Between the year-round humidity, frequent smog, and desk-bound office jobs, there are plenty of sources of stress and ennui that the average Hongkonger needs soothed-away. So it’s little wonder that Hong Kong’s spas have become very good at what they do, with the city’s hotels housing some of the best.
The Mandarin Spa, Mandarin Oriental
Rendered in the style of 1930s Shanghai, the Mandarin Oriental’s Mandarin Spa never fails to provide an immersive experience. The spa has recently revamped its menu, introducing therapeutic treatments that focus on alleviating the stress and anxiety surrounding an uncertain time, while continuing to incorporate Chinese wellness concepts. The ‘Inner Strength’ therapy, for example, uses a nurturing blend of healing and balancing aromatherapy oils to massage away physical tension or emotional anxiety, bespoke to the client’s needs.
5 Connaught Road Central, 2825 4888; mandarinoriental.com
Four Seasons Spa
The Four Seasons Spa offers a massage for every need, from the relaxing abhyanga massage (which sees warm massage oil made from cow’s milk, cinnamon and spices applied to your body in gentle, chakra-opening strokes) to the tui na massage used to treat arthritis, insomnia and muscle spasms. Vogue is partial to the Power of Jade Stone Therapy, where heated jade stones are placed strategically on the body. Finish up your spa day at the hydrotherapy pool, sauna or crystal steam room while taking in unparalleled views of the harbour below.
8 Finance Street, Central, 3196 8888; fourseasons.com
Plateau Spa, Grand Hyatt
Described as “a self-contained resort within a hotel,” the Grand Hyatt’s Plateau Spa offers 16 different massages to provide respite from the city. Vogue recommends the Plateau Signature Massage, designed to induce deep-state relaxation with the use of warm stones in long, flowing strokes; and the Hong Kong Massage for more powerful pain relief using deep pressure techniques. Those jetting back from a long trip abroad should try the Jetlag Remedy Massage, which combines a toning massage with a steam treatment and exfoliation using raw sugar and green tea extract.
1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2584 7688; hyatt.com
Chuan Spa, Cordis Hotel
Best known for its adherence to the precepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and feng shui, Cordis Hotel’s Chuan Spa boasts a range of holistic treatments designed to restore harmony within the body by aligning the five Wu Xing elements. Among these is the Tao of Detox treatment, which encompasses a full-body exfoliation, followed by a warm marine algae wrap, an acupressure massage to ease energy blocks in the neck and back, and a rehydrating facial using an intensive oxygen booster. More traditional Chinese treatments are also available, including cupping and gua sha scraping.
555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, 3552 3510; chuanspa.com.hk
The Peninsula Spa
Rated among the World’s Most Luxurious Spas, the 12,000-square-foot spa of the ‘grand dame of Hong Kong’ hotels holds its own via Oriental, Ayurvedic and European treatments conceived in collaboration with Margy’s Monte Carlo and ESPA. Choose the aromatherapy massage, which uses ESPA oils to cater to different needs – from deep sleep to immunity booster. Afterwards, don’t miss the crystal steam room and possibly the best relaxation room in the city, reclining before a postcard-perfect view of the harbour with a mango and blueberry yoghurt shake in hand.
Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6681; peninsula.com
The Ritz-Carlton Spa
This spa’s location on the 116th floor of the International Commerce Centre, 465 metres above sea level, makes it the highest spa in the world, with views to match. Head there for a Cryotherapy Energy Facial, brought to Hong Kong by London-based cult skincare brand 111SKIN which counts the likes of Margot Robbie and Priyanka Chopra amongst its fans. The facial combines science and holistic therapy by using cooled air, purified with a cryotherapy machine, to thoroughly revitalise the skin. In addition, powerful 111SKIN regenerative formulas are applied to ease puffiness and energise the complexion.
1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2263 2040; ritzcarlton.com
Wellness at The Murray, The Murray
The tranquil third-floor spa at The Murray is home to the treatments of Dr. Barbara Sturm, the German aesthetics doctor world-renowned for her anti-inflammatory philosophy and non-surgical anti-ageing skin solutions. The 60- or 90-minute facial treatments range from the ‘Clarifying’ that’s paired with a lymphatic drainage massage, to the ‘Instant Glow,’ prompting cell regeneration and providing an intense dose of moisture thanks to the much-loved Hyaluronic Serum and Glow Drops, applied following a double cleanse under steam. Begin your treatment in a private steam room to intensify further.
22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, 3141 8888; niccolohotels.com
Editor
Gavin Yeung & Alice Riley-SmithCredit
Header image courtesy of The Peninsula Spa
