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Born and raised in Canada, Rikko Lee relocated to Hong Kong to become a TV news broadcaster and quickly became a household name in the city's celebrity scene. Lee garnered over 50k followers on Instagram documenting her travels and dining experiences in the most beautiful locations including her personal favourite destinations, Seoul and Italy. We caught up with Lee on her top picks and recommendations for travel inspiration and hotspots in Hong Kong.
Can you tell us about yourself and how you got into presenting?
After graduating from university with a double-major Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Communications in Canada, I relocated to Hong Kong and began my professional television presenting career as an Olympics host, sports reporter and financial anchor. While being in television, I was given my first opportunity to become a trilingual event emcee and since then, I've hosted over 200 events in Hong Kong and overseas and still really enjoy it.
What is something new you've learned during lockdown?
The main takeaway is definitely "Don't take anything on this planet for granted". At the same time during the lockdown, I reinvented myself in art creation and learned about the insights and history of the art industry. Moreover, I self-studied the language of Korean for fun.
Where are your top five destinations to travel to?
Firstly, I grew up in British Columbia, Canada and although it's not really a province that would come to mind for global travels. If you appreciate nature exploration and tranquilness, it is definitely a very friendly destination with unexpected charms.
Out of the twenty-plus countries I've visited in my life, Italy is for sure the country I would never get enough of. Florence and the Amalfi Coast definitely have a special place in my heart.
And the city I've travelled to the most in my life, which I will for sure continue to go to regularly in the future is Seoul, South Korea. I've been there over 15 times in the past years, mainly for K-pop concerts/music events, and the food. Seoul is such a trendy and vibrant city, with amazing energy. The next two destinations on my bucket list would be Switzerland and Iceland.
Where are your top three favourite hotels in the world?
I'd say, my favourite hotels in the world are: Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, Four Seasons Hotel in Florence, and Rosewood in Hong Kong.
What are your favourite restaurants in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has so many outstanding restaurants, and my personal favorite for fine dining is Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons Hong Kong Hotel—it offers an impeccable menu of Chinese dishes and it is also the first Chinese restaurant in the world to be awarded the coveted three-star Michelin rating. In terms of food, special location, theme and dining experience, I really enjoy Bubba Gump at the Peak.
What are three things you always keep in your bag?
I always have a lip balm called Labello with me at all times, which is the most hydrating for my lips compared with the many others I've tried. And since music is really a big part of my life, I always have a pair of headphones in my bag as well. Lastly, even prior to the pandemic, I've always have been a little germophobic, so I make sure to carry some hand-sanitising wipes with me.
Holy grail beauty products?
The Dior Addict Stellar Shine Lipstick gives optimal hydration and also available in rich colours.
The Guerlain Abeille Royale Honey Cataplasm Mask has such an amazing texture that adheres to the skin and moulds itself to the facial contours ideally and it makes my skin feeling very hydrated and plump.
What's the first thing you'd like to do once COVID is over?
I would love to travel back to Vancouver, Canada to see my family and dogs who I've not seen for close to two years now due to COVID.