Margie T Logarta suggests a trio of outstanding city hotel spas, offering effective pick-me-up experiences tailored for the busy executive.
The Spa at the Four Seasons Hongkong
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Located on the sixth floor, next to the pool area, the spa could only be accessed through a single door. Behind that magic portal was the changing room where I was asked to slip into a pristine white robe and don slippers. That done, I was whisked by lift to another level and gently interviewed by the receptionist about which parts of my body I wanted worked on.
Mon, my therapist,?then led me to a spacious treatment room that featured a shower and large picture window whose curtains she later drew to create a mood of calm and introspection.
THE TREATMENT: Today, I came for the Spa’s new Executive Escape package, especially tailored for people forever on the run like me. During the 45-minute run, Mon masterfully stroked and kneaded my perennial problem areas: neck, shoulders and right lower back. After it was over, I could feel as if a dam had broken, releasing reinvigorating blood through every vein in my body. I could go back to work!
But not so fast, there was a healthy lunch waiting for me by the pool, and from the menu, I chose the Alaskan Crab and Avocado Sandwich with Salsa Verdi and Butter Lettuce followed by the Grilled Pineapple with Light Fromage Blanc Sorbet and Chestnut Honey. Seating suspended above the waters of magnificent Victoria Harbour, tucking into a tasty repast and feeling rosy all over, could anyone ask for more?
PRICE: Executive Escape costs HK$780 (US$100.35), available Monday to Friday between 1100 and 1500. To reserve, tel 852 3196 8900 or email [email protected]
The Mandarin Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hongkong
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Occupying floors 23 and 24 in the fully renovated Mandarin Oriental Hongkong, the facility consists of a Zen-oriented reception area, indoor swimming pool, gym, spa, Mandarin Salon and Mandarin Barber. The spa in the male area features a dry sauna and a vitality pool with a range of hydrotherapy jets, a floor jet and reclining airbeds. The female area has the Kneipp pool combining massage pebbles and water to stimulate the feet and lower legs, as well as “experience showers” where coloured lighting is paired with both cold and warm water.
THE TREATMENT: Weeks of sitting on airplanes and constantly lifting my trolley on and off surfaces had taken its toll –?my body was just a morass of aches and pains. No one had to tell me my chi was out of whack. Hence, I chose to undergo the Meridien Massage, which I thought was the appropriate method to restore major imbalance.
With me perched on a stool, May, my TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) trained therapist, began by kneading the areas under my chin, then moving down to the sides of my upper arms, a sensation that alternated between hurting and relief. I didn’t want her to stop, yet at times cringed at her touch. She was performing lymphatic drainage, which results in detoxification and stimulation of the digestive system. Aware how tightly wound up my muscles were, she did a “cupping” procedure, pointing out to me which areas had darkened considerably indicating a high degree of stress. A soothing rub with an aromatherapy oil blend of herbs and English chamomile followed.
PRICE: A Chinese Meridien Massage lasts one hour and costs HK$840 (US$108). The spa is open daily from 1000 to 2300. Tel 852 2522 0111 for appointments.
Chi, the Spa at (Pudong) Shangri-La
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Pudong’s construction frenzy is easily forgotten upon entering this Tibetan sanctuary, full of flickering candles and fragrant smells, which helps to melt away stress levels almost instantaneously. From the short survey customers must answer before any procedure, the staff can ascertain which of the five elements – metal, water, wood, fire and earth – govern their personalities. I had been classified as “earth” earlier in the Chi Spa Village in Penang (see Great Escape, page 66), so this was no mystery to me.
THE TREATMENT: With a rare free weekday afternoon at my disposal, I opted for a three-hour session, combining the Crystal Energising Facial (newly launched) and Aroma Vitality (one of four signature Chi massages). My suite (one of nine) boasted an extremely spacious changing area that featured a shower, WC and traditional objet d’arts, closed off by a sliding teakwood door with Himalayan latticework. The light saffron bathrobe was simply the fluffiest I had ever experienced. When asked to disrobe, I took my time, loathe to relinquish that decadent feeling.
My petite but powerful therapist Linda, however, transported me to an equally delicious realm, using strokes that called to mind Swedish, shiatsu and reflexology techniques while applying Chi’s specially mixed Earth essential oil, consisting of ginger, cardamom and frankincense. By the time, we got to the facial, I was in a haze through which I could feel Linda’s gentle patting motions and manipulations as she worked the “crystal wand” on my sluggish epidermis, trying to increase blood supply and fresh cell activity. When she tenderly roused me from my stupor, I could not believe how the hours had flown.
PRICE: This package costs CNY2,660 (US$341). Chi – the Spa is open from 1000 to midnight daily. For reservations, tel 86 10 6882 8888.
