am on top of the world, waxing below. The exhilarating view from the world’s highest spa overlooks the panoramic vistas of Hong Kong’s dramatic mountains and the watery seascapes with Chinese junks and luxury liners side by side. Feeling in close proximity to the heavens, I imagine with revelry and reverence the Lord’s embrace that seems just a wisp beyond the clouds. A chopper hovers eye-level across the ethereal sky and I am lost in this immaculate world of timeless space. Welcome to the ESPA at one of the world’s tallest hotels, the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong in the former crown colony, standing at 1,600 feet above sea level. Savor breathtaking views of one of the most spectacular skylines in the world from its spa suite as you enjoy your luscious verbena- grape seed aromatherapy treatment. The penultimate in urban spa experiences, the Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA is located on the 116th floor and boasts nine deluxe treatment rooms and two couple’s suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows with unrivaled views.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong securely rests in its accolade as the world’s tallest hotel, displacing Park Hyatt Shanghai, which is straddled between the 79th and 93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center. The Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa in Dubai climbs no higher than its 39th story. The Burj Khalifa may be the tallest building on the planet, but the highest hotel is The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. Guests will first experience the magnificent edifice and the city by arriving at the hotel entrance on the 9th floor. 

One must try the chocolate-themed lounge named The Chocolate Library on the 103rd floor and the uber chic patisserie named Pastry Gems located on the 9th floor. You cannot leave without trying its signature gooey and chewy chocolate chip cookies—simply divine! The posh guest rooms and suites feature silk-paneled walls, floral motifs, and leather headboards with metallic accents in Shanghai Tang fashion. Telescopes are provided for the equally opulent views. 

The intimate ambiance at the Club Lounge, your living room here located on the 116th floor, showcases dark Brazilian marble floor in stark contrast to the gleaming white marble countertops delicately streaked with orange and grey. The Club Lounge supervisor shared that one can enjoy 24-hour service here while luxuriating in panoramic views from the “top of the world.” At the ladies locker room of the fitness center on the 116th floor, I checked out the hotel’s steam room.