With travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine still in place over the summer, we thought we’d indulge in a luxury staycation in our magical home, Hong Kong. And where better than The Landmark Mandarin Oriental? Not only is this intimate, contemporary property located in the heart of Central’s designer shopping district, but it’s currently offering a wonderful overnight staycation deal.
Two-day rejuvenation
The Urban Wellness Reboot is a 30-hour package that generously includes a 60-minute personal training session, any 60-minute spa treatment, and a nourishing breakfast. On top of this, you can join a maximum of five fitness, Pilates or yoga classes per day on the weekend, or, even better, seven classes per day during the week.
Arriving for our 10am early check-in set us up nicely for the much-needed reboot ahead. We were shown to our designer suite, which boasted a stunning round bathtub to sink into, a beautiful dining area and lounge, and a stylish modern bedroom. The blend of alluring interiors with state-of-the-art modern technology throughout made this the most perfect tranquil retreat in the middle of the city. As you’d expect from such a prestigious hotel, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental showed wonderful touches and attention to detail, with plenty of welcome amenities and bathroom goodies. While it was tempting just to wallow in this luxury, with so much on offer in the hotel, we were ready for action.
Working out
We hit the ground running with an intense 60-minute personal training session with Mike. After a brief consultation on our general health and our usual exercise routine, we warmed up on the treadmill before Mike tailored a series of exercises with increased intensity and reps. Strength and core training was our focus and we were put through our paces with the battle rope and on the latest equipment, including TRX. It turned out to be a seriously fun hour; by the end, we truly had nothing left to give. More of the same tomorrow, definitely!
After a glorious power shower back in the suite and a light salad at our private dining table, we joined in a rejuvenating yoga class. It was a welcome change of pace as we emptied our minds of clutter and stretched every sinew right down to our toes. Feeling energised, we were more than ready to move into the stunning Pilates studio. Complete with reformer and more state-of-the-art machinery, it was another great session of core strengthening and manipulation. The endorphins were kicking in and we felt so good about our whole day.
Treatment time
A little later we toured the Oriental Spa, an unbelievably enchanting space of serenity. We would return the next day for an afternoon of indulgence in the experience showers, vitality pools, ice fountains, amethyst crystal steam rooms, saunas and Zen Relaxation Rooms. Absolute bliss. For now, though, we selected our complimentary Urban Wellness Reboot treatments. The Oriental Essence Body Massage was head to toe but focused on the obvious stress areas of back, neck and shoulders. Custom-blended oils and the hands of an angel truly worked their magic as my office-induced tension just melted away.
The Customised Aromatherapy Facial for my reboot partner proved to be a holistic skin-care delight. After her determining health, lifestyle and skin type, along with the effects of the climate, the therapist tailored a soothing and cleansing formula from the Aromatherapy Associates skincare range. Urban wellness achieved!
Eats and drinks
Such an unbelievable day – and we would be doing it all again tomorrow. Revitalised and ready for some evening wellness, we made for the buzz of the MO Bar. With DJs doing their thing and a roomful of positive vibes, we settled in for the night. The menu featured craft cocktails galore, but we chose a robust bottle of red and a series of small plates.
Crispy & Spicy Prawn Tacos ($148) with guacamole, tangy feta and a hit of lime were zesty and lively. Mini Teriyaki Burgers ($160) were a vegan treat – the Impossible patty with pickled kyuri cucumber was a particular revelation. The Crispy Taiyouran Egg ($138), a runny yolk egg in light panko crumb with pesto, is definitely something we want again soon. Another dish that ticked all the right boxes was the Bellota Bellota Charcuterie ($260) with sourdough ‘con tomate’. We finished by sharing the Prime Beef Tenderloin ($438) – it melted in the mouth, and the accompanying asparagus spears in tempura were a triumph.
As we retreated to our glorious suite, we reflected on the day’s heady mix of activity, indulgence and opulence. It was impossible to pick out a single highlight. However, the genuinely heartfelt and personal service of the staff at The Landmark was something we’d never experienced before. This doesn’t come out of an operating manual or rule book; in short, we were treated like royalty.
The Urban Wellness Reboot staycation was outstanding from start to finish. At the risk of running out of superlatives, there’s only one thing left to say: we are now among the hotel’s biggest fans!
Fact File: About the Urban Wellness Reboot
The one-night stay in a designer guestroom with room upgrade and nourishing breakfast includes early check-in (10am) and late check-out (4pm), a 60-minute personal training session, any 60-minute spa treatment, up five or seven group fitness and yoga classes per day, 25% discount on food and beverages at Amber, SOMM, MO Bar and PDT, and 25% discount on spa treatments (except BGA). The cost is HK$4,400 (+10%) for one person, with a $1,500 (+10%) supplement charge for a second person. It’s available from now until 30 October 2020.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is at 15 Queen’s Road, Central. To make a reservation, call +852 2132 0088 or email lmhkg-reservations@mohg.com.
mandarinoriental.com/landmark
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