Oh, Hong Kong. The east-meets-west SAR has long been renowned for its penchant for the finer things in life (take a look at our picks for best boutique hotels in Hong Kong). And while many of the Central hotels may have once been at the height of luxury with their vastly high ceilings, expansive ballrooms, and grandiose chandeliers, the modern traveller demands something quite the opposite. Enter K11 Artus. Not a hotel, but an artisanal residence that boasts exceptional interior design coupled with traditional craftsmanship. And when they invited us to stay for the weekend, we just had to experience it for ourselves.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

K11 Artus is the place for design aficionados in Hong Kong

Guangcai plate
Special edition Guangcai plate at K11 Artus

Besides a few other properties that have opened in recent years (St. Regis Hong Kong springs to mind), K11 Artus is really the only choice for any design lover who wants the most exceptional stay in HK.

Located atop K11 Musea in Tsim Sha Tsui, find the secluded entrance and be greeted by the friendly staff who will whisk you up to reception. And what a reception it is. Housed in the middle of a library cum living room, guests are welcomed by staff who sit surrounded by encyclopedias, sensational hand painted porcelain with Guangcai, and various ephemera and antiques. It’s hard not to get distracted by all the amazing visual stimuli as you go through the formalities.

In fact, each of the rare Chinese arts and crafts have been chosen in conjunction with the K11 Craft & Guild Foundation. This charity works to rejuvenate traditional Chinese Craftsmanship, and one per cent of all room bookings go back to this very foundation.

It’s a residence, not a room

K11 ARtus two-bedroom residence
Every single residence is exquisitely designed and styled

The devil is in the details at K11 Artus. When you arrive at your residence (there are no hotel rooms here!), you’ll get a tour of the space and be shown how things work. Then, it’s up to you to make the most of your stay.

The one-bed executive apartment that we stayed in had a wonderful open kitchen for entertaining, a walk-in closet, king-size bed, and totally blissful bathtub. Stunning art and ceramics are nestled around every corner and reading materials are curated for those who appreciate fantastic architecture and design–The Monocle Guide to Building Better Cities being a highlight.

From a bathroom kitted out with Aesop products to a balcony with views out over Victoria Harbour, you’ll find it difficult to pinpoint your favourite part of this experience. Every single product is of the highest quality: Dyson, Kohler, Vista Alegre, De’Longhi and we particularly fell in love with the Robert Welsh knives in the kitchen and the cuddly Elvang baby alpaca throw, adding to the luxe feel of the property and making us wish we could stay forever.

Interior design by local talent

Commune restaurant K11 ARtus
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Commune with stunning views of Victoria Harbour

The interior design of the hotel was largely completed by André Fu of André Fu Studio, one of Hong Kong’s most revered and well-loved interior designers. Known as the mastermind behind The Upper House and Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong, the contemporary aesthetic achieved in all of the spaces at K11 Artus is delightful.

Whether you’re spending time in the Living Room playing chess and admiring the view, enjoying something to eat at light-filled Commune, or sweating it out in the well-appointed (and generously stocked) gymnasium, every single space feels special and incredibly thought out.

Additional thoughtful touches throughout K11 Artus, such as tiny works of art hidden behind magnifying glasses outside every residence and vintage flower postcards with quotes from iconic artists and designers make the stay an entirely holistic experience.

infinity pool K11 Artus
We don’t want to give too much away, but this swimming pool is something else

If that’s not enough, climb the staircase from the communal living room floor/reception area and make your way up through the wellness sanctuary and out into the outdoor space. Get some work done on one of the terraces or walk through the urban garden and take a load off at the pool. But–unsurprisingly–this is not your average watering hole. This 25-metre infinity pool lets your drift into the surrounding urban landscape, giving you a totally unique view of Hong Kong. Surrounding cabanas and loungers have some of the best views of the harbour and are the perfect spot for secluded sun-baking.

Location, location, location

Watch the 8pm light show from your living room (or bed), order room service from the restaurants in the luxe mall below, wander along the Avenue of Stars, jump on the nearby Star Ferry to Central, or just take in the movement of the ships on Victoria Harbour. You’ll never find quite another home as this.

Discover more about K11 Artus

But wait, there’s more…