Spring Beauty: Where to get this seasons top 5 facials

Feeling a little worse for wear or just fancy a pampering pick-me-up? Check out our roundup of the top 5 facials that will have you looking refreshed and recharge, just in time for Summer.

Renew, Refresh, Recharge at The Ritz-Carlton Spa

Located on the 116^th floor with breathtaking views across the harbour, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, launches a seasonal 90-minute seasonal 90-minute Renew, Refresh, Recharge Facial. Thanks to its pioneering formulas of the much-coveted 111SKIN Cryo line and expertly tailored facial techniques (developed by London-based plastic surgeon, Dr Yannis Alexandrides); this relaxing experience will leave your skin looking beautifully clean and visibly radiant. The only thing left to do is book, but be quick as the mother-of-all facials is only available until 30 April, 2018.

Price: HK$2,080 on Monday – Thursday, HK$2,280 on Friday – Sunday and public holidays.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, (852) 2263 2040, www.ritzcarlton.com

Optimal Skin at The Mandarin Spa

As part of The Mandarin Spa’s Advanced Skin Care facials series, the Optimal Skin treatment has been created to tackle a wide range of issues including adult breakouts and premature aging. Combining non-invasive peeling and sensation-free electrical technology alongside active vitamins, peptides and anti-oxidants, this 90-minute facial promises nothing but fast results.

Price: HK $2,200 on weekdays, HK$2,500 on weekends and public holidays

The Mandarin Spa, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, (852) 2825 4888, www.mandarinoriental.com

Julisis Biorhythm Facial at the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Combining skincare with holistic healing this facial is designed to match your natural biorhythm. Start your treatment with a seated meditation to calm the mind followed by a thorough face, neck, head and jaw massage to release tension in your face. Using a personalised combination from the Julisis skin care line – comprised of cell nutrition from bio-dynamic herbs as well as liquid silver and gold essence – your face will be cleansed masked and moisturised. Aimed at aligning your mind and body with the rhythm of nature, you are sure to leave this treatment feeling energetic with a super glow.

Price (based on duration): From HK$1,750 – HK$3,500 on Monday – Thursday and HK$2,000 – HK$3,780 on Friday – Sunday

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, (852) 3196 8888, www.fourseasons.com

90 Never Looked So Good at The Peninsula Spa

To celebrate nine decades of excellence, The Peninsula Hong Kong has put together a series of exclusive packages and therapies to satisfy beauty splurges. Indulge in the sumptuous series of seven Margy’s Super-Lift Haute Couture facials for revolutionary results. Pampering doesn’t get any more luxurious than this, so be sure to book your treatments in before the offer expires on 31 May, 2018.

Price: HK$19,000

The Peninsula Spa, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, (852) 2696 6682, www.peninsula.com

Chuan Yu at Chuan Spa

For those looking to incorporate methods from ancient Chinese medicine, this signature facial will tick all the boxes. Using the ancient Gua Sha technique, this treatment uses jade, known as a healing stone, to nurture, heal and restore the skin. By scraping the stone on important meridian points, it the flow of blood circulation will be increased and therefore helping to create that refreshing glow.

Recommended for normal and combination skin types, this treatment is best avoided if you suffer from acne or have sensitive skin.

Price: HK$1,250

Chuan Spa, Cordis Hong Kong Langham Place, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, (852) 3552 3510, www.chuanspa.com.hk

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Hong Kong

Asia’s faithful Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is hugely popular in Hong Kong but for newbies, it can seem a little daunting. If you are feeling sluggish, tired, or are just curious to learn more about the ancient legacy, we have rounded up a list of the best places for Traditional Chinese Medicine in the 852.

The Mandarin Spa

Offering an extensive range of treatments, including a wide choice of therapies drawing on the philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), The Oriental Spa is the perfect place to embark on a holistic sensory journey that will transform the body, mind and spirit. Developed with the assistance of specialists in TCM, each signature therapy consists of a relaxing, hands-on body massage ritual that combines the powerful effect of an oriental meridian massage with the therapeutic benefits of custom-blended essential oils, created specially for Mandarin Oriental.

Treatment: The Chinese Meridian Massage focuses on acupressure points and directional flow of the Qi in the body. It is more than a system of relaxation and tension release. To strengthen your overall health, opt for the Chinese Doctor Consultation where a doctor will tailor a treatment specific to your needs.

For more info and bookings: www.mandarinoriental.com, mohkg-spa@mohg.com, (852) 2825 4888

Chuan Spa

Back in 2005, the Chuan Spa – part of the Cordis Hong Kong – was one of the first to adopt TCM as one of its underlying principles. Following its success in Hong Kong, the approach was exported to 15 of the spa’s overseas operations, including its Chicago, London and Auckland branches. Each individual treatment has been created to cultivate the 5 Wu Xing elements that form TCM’s focal point. Chuan believes the task of a Chinese doctor is to restore an imbalance in the harmony of Yin and Yang. The aim is to aid the deficiency or reduce the excess.

Treatment: Ho Guan, also known as Cupping, is the ancient Chinese practice where a heated cup is applied to the skin. The pressure in the cup has a therapeutic effect on the skin and superficial muscle layer. Cupping is also applied to certain acupressure points that are affected by pain. Be sure to reserve your spot atleast 24 hours in advance as this popular treatment is known to get booked up quickly!

For more information and bookings: www.chuanspa.com.hk, (852) 3552 3510, cdhkg.info@chuanspa.com

Balance Health

As one of Hong Kong’s earliest natural alternative clinics, Balance Health has supported many patients to achieve their optimum health and well-being. Located in Central, the natural health clinic offers a great selection of TCM and alternative treatments.

Treatment: Curious to see what the effects of acupuncture are but feeling squeamish at the thought of needles? Balance Health has the perfect solution for you. Rather than stimulating the body through the insertion of needles or Moxibustion, the Tui Na Massage aims to stimulate the body through the hands of the therapist. Used in conjunction with other remedies, it can be a great treatment for many conditions such as vomiting, asthma and constipation.

For more information and booking: www.balancehealth.com.hk, (852) 2530 3315, appt@balancehealth.com.hk

Oriental Health Chinese Medicine Clinic

Oriental Health Chinese Medicine Clinic offers traditional healing treatments combined with natural therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs and Qi gong. With a team of highly experienced doctors and a full range of treatments, Oriental Health is a great place to address your imbalances and stay healthy.

Treatment: Acupuncture comes in the form of the painless insertion of needles in the skin with the aim of stimulating the body or the use of burning moxa sticks on human skin where the desire is to stimulate the body with heat. Both treatments can be used to treat a variety of conditions including anything from stress and depression to women’s health. If you’re not squeamish, give it a try!

For more information and bookings: www.orientalhealth.com.hk, (852) 3904 3369

Traditional Chinese Medicine is gradually gaining credibility across the globe and could easily represent a “viable alternative to Western medicine”. To read more about the healing power of TCM and its progression in the West, click here.

Image Credits: Facebook – Oriental Health, Balance Health, Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

Text: Hira Desai

Grooming Glory: A guide to gentlemen’s grooming and skincare in Hong Kong

With the demand for gentlemen’s grooming increasing over the years, Hong Kong has seen the phenomenon of male-focused services on the rise. With tailor-made massages and beauty treatments, not to mention the return of the classic gentleman’s barber shop, it is evident that it is not only women who are striving to look perfectly polished.

Whether you’re after that “hipster beard” or baby-smooth skin, we have got you covered with a roundup of the city’s top spots.

The Mandarin Barber – For luxury grooming

This 1930s Shanghai-inspired barber shop offers a luxurious take on traditional shaving and grooming, in a warm environment resembling that of a private gentleman’s club. Relax in a traditional barber chair while watching sports from the in-mirror televisions, or retire to the privacy of the VIP room for massages, waxing treatments and facials. Looking for the complete works? Opt for the Gentlemen’s Grooming package (from HK $1,870) including a shampoo and cut, Mandarin shave and Shanghainese pedicure. This highly experienced team will have you looking sharp in no time.

Visit for more info: www.mandarinoriental.com
For bookings: mohkg-barber@mohg.com, (852) 2825 4088

Gentlemen’s Tonic – For the old-school experience

Founded in London’s upscale Mayfair district, Gentlemen’s Tonic opened its Hong Kong store in 2011 and its popularity among the city’s men has rapidly grown. This comes as no surprise, as the salon and spa offers everything from a traditional wet shave or beard trim to indulgent packages such as The Hemingway (HK $1,700) – including a massage, aromatherapy facial and, of course, a Bloody Mary to cure those hangovers. If you are looking to relax and rejuvenate, Gentlemen’s Tonic is the perfect remedy.

Book online at www.gentlemenstonic.com/hk or call (852) 2525 2455

HERR at Attire House – For the discerning modern gentleman

Luxury menswear boutique Attire House joined forces with famed Korean barber, HERR, to open an in-house barbershop. Inspired by a gentleman’s home and combining a men’s clothier, barbershop and cocktail bar all under the same roof, this is the ultimate haven for the discerning modern gentleman. Enjoy the floor-to-ceiling views of the city while choosing from the wide range of services, including everything from a trim or scalp treatment to a Father and Son haircut (HK $1000). To finish, head over to Attire Houses’ BAR DE LUXE for a well-deserved cheeky tipple.

Visit for more info: www.attire-house.com/barbershop
For bookings: (852) 2619 9007

The Oriental Spa at The Mandarin Oriental – For ultimate decadence

Leave the urban jungle behind with an escape to the award-winning Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Begin your retreat with the gentleman’s only Hammam Experience (from HK $1,350), including steam to relax and detoxify your body, a full body scrub and a hair washing ritual followed by a scalp massage, leaving your skin feeling hydrated. Continue with the Digital Wellness Escape signature therapy (from HK $1,700), including a restorative massage that focuses on specific areas such as the head, eyes and neck to ease stress and strains from the daily use of digital devices.

For more info: www.mandarinoriental.com
For bookings: lmhkg-spa@mohg.com, (852) 2132 0011

Chuan Spa – For Chinese stress relief

Designed to restore peace and harmony, the Chuan Spa is ideal for those seeking a wellness sanctuary. Based on principles of Feng Shui, Chuan Spa provides the perfect getaway from the hectic outside world with the help of natural interiors and soft and calming hues. After enjoying one of the Chinese five-element teas – essential for one’s physical and emotional wellbeing – retire to one of the exquisite relaxation rooms for the Stress Killer package (HK $1,500). Created for today’s generation of busy men, this treatment consists of a 45-minute signature massage, followed by a 15-minute stress-releasing treatment using a warm herbal ball made with rice, peppermint and cloves. To finish, you will be pampered with a 30-minute purifying facial.

Book online at www.chuanspa.com or call (852) 3552 3510

If R&R is not the perfect excuse for indulgence, don’t forget Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. After all, men need to be pampered too!

Text: Hira Desai
Photo credits:
Facebook, The Mandarin Barber at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Facebook, Gentleman’s Tonic HK
Facebook, HERR Barbershop at Attire House, Hong Kong
Facebook, The Oriental Spa, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Facebook, Chuan Spa Hong Kong