words by Aude Camus
As an expat living in Hong Kong, I’m always thrilled when family and friends decide to visit my “Home Kong.” But along with the excitement comes a little stress—will they love the city as much as I do? And then there’s the pressure of playing tour guide. My life is already pretty packed: I have a full-time job, run this lifestyle platform in my spare time, try to be present for my daughter, keep up with my social life, and somehow squeeze in regular workouts. It’s a lot, and honestly, the thought of adding “tour guide” to the mix can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Hong Kong a la Carte comes in. Stephanie and Alexandra know this city inside out, and booking one of their tours guarantees a whole world of discoveries and experiences you wouldn’t be able to organize yourself. They bring passion and personalisation to every tour, making sure that every guest leaves with memories that last long after their trip.
As they celebrate 10 years of meeting each other, I caught up with the pair to learn more about their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the unique Hong Kong they love to share with others.
A Serendipitous Start
As an expat living in Hong Kong, I’m always thrilled when family and friends decide to visit my “Home Kong.” But along with the excitement comes a little stress—will they love the city as much as I do? And then there’s the pressure of playing tour guide. My life is already pretty packed: I have a full-time job, run this lifestyle platform in my spare time, try to be present for my daughter, keep up with my social life, and somehow squeeze in regular workouts. It’s a lot, and honestly, the thought of adding “tour guide” to the mix can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Hong Kong a la Carte comes in. Stephanie and Alexandra know this city inside out, and booking one of their tours guarantees a whole world of discoveries and experiences you wouldn’t be able to organize yourself. They bring passion and personalisation to every tour, making sure that every guest leaves with memories that last long after their trip.
As they celebrate 10 years of meeting each other, I caught up with the pair to learn more about their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the unique Hong Kong they love to share with others.
A Serendipitous Start
Alexandra and Stephanie’s journey towards creating Hong Kong a la Carte was as much a discovery as the city they now showcase to their clients. Alexandra began her career as a travel agent in London and had been offering VIP tours of Hong Kong since 2011. Stephanie, on the other hand, moved to Hong Kong in 2007 with her family, having initially planned to settle in Japan. However, the city’s charm quickly captivated her, leading her to shift gears and become a freelance guide specialising in history, culture, and hiking since 2009.
The duo met in 2014 as neighbours, and soon discovered they shared a deep passion for Hong Kong. What began as casual conversations about their love for the city and its countless facets eventually blossomed into a business partnership. “In 2017, during a lunch where everything just seemed to align, we knew it was the right time to launch Hong Kong à la Carte,” they recall.
DISCOVER HONG KONG A LA CARTE
A Deep Connection to Hong Kong
The duo met in 2014 as neighbours, and soon discovered they shared a deep passion for Hong Kong. What began as casual conversations about their love for the city and its countless facets eventually blossomed into a business partnership. “In 2017, during a lunch where everything just seemed to align, we knew it was the right time to launch Hong Kong à la Carte,” they recall.
DISCOVER HONG KONG A LA CARTE
A Deep Connection to Hong Kong
Stephanie’s journey to Hong Kong might have been a twist of fate, but Alexandra had her eyes set on the city for years. She first visited Hong Kong in 1992 and again in 1997, just before the handover to China, and was instantly drawn to its vibrant energy and unique blend of East and West. In 2000, she successfully moved to Hong Kong, where she’s lived for almost 25 years.
For both women, Hong Kong isn’t just a city; it’s a place that has deeply shaped their lives and careers. This connection is something they aim to share with every visitor they guide.
Tailored Experiences for Every Visitor
For both women, Hong Kong isn’t just a city; it’s a place that has deeply shaped their lives and careers. This connection is something they aim to share with every visitor they guide.
Tailored Experiences for Every Visitor
As suggested by its name, one of the cornerstones of Hong Kong a la Carte is its flexibility. Alexandra and Stephanie are dedicated to ensuring that each itinerary is as unique as the clients they serve. “We talk with our clients before the tour to better understand their profiles and expectations—whether it’s their first visit, the purpose of their trip, or specific interests they might have,” they explain. This personalised approach allows them to craft the perfect experience, sometimes even adjusting plans on the fly based on the weather, the client’s energy levels, or new information they learn during the tour.
Their goal? To make each client’s time in Hong Kong unforgettable and to share their love and deep knowledge of this incredible territory they feel lucky to call home.
Navigating Challenges with Creativity
Like many businesses, Hong Kong a la Carte faced significant challenges during the pandemic. The travel restrictions brought their operations to a near standstill. Yet, rather than pause, Alexandra and Stephanie adapted swiftly. They introduced a unique summer activity—an adventurous scavenger hunt designed to help expats, who were stuck in the city, discover Hong Kong’s multifaceted charm. The initiative was a hit, with 180 participants in its first year and has since become a popular offering for birthdays and team-building events.
As they reflect on that time, they share, “The pandemic was terrible for us, but it also challenged us to develop new products that have since become integral to our business.”
Their ability to pivot during tough times has not only kept them afloat but has also enriched the range of experiences they now offer.
The Road to Recovery
Their goal? To make each client’s time in Hong Kong unforgettable and to share their love and deep knowledge of this incredible territory they feel lucky to call home.
Navigating Challenges with Creativity
Like many businesses, Hong Kong a la Carte faced significant challenges during the pandemic. The travel restrictions brought their operations to a near standstill. Yet, rather than pause, Alexandra and Stephanie adapted swiftly. They introduced a unique summer activity—an adventurous scavenger hunt designed to help expats, who were stuck in the city, discover Hong Kong’s multifaceted charm. The initiative was a hit, with 180 participants in its first year and has since become a popular offering for birthdays and team-building events.
As they reflect on that time, they share, “The pandemic was terrible for us, but it also challenged us to develop new products that have since become integral to our business.”
Their ability to pivot during tough times has not only kept them afloat but has also enriched the range of experiences they now offer.
The Road to Recovery
Tourism in Hong Kong has been slow to recover, with visitor numbers still far from the 65 million peak seen in 2018. Multiple factors—ranging from a strong Hong Kong dollar and fierce competition from other Asian destinations to weakened purchasing power—have contributed to this. However, Alexandra and Stephanie remain optimistic. “We’re in a better situation than in 2023, but it’s clear we’ll need to be more creative to attract visitors back to Hong Kong,” they acknowledge.
Promoting Hong Kong with Passion
When it comes to promoting Hong Kong, Alexandra and Stephanie are true advocates. They highlight the city’s richness and diversity—from its urban-nature mix and cultural discoveries to its exceptional culinary offerings. “Hong Kong is a safe destination with a compact size that makes exploration easy,” they say, noting that nearby Macau and Shenzhen also offer fascinating extensions to the Hong Kong experience.
The Charm of Hong Kong
Promoting Hong Kong with Passion
When it comes to promoting Hong Kong, Alexandra and Stephanie are true advocates. They highlight the city’s richness and diversity—from its urban-nature mix and cultural discoveries to its exceptional culinary offerings. “Hong Kong is a safe destination with a compact size that makes exploration easy,” they say, noting that nearby Macau and Shenzhen also offer fascinating extensions to the Hong Kong experience.
The Charm of Hong Kong
So, what makes Hong Kong so special? For Alexandra and Stephanie, it’s a blend of iconic attractions like the Peak Tram and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, and more local experiences like riding the Star Ferry or wandering through the alleys of Central and Kowloon. “Hong Kong is a city best explored on foot and by local transport,” they emphasize. They also see the development of the city’s cultural scene, particularly the emergence of new museums, as a positive force that can only enhance Hong Kong’s appeal to tourists.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, they have clear goals. They aim to give their clients the keys to understanding Hong Kong—its culture, traditions, and history—while showcasing all facets of the territory, from its vibrant cityscape to its serene beaches and trails. Their tours are designed to be both informative and fun, often infused with humour and authentic anecdotes. “Our clients are usually on vacation and want to enjoy themselves while discovering Hong Kong,” they say. “Our secret weapon is the perfect blend of education and entertainment.”
A Personal Recommendation
When asked for their personal favourite spots in Hong Kong, Stephanie finds it hard to choose, but suggests an escape to one of the outlying islands like Kat O, which showcases just how surprising Hong Kong can be. Alexandra, meanwhile, recommends visiting the city’s temples, such as Man Mo, Wong Tai Sin, or Chi Lin, to gain insight into local traditions and architecture.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
As Hong Kong a la Carte continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, Alexandra and Stephanie are focused on rebuilding and consolidating their activities, particularly with their partners. They’re also excited about new developments, including a recently launched tour that explores the hidden gems of the North-East New Territories: Hong Kong a La Carte | The North-East New Territories' hidden gems | Our Tours (hkalacarte.com)
In a city as dynamic and ever-changing as Hong Kong, Hong Kong a la Carte stands out by offering personalised, deeply insightful, and genuinely fun experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned resident, Alexandra and Stephanie are ready to show you a side of Hong Kong you never knew existed.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, they have clear goals. They aim to give their clients the keys to understanding Hong Kong—its culture, traditions, and history—while showcasing all facets of the territory, from its vibrant cityscape to its serene beaches and trails. Their tours are designed to be both informative and fun, often infused with humour and authentic anecdotes. “Our clients are usually on vacation and want to enjoy themselves while discovering Hong Kong,” they say. “Our secret weapon is the perfect blend of education and entertainment.”
A Personal Recommendation
When asked for their personal favourite spots in Hong Kong, Stephanie finds it hard to choose, but suggests an escape to one of the outlying islands like Kat O, which showcases just how surprising Hong Kong can be. Alexandra, meanwhile, recommends visiting the city’s temples, such as Man Mo, Wong Tai Sin, or Chi Lin, to gain insight into local traditions and architecture.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
As Hong Kong a la Carte continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, Alexandra and Stephanie are focused on rebuilding and consolidating their activities, particularly with their partners. They’re also excited about new developments, including a recently launched tour that explores the hidden gems of the North-East New Territories: Hong Kong a La Carte | The North-East New Territories' hidden gems | Our Tours (hkalacarte.com)
In a city as dynamic and ever-changing as Hong Kong, Hong Kong a la Carte stands out by offering personalised, deeply insightful, and genuinely fun experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned resident, Alexandra and Stephanie are ready to show you a side of Hong Kong you never knew existed.