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Christopher Dobson

Extended rooms cater for families and a new indoor rock-climbing wall complements existing outdoor facilities

MORE SERVICED apartments are opening up to cater for the growing influx of expatriate professionals setting up a temporary home in Hong Kong.

Clean and well maintained, the serviced flats are run to high standards, though nearly all are in the high-rise urban sprawl.

But for those seeking refuge from the daily grind of the

city, there is an oasis in the middle of Hong Kong Island with open views of tree and bush-covered hills.

Parkview, set high on the edge of 1,214 hectares of Tai Tam Country Park, offers more than just a place for business travellers to sleep.

It is operated as a private club and has a range of facilities for young and old that is on a par with many of the city's gyms and fitness centres.

Marketing and communications director Penny Lawrence said the facilities at the complex, which was predominantly made up of luxury flats, were for members only, although guests using the serviced apartments became temporary members.

'Our location is unique and tranquil and we try to match that inside as well,' Ms Lawrence said.

'And with the range and quality of our facilities we are up there with the best clubs in Hong Kong. The guests buy into the concept. They have access to an exclusive membership.'

Parkview is a multidimensional complex with 'luxurious' serviced suites and apartments, dining outlets, a supermarket and an extensive clubhouse, where residents can use the sporting facilities.

For the fitness buffs there is a three-storey themed gym, including a women-only level. There is also a spa and Roman baths area consisting of a large indoor heated pool, sauna and steam rooms.

Outdoor facilities include a swimming pool called Oasis, which has been created around natural features and incorporates a 'hidden jacuzzi'.

There are four tennis courts, three squash courts, two netted driving ranges for golfers and a new indoor rock-climbing wall.

There are numerous trails that meander through Tai Tam Country Park and over the hills towards Stanley and other areas to the south of Hong Kong.

And while these activities are aimed at adults, the many younger residents have not been over-looked as there is a popular playground, swimming area and gym for children. To allow parents some valuable free time, a variety of classes are organised for children, as well as baby-sitting services and a pre-school.

Regular coaching courses are held for guests and residents for sports that include tennis, Brazilian soccer, golf, pilates, yoga, kung fu and taekwondo.

Ms Lawrence said the aim was to make Parkview a home away from home for people who might have moved to Hong Kong with a young family and might be concerned that they would be isolated from their normal way of life.

'We have something for everybody,' Ms Lawrence said. 'Our aim is to have everything here that guests would have at home. Parkview is a very sociable place and an easy place to meet people and make new friends.'

There are 200 studio, one- bedroom and two-bedroom serviced apartments and three penthouses at the complex, costing from HK$37,000 a

month.

Ms Lawrence said that because Parkview was so popular with families and large groups, the serviced apartments had been reorganised to cater for growing demand.

'We have received more requests for three- or four-bedroom suites, and to accommodate these requests we have now renovated some pool-view suites to include an interconnecting door between a two-bed suite and a studio, giving 2,010 sqft of luxurious accommodation for a family of up to six people,' she said.

Even though Parkview offers a relaxed, resort-type lifestyle away from the city, it is only 15 minutes from Central. It has a regular shuttle bus service and is only a 10-minute drive to the south-side beaches or nearby shops.

Ms Lawrence said the location and lifestyle were what most new guests immediately noticed, and this was reflected in their frequent comments of surprise that they were actually in Hong Kong.

'Normally, people who come here are worried about downsizing and being stuck with their kids and not knowing anyone,' she said. 'But they settle in so quickly because everyone here is in the same boat.'



Parkview offers expatriates a home  away from home