The Retreat
Mandarin Oriental’s spa director and chair of the Digital Wellness Initiative for the Global Wellness Institute, Jeremy McCarthy pre-empted the backlash against digital devices in 2016 when he created the digital detox initiative that runs throughout all of Mandarin Oriental spas. New guidelines and treatments to help guests disconnect, created in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, have proved a huge hit with guests globally. The 80 minute digital detox treatment or two-day digital wellness escape available at both Hong Kong hotels are perfect for a quick reset in the city. We love the mindful touches in the spa relaxation room that encourage guests to journal, meditate and enjoy the silence that’s difficult to find in Hong Kong.
Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central; Landmark Mandarin, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central
The Treatment
Reflexology and foot massages are a Hong Kong staple and Ten Feet Tall serves them up a little more decadently than most. The ‘Why Not’ 50-minute foot, back and head massage combo is the most popular treatment and it’s even better paired with a fresh coconut. After noticing guests glued to their phones during massages they introduced an interesting incentive to encourage digital-free pampering. By leaving your phone to charge at the reception power station you can get an additional 10 minutes or free frozen yoghurt as you sit back and recharge yourself.
21F, L Place, 139 Queen’s Road, Central; 1F, Lai Sing Building, 13-19 Sing Woo Road, Happy Valley
The Hike
Going where the WiFi is weak has never been more popular and the hidden waterfall near the Tai Long Wan trail is our favourite place to get off the grid. Finding the waterfall requires a little climbing but it’s well worth the effort. Follow our hiking guide to get to Tai Long Wan and after arriving at Sai Wan beach walk by the restaurants on your left until you see a sign for the falls. You’ll pass by fenced farmland on your left as you continue on a rocky path, which will bring you to the waterfall after 15-20 minutes.
Sheung Luk Stream, Sai Kung
The Class
Sound healing is having a moment, and Red Doors Studio founder Martha Collard is the expert that wellness insiders have in their little black books. Collard puts individuals and groups into a Theta state (something that normally occurs during REM sleep or deep meditation) with her impressive collection of gongs that create energetic shifts in one or several sessions. The former Vice President of Organisational Wellness at Lane Crawford Joyce Group and wellness expert is specialised in combatting the negative effects of modern technology and the toll these take on our bodies and minds.
21A, Lee Fund Centre, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road
Editor
Dervla Louli
