The Absolute Perfection of The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai:

Ah Taj... sigh. 

Luck and other people's great fortune (!) has afforded me multiple stays at this... something greater than "hotel"... 

How do I explain this phenomenon to the world outside who has never set foot at this pile of brick and mortar in Mumbai that is greater than the sum of its parts... 

There are almighty tomes written about the place, but here's my 2 Hong Kong cents; 

The Taj Mahal Palace stands as Mumbai’s undisputed icon of grandeur and timeless elegance. Opened in 1903 by visionary industrialist Jamsetji Tata, this heritage masterpiece in Colaba, overlooking the Arabian Sea and Gateway of India, was built in defiant Indo-Saracenic style, blending Moorish domes, Rajput flourishes, Florentine Renaissance, and Oriental details into pure architectural poetry. Its soaring central dome, built on Eiffel Tower scaffolding, has welcomed royalty, dignitaries, and dreamers for over 120 years.

What makes it the greatest hotel isn’t merely its opulent history or prime location - it’s the way it consistently takes your breath away. Every stay feels like stepping into a living masterpiece. Service reaches perfection: warm, intuitive, and never intrusive. Staff anticipate needs with quiet grace, turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. Whether it’s personalized butler service or seamless attention to detail, the hospitality feels genuinely heartfelt.

And then there’s the sheer photogenic beauty. Every nook and corner - marble corridors, jewel-toned lounges, sea-facing balconies, and lush courtyards - invites awe. Even a cup of tea (admittedly pricey) becomes an event in such surroundings. The Taj doesn’t just host you; it envelops you in legacy, luxury, and unmistakable magic. No wonder it remains a destination in itself. Pure, unforgettable splendour. Found these images in the ol' camera from my last trip there...

TBT: A look at Steve Leung’s Holiday Home

 

An impressive chapter in his already impressive portfolio, here’s an inside look at the famed architect Steve Leung’s house on the hills, plus an exclusive chat with the man himself. The multi-hyphenate founder-architect-interior-designer used his myriad skillsets to see a dream realised: a holiday abode in Niseko, the Asian ski capital of the world, or—that Western deployment of meta metaphors- the Aspen of Asia.”

Full feature out at Robb Report HK. 
 

Richard Mille RM 55-01 Manual Winding: Ultra-Light Skeleton Watch Under 5 Grams

In a delicate dance of lightness and minimalism, Richard Mille sways us with the RM 55-01, a manual-winding timepiece that delivers exceptional comfort through extreme skeletonisation.

Richard Mille has unveiled the RM 55-01 Manual Winding, a wristwatch that embodies pure mechanical necessity through radical weight reduction. This new model centres on the ultralight Calibre RMUL4, a skeletonised manual-wind movement weighing less than five grams. By eliminating the rotor, the design allows light to flow freely through the architecture while enhancing overall comfort on the wrist.

The entire feature is published in Prestige magazine in June, 2026 

How a Renaissance Masterpiece was Reimagined as Knit Art for French May 2026

 

In “Mona Lisa & Her Adventures in Hong Kong,” which ran from May 8 to 31 at D2 Place ONE and TWO, LAWSGROUP marked its tenth year partnering with French May by recasting the Giaconda smile through the precise medium and heritage of knitted art.

Designer Annie Lo fragmented, enlarged, and reassembled the Renaissance icon into tactile works that pulse with minimalist pop sharpness and intricate layering. The original masterpiece was created around 1506 in Florence, Italy. The oil painting depicting Lisa Gherardini is famous for its enigmatic expression – often called the Gioconda smile – subtle sfumato technique, and atmospheric depth.

Read the full feature at PrestigeOnline. 

Where to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in Hong Kong at Midnight? Your best Bets. Listed.

Here are the best bars in Hong Kong to watch tonight’s FIFA World Cup 2026 matches (Round of 32) at midnight and into the early morning.

Tonight’s Matches (HK Time, June 29–30 2026)

• ~1:00 AM: Brazil vs Japan
• ~4:30 AM: Germany vs Paraguay
• ~9:00 AM: Netherlands vs Morocco (later)

Midnight is perfect timing to catch the late-night games with a crowd.Top Sports Bars Open Late / 24 Hours for FIFAThese venues are reliably showing all matches with big screens and lively atmosphere during the tournament:

Bar	Location	Details	Why Good for Midnight
Wan Chai Stadium	Lockhart Road, Wan Chai (Shop A3, Hay Wah Building)	Open 24 hours throughout the World Cup, multiple big screens (including projectors), food & drinks all night.	Best overall choice — dedicated sports bar, always on for late games.
Misty's	Wan Chai	Big screens, match sound, cold beers. Posts schedules on IG.	Popular for late-night football crowds.
The Blind Pig	Sai Wan Ho	All matches on multiple screens, open late/around the clock during tournament.	Good vibe for serious watching.
Belly and the Beer	(Various mentions, check Central/Wan Chai area)	All games live, late-night friendly.	Solid backup option.
Sam Fancy (LKF)	Lan Kwai Fong	Specifically showing 12am & 1am games on weeknights.	Central location, good for party atmosphere.

Other Solid Options

• The Globe (Central): Classic sports pub shows many matches (may have deals for early/late games) 
• Jack’s Racquet Room / Dockyard: Selected matches until midnight or later.
• Wan Chai area (Lockhart Road) in general has many pubs showing games.

Tips:

• Wan Chai is the football hub - head there if you want the biggest crowds and energy.
• Arrive early for good seats on big match nights.
• Confirm via Instagram/Facebook (e.g., search @wanchai_stadium_official or Misty's) as schedules can shift slightly.
• No major cover charges reported for most but expect busy nights and standard drink prices - some are obviously cashing in with a heftier fee - let us know if you find a location with an eye-watering price hike and we'll name 'em and shame 'em! 

There are a few private or members-oriented clubs in Hong Kong where you can watch FIFA World Cup matches at late hours.Top Recommendation: Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC)

• Location: Happy Valley (3 Sports Road).
• Why it fits: This is a proper private members’ club with a strong sports focus. They are screening FIFA World Cup matches live, including late-night ones, in venues like the Sportsman’s Bar.
• Late hours: The club often stays open late for big matches, with food and drinks available.
• Access: You generally need membership or a member to sign you in (they have different membership types, including corporate or sports-focused). Trial or event access may be possible during major tournaments - worth calling to check (2830 9500).

Other Options with Private Club Vibes

• Jack’s Racquet Room (Tai Kwun, Central)
  Feels like a private members’ club (posh sports bar inspired by classic recreational clubs). They screen football matches, including late ones, with excellent service. Not strictly private but has an exclusive/upscale atmosphere. Open for non-members, with possible trial memberships during the World Cup.
• The Mansion Bar (Central)
  Some private viewing parties and group bookings for FIFA matches mentioned (massive screens, premium setting). Good for late-night if you book a private area.

Other Private Members’ ClubsClubs like Soho House, Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC), American Club, or Hong Kong Jockey Club sometimes screen major sports events for members, but they are less consistent for every late-night FIFA game compared to HKFC. You’d need active membership + guest access.Quick Advice

• Best bet for tonight - If you have access to HKFC, go there for the proper club experience. Otherwise, fall back to 24-hour sports bars like Wan Chai Stadium (very reliable for late games).
• Call ahead or check their socials/Facebook events, as tournament screenings can have special arrangements or minimum spends.

Enjoy the games! Which team are you supporting tonight?