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Chinese New Year has come and gone and the Hong Kong community has ushered in the Year of the Rooster.
But, while everyone enjoyed the fireworks that lit up Victoria Harbour and the plethora of gifts and lai see packets they received, it’s now the time of year to shed the pounds after days of feasting on the not so healthy groups of the food pyramid.
That being said, we are not asking you to run the equivalent of the Hong Kong marathon every day or swim the distance of the annual cross-harbour race.
Instead, here are five simple and relaxing activities you can enjoy with your family that will enable you to get rid of any extra weight you gained during the festive period.
Badminton
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-16336 size-medium" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Badminton-373x280.jpg" width="373" height="280" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Badminton-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Badminton-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Badminton-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Badminton-400x300.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Badminton-600x450.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Badminton.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 373px) 100vw, 373px" />
Not only is this family friendly, but you can almost dictate the pace at which it is played. From rallies to games up to twenty one points, it’s your call on how much you want to do. In regards to where to play, <a href="http://www.pacificclub.com.hk/" target="_blank">Pacific Club in Tsim Sha Tsui </a>and <a href="http://www.aberdeenmarinaclub.com/" target="_blank">Aberdeen Marina Club</a> are the places to get your game on in style.
In addition to this, you can also enjoy a serene view of the Hong Kong skyline. Plus, your family won’t have any reason to complain about why you spend so little time with them! 
Golf
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-16337 size-medium" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Golfer_swing-375x280.jpg" alt="Golfer_swing" width="375" height="280" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Golfer_swing-375x280.jpg 375w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Golfer_swing-200x149.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Golfer_swing-800x598.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Golfer_swing-768x574.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Golfer_swing-400x299.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Golfer_swing-600x448.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Golfer_swing.jpg 803w" sizes="(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px" />
What’s better than soaking in some sun, having vast open scenic spots around you and competing in a calm round of golf. <a href="http://www.hkgolfclub.org/" target="_blank">Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling</a>, which has hosted the Hong Kong Open since 1959, and the <a href="http://www.kscgolf.org.hk/index-e.asp" target="_blank">Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau</a> Public Golf Course in Sai Kung are two perfect places to do this. With luscious nine- and eighteen-hole courses prepared for beginners and advanced players, it’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon with the family and find out whether you are the next Tiger Woods or Lydia Ko! 
Hiking
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-16338 size-medium" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hiking-429x280.jpg" alt="Hiking" width="429" height="280" />
Sticking to the theme of beautiful scenery, hiking is another activity that is fun for the family and will surely get the heart pumping and the fat burning. With a number of hikes to choose from, including the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, Dragon’s Back and the renowned Lion Rock hike, you may stumble upon old villages, breathtaking views, cooling rock pools and yes, even white sandy beaches. So why not reward all that hard work by soaking in some culture or wading in the cool, crystal clear waters. 
Swimming
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-16339 size-medium" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Swimming-420x280.jpg" alt="Swimming" width="420" height="280" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Swimming-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Swimming-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Swimming-800x533.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Swimming-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Swimming-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Swimming-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Swimming.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px" />
Speaking about wading in the water, another leisurely activity is a good, old-fashioned swim. Hong Kong has plenty of beautiful pools and private clubs to choose from, so there is no excuse not to dive in. Particularly splash-worthy is the <a href="https://hongkong.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/activities/hotel-activities/pool.html" target="_blank">Grand Hyatt’s </a>rooftop pool, complete with sea view and the <a href="http://conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/hong-kong/conrad-hong-kong-HKGHCCI/amenities/sports-fitness.html" target="_blank">Conrad’s </a>pool and deck in Admiralty. In addition to working on your cardio, you’ll be strengthening your core and building muscle. Even better, both these plush choices offer shaded cabanas, perfect for a post-work out relax.
Tai Chi
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-16340 size-medium" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tai-Chi-373x280.jpg" alt="Tai Chi" width="373" height="280" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tai-Chi-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tai-Chi-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tai-Chi-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tai-Chi-400x300.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tai-Chi-600x450.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tai-Chi.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 373px) 100vw, 373px" />
Have you ever looked out the window and seen groups of elderly people doing, what may seem like, weird movements to the drone of old-school Chinese songs blaring from a radio? If so, then what you are witnessing is the ancient tradition of Tai Chi.
Thought to have originated anywhere between 700 to 1500 years ago, the art of Tai Chi is used predominantly as a way to help alleviate stress and anxiety, while also finding inner peace.
Sounds good right? So why not give it a try, especially as the Hong Kong Tourism Board runs a Tai Chi class four days a week in front of the Museum of Art, which is a stone’s throw away from the picturesque Victoria Harbour. 
Written by Bimal Mirwani

5 ways to boost your fitness in Hong Kong

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16104" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bel-Air-Residence.jpg" alt="Bel Air Residence" width="900" height="650" />We all know that space is a luxury, yet increasingly people are looking to expand their homes. From loft conversions to roof extensions, redesigning to maximise living areas can transform a property. In recent years, though, the interior design world has turned its sights to another alternative – outdoor living. Far from simply being a place for gardens or swimming pools, architects are now creating versatile spaces that can be used for dining, entertaining, exercising and relaxation.
The sign of a well-conceived design is how seamlessly the outside and inside areas fuse; the aim is for the finished product to feel like a natural extension of an existing space. These seven properties achieve this and more, reflecting some of the world’s greatest outdoor-meets-indoor residential designs.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16105" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PK-Iporanga-Residence.jpg" alt="Overall view from the backyard" width="900" height="604" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PK-Iporanga-Residence.jpg 900w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PK-Iporanga-Residence-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PK-Iporanga-Residence-800x537.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PK-Iporanga-Residence-417x280.jpg 417w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PK-Iporanga-Residence-768x515.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PK-Iporanga-Residence-400x268.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PK-Iporanga-Residence-600x403.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
Rustic Al Fresco 
São Paulo home PK Iporanga – designed by architect firm Arthur Casas – has an enviable external space, which effortlessly blends the indoors with the out. Orthogonal lines and minimalist décor keep things crisp, while the inviting side-lit pool and deck contrast beautifully with the chunky Cumaru panelled wood. Exposed brick walls add a touch of rustic charm, while the glazed sliding doors ease the transition from external to internal. The open-plan aesthetic is both contemporary and elegant, with no one area dominating the layout. Leading into a bespoke kitchen and sleek dining area, the pool deck manages o flawlessly flow through the entire ground floor. The lush tropical foliage surrounding the space also adds a sense of serenity and calm.
Water World 
A truly breathtaking example of eco-design at its most extravagant, the Acqua Liana, in Florida’s exclusive Manalapan Beach estate, offers tropical outside living at its finest. The property – which recently sold for a record-breaking US$22.9 million (HKD$177.6 million) – features a meandering lazy river, a separate pool and deck, blossom-filled gardens plus an outdoor fire spa with waterfall. There’s also a lagoon plunge pool and private beach area. The Hawaiian Koa-wood kitchen opens directly onto the gardens, creating a sense of lush greenery throughout. Materials such as bamboo, coconut and reclaimed teak keep things natural, a suitable touch for the home that’s dubbed ‘Florida’s greenest mansion.’ The outdoor cocktail lounge is perfect for sultry summer parties.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16106" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Casa-Folha-Brazil.jpg" alt="Casa Folha Brazil" width="900" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Casa-Folha-Brazil.jpg 900w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Casa-Folha-Brazil-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Casa-Folha-Brazil-800x533.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Casa-Folha-Brazil-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Casa-Folha-Brazil-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Casa-Folha-Brazil-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Casa-Folha-Brazil-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
California Dreamin’ 
A contemporary residence in LA’s prestigious Bel Air district, this ultra-modern home boasts outside living space with A-list worthy features. Taking centre stage is the 132-foot infinity pool which looks out across the Los Angeles basin; it’s flanked by an immaculately manicured lawn and deck area. The emphasis is very much about bringing the inside out, with elegant sofas and lounging spaces offering the chance to relax with all the usual domestic comforts. Modern art and sculptures dot the residence’s grounds, offering a quirky contrast to the garden’s pristine white walls. The ultra-modern sunken fire pit, adjacent to the main house, means al fresco fun can still be had even on the occasional chilly Californian evening.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16107" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Acqua-Liana.jpg" alt="Acqua Liana" width="900" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Acqua-Liana.jpg 900w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Acqua-Liana-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Acqua-Liana-800x533.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Acqua-Liana-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Acqua-Liana-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Acqua-Liana-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Acqua-Liana-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
 “Bamboo, coconut and reclaimed teak keep things natural, a suitable touch for ‘Florida’s greenest mansion’”
Leafy Living 
Shaped like a folha (‘leaf’ in Portuguese), this futuristic Brazilian home is based on the principle of merging separated spaces. The dozens of glass sliding doors found throughout the property open up into an array of external areas, while the refreshing sea breeze adds to the sense of tranquility. The swimming pool snakes into the house, effortlessly blending both indoor and outdoor worlds, before transforming into a pond complete with exotic fish. For some serious rest and relaxation, head to the outdoor ‘Brazilian lounge’ towards the rear of the house, where hammocks gently sway above the deck made from sustainably sourced wood. For a more social affair, the front pool deck – scattered with bespoke sofas and covered by a huge, copper clad ‘leaf’ – is the perfect place to unwind with family and friends.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16108" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Malibu-Residence.jpg" alt="Malibu Residence" width="900" height="642" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Malibu-Residence.jpg 900w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Malibu-Residence-200x143.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Malibu-Residence-800x571.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Malibu-Residence-393x280.jpg 393w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Malibu-Residence-768x548.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Malibu-Residence-300x214.jpg 300w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Malibu-Residence-400x285.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Malibu-Residence-600x428.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
Contemporary Casa 
Another São Paulo offering comes in the form of Casa 6, an aesthetically imposing home designed by Marcio Kogan Architects. The main house is suspended over a versatile outdoor space, which comprises of a lounging and dining area. A huge, roughly hewn stone wall acts as a backdrop for the rustic, Scandi-style furniture, while the modern portico structure adds a sense of contemporary grandeur. The green-lit lap pool, which leads down from the kitchen’s sliding doors, is the perfect place for an evening swim, and the surrounding sub-tropical ferns, palms and flowers are a fragrant reminder of the home’s Brazilian rainforest location.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16109" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bondi-beach-Penthouse.jpg" alt="View of Penthouse from external terrace" width="900" height="565" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bondi-beach-Penthouse.jpg 900w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bondi-beach-Penthouse-200x126.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bondi-beach-Penthouse-800x502.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bondi-beach-Penthouse-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bondi-beach-Penthouse-446x280.jpg 446w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bondi-beach-Penthouse-768x482.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bondi-beach-Penthouse-320x202.jpg 320w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bondi-beach-Penthouse-400x251.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bondi-beach-Penthouse-600x377.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
The swimming pool snakes into the house before transforming into a pond complete with exotic fish.”
Life’s a Beach 
Offering a spectacularly uninterrupted view of Sydney’s Bondi Beach, this penthouse was blueprinted and built by the MPR Design Group. Housed in an existing Art Deco building, the futuristic design of the space creates a contemporary outdoor relaxing and entertaining area. External lines and fittings are blurred, thanks to light-hued cladding, which creates a sense of both modernity and softness. Wide lime-washed timber floors form a sleek, smooth deck, while the amply proportioned dining area is the perfect place for a supper soirée. The open-plan kitchen sits just beyond the huge sliding doors, which can be opened to extend the space further.
Pacifically Perfect 
Exceptional sea views and a sense of seamlessness make this Pacific oceanside home in Malibu – designed by Charles Gwathmey of Gwathmey Siegel &amp; Associates – one of the best investments for those who enjoy relaxing outdoors. The emphasis is on contrasting heights; a circulation zone runs parallel to the external wall, which connects the different levels both physically and visually. The result is a pool deck plus dining area, a smaller, raised sun lounging platform, a small balcony and a covered sit-out space; the latter offers beautiful views of the sea. The surrounding lawn keeps things green and the minimalist outdoor furnishings contrast with the starkly, sleek beauty of the main house. Ample glass windows and accents of wood add to the sense of space, nature and light.
Written by Siobhan Brewood-Wyatt

Luxurious pools, beautiful decks and lush gardens are the crowning glory of any outdoor oasis

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5 ways to boost your fitness in Hong Kong

Luxurious pools, beautiful decks and lush gardens are the crowning glory of any outdoor oasis