Dr. Shuting Hu, Founder of Acaderma, Shares Her Guide to the Ultimate Wellness Weekend in Hong Kong

Dr. Shuting Hu, Founder of Academia at Sunset Peak in Hong Kong. Image courtesy of Acaderma.

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Founded by Dr. Shuting Hu, PhD in 2018, Acaderma takes an academic approach to skincare solutions, with a focus on reducing skin inflammation. Acaderma’s philosophy is centered on skin longevity. “We do not believe in fighting aging. Instead, we believe in supporting the skin’s long-term health, resilience, and vitality so it can function beautifully at every stage of life,” says Dr. Hu. 

One favorite destination on Dr. Hu’s busy travel itinerary? Hong Kong. Whether attending industry events like Cosmoprof Asia or taking a little time to decompress, Hong Kong provides a mix of wellness, inspiration, and the excuse to stop by Harvey Nichols department store, where Academia is carried. 

“The contrast between intensity, beauty, nature, and food makes Hong Kong incredibly inspiring to me,” she shares. We chatted with Dr. Hu to get her top tips for a wellness-focused experience in this exciting, fast-paced city.

When you are traveling, what are your must-have Acaderma products to include in your carry-on? 

The Oasis Barrier Booster. Image courtesy of Acaderma.

My must-have is The Oasis Barrier Booster Serum. Air travel often leaves my skin feeling dry and stressed, and this serum helps soothe dehydration while strengthening the skin barrier so it can better adapt to weather changes and different environments. 

Any Acaderma tips for a quick refresh when you get to your destination?

My favorite quick refresh tip is to apply an anti-inflammatory serum like The Oasis Barrier Booster Serum as soon as I arrive. I also try to support my skin from within by choosing fresh, anti-inflammatory local foods during the trip. 

What do you love most about Hong Kong and why does it inspire you?

Hong Kong Palace Museum looks over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. Image courtesy of Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Hong Kong has a unique energy that blends efficiency, beauty, and balance. It is a fast-paced international city, yet it is also full of nature, from harbor views to mountain scenery. Hong Kong is also one of the world’s great dining cities, with an extraordinary range from local neighborhood favorites to Michelin-recognized restaurants. 

What’s your ideal way to spend a morning in Hong Kong?

My ideal morning in Hong Kong is a walk along the harbor, followed by a simple local breakfast. It is one of the best ways to experience the city’s rhythm while starting the day with clarity and calm. 

Favorite wellness destinations in Hong Kong? What are your personal wellness practices when traveling?

A view from hiking in Lung Mei. Image courtesy of Acaderma.

One of the best wellness experiences in Hong Kong is simply reconnecting with nature. Even in such a fast-paced city, there are many ways to slow down and reset. 

For a lighter option, I love taking the train or going up to The Peak and walking around there. It is an easy way to enjoy fresh air, greenery, and beautiful views over the city. 

When I travel, I try to keep wellness simple: gentle movement, good hydration, nourishing food, and skincare that helps calm inflammation. Hong Kong’s balance of urban energy and natural scenery makes that especially easy. 

Hotel recommendation and why?

Explorer Suite at The Murray. Image courtesy of The Murray.

I would recommend The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel. Surrounded by several parks in Central, it offers a rare sense of calm in the middle of the city. I especially love its wellness spaces.

Wellness spaces at The Murray. Image courtesy of The Murray.

The swimming pool offers a sliver of calm amidst lush greenery and is perfect for both a refreshing dip and relaxed lounging. The hotel also features a newly introduced vitality pool fitted with air and water jets, which adds a distinctive wellness touch. Its location near the Peak Tram also makes it especially convenient for a relaxing Hong Kong stay.

Dr. Hu enjoying The Murray Vitality Pool. Image courtesy of Acaderma.

Must-try restaurant to experience local cuisine? Favorite thing to order?

You have to try Cantonese dim sum in Hong Kong. My favorite is har gow, the classic shrimp dumpling. Whether it’s at Tim Ho Wan, Paradise Dynasty at Grand Plaza, or a small neighborhood dim sum spot, Hong Kong always offers an authentic and memorable dim sum experience.

Favorite coffee or tea spot for meeting friends, working, or people watching?

For coffee, I like Fineprint for its relaxed, local atmosphere. It is a great place to meet friends, work for a bit, or simply enjoy the city around you. For tea, HEYTEA is a fun and modern option, especially for its fruit milk bubble teas. I especially enjoy their fruit milk bubble teas for the customization options, whether that means adding cream cheese foam to a mango milk tea, skipping it, or choosing your preferred sweetness level. It feels very modern, personalized, and indulgent. 

Favorite museum and why?

A History of China Display at Hong Kong Palace Museum. Image courtesy of Hong Kong Palace Museum.

My favorite museum is the Hong Kong Palace Museum. It offers a rare opportunity to see treasures and curated exhibitions from the Palace Museum in a contemporary Hong Kong setting, so visitors can experience the beauty of Chinese art and heritage without needing to go all the way to Beijing.

Favorite boutique and why?

My pick would be Harvey Nichols at Pacific Place. I love it for its curated mix of designer fashion and beauty, and it is also special to me because visitors can discover Acaderma there alongside premium beauty brands from around the world.

Recommendation for experiencing nature?

Hong Kong offers incredible ways to experience nature depending on your mood and energy level. For a lighter outdoor experience, you can visit Shek O and enjoy both the coastal scenery and village atmosphere. In autumn, Sunset Peak is beautiful for silvergrass and sunset views.

If you want more of a challenge, you can explore sections of the MacLehose Trail or visit the Hong Kong Geopark for its dramatic rock formations. Another memorable experience is taking the cable car from Tung Chung to see the Big Buddha, visiting Tai O fishing village, or going out on the water for a chance to spot the famous pink dolphins.

Favorite way to unwind in the evening?

One of my favorite ways to unwind is to take in the evening view of Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui, then ride the Star Ferry to Central. After that, I enjoy a short walk through the city, sometimes ending the night with a drink in Lan Kwai Fong.

Lizzy Sherman, Co-Founder of Spa & Beauty Today

A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer and editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more.

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When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy