Chantecaille, the botanical-based luxury skincare and beauty brand, has opened a shop in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong’s premier retail destination. The 1,600-square-foot La Boutique Hong Kong was designed in consultation with innovative French architect and designer Patrick Naggar. On the outside, oversize windows and a limestone façade channel Paris, while whimsical furnishings and bespoke fixtures create an elegant atmosphere inside.
Aside from the store, there’s a skin clinic with two private rooms where clients can get signature Rose de Mai facials among other treatments. There’s also a salon that offers makeup consultations and brow-shaping services. “The city has been incredibly good to us—we wanted to give back and set up our first true flagship here, giving the women of Hong Kong a spa where they can get an excellent facial and a private salon where they can enjoy a quiet moment or share a macaron with a friend,” says company founder Sylvie Chantecaille. We asked the French skincare guru about her favorite places to eat, shop, and play in the buzzing city.
Caprice at the Four Seasons Hotel
“Caprice Bar is a very sexy and cozy spot I love to go with a friend. The atmosphere is sophisticated with mesmerizing deep earth and purple tones. It has an incredible selection of delicious cheese and wine. I like to sit by the window to watch the flickering lights over Victoria Harbour.” 8 Finance Street, Central Hong Kong; fourseasons.com
Hutong
“This is a gorgeous and romantic old-world Chinese restaurant designed by David Yeo. When the elevator opens, you are greeted by glistening red lanterns of all shapes and sizes that transport you back in time. It offers chic and fantastic food. Request a table by the window and get there by 8 P.M. to see the light show.” 28/F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui; hutong.com.hk
Aqua Luna
“The Hong Kong junk boats represent the old values still present in this modern city. There aren’t that many traditional sampans [wood boats] in operation anymore, but Aqua Luna offers sightseeing trips across the bay on the red-sail vessels.” aqualuna.com.hk
Chantecaille La Boutique
“Ice, our facialist, has golden fingers. You will be rejuvenated and experience the best neck massage you have ever had. By the time she applies the third or fourth mask, your skin will be as soft as a baby’s bottom.” G/F 2-4 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay; chantecaille.com
Sevva
“This restaurant has an amazing terrace with a stunning view of the city—it’s on the 25th floor of the Prince’s Building. People sit there for hours, listening to music and enjoying the glamorous Hong Kong style. When the weather is nice, this is my favorite place.” 10 Chater Road, Central Hong Kong; sevva.hk
Lane Crawford
“I am partial to this iconic luxury department store because you can find everything there. They have an incredible selection of more than 800 international brands.” Several locations; lanecrawford.com
Dries Van Noten
“As a Dries devotee, I always find amazing pieces at this store that I don’t find anywhere else. It’s also conveniently located near the Marni boutique, which is my other obsession.” 215 Landmark, Queens Road, Central Hong Kong; driesvannoten.be
Café Gray Deluxe at the Upper House Hotel
“The best weekend brunch is at Café Gray Deluxe, located in the chic boutique hotel Upper House. It has wonderful city views. There is a big variety on the menu, and they also have decadent desserts.” Pacific Place, 88, Queensway; cafegrayhk.com
Asia Society
“I love to take friends visiting Hong Kong for the first time to experience the marvelous art and architecture of this peaceful oasis. There is an exquisite garden, and inside there is a labyrinth-like jungle of foliage that leads you to Chantal Miller Gallery, home to wonderful and unexpected art. They also have a theater with lectures and films.” 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty; asiasociety.org