Hedonistic rooftop partying in Hong Kong just got more interesting with the recent opening of CÉ LA VI Hong Kong, which occupies the top three floors of California Tower in the Lan Kwai Fong district and which looks set to be the crown jewel of the city’s nightlife scene.
Taking the total number of CÉ LA VI locations now to three, with existing locations in Singapore and Bangkok, the new outlet will be the first to showcase the brand’s new architectural design, which will feature more organic Asian elements such as stone panels, Javanese pottery, and flora. Renovations for the Singapore branch are ongoing and expected to be completed in September, in time for the Formula One season. Meanwhile, other CÉ LA VI outlets are already in the pipeline for Taipei and Dubai, and are expected to materialise within the next couple of years.
According to Ravi Thakran, managing partner at L Capital Asia which is responsible for the project, and which is the Asian private equity firm sponsored by global luxury group LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), ”we will only select locations that are the most coveted spot in the city — nothing less than a commanding presence with breathtaking panoramic views in the world’s lifestyle capitals.”
Besides iconic rooftop locations in each city, the brand DNA for CÉ LA VI will revolve around four other core pillars, Thakran added — Asian-inspired architectural design, innovative modern Asian cuisine and cocktail mixology, and an entertainment line-up comprising local and international DJs and and nightly signature parties.
Meant as an homage to the brand’s South East Asian cultural heritage, the architecture and interior design aim to take guests to another world, inspired by “the wonders of Asian civilisation.” This includes décor tributes to 16th century Javanese poetry and prints, 18th century Balinese woodwork, and architectural symbolism of the lost 9th century Khmer empire of Angkor Wat. Guests can expect to be surrounded by natural materials such as porous lava stone and rattan, interspersed with live plants in the form of vertical gardens and, what they term, “green chandeliers”.
In terms of food, strong emphasis will be placed on freshness and quality and the menu will change depending on the seasonal ingredients. Like its sister venue in Singapore, CÉ LA VI Hong Kong will provide inventive and boldly presented modern Asian cuisine, and the CÉ LA VI culinary team is a mix of international and local rising culinary stars who have worked in the world’s finest kitchens from Hawaii, to Buenos Aires and Bangkok (one has reportedly even cooked for a US president). However, the kitchen will also have dishes that pay tribute to various Hong Kong staples, such as the Foie Gras French Toast, which is already fast gaining a reputation with its delicate pieces of pan-fried foie gras nestled atop a fluffy brioche drizzled in umeshu maple glaze.
But possibly most breathtaking of all is the rooftop SkyBar that delivers a stunning 360-degree view of the Hong Kong skyline. Decorated with rattan, eye-catching red umbrellas and rustic ship’s wood, the space is complemented by lush landscaping that hugs the entire rooftop space, creating an urban sanctuary and an otherworldly experience at the same time.
While you’re there, find an opportunity to plop yourself into the jacuzzi — certainly unique on a Hong Kong rooftop — which is an unabashedly glamorous and playful centrepiece, and which, in itself, succinctly sums up the spirit of CÉ LA VI.
