Hong Kong’s Top Resorts with Award-Winning Design

When people imagine Hong Kong, they often picture a dense urban jungle—a vertical metropolis where skyscrapers pierce the clouds and neon lights illuminate the streets. But beyond the bustling Central District and the vibrant markets of Mong Kok lies another side of Hong Kong: one of serene luxury, architectural brilliance, and world-class resorts that blend seamlessly with nature. These retreats are not just places to stay; they are destinations in themselves, boasting designs that have garnered international accolades and redefined hospitality. From the outlying islands to the New Territories, these resorts offer a perfect escape, combining innovative aesthetics with the unique cultural and natural tapestry of Hong Kong.

The Rise of Luxury Eco-Tourism in Hong Kong

In recent years, Hong Kong has seen a significant shift towards sustainable and design-conscious travel. Travelers are no longer satisfied with generic luxury; they seek experiences that are both aesthetically profound and environmentally responsible. This trend has given rise to a new generation of resorts that prioritize ecological integration, cultural homage, and groundbreaking architecture. These properties have not only won awards from prestigious bodies like the World Travel Awards and the International Hotel & Property Awards but have also become hotspots for influencers, designers, and discerning globetrotters.

Why Design Matters in Hospitality

Award-winning design goes beyond mere visual appeal. It encompasses functionality, sustainability, emotional resonance, and a deep connection to locale. In Hong Kong, where space is at a premium and natural landscapes are precious, the architectural challenge is particularly acute. The best resorts here turn constraints into virtues, using innovative materials, spatial planning, and biophilic design to create oases of calm and luxury. They tell a story—of Hong Kong’s past, its natural beauty, and its future—making every stay a multi-sensory journey.

Top Award-Winning Resorts in Hong Kong

The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Central against the backdrop of Hong Kong Park and The Peak, The Murray is a masterpiece of urban rejuvenation and modernist design. Housed in a landmark building originally designed by renowned British architect Ron Phillips, the hotel’s reimagining by Foster + Partners has won multiple awards for its preservation and innovation.

The design highlights include the iconic arched recesses that replace traditional windows, reducing solar gain by 70% and creating a striking façade. Inside, the aesthetic is a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary luxury, with marble, brass, and custom furnishings throughout. The soaring atrium and rooftop restaurants offer breathtaking views of the city skyline. It’s a resort that doesn’t let you forget you’re in Hong Kong, yet provides a tranquil refuge from its energy.

The Upper House

Perched above Pacific Place in Admiralty, The Upper House is more than a hotel; it’s an urban sanctuary. Designed by acclaimed architect Andre Fu, its concept of a "vertical journey" has earned it a cult following and numerous design accolades. The resort experience begins in the lobby, which feels more like a stylish apartment, with warm tones, natural materials, and curated art pieces.

The rooms and suites are among the largest in Hong Kong, featuring open-plan layouts, oversized bathtubs with skyline views, and a minimalist palette of oak, marble, and silk. Fu’s design philosophy—"a sense of relaxed luxury"—is evident in every detail. The Café Gray Deluxe on the top floor provides a seamless indoor-outdoor dining experience, making it a hotspot for sunset cocktails. It’s a celebrated example of how to create serenity and space in one of the world’s most crowded cities.

Tai O Heritage Hotel

For a completely different but equally award-winning experience, the Tai O Heritage Hotel on Lantau Island offers a journey into Hong Kong’s cultural heritage. This isn’t a typical luxury resort but a boutique property housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century colonial police station. It has won awards for heritage conservation and sustainable tourism.

The design carefully preserves historic features like the cannons, lookout towers, and jail cells while incorporating modern comforts. The nine rooms are individually decorated with antique furniture and local artwork, telling the story of the fishing village of Tai O. The Glass Roof Restaurant, set under the original roof structure, serves seafood with panoramic views of the South China Sea. It’s a perfect base for exploring the stilt houses, dolphin watching, and hiking trails of Lantau.

The Peninsula Hong Kong

No list of iconic Hong Kong resorts is complete without The Peninsula. While it’s a historic landmark, its recent additions and renovations have kept it at the forefront of design and luxury. The Peninsula’s helicopter pad, rooftop restaurant, and fleet of custom-made Rolls-Royces are legendary, but its design evolution is equally impressive.

The addition of the 30-story tower seamlessly blends with the original colonial building. The guestrooms combine classic elegance with cutting-edge technology, all controlled by a bedside tablet. The design, by internationally renowned firms, pays homage to the 1920s glamour while embracing modern aesthetics. The award-winning spa and multiple dining venues, including the Michelin-starred Spring Moon, make it a perennial favorite for those seeking timeless design excellence.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Consistently ranked among the world’s best, the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is a beacon of luxury and impeccable design. Located in the International Finance Centre (IFC) with direct access to the airport express, its design maximizes its unparalleled views of Victoria Harbour and Victoria Peak.

The interior, by renowned designer Hirsch Bedner Associates, features a grand lobby with high ceilings, shimmering chandeliers, and expansive glass walls. The guest rooms are sanctuaries of calm with neutral tones, rich fabrics, and deep soaking tubs. However, the crown jewels are its wellness facilities: the 100,000-litre outdoor infinity pool appears to spill into the harbour, and the spa has repeatedly been named one of the best in Asia. Its design intelligently frames some of the best views in the world, making the city itself a part of the décor.

Arbor at Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge

Representing the new frontier of resort design in Hong Kong is Arbor, a recent addition located near the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge. This resort is making waves for its focus on biophilic design—a philosophy that seeks to connect occupants more closely to nature. Its architecture, which has already garnered attention in international design publications, features extensive use of natural light, green walls, indoor water features, and locally sourced materials.

The rooms are designed as "treehouses," with wooden accents, open balconies, and layouts that prioritize airflow and natural scenery. The resort offers curated experiences like yoga at sunrise overlooking the bridge and organic dining at its farm-to-table restaurant. It’s a bold look into the future of sustainable, design-driven hospitality in the Greater Bay Area.

Design Elements That Define These Resorts

Integration with Nature

Despite Hong Kong’s urban density, these top resorts masterfully incorporate natural elements. From The Upper House’s use of natural light and wood to Arbor’s biophilic philosophy, the connection to the environment is key. Infinity pools, panoramic windows, and interior gardens are common features that blur the line between inside and outside.

Cultural Narrative

Award-winning design tells a story. The Tai O Heritage Hotel speaks of history and preservation, while The Murray’s architecture reflects a dialogue between old and new. Local art, materials, and architectural motifs are woven into the fabric of each property, giving guests a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s unique identity.

Spatial Innovation

With limited land, Hong Kong’s architects have become masters of verticality and multi-functional space. Resorts like The Upper House use open-plan layouts and high ceilings to create a feeling of expansive freedom, turning a small footprint into a luxurious experience.

Planning Your Design-Focused Getaway

When booking a stay at one of these resorts, consider the season. Hong Kong’s autumn (October to December) offers the most pleasant weather for enjoying outdoor amenities like infinity pools and rooftop bars. Be sure to explore beyond the resort walls—many properties offer curated experiences, such as private tours of Tai O village or helicopter rides over Victoria Harbour.

For the design enthusiast, consider a resort crawl, spending a night or two in different properties to experience a range of architectural styles, from urban chic to heritage charm. Each offers a unique perspective on what makes Hong Kong such a dynamic and inspiring destination.