Hong Kongs rooftop bar game just got a major upgrade. Perched atop the newly opened Kimpton Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Swim Club by Steve Leung Design Group (SLD) is already making waves as the citys most coveted social destination. With unobstructed Victoria Harbour views stretching endlessly before you, this hotel bar is a carefully crafted escape thats redefining what it means to socialise in the sky.
For Nicholas Leung, Chief Operating Officer, this project represented something special, a rare creative experiment with unprecedented freedom. “Were thrilled to work with clients who truly trust us,” he explains. “They gave our design team the latitude to push boundaries and really express our vision without constraints.”
That vision, crafted by Heidi Chan, Design Director at SLD, draws from backyard parties in the Hollywood Hills and Southern Californias pool clubs. The client wanted Swim Club to become the hotels signature space, and Chan saw an opportunity to recreate that effortless blend of fitness and socialising.
“We wanted to capture that post-work culture where people would swim, exercise, and connect,” Chan explains. “After a long day, guests can come here to dive in, work out, chat, and simply decompress. Its about creating a lifestyle, not just a venue.”
Chans philosophy centres on adaptability, spaces shouldnt be locked into single functions. The layout encourages interaction between different zones. Retractable panels between the indoor dining area and outdoor pool can open completely, creating one seamless social environment. Swim a few laps, then immediately grab a seat for dinner or drinks while still chatting with friends poolside. “We wanted that sense of flow,” Chan notes. “Everyone can move freely and connect naturally, thats the kind of dynamic energy we were after.”
Look closer and youll spot the thoughtful touches that elevate Swim Club beyond typical hotel fare. Table lamps shaped like life preservers nod to the aquatic theme, while the ceiling lighting design echoes swimming lane dividers, and a bar that likens to patio umbrellas. Even the red portable cooler by the pool was specially sourced from America to maintain that authentic Southern California flair.
The material palette speaks to that aesthetic: terrazzo surfaces and woven rattan furniture create warmth against the urban backdrop. “Rattan has this way of making you feel embraced,” Chan explains. “We wanted textures that create comfort and intimacy.”
Perhaps the most Instagram-worthy feature is the vintage vending machine tucked into the bar area. But its actually a hidden entrance to an exclusive VIP room. “Theres something magical about discovering hidden spaces,” Chan says. “That element of surprise creates lasting memories.”
The space beyond channels vinyl record culture with custom wallpaper that cleverly incorporates swimming figures positioned near the window. The vending machine itself can be customised for different brand activations, creating immersive experiences that go far beyond traditional advertising.
Creating an outdoor pool experience 50 floors above street level presented unique challenges. Extreme wind speeds demanded creative solutions that balanced safety with style. “Every detail needed to work harder,” Chan explains. “Even the lifeguard chair received custom design treatment to meet safety regulations while maintaining our aesthetic vision.”
Her practical approach shines throughout: outdoor walls conceal built-in ledges that double as drink holders during events, while the indoor bar features pool-inspired handrails that extend to become bag hooks.
In a city saturated with bars, from hidden speakeasies to sky-high lounges, Leung believes Swim Club offers something genuinely different. “This isnt just a party venue,” he stresses. “Its an open canvas where brands and guests can create together, where different experiences can unfold naturally.”
The design intentionally leaves room for customisation and brand partnerships. Whether through bespoke beverages in that famous vending machine or subtle branding woven into the environment, each event can feel unique while maintaining the spaces sophisticated character.
“We want every guest to find their own rhythm here,” Leung concludes. “Some nights it might be an intimate dinner, other times a branded activation, or simply friends catching up over cocktails. The space adapts to create those special moments that stick with you.”
