We all need to recharge our batteries from time to time, and what better way to do so than at one of Hong Kong’s beautiful spas.
With so many ‘sanctuaries’ to choose from in Hong Kong, finding one that stands out and gives you real bang for your buck can feel like a mission. With this in mind, I've taken the stress out of the search with my roundup of the very best the city has to offer – for those on a budget and those with the urge to splurge. Get ready for some serious pampering!
For those on a budget …
Zen Thai Massage
One of Causeway Bay’s best kept secrets, Zen Thai Massage is an atmospheric sanctuary that offers a menu of affordable massage treatments carried out by Thai women themselves. Finding the spa entrance on Paterson Street can feel like a mission given it’s in a residential building with no signage, but once inside you are met with dark mood lighting, elegant decor with purple hanging drapes, and gorgeous aromas which instantly make you feel relaxed. Treatments here are extremely reasonable given the polished feel of the spa and the friendly and professional level of service.
A hands-on 60-minute Traditional Thai Massage will set you back $308, while a more relaxing 60-minute Aroma Oil Massage comes in at $508, and a 120-minute Zen Signature Treatment costs $988. Most treatments can be enjoyed for 45, 60, or 90 minutes, so you can find one that meets your budget and needs. The spa also offers specialist treatments such as Pregnancy and Ladies Massages, all of which are rounded off with a tasty cup of bael fruit tea from Thailand.
Zen Thai Massage, Flat B, 4/F, Hyde Park Mansion, 53 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, (+852) 2501 0002
Essential Spa
With seven locations dotted around Hong Kong, you’re never far away from an Essential Spa and the menu of goodies they offer for a bargain buck. A 55-minute Swedish, deep tissue, or acupressure body massage will set you back a reasonable $580, while a novelty 50-minute Chocolate Fondue or Yoghurt Mousse Body Mask costs $980 (sounds delicious). The spa also offers hydro baths, slimming treatments, and nail services, but the real emphasis lies on facial treatments which range from $480 to a whopping $2,580, and include some intriguing options such as the CELL Vitale Facial Treatment (90mins/$2,580) and Snail Extract Regenerating Facial Treatment (75mins/$1,280).
If you want to make pamper time a regular thing, the spa offers two packages where you can buy points to redeem various treatments over a two-year period; $10,800 will get you 60 points, and $19,800 will get you 125. If that’s too complicated though, you can always swing by for a one-off session, and it’s worth noting that newbies will receive 50% off their first treatment.
Essential Spa, (locations in Central, Elgin Street, Robinson Road, Wan Chai, Kennedy Town, Kowloon Tong, and Kowloon City)
Spa Beauté Par Zai
This award-winning Central spa is perfect for those looking to polish their nails, sooth out those aches and pains with a relaxing body massage, or even experience the famous “ouchless” Brazilian Wax – without breaking the bank. Owner Nigar Qureshi sure knows a thing or two, using her skills as an award-winning aesthetician, skin-care specialist, cosmetologist, and make-up artist to offer clients a range of avant-garde spa and beauty treatments at affordable prices.
A 60-minute body massage – be it aromatherapy, slimming, lymphatic, or reflexology – will set you back a reasonable $690, while a Deep Cleansing Facial costs $590. There’s even a Cucumber Wrap for Sunburnt Skin – she really has thought of everything. The spa uses the latest and most high-tech equipment from around the globe, combining French, English, and American products to offer what they call “The French-to-the-English-American-Way”.
Spa BPZ, 12/F Sea Bird House, 22-28 Wyndham Street, Central, (+852) 2524 1272
Iyara Day Spa
Decorated in relaxing shades of green, Iyara Day Spa is the perfect spot to unwind, and the good news is there are four locations so you’re never too far from one. If you love people-watching, then book yourself in for a relaxing foot massage at the Central branch situated next to the Mid-Levels Escalator where you can gaze out of the window at passersby. Walk-ins are welcomed, and treatments are very reasonable, with a 60-minute Swedish Massage coming in at $680 and a Deep Tissue Massage costing $780.
If you want to push the boat out you can opt for one of their neat packages, like the two-hour Weekday Urban Retreat which includes a 60-minute Swedish Massage or Clark’s Botanicals Facial, plus a Traditional Manicure and Pedicure, for $1,250. If you can spare more time and cash, then the Half Day Pampering ($1,800) and Essence of Iyara ($1,650) are good options too. Time to book that window seat!
Iyara Day Spa, (locations in Central, Mid Levels, and Wan Chai)
Sparadise
A little oasis of tranquillity located in the heart of Central, Sparadise is ideal for a quick and enjoyable relaxation session that won’t cost a fortune. The spa works closely with reputable and sustainable suppliers from around the world to ensure that the products they use and sell are both ethical and effective. As a result, they offer an array of reviving treatments that use a carefully selected range of organic products that help to restore the skin’s well-being whilst being gentle on both you and the environment.
The vibe here is warm and friendly, and each treatment begins with a consultation with an expert therapist who offers solutions to meet your specific needs. Aside from playful treatments like the 75-minute Chocolate Heaven body scrub (75min/$800) and 24K Gold Masquerade Timeless Anti-Age Facial (90min/$1,250), the spa offers a range of 60-minute body massages for around $700, making this an affordable option.
Sparadise Hong Kong, 3 & 4/F, 60 Wellington Street, Central, (+852) 2997 2208
A happy medium …
Sense of Touch
With six locations dotted around Hong Kong, this award-winning day spa has remained a popular pamper spot since its humble beginnings back in 2002. Aside from the incredibly warm and friendly service, highly qualified therapists, and gorgeous range of products (from some of the world’s leading beauty brands) the environment here is simply delightful. Soothing music, natural water and stone features, and aromatherapy fragrances drifting throughout the spa instantly create a calm and peaceful ambience that promotes relaxation in the mind and body.
The brand’s flagship spa in Lan Kwai Fong even has a stairwell themed on the colours of the Chakras – how’s that for zen? The treatments here are equally as impressive and fairly affordable considering just how lovely the place is, with a 60-minute body massage coming in at $850 and a Hydrating Recovery Facial costing $820. And let’s not forget the four amazing alcohol-themed treatments where you get to bath in Chardonnay, dark ale beer, or sake (2hrs/$1,780) – bliss!
Sense of Touch, (locations in Central, Repulse Bay, Discovery Bay, Sai Kung, Tsueng Kwan O, and Cyberport)
Ayurveda Day Spa
This bright green oasis in the heart of Soho provides a perfect sanctuary in which to enjoy an impressive range of spa treatments, covering everything from facials and waxing, to Swedish massage and skin tightening and collagen renewal. Plush sofas, heated massage tables garnished with pink orchids, and relaxing music work together to create a harmonious setting to enjoy ancient healing techniques – Ayurveda is the oldest medical science in the world and therapies work on the ‘prevention is better than cure’ ethos by treating ailments such as anxiety, insomnia, stress, depression, low immunity and many chronic diseases.
Treatments here are fairly reasonable, with a 60-minute De-stress Massage setting you back $720, and a 60-minute Relaxing Food Massage with Paraffin Wax coming in at an affordable $290. There’s even a manicure and pedicure station so you can polish your toes off afterwards!
Ayurveda Day Spa, 49 Elgin Street Soho, Central, (+852) 2656 2000
Angsana Spa at Hotel Icon
A touch of Thailand in the heart of Kowloon, Angsana Spa at Hotel Icon will have you relaxed in absolutely no time. This hidden gem is sister to the widely-acclaimed 5 star Banyan Tree Spa in Bangkok and all therapists have been trained at the spa’s academy, so you know you’re in extremely safe (and healing) hands. Angsana boasts an exquisite setting with only four treatment rooms each equipped with gorgeous scented candles, a shower, and a toilet, meaning you have all the space in the world (or it certainly feels that way at least) to relax and unwind in comfort. You’ll begin your treatment by enjoying a little tray of herbal tea and fresh fruit, before one of the lovely therapists baths your feet with a hot, scented towel – at which point you’ll already be impressed!
Each treatment uses products with flower and fruit extracts, which means you’ll likely come out smelling as fresh as a daisy – or perhaps something more exotic. Surprisingly, a 60-minute Fusion or Dream Full Body Massage will only cost you $900, making Angsana more affordable than some of its hotel counterparts. Of course, you could always push the boat out and cover yourself in golden sparkles with the Glitter Golden Bliss Treatment for $2,000!
Angsana Spa, 9/F, Hotel Icon, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, (+852) 3400 1052
For those with the urge to splurge …
bliss spa at W Hong Kong
Perched on the 72nd floor of the W Hong Kong, bliss spa offers a fun, young, and trendy setting in which to enjoy sensational views of Victoria Harbour and some pretty delicious treatments to boot. Aside from the highly Instagrammable Double Chocolate Pedicure (60mins/$650), which invites you to dip your toes in melted chocolate, the spa menu features a full series of treatments including facials, massages, waxing, pedicure, and manicure, as well as an aroma steam room, dry sauna, and ultra-luxurious lounges to relax in.
Up there with the other hotel spas on the higher end of the price range, bliss is a go to for a very special treat, with a 75-minute bliss Aroma Body Massage setting you back $1,560, and a 30-minute Oxygen Blast Facial (yep they offer this too) costing $795. And if you need another reason to go, then the spa’s famous Brownie Buffet Bar might swing it!
bliss spa, 72/F, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, (+852) 3717 2797
The Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
Spanning two entire floors of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Oriental Spa is rated as one of Asia’s top spas, and it’s not hard to see why. Conveniently situated in the heart of Central, the award-winning facility provides a blissful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city. As well as featuring an indoor swimming pool, relaxation lounges, men’s Turkish Hamam, and women’s Moroccan Rasul, the spa also has fifteen treatment rooms, a VIP Sanctuary Suite, Pilates studio, and Ashtanga Yoga studio – so whatever your idea of relaxation is, you’re sure to find it here.
Be warned though, you get what you pay for, so chilling here doesn’t come cheap, with 90-minute body massages and Signature Spa Therapies starting from $1,700 – best save this one for a very special occasion. Having said that, they are currently offering some special promotions, which might tempt you along.
The Oriental Spa, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, (+852) 2132 0188
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
With over 12,000 square feet of space and fourteen treatment rooms – several of which boast magnificent views of Victoria Harbour – the Peninsula Spa takes pampering to a whole new level of luxury. The Spa combines Oriental, Ayurvedic, and European techniques to revitalise your mind, body, and soul, all offered within a lavish setting that fuses traditional Chinese elements with contemporary flair. Rustic woods, warm tones of marble, and soft golden lighting work together to create a luxurious, yet earthy feel which instantly brings your stress levels down to a mellow low.
But luxury doesn’t come cheap, with a 90-minute Aromatherapy Massage costing $1,700 and a 90-minute Rejuvenation Facial setting you back a hefty $1,980. If you want to go all out, then the 70-minute Khushali Himalayan Crystal Salt Scrub comes in at $1,380 (that does sound kind of fabulous though). However, if you’re on a budget, but really want to experience luxury at its finest, you can always opt for an Eye Lash and Eyebrow Tint for a more affordable $200.
The Peninsula Spa, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, (+852) 2920 288
The Four Seasons Spa
Also topping the list of luxury hotel spas is the Four Seasons Spa which covers more than 22,000 square foot of space and features seventeen treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, crystal steam and rhassoul chamber, soft sauna, indoor pool and Vitality Lounge. As if that wasn’t enough to lure you through the doors, there’s also a Pedicure Lounge with built-in foot baths and private TV sets.
Named a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Rated Spa in Hong Kong for 2016, it’s hardly surprising that the spa goes all out when it comes to its treatments, with a whole host of goodies on the menu such as Reiki Crystal Healing (120mins/$2,630), Chi Mineral Therapy (120mins/$4,000), and 90-minute body massages starting from $1,840. If you really have the urge to splurge, then the private treatment rooms are definitely worth a visit – especially when you get to enjoy your own private Jacuzzi while overlooking Victoria Harbour. Now how’s that for star treatment?
Four Seasons Spa, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central, (+852) 3196 8888
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