Don’t tell anyone, but Rosewood Hong Kong has just opened a ladies-only speakeasy rather intriguingly named XX.

Named after the pair of XX chromosomes that distinguish female genes, it’s an super-secretive, hush-hush speakeasy only for the fairer sex – an intimate, safe space to let your hair down and enjoy a tipple or two while watching the beautiful sunset over the Victoria Dockside. But only those in the know can enter its secret premises – tucked away on the fifth floor of the hotel, XX can only be entered by typing a secret code on a concealed keypad in a wooden panel. We’re not telling more…

On entering though, more surprises await. The essence of the space is revealed through discovery, so keep an eye out for unexpected details like the sunken bar, fragmented mirrors and a carefully curated art collection.

The menu, too, is as sophisticated as the interiors, with a slew of fruit-forward cocktails taking pride of place on it. Among these, we opted for a champagne cocktail called Sexy – She Says That A Lot, a stylish mix of jasmine, bergamot, fizz and London No.3 Gin, with a touch of citrus dressed up with bubbles. The fruity notes of the drink were perfect for easy drinking while its presentation made it eminently Instagram worthy. Another signature drink that we liked equally was BFF, a refreshing, citrusy take on the highball, with pine needles, cucumber juice and yuzu vinegar. If you want more potent drinks, the bartender is happy to oblige with a bespoke bevvy whipped up to match your mood. 

Complementing the drinks were equally delicate, ladylike canapés, all prepared to be light bites – as easy on the eyes as they are on the palate. And, that really is what XX is all about, a casual place to unwind over cocktails and conversations. What’s not to like!

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

For reservations, call +85252399219.