53 Hoi Ha

11/06/2020

Dear friends of 53 Hoi Ha, for those that weren’t aware, sadly we were forced to close due to financial reasons last February.

We miss your smiling faces, and creating positive experiences for people, so have launched a new project this summer: Little Emperor - Sai Kung Explorer.

Little Emperor is a boat for (day) hire. Unlike typical junks she can only accommodate 10, which we think is a plus as it makes it easier to organize and results in a more intimate, family friendly experience. She is moored in Pak Sha Wan and will explore the bays and beaches of the surrounding area.

While we may not offer yoga as part of the typical experience (you’re certainly free to practice on a beach) we do still have stand-up paddle boards, snorkeling and offer the same warmth and hospitality that we were known for.

We launched Little Emperor in order to give friends and families something to do this summer, and enable us to connect with our community again in some way.

For more information please check out or contact us on the the following:

page: Little Emperor - Sai Kung Explorer
IG: Little_Emperor_Hong_Kong
Website: www.littleemperorhk.com
E-mail: [email protected]
WhatsApp: 97762555

Thanks for your support. We hope to see you on board soon 😀!

26/12/2018

Merry Christmas everyone! Due to a last minute cancellation the house is available tomorrow night. The weather’s looking promising so if you feel like treating yourself to a day at the beach, BBQ dinner and sitting outside by a fire at night drop me a line. I was there over X’mas with family and friends and can assure you it’s an experience worth having - especially over the holidays.

19/12/2018

https://bestlifeonline.com/this-is-biggest-regret-in-life-most-people-have/?utm_source=nsltr&utm_medium=email&utm_content=this-is-biggest-regret-in-life-most-people-have&utm_campaign=launch

Good morning everyone. This is common knowledge but a nice reminder for all of us. The timing is apt as we enter the new year, time for us to start prioritizing our ideal selves.

I decided to share this article here because I feel running 53 Hoi Ha has helped me down that path. It was never meant to be a money making venture (though frankly I hoped/ expected to do better then I have) but it was about sharing this special place with people, creating lasting memories and giving back to community in some small way. All of that happened and it is what has sustained me and been my reward over the last 2 years. I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful people and I believe this new direction and shared experience is leading me closer to finding my ideal self.

Unless there is a miracle we will sadly be closing on the 10th of January. It’s truly a shame that I need to let this go, but the seed has been planted and it will hopefully continue to grow in some shape or form. In the meantime stay posted as we’re going to try end the year on a positive note with fun times to be had over the holidays. Best wishes, Derek

A new study indicates that an old adage still rings true: it's not the things you do in life that you regret—it's the things you don't do.

25/11/2018

Dear Friends of 53 Hoi Ha, this coming weekend (December 1st) is the last weekend the house will be available to rent. For
anyone that has considered it (but has yet to come out) or is looking for an amazing staycation destination this is the final opportunity. Imagine spending the day on the beach followed by an al fresco bbq dinner and drinks around the fire looking at the stars. I will consider bookings of 6-10 people, for one or two nights. Please PM me if interested. Thank you.

14/11/2018

Dear Friends of 53 Hoi Ha,

I have decided to run the last weekend retreat of the year, and possibly the last one for good, next Saturday November 24th. It will be a bittersweet Thanksgiving celebration of sorts. I am very sad at the prospect of having to let this place (and project) go, but I am thankful that I had the opportunity (albeit briefly) to do this; to share it with like-minded people; to become part of this wonderful yoga community and to bring a little bit of happiness into people’s lives (and in return mine).

It will run from 9-5pm with pick up and collection for Star Ferry Central. The cost is $1500/ person inclusive of transport, yoga, a 3 course lunch, paddling/ kayaking, afternoon tea and maybe a surprise or two (we’ll see). Please PM me if you would like to join. Thanks for your support, it’s been a pleasure 🙏.

On a separate note there has been a last minute cancellation and the house is available for an overnight stay the weekend of Dec. 1st. The cost is $800/ person/ night with a min. booking requirement of 4 people for 2 nights or 8 people for one night. I guarantee you it’s an experience you won’t regret. Please PM me if interested.

02/11/2018

Dear friends of 53 Hoi Ha,

It’s been a glorious few weeks out here; the days have been hot and sunny, the water’s been clear (and still warm enough to swim) and the nights are slightly cooler meaning the fire-pit’s back in use 😀.

Given that we may only be operating for a couple more months we would like to make the most the great weather and share this special place with as many people as possible. That being the case we are offering discounted weekday retreats from now through December. Instead of $1500/ person we are offering them at $1200/ person which is a 20% discount. This price include round-trip transfers from Central, a 3 course lunch (vegetarian/ vegan), 75 min. yoga class, 2 hours kayaking or paddle-boarding and afternoon tea.

According to our guests a day spent here feels like a mini-vacation. Come experience the magic of Hoi Ha for yourself.

Retreats are available on Wednesday’s from Nov. 14th to Dec. 19th and Friday’s from November 16th to 30th.

The Schedule for the day is:
9:00: Depart Central Star Ferry
10:00: Arrive Hoi Ha
10:30-12:30: Paddling/ kayaking
12:30-13:30: Lunch
13:30-14:30: Relax/ free time
14:30-15:45: Yoga
15:45-16:00: Optional meditation
16:00-17:00: Tea & Cake
17:00: Depart Hoi Ha
18:15: Arrive Central Star Ferry

** I require a minimum of 6 people to run a retreat so get some friends or colleagues together to share a wonderful pre-holiday experience. This is a great alternative to a traditional Christmas party!

If you’re interested but have less then 6 people, please PM me and we will try co-ordinate a date with other similar enquiries.

Thanks for your support 🙏

15/10/2018

Dear friends of 53 Hoi Ha, it is with deep regret that I write to inform you of the possible closure of 53 Hoi Ha.

53 Hoi Ha has been a labour of love for me, it began as a project to help me cope with personal challenges, a place for my daughter and I to connect and create special memories and an opportunity for me to pursue, and share, my interests in yoga, paddling and nature with like-minded people.

It has turned out to be all that and more. When I first came to Hoi Ha I couldn’t imagine just how special a place it is. It has an ability to transform your feelings in a way that is almost magical. This is a sentiment that I know is shared by the numerous guests that have visited us.

53 Hoi Ha has given me renewed appreciation for the importance (and benefits) of connecting with nature; it has reminded me of the spectacular scenery that exist in Hong Kong; it has reinforced the belief that children are happiest when allowed to play and explore in nature; and it has taught me that sharing, and creating bonds, with people over such shared experiences is reward in itself.

I believe in the vision I have for 53 Hoi Ha, and based on the comments I’ve received from our guests and supporters I know I’m not alone. There is clearly a need for a place like this in Hong Kong, but unfortunately due to my personal circumstances, and the constraints that have come with it, I haven’t been able to commit the time and resources required to make 53 Hoi Ha as commercially viable as I had hoped (and need).

This was never meant to be a big money maker for me, it was a passion project, something that I hoped would bring happiness to myself and others. My goal has simply been to cover the operating costs so that I can continue to run it. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to do that and the financial implications have recently hit home. The sad truth is that I can not afford to continue if things remain as they are. Before I give up on this dream, I would like to make one last push to turn things around - I believe I have two months to do it. To achieve this I need your help. The last few years have taught me that I shouldn’t be afraid to ask for assistance; that sharing kindness (especially in these times) is the real measure of people and that those who matter most will be there for you when you need them.

If any of this resonates with you, here’s what you can do to help.

1. If you haven’t already please like and follow 53hoiha on Facebook and Instagram.

2. If you have visited 53 Hoi Ha and had a positive experience, please write a review on our page

3. Please spread the word about 53 Hoi Ha to friends and colleagues if they might be interested in any of the following:
a. To book a day retreat for a group of friends. The cost is $1500. incl. transfer, lunch, yoga and paddling. They run from 9am to 6pm on M/W/Fand can be done for groups from 4 to 12 ppl.
b. Organize a company retreat or off-site management meeting. We have successfully done these for the German Chamber of Commerce and Lululemon, both to whom were very happy with the experience.
c. Organize a private party or friends/ family gathering or staycation.
d. Organize a unique company Christmas party/ outing. This is one of the best times of year in Hoi Ha. Now is the time to start planning.

4. If you are yoga or wellness provider consider using 53 Hoi Ha as a venue for a retreat/ unique day out to complement what you already offer.

5. I need help updating my Wix based website quickly and at low/ no cost. If anyone would be willing/ able to do this in exchange for time at 53 Hoi Ha please have them contact me.

6. If anyone has any suggestions for how I might better capture my target audience, improve my offering; run my business more effectively or reduce my financial pressure please feel free to contact me (privately). I know there’s plenty of room for me to improve what I’m doing, target a wider audience (such as Trip Advisor or AirBnb experiences) and make my system more efficient, but I need some assistance to get me over the immediate hurdle so I can focus on that when things settle.

In terms of availability, most weekends until the end of the year are already taken. The only available weekends are December 1st and 15th. Understandably weekends have not been an issue with respect to bookings, the goal (and challenge) has been getting enough weekday clients to make this commercially viable. I thought there were enough people in Hong Kong who didn’t work full-time and would appreciate a yoga/ wellness day in the country, or companies that were willing to offer their employees such an experience for staff satisfaction and health benefits, unfortunately I have yet to properly tap into that audience. I still believe this market exists, and that’s who I need to reach if I'm to keep 53 Hoi Ha going. If you know anyone who might be interested please have them contact me via the page; www.53hoiha.com or WhatsApp me on 9776 2555.

Sorry for the lengthy message. This is an important matter to me and those who know me are aware that I wear my emotions on my sleeve and am (often) not afraid to share them. If you’re still reading this, thank-you for your support and patience, if you think you can help I look forward to hearing from you.

Namaste (and big hug). Derek

25/09/2018

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival everyone. We are coming into one of the nicest times of year in Hoi Ha. Paddling and yoga by day, sitting around the fire pit enjoying the stars at night. If anyone is interested in doing a yoga retreat with friends, or is looking for a family activity or staycation destination during the upcoming mid-term school holidays, please contact us to enquire about availability. We would love to have you out.

07/08/2018

The end of another wonderful long weekend at 53 Hoi Ha. It had actually been a while since I was here (I had guests the previous weekends), and I forgot how amazing it is. Daily paddle sessions, visiting friends, BBQ’s, sundowners, yoga, 5 shootings stars and 2 stingray sightings. Who needs to leave HK? And the best months are yet to come. If you’re looking for an awesome day retreat, company off-site or staycation with family/ friends feel free to contact us.