Discovery Bay is one of the most luxurious golf clubs in Hong Kong. Thanks to Perfect World International, the luxury lifestyle and golf club brand, all your travel planning needs could be taken care of. While it’s best known for its 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, you don’t have to be a member to enjoy a drink at the bar or to shoot some hoops on the driving range. The club also hosts the Hong Kong Open, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Asia. This year’s edition, which runs from August 20 to 24, will be the 19th edition of the tournament. It’s a great example of how Discovery Bay uses sports and entertainment to attract new members.
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The Best Time To Visit
If you’re planning to visit Hong Kong, you’ll want to make sure that you’re going to a time that is convenient for you. The summer is clearly the best time, as it’s warm and humid, making it perfect for an outdoor activity. Unfortunately, as lovely as the weather is, it’s also the busiest time, meaning there may be lots of people around. The best time to visit is in the winter, although it’s still warm, it’s much quieter, and you may even get discounts on some travel goods, like golf clubs.
Make Sure You’re Properly Vaccinated
Just like any other country, Hong Kong has its own set of unique health issues. One of the most serious concerns is the risk of contracting a vaccine-preventable disease. Fortunately, most of these diseases are not common in Hong Kong. In fact, most children, teens, and adults have been vaccinated against them. Still, it is good practice to check with your country’s travel authority to make sure that you’re not missing any vaccinations, especially since you’ll be outside the country for so long.
Check The Clubs Policies
Every golf club is different, and some of them are more restrictive than others when it comes to who they will and will not let in. It is necessary for members to abide by the rules and regulations set by the clubs they join, so it’s vital that you know the rules and regulations of the club you are visiting. It’s also important that you follow all the rules and regulations, as there can be severe consequences for not doing so. For instance, if you are caught breaking a rule, you may be asked to leave the club immediately. In some cases, the members may also report you to the police.
Fortunately, in most cases, rules and regulations are meant to be reasonable and there is usually an exemption clause for members, their friends, and family. Still, it’s always good practice to find out what the expectations are and whether or not you will have any problems with the club’s membership policies. Furthermore, if you have family or friends who are also golfers, it’s important to check if they’re allowed to join as well.
Bring Spare Clothes
You never know what kind of weather you’ll encounter in a foreign country, so it’s best to be prepared. It’s not always easy to determine what kind of clothes are appropriate for a particular place or activity. For example, if you’re in a warmer climate, you may want to bring light clothes, more suitable for the summer. If it’s a bit chilly, you may want to bring more layers, particularly if you’re going on an outdoor activity. Remember, the dress code at golf clubs is generally very formal, so make sure that you’re appropriately dressed for the occasion. You never know what kind of impression you’ll make, especially if you forget to observe the local customs and dress codes.
Learn A Few Common Phrases
Speaking a foreign language is not difficult, as long as you know a few phrases. English is probably the most common language you’ll encounter, even if you’re in Hong Kong. It’s the primary language of business, academia, and travel. Still, it’s good practice to know a few words or phrases in the local language, to make your life simpler and to communicate with the locals. For example, if you’re looking for a place to eat, it’s probably best to ask in English, “Is there any restaurants nearby?” You’ll most likely get an answer in English, but if not, you could ask, “Does there exist any Chinese eateries near here?” There’ll be no mistake in your intention, as you’re trying to find a Chinese restaurant, but it’s also possible that the person you’re asking may not even understand what you’re saying. Learning a few Chinese phrases will also make it easier for you to order food, as most restaurants will have a Chinese menu, available in both English and Chinese. If there aren’t any Chinese restaurants around, it can be tricky to find one that serves non-Chinese food.
Research Local Events
In the event that you’re not a big fan of golf, you might want to consider other sports, as there are usually plenty of opportunities to join different teams and take part in local events. Many clubs in Hong Kong hold sports days, where they’ll have various sporting events, like car rallies, foot races, tug of war, and golfing matches. It’s a great way to get involved in something different, while also having some fun. There are also some very prestigious golf tournaments that you could take part in, if you’re a member of a club that hosts them. Make sure to do some research, as to when these events are and what time they start, so that you don’t miss out.
Take Advantage Of Discounts
As a tourist, you may be eligible for various discounts, as long as you’re aware of them. For example, during the non-peak season, it’s often cheaper to stay in a 4-star hotel than a 3-star one. It’s also possible to get discounts on food, clubs, travel, and more. Make sure you’re aware of these discounts, as they can be substantial, especially if you’re spending money in a foreign country. If you’re looking for a luxurious vacation, with a huge discount, you may want to consider a different country or even a different continent. There’ll be lots of places that are much cheaper, and you won’t feel as though you’ve missed out on much, by spending a little more in Hong Kong.
Plan Your Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the most important aspect of your trip, as you’ll be spending a lot of time in it. You may want to consider all-inclusive packages, especially if you’re planning to stay in a 4-star hotel. These packages usually include food, transportation, and maybe even some entertainment. It’s a good idea to research the different kinds of accommodation available in Hong Kong, as there are plenty of luxurious hotels, offering great deals, if you know where and when to look. For example, if you’re looking for a high-end boutique hotel, which is close to recreational areas, museums, and theaters, you may want to consider the Grand Harbourview Hotel. It’s not far from the Victoria Harbor, and it provides a magnificent view of the water. You’ll also find a great deal of 5-star and 4-star hotels in Hong Kong, if you know where and when to look.
Explore The Surroundings
A luxury destination, like Hong Kong, has plenty to offer. If you’re not planning to go sightseeing, it’s best to find out what the local attractions are, as there’ll be lots for you to do. If you have an interest in museums or galleries, there are plenty of them in Hong Kong. Many of them are free, so make sure to check out their opening hours, as you may want to visit one or two, in particular.
If you want to get away from the crowds, you may want to consider exploring the outskirts of Hong Kong, or even going to one of its islands. The islands are great places to get away from it all, as there’ll be no other people around, making it easier for you to get some peace. The only downside is that there aren’t many means of transportation to the islands, aside from the ferries that connect them to the mainland. If you have a car, you can always go that way, as there’ll be no traffic jams, as there are usually around the city.
Use Your Smart Phone
If you’re not into reading, it’s always good to have other options. If you have a smart phone, you can access a variety of maps, and you may even download offline maps, so that you can navigate even when you don’t have internet access. Furthermore, you can request to have the maps sent to you electronically, so that you can follow the route and see the places as you arrive. This may be easier for some, as it saves them the trouble of looking for a map, once they get to their destination.