#expatlivinghk #hkbusiness #hongkongbusiness #elhkreaderschoice #hkexpats
Open
Pieces for your dining room mood board!🪑We are feeling these tones 🤎
Open
Thanks Julianna for this delicious 
Easy Blueberry Oreo Cheesecake to start the weekend!
Serves 4, or 2 if you're hungry😉

Preparation time: 15 mins Ingredients:
• 6 digestive biscuits
• 50g butter 
• 250g cream cheese (1 brick) 
• 6 Oreo biscuits
• 125g blueberries (1 box)
• 100g milk or whipped cream 
• 5 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:
For crust:
1. Crush digestive biscuits in a big bowl and add melted butter.
2. Press together at the base of the cake mould.
3. Set aside to cool.

For filling: 
1. Beat cream cheese, sugar and milk or whipped cream on medium speed in a bowl until it is smooth and creamy. 
2. Add crushed Oreos and beat until they mix evenly. 
3. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
4. Freeze for two hours and top with blueberries!🫐
Open
If you’re looking for a place to live in Hong Kong - particularly if you’re moving here and want an easy landing pad - a serviced apartment can be a godsend! @hongkongparkview is like a mini town with everything you need from a Clubhouse with full facilities to a toy shop, clothes and food shop! 🏞🛍
Open
Read our Winter issue on any device for free 👉 expatliving.hk/digital/ig.
Inside: Two inspiring home reno stories, great dining room furniture ideas, insider's guide to Hung Hom Bay and plenty of other great reads, including easy dessert recipes!
Open
How cool is this - Hong Kong-based @ovolohotels is the first hotel group to go entirely vegetarian across its restaurants, bars and food services for a year! 🌱This move is the latest in the group’s series of eco-friendly initiatives, and doesn’t this look delicious!👏🏻
Open
If we’ve learnt anything this last year it’s how much a magical view can do for your mind🌿These are just some of the properties showcased by @knightfrank 🙌🏼 Head to knightfrank.com.hk to see what’s currently available! 🏞
Open
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year from the team at @expatlivinghk ❤️

📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
There’s been a buzz lately around CBD (Cannabidiol, derived from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant) and its purported health benefits. 
Did you know it’s available in Hong Kong? 🌿

@kamacbdhk is a new HK-based company offering CBD products that can help a number of ailments, check out our article and their page for more information!🌺
Open
🎄 Merry Christmas everyone! It's been an extraordinary year and we're so grateful for your support. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season 🌟🥂
Open
This 1950s colonial-style walk up in Kowloon Tong has been styled so well by tenant Jerome, it is fascinating to hear about the place and it’s history! For the full story and Jerome’s recommendations see our DEC-FEB issue✨📖
Open
Whether you’ve hiked up Old Peak Road or taken the tram, make sure you’re hungry, as you’ll want to consume most of the menu from @fiammahk 🍴🍅
Open
5 steps for a stylish Christmas, courtesy of Hong Kong-based home furnishing retailer @indigo_living 🎄
 
#1 Decide on a Theme:
Every momentous Christmas feast begins with a stunning table-scape. Whether you’re going for the classic red and green pairing or a contemporary setting, pick a theme that you can go all out with! 
 
#2 Organise Your Linen:
Generally speaking, a crisp white linen table-runner will do. But if you’re looking to up the ante this year, go for one with subtle prints on it. 
 
#3 Choose a Centrepiece:
 A beautiful Christmas centrepiece is the fastest way to add cheer to your party. It’s also a great excuse to show off your creative flair to friends and family. 
 
#4 Invest in a Good Set of Tableware:
When it comes to tableware, most people play it safe with crystal glasses and porcelain plates. Why not take it up a notch by throwing a set of gold cutlery into the mix? It’s an instant pop of luxury that exudes warmth to traditional red and green themes. 🍴
 
#5 End with a Bang:
What’s a Christmas dinner without some good old-fashioned crackers? Sure to put a smile on anyone’s faces, they’ll also ensure your party goes out with a bang! 💫
Open
What a view 🙌🏼

📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
Less than five days left to vote for your favourite businesses! You could win fun family staycays and dining vouchers, so make sure to vote today by visiting 👉 expatliving.hk/readerschoice

.
#expatlivinghk #hkbusiness #hongkongbusiness #elhkreaderschoice #hkexpats
Open
Jazz up your dining area with these pretty picks!⚡️

Companies tagged in the photos for more details🪑
Open
Get ready for Christmas, CNY and beyond with these fab treatment packages now available at @amooma.spa ✨

#1 BUBBLE & SPARKLE
A package for two, including an aroma steam shower, deep sleep tourmaline crystal massage, sparkling champagne facial and a glass of champagne 🥂

#2 HO! HO! HO! IT’S ME-TIME!
Designed for one person, this me-time includes a ling organic forbidden rice scrub, ling nourishing body wrap, AMOONA signature blend and knesko gemological face mask 🧖🏼‍♀️
Open
How good do these look 😍 New recipe from @charissa_and_co_wellness. You can try a free sample by scanning the bar code on our online articles 💜

Recipe: Flourless Pecan Cranberry Brownie

Ingredients

Brownie base:

2 servings of Nuzest Clean Lean Chocolate Protein
1.5 cup of pumpkin puree
1 cup of hazelnut butter or almond *
1/2 cup of raw dark cacao powder
1/2 cup of chopped pecans
1/3 cup of dehydrated cranberries
2 teaspoons of Manuka honey ** Optional
White chocolate drizzle:

1/3 cup of melted cacao butter
2 tablespoons of cashew nut butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1-2 teaspoons of Erythritol
Dark chocolate drizzle:

1/3 cup of melted cacao butter
2 tablespoons of cashew nut butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
3 tablespoons of raw dark cacao powder
1 teaspoon of Erythritol
Instructions

Brownie base:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Grease a square baking tray with coconut oil and line tray with parchment paper.
In a large blender, mix all the brownie ingredients together until smooth.
Pour the brownie mix into the pan and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Once cooked, allow the brownies to cool on a rack.
Chocolate drizzle:

You will need two separate mixing bowls for the white and dark chocolate drizzle.
Melt the cacao butter at low temperature and mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Pour the chocolate drizzle over the cooled brownies.
Pop them in the fridge to set or enjoy them as warm brownies.**
Optional: Sprinkle some fresh pomegranate and dried cranberry seeds onto the brownies (after cooling in the fridge for 20 minutes).
Open
TGIF 🌿🌿

📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
In our new winter issue we take a look at Dutch expat Nicole Hessing’s impressive home renovation in Clearwater Bay 🏡 Check out the article for all her tips and local recommendations 👉 expatliving.hk/digital/ig
  • COMPETITIONS & OFFERS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Subscribe

© 2021 Expat Living Hong Kong, All Rights Reserved.