In the midst of Hong Kong’s hot summer, we jumped at the chance to try the new family wellness staycation and spa package at Rosewood’s Asaya. It’s billed as an innovative, integrated wellness concept – I was intrigued to find out exactly what that means!
Asaya is located on the 6th and 7th floors at the Rosewood Hong Kong. Entering reception, we were cheerfully greeted by Vicky who personally took great care of us throughout our stay. With the check-in formalities quickly dealt with, it was time to slow down and relax. The one-night staycation package includes a 60-minute spa treatment for one parent, a 30-minute treatment for a child and a choice of two private family experiences. On top of this, guests can enjoy the Asaya wellbeing classes, fitness centre and swimming pool. What’s not to love?
Gardenia Lodge
We left reception and headed out to the gardens, which is where the Asaya magic truly begins. This tranquil oasis transports you far away from bustling TST. Amongst the treatment rooms, you can find quiet spots to sit and soak up the serenity.
Through the gardens and up one floor, we entered Gardenia Lodge, our home for the night. Spanning around 1,000 square feet, this is no ordinary hotel suite. Understated and elegant, every detail is carefully considered with a focus on relaxation, reconnection and wellbeing.
A comfortable lounge area leads through to the bedroom, complete with the most luxurious king-size bed and adjoining dressing room area. And I had to pause for a moment to take in the bathroom! It has a huge freestanding tub and not just one rainforest shower but two in a couples’ double shower. We even had our own private spa treatment room, complete with a cosy nook to relax in.
Restorative Massage
After completing a quick health and treatment questionnaire, Vicky introduced me to the Asaya Aroma Atelier. There are three pre-blended massage oils to choose from or you can create your own. Vicky guided me through the process and together we mixed a bespoke oil with my favourite citrus and lavender notes. The spa treatment rooms are peaceful and calm – and, needless to say, luxurious.
My massage therapist Nicole reviewed my questionnaire and once I’d changed and settled on the bed, she set to work with Asaya’s signature Aroma Atelier massage. It started with soothing hot towels on my feet, and I instantly felt small ripples of relaxation permeate up from my toes. I carry a lot of stress in my shoulders and neck and had requested Nicole give these areas some special attention. In just under an hour, her expert hands had ironed out all the bumps and knots. The only slight disappointment was the aroma of my massage oil; in hindsight, I would have chosen one of the pre-blended oils – after all, the Asaya team really are the experts here!
Nicole recommended not showering that evening. So resisting the lure of our lodge’s bathroom, I held off. The wait was worth it, as the following day, my skin felt soft, deeply hydrated and healthy.
Private Experiences
For our two family experiences, we chose the singing bowls and art therapy sessions. Our therapist Kit Shum set up the singing bowls session in our lodge’s private treatment room.
When we were snugly settled in our beds, Kit placed a bowl between our feet to enable to us to “feel some vibrations” during the session. She then skilfully created a blissful sound experience – soothing, melodic and rhythmic. Freshly relaxed from my massage, I had a head start on my daughter Sophia. But within about 15 minutes, her breathing slowed as she dropped off into a peaceful sleep. The treatment left us both feeling calm and with a sense of wellbeing.
Our art therapy session the next morning was held in the Asaya garden, a tranquil spot with a welcome breeze. Kit explained our task; to create a montage to express how we felt today. I was a little nervous about this activity since, at age 15, my art teacher branded me a “waste of paint and paper”! But Kit’s gentle demeanour soon put my worries aside.
She sent us off to cut leaves and flowers from the garden; these were combined with paints, pencils and other craft materials and we set about our task. The hour went surprisingly quickly – in fact, we had to hurry to finish our montages. Kit seemed pleased with our humble endeavours; she proclaimed Sophia’s montage “creative and spontaneous”, and mine “organised and thoughtful”. We both really enjoyed this activity and agreed it would be a therapeutic way to spend more time together.
Other Extras
Much has been written about the Manor Club – Rosewood’s 40th-floor exclusive private sanctuary – and it lives up to the hype! Manor Club access is included in the Asaya wellness staycation package and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening and breakfast visits. Facing west, the views are simply spectacular – make sure you enjoy a sundowner and soak up that perfect Insta sunset.
The pool at Asaya serves both Asaya and Rosewood guests, and under current restrictions, the hotel allows a one-hour slot for each night stayed. Slots can easily be reserved online seven days prior to your stay. The infinity pool faces east so it has contrasting views from the Manor Club, but it’s equally stunning.
Our package included a $800 dining credit and there’s no shortage of exciting options at the Rosewood. We decided upon Holt’s Café, a stylish and elevated take on Hong Kong’s classic Cha Chann Teng. We enjoyed a selection of classic HK dishes, the Premium Barbecue Pork Rice ($238) with a perfectly cooked organic egg was the standout dish of the evening.
A final word
Asaya is a really special spot in Hong Kong and this was a truly memorable family staycation – relaxing and refreshing. Sadly, it was over way too quickly! Should budget and time allow, book a two-night stay to savour all the retreat has to offer. The Asaya team says that its wellcations will be adapted seasonally, and available during school holidays and other key times, so families can share the activities and experiences together.
Sample Asaya with The A-Team!
Asaya has assembled an elite group of HK’s finest fitness and wellbeing practitioners for an eight-week series of transformative classes that’s ongoing until 15 October. Enrolment gives you access to 300 classes plus treatments, consultations, healthy dining, wellness product line debuts and more. The A-Team is a great way to enjoy a shorter Asaya membership without a full-year commitment. Get more details at rosewoodhotels.com/en/hong-kong/wellness/asaya-offers/the-a-team-returns.
Asaya is at 6/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road,Tsim Sha Tsui. Find out more at rosewoodhotels.com/en/hong-kong/wellness.
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