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Stay cool and have some fun under the sun

Summer is here and that means enjoying the great outdoors in comfort without scorching yourself in the sun. What better way to do that than with stylish and practical furniture or garden accessories, all available in one place and under one roof.

Outdoor furniture shoppers have always known that Horizon Plaza is the place to go for durable items that can withstand Hong Kong's hot, humid summers.

Furthermore, the former warehouse originally only housed furniture stores before becoming a total shopping experience -from fashion to toys to gourmet food and wine.

As shipping overseas is easy to organise, tourists and locals alike can often be seen sourcing new and exciting products at the 15 dedicated outdoor furniture stores, all beautifully appointed and easy to browse through.

The only problem is -where to start?

If summer means sitting outdoors, it most certainly is the time for barbecues. A trip to Jervisbay Barbecue World on the 12th floor will solve all your outdoor dining problems and introduce a whole new world of barbecuing and outdoor eating to those keen to enhance their grilling skills.

Its spacious environment is dedicated to the finest in barbecue equipment, accessories, recipes and ingredients, all inspired by the healthy outdoor lifestyle of Australia with an emphasis on fresh flavours and natural ingredients.

Jervisbay stocks all things barbecue -from top-of-the-range outdoor kitchens to portable picnic barbecues for smaller spaces, eco-friendly bamboo skewers, Australian and New Zealand marinades and condiments and fiery chilli wine.

For daubs of summery colour and an insight into how to relax outside, Aloha Outdoor Furniture is the go-to place on the 8th floor.

Sleek timber loungers for the pool-side, sun and water-resistant dining tables, chairs in a variety of materials, such as Italian brand Nardi's practical and ergonomic dining options made from recyclable materials, and fun and funky outdoor seating options from Dormus, which come in teak, wicker, paper fibre and resin and are all weather-proof.

Aloha also stocks the ever-reliable Rubbermaid brand, popular for 70 years for its handy home and garden products such as weather-proof storage boxes, great for pet products and garden tools, and garage-organisation items.

Specialising in custom-made furniture, Artura Ficus is a stalwart in the outdoor arena in Hong Kong. Its three showrooms -one of which is on the 15th and 18th floors at Horizon Plaza- now occupy 27,000 sqft of space since opening their doors in the city about 30 years ago.

Although not a specialist in outdoor furniture, it has a dedicated outdoor design and sales service selling dining sets and individual chairs, many of them in the hard-wearing and popular rattan with weather-resistant fabrics. Even better is that some of the styles can be made to size for difficult spaces.

Seeking shade and comfort? Everything Under the Sun's name says it all.

Operating in Hong Kong since 1996, this cutting-edge company sells quality, practical outdoor items from its showroom, and serving architects, designers and property developers with projects in Hong Kong and Macau.

'We work tirelessly to bring our customers the latest international trends and from the most important international fairs and exhibitions such as Maison Objet [France], Spoga [Germany] and Milano Salone [Italy],' the company says.

Brands such as Tribu, Kettal, SunWeave, Neoz, Woodline and Cane-line are available at their 9th floor showroom or by discussing options with staff -a team that can help you understand your personal vision and offer professional advice.

Stylish umbrellas, subtle outdoor lighting, streamlined sun loungers, unusual contemporary gazebos and exceptionally designed tables and chairs can be found among its tasteful collection.

Everyone loves sitting outdoors, but your furniture will suffer in the damp heat. This is where Suniture on the 26th floor comes in.

The showroom offers a range of designer outdoor sofas available as individual pieces or as sets that can be combined to fit any outdoor space.

These durable, all-weather products boast classic, contemporary designs and are made with hard-wearing Sunbrella fabrics so slip covers keep their colour. The fabric elements also contain the trademarked Quick Dry Foam inside to ensure a mould-free summer.

Suniture's catchphrase -'Built to Last' and 'Structured for Comfort'- will appeal to those with rooftops exposed to the sun, rain and humidity.

For something refreshingly unusual, Zzue Creation's showrooms on the 7th and 26th floors are ideal for shoppers with a more quirky and creative vision.

For retail and hospitality customers, Zzue features brands such as Robert Li, Sywawa, Tuuci, Manutti and Gandia Blasco.

The Sywawa Frou Frou parasol -with its wavy coconut-skirt edged fringes and thick circular shape- will definitely get guests talking.

The floating Gandia Blasco sun beds will liven any pool party, while Robert Li's Igloo Day Bed not only provides a cool haven but a truly original statement piece for any garden or terrace.

To make shopping for outdoor furniture easier and more enjoyable, Zzue Creation -like many other outdoor specialists at Horizon Plaza- will provide you with information on what is on the showroom floor, and providing details on what it can source from the design companies.

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