Take to the high seas, Hong Kong style on the Duk Ling (www.dukling.com.hk; +852 2851 9601) a gorgeously restored junk boat; if you’re a big party then charter the whole boat otherwise check for their regular tours. Or for something a little more contemporary contact Jubilee (www.hireboat.com.hk; +852 2530 0530) for speedboat and car hire.
Have a laid-back lunch at the airy, cool Isola (Level 3, Two IFC, 8 Finance Street; +852 2383 8765) for delish pizzas and harbor-views. Or feast on dim sums on the terrace at fashionista’s favorite Dragon-I (UG/F The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street; +852 3110 1222). When you really can’t stand that humidity you’ll be thankful for the pool-side salads at The Grill of the Grand Hyatt (1 Harbor Rd; +852 2588 1234 ext. 7623)- romantic.
Whilst Hong Kong is heaven for shopaholics, the last thing you feel like doing is traipsing from store to store in the heat, so either get your driver to ferry you around or stay in the air-conditioned Horizon Plaza- 21 floors of fashion and decor. A couple of my favorites are: Inside (16/F), Beijing Antiques (20/F) and Irony (11/F). Or side-step the crowds altogether and get some bespoke threads made at Soong Salon de Mode (1/F Flat A, Hanchung Mansion, 8-10 Hankow Road, Kowloon; +852 2723 1400; by appointment only). They’ll copy old favorites or tailor luxe suits and gowns.
Get ready for a night on the town with the help of beauty guru Suzanne Harwood (+852 2541 9036)- her spray tans and sculpting facials are tip-top. For something a little more permanent book yourself in to Smile Spa (Level 19, 1 Lan Kwai Fong, +852 3101 0258) for tooth whitening, veneers, natural-looking fillings and cleaning. Then prepare to be pampered at Pure Spa (4/F 2 IFC, 8 Finance Street, +852 8129 8883); think: low lights, Elemis products and zen-calm.
Dinner in HK is all about the city-scape views; some of the best (as well as the most delectable food) are to be found at the varied eateries of the super-ritzy Aqua (29/30F 1 Peking Road, Kowloon; +852 3427 2288) and the library terrace of the glam China Club (13/F Bank of China Building, Bank Street, +852 2521 8888). For something a little more relaxed, try the pretty garden terrace of the Peak Lookout (121 Peak Road, The Peak; +852 2849 1000)- make sure you book ahead to nab a terrace table.
Steven, our Brazil insider, guides us through the best of beaches and bossanova.
Begin your day in catwalk centrale at ultra luxe shopping street Via della Spiga; in addition to Italian staples such as Dolce and Gabbana, check out playfully chic boutique Anna Molinari (39 02 79 50 8). For those who prefer food to fitting into skinny jeans, don’t miss Peck (39-02-802-3161); Parma prosciutto, Tuscan olive oil and delectable dolci are just a few of the treats in store. Be sure to save room for lunch at L’Osteria (39 02 28 90 04 20). This rustic gem is a must for wine lovers. No visit to Milan is complete without seeing the Last Supper at the Santa Maria della Grazie (39- 02 8942 1146): unlike most tourist attractions Da Vinci’s masterpiece can be viewed in tranquillity as admission is limited- make sure you book ahead.