WHAT’S IT LIKE? The Oriental Spa is an oasis of calm in the bustling Central District of Hong Kong. Located on the fifth floor of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental within The Landmark - one of the city’s most well known luxury shopping arcades where local celebrities are often spotted – the 2322.57sqm facility consists of two floors. The first floor houses a state-of-the-art fitness centre, indoor pool and yoga and Pilates studios. The second holds the spa, which is split into two sections, one for men and the other for women. They feature saunas and steam rooms, jet showers, ice fountains, massaging Vitality Pools as well as heated Tepidarium Chairs.
SPECIALTIES The yoga studio offers classes in five types of yoga by trained masters and the spa offers an extensive spa menu consisting of body, aqua and facial treatments, including the Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapies. I tried the latest addition to the menu- Somme Institute’s Express Facial Treatment, a 30 minute, five-step regimen designed to release vitamins deep into the skin and return it to its original healthy and radiant state.
THE TREATMENT Before the facial, I was offered a moist towel and a warm cup of tea as I filled out a form to specify any health concerns or requirements. It being my first time having a treatment at the spa, a member of the staff kindly gave me a quick tour of the facility, explaining the various steam rooms, showers and pool area before leading me to the locker room and toilet where I slipped into the provided attire and the ultra-soft fluffy cotton bathrobe.
If time allows, it is advisable to arrive an hour earlier to enjoy the spa’s facilities and give yourself a chance to calm your mind and body before the treatment. Note that the heat and water facilities are only available for bookings of at least 60 minutes worth of treatments.
Once settled into my suite, my therapist, Jamima, began gently applying a nourishing cleanser over my face, neck and upper chest before swiftly wiping it away with warm pads. She then gradually applied a mild exfoliator which may leave a slight tingling feeling for some. After that, a concentrated vitamin C serum was soothingly massaged into my skin followed by the cooling A-Bomb moisturiser being spread on top of the serum.
Jamima then laid an ice-cold cloth mask over my face to aid the vitamin absorption while shifting her attention to kneading and applying pressure to my head, neck and shoulder. Her ministrations effectively undid the kinks and knots in my shoulders (the price you pay for carrying an oversized handbag), leaving me smiling blissfully beneath the mask. After about 10 minutes, the mask was removed and moisturiser was patted on.
Before I knew it, a small bell chimed to mark the end of the 30-minute facial. I thanked her and reluctantly left the treatment room.
Erica Rae Chong
Fact File
PRICE The Express Facial Treatment costs HK$780 (US$100.54) for 30 minutes.
CONTACT The Oriental Spa, 5th floor, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, The Landmark, Central, Hong Kong, tel +852 2132 0188, www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark/spa
TREATMENTS The spa offers over 40 treatments, including body massages, wraps, scrubs, facials, waxing and, of course, pedicures and manicures.
FACILITIES Special heat and water facilities are available for both men and women such as the aromatic Amethyst Crystal Steam Room for the ladies and the Turkish Hamam steam room for the men.
Verdict
Despite the short 30-minute session, my skin was noticeably dewy and smooth. The immediate benefits extended to my mind as well, leaving me relaxed and recharged. This quick fix can be easily slotted into any schedule, an ideal pick-me-up for the busy executive.
