Background
The Strand, a hairdressing and beauty salon in Hong Kong, completed a renovation of its studio earlier this year. One of the new treatments it introduced is the Tranquillity Pro-sleep Massage, specially designed for jetlagged travellers or those who have difficulty falling asleep due to anxiety and stress.
Where is it?
It is located on Cochrane Street in Central near the Mid-Levels escalator system.
It takes around 10 minutes to walk from the Central MTR station, or you can hop in a taxi.
Facilities
On level 1 and 2 are hair salons for ladies and men respectively; level 3 holds the spa treatment rooms; and level 4 is the Strand Lounge, which can be transformed into a venue for workshops, parties and events.
The Treatment
On arrival, I was greeted by my friendly therapist and asked what I would like to drink. I filled in a form to indicate any problem areas on my body, or places I would like special attention. After this, my therapist ran me through the treatment and materials that would be used, and described some of the positive effects and scientific research linking rest to productivity (and conversely, the effect that being tired can have on anxiety or depression).
She then guided me to the tranquil, white treatment room. There is no separate changing room, so my therapist waited outside while I got changed.
I lay facedown on the bed and the therapist spread the special Tranquility oil from Comfort Zone on my back. The room was very quiet and peaceful, despite being located above a busy road. The tranquil ambience was also heightened with the use of soft music that is centred around a steady, hypnotic beat.
The massage was not hard or painful at all, as the objective behind this treatment is to use massage to relax, allowing my body to absorb the oil and help promote restful sleep. This is also aided by the use of soft bristled brushes and the overall sensation was very comfortable…
I can’t say much else in this review as I promptly fell asleep! Although in a way, this speaks volumes…
After the one-hour treatment, the therapist woke me up and offered me a post-treatment drink. She also offered me the opportunity to purchase the Tranquillity spa oil and gave me tips on how to recreate the treatment at home, complete with where to download similar music, which I thought was a nice touch.
I left the salon, drowsy, relaxed and happy, as the treatment effects continue beyond the treatment, and enjoyed a deep sleep that night.
Verdict
The location is a little tucked away (particularly in the heat of a Hong Kong summer) but it is worth the visit. A very relaxing, enjoyable treatment and bonus points for being able to recreate the experience in one’s own time.
Price
HK$1,180 (US$151)
Opening hours
Monday to Saturday 9am-8pm; Sunday 11am-7pm
