If you’re thinking about the most relaxing places in Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui probably doesn’t rank too highly on your list (Harbour City at the weekend… need I say more?). However, amidst the hustle, bustle and crazed suitcase-wielding shoppers does lie a spacious oasis of calm – namely, The Peninsula Spa in The Peninsula Hong Kong.
Spread over the seventh and ninth floors of the iconic hotel, The Peninsula Spa is so blissfully serene that it’s sure to bring your inner Zen out of hiding. With bamboo, marble and dark wood details, there’s a contemporary Chinese vibe to the place – and be sure to take advantage of its fantastic heat facilities too, which include hammam-style steam rooms, saunas and aromatherapy experience showers.
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Over a year in development, The Peninsula Spa has just launched a new and exclusive series of pampering treatments, Sattva by Simply Peninsula. Blending ancient traditions with modern methods and massage techniques like reflexology and lymphatic drainage, these treatments are designed to “purify, rejuvenate and harmonise the mind, body and soul” and use a selection of high quality, hand-blended Ayurveda Aromatherapy essential oils. The oils and products used during your treatment are chosen especially for you following a short questionnaire and chat with your massage therapist about your body, skin and “energy” type, resulting in a truly bespoke pampering experience.
I was invited to try the Vedic Aromatherapy Full-Body Massage and Facial Marma Therapy Treatment, which is essentially a 100-minute relax and rewind session ideal for stressed-out souls (a Hong Kong speciality!). In case you’re wondering what marmas are, they’re 107 pressure points across your body that are believed to connect mind and body, as well as enhancing the therapeutic benefits from the essential oils’ active ingredients.
The treatment begins with a relaxing foot scrub (the start of all the best spa treatments I always feel!) and then it was onto the bed for massage magic to commence. I’d love to be able to give you a stroke-by-stroke rendition of what went down… but frankly, the massage was so relaxing, I started dozing off almost immediately. This isn’t me just napping on the job by the way; the Vedic Aromatherapy Massage is supposed to focus on the energy channels that reduce stress and promote more restful sleep, so I reckon this is just a sign that The Peninsula Spa really knows its stuff!
The oils are applied warm using a traditional bronze Kasa bowl to draw out heat and toxins from the body, leading to a deliciously soothing effect; tell your therapist in advance any problem areas you have and they’ll pay special attention to kneading out those knots, and they’re more than willing to alter the massage strength depending on personal preference too.
The final part of the treatment is a luxurious facial message using a blend of tuberose, mogra and Indian rose that leaves your complexion glowing. I’ve had facial massages at other places before but this one made the rest look positively paint-by-numbers in comparison, as my therapist covered every inch of my face, forehead, neck and even ears – really recharging and rejuvenating my complexion in the process. And of course, there’s a divine head and scalp massage too, which was so good that I’d have been quite happy to enjoy 100minutes of just that!
You’re advised to leave the oils on your body for at least two hours post-treatment (and preferably overnight) to really reap the rewards of their therapeutic properties. I can honestly say I left The Peninsula Spa feeling renewed, refreshed and revitalised, whilst my skin felt silky smooth to boot. So if you’re in need of some luxury TLC, go forth to Tsim Sha Tsui and get your Sattva on!
The Vedic Aromatherapy Full-Body Massage and Facial Marma Therapy Treatment costs $1800 for 100 minutes
The Peninsula Spa, 7/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2696 6682
www.hongkong.peninsula.com/en/spa-wellness
Rachel Read writes beauty and lifestyle blog Through The Looking Glass