In collaboration with K11 ARTUS.
Two and a half years after its opening, K11 ARTUS has secured itself as the ultimate residence for the global arts and culture community in Hong Kong. Acclaimed for providing luxury living spaces with a unique art collection curated by Adrian Cheng, today K11 ARTUS continues to present its residents with artistic experiences in the form of private art tours and attentive service touches.
Heading up the luxury residence is none other than General Manager Cecilia Lo, who greeted us cheerily on our visit one sunny March afternoon. As she showed us around the design-forward living space, we learned more about her background and how she came to her current role.
“I had my start in hospitality at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, where I took on a variety of roles within the Sales & Marketing team,” shares Lo. “There, I dabbled in not just marketing, but also public relations, corporate business strategy, event management, MICE (meetings, incentive, convention, exhibition) acquisition and management.”
The Hong Kong-born General Manager, whose fascination with Charles Saatchi and Banksy makes her a fitting model for her role, later facilitated the multi-million dollar renovation of Grand Hyatt that spanned over five years. She also helped launch a commercial hotel with a social mission through the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which she explains satisfied her “love of exploring new development that ventures into unchartered territories”.
As Asia’s first artisanal home concept, K11 ARTUS’ position as an ultra-private, ultra-luxurious residential experience needs someone like Lo to pilot. Sure enough, since joining K11 ARTUS, Lo has led a team of diverse talents to continue to push boundaries despite challenges that shook up the city and the world in the past two years.
Stepping into K11 ARTUS, we were immediately taken by the stimulating design-led environment and couldn’t help experiencing a sense of leaving the bustling city behind. The West Lobby, where we first enter the residence, sits in our minds like a memorable sense of arrival.
“ARTUS combines the words ‘Art’ and the Latin term ‘Domus’, which translates to ‘home’,” says Lo. “It’s my job as the General Manager to make sure K11 ARTUS stays true to its name and presents ample opportunities for residents to be fully immersed in artistic experiences here.”
She leads us through a few of the residence’s signature spaces, including The Living Salon on the tenth floor. Conceived as an extension of one’s home and a place for both quiet contemplation and entertainment for residents and guests, the Salon is filled with thought-provoking artwork. An example that catches our immediate attention is the wooden sculpture “…or…No.1” by Chinese artist Wang Jianwei, which serves to instigate meaningful conversations.
Later on, we head to the double-level reception, named The Library. An extensive collection of carefully picked reading materials dominate the space, which Lo says provides guests with “further cultural discoveries”. We also have a glimpse into The Commune, a restaurant space suitable for breakfast, daytime à la carte dining and afternoon tea, with a relaxed view.
“And for the meantime, those who wish to dine in-room can order directly through their in-room TV from a wide range of restaurants at K11 MUSEA,” concludes Lo.
Our conversation leads seamlessly into the various room types available at K11 ARTUS. Lo tells us there are 287 rooms, and guests have a choice between Studio, One Bedroom, One Bedroom Plus, Two Bedroom, Three Bedroom or Penthouse units – all of which come with their own unique design.
“Each of the rooms features a unique wave-form balcony facing Victoria Harbour or the buzzing city. The bigger units have extensive views spanning from east to west of Hong Kong and Kowloon. The boundless views are a huge selling point and one that we’ve had great feedback from past guests on.”
There’s so much to digest about its design, but K11 ARTUS is more than just architecture and interiors. Located at Victoria Dockside, residents are in the prime location to explore Hong Kong’s art and culture scene. Neighboured by K11 MUSEA and a number of museums including the Hong Kong Museum of Art, those who stay at K11 ARTUS have full access to the city’s major art destinations.
Last, but definitely not least, Lo tells us about the residence as a home with a social conscience.
“One percent of K11 ARTUS’s annual room revenue is donated to K11 Craft & Guild Foundation to preserve and conserve fast-disappearing craftsmanship.”
She points out the traditional Chinese artisanal objects scattered throughout the public areas in K11 ARTUS – like the wooden furniture made using baibaoqian techniques (an ancient craft of inlaying engraved work with precious stones) and ceramics with guangcai (vivid hand-painted porcelain that features both Chinese and Western elements). We learn that these rare artworks are produced exclusively for K11 ARTUS in collaboration with K11 Craft and Guild Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on looking over Chinese craftsmanship from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
As we wrap up our tour of the luxury residence, we can’t help but feel a little more knowledgeable; a little more cultured. There is no doubt K11 ARTUS is the place to be for those seeking an artistic experience or those who want to get back in touch with their creative side.
K11 ARTUS, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
