With the festive season and multitude of Christmas parties in full flow, so many of us just accept that we will put on a few pounds, but kick the habit again in the new year.  Fret not BBHK readers!  HYPOXI®  is here to save you and your ever expanding waistline.  With their low intensity body shrinking work out machines, you will be fabulous and fighting fit, ready to start 2012 as a mini, more confident you!  Introducing the HYPOXI® BEAT THAT BULGE BATTLE competition.

HYPOXI® uses light intensity workouts in special training machines which targets problem areas, burns off fat and effectively sheds a few pounds.  Say goodbye to your thunder thighs, wobbly belly, muffin top, hippo hips and lard ass, whilst not affecting the bits of your body you love.  HYPOXI®’s revolutionary machines effectively increase blood flow to target areas, making your work-out more effective, resulting in fat loss in specific areas, hurrah!  Want to know more?  Watch BBHK and HYPOXI®’s video below!

Best used in conjunction with the relaxing Dermology machine, which sucks and massages cellulite, water retention and toxins away, the HYPOXI® regime results are amazing, and because you don’t break a sweat, you can surf the web (on one of the HYPOXI® iPads), or chat to your mates at the same time. Its almost as easy as sitting on the sofa!

Don’t wait until January to kick start your regime and stop bad habits, join HYPOXI®’s BEAT THAT BULGE BATTLE now with a group of friends to take advantage of special discount packages saving 15% on training sessions for groups of 3-4 and 20% for groups of 5. 

You don’t need to visit HYPOXI® together (even though that would be fun),  your personal HYPOXI® coach helps you decide on the best package for your needs, over a one, two or three month period.  The slimmer who has the best results will win a super secret non-HYPOXI® related PRIZE, and will look and feel fabulous too!

BBHK readers will know all about our love affair with this fabulous fat shrinking studio from our own experiences, to find out more about HYPOXI® read our review here.

Why wait till January? Get started today and feel fabulous for the new year, from day one!  Survive the season with some friendly competition and light exercise, and BEAT THAT BULGE!

Packages start from $6,888 (pre-discount), with an additional $1,888 for use of the Dermology machine.
BEAT THAT BULGE BATTLE packages run from now until 31st December.

HYPOXI®, 8/F, EuBank Plaza, 9 Chiu Lung Street, Central, 2537 6637

If you have noticed some rather hairy faced, hirsute men wondering the streets and bars of Hong Kong this month, don’t worry, it’s not a new fandangled fashion, its all in the name of charity. Every November men round the world are growing their moustaches to raise money for prostrate cancer, hence renaming November – Movember!

The men sporting moustaches, known as Mo Bros, and their supporting and understanding ladies (known as Mo Sisters), will all be at Kila on Saturday night from 7pm competing to win the highly coverted prizes of the year. BBHK are an extremely proud sponsor, and have rallied around the beauty world of Hong Kong for some incredible prizes!

Various awards to be bestowed tomorrow night include Man of Movember, for the most money raised, Miss Movember, for the most supportive Mo Sister, Lame Mo, for the guy who just should bother growing a tash and a few more funny ones to be revealed…

So far Beauty Buzz Hong Kong partners have very kindly donated the following prizes:

The Retreat – Retreat for a Queen ($1,760) for Miss Movember category.

The most indulgent of treatments. Starting with the Chocolate Decadence body treatment and Exotic Moisture Dew Facial to infuse richness into your day. Finishing with a simultaneous manicure and pedicure to complete your day fit for a queen.

The Retreat - Retreat for a King ($1,860) for Man of Movember

This signature treatment combines everything a king requires to look and feel the best. A Deep Tissue Treatment to increase circulation and soothe aching muscles followed by our Skin IQ Facial to relax and repair.

Philip George Salon – A mens haircut ($450)

Hypoxi – 6 super fat burning mens vacunaut sessions ($3994) – for the Mo awards

When fat accumulates around the stomach area there are more than just aesthetic reasons to get back into shape. An accumulation of abdominal fat can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease. A stomach diameter of over 88cm in women and over 100cm in men can pose a significant health risk. Training conducted in combination with a compression and vacuum therapy has been shown to eliminate stubborn fat deposits. The Vacunaut does exactly this – it attacks fat in the abdominal and hip region.

Hypoxi - 6 Hypoxi Dermology cellilite busting sessions ($1664) – for the Mo sister Awards

Beautiful, firm skin is a symbol of health and youth. What would you give to turn back the clock and eliminate the signs of aging or careless years? Just as the body needs to be trained in order to stay in top condition, so does your skin. HYPOXI-Dermology is a highly effective method for skin training. This patented technology combines vacuum cupping and compression massage to eliminate the signs of aging. The skin becomes firmer, stronger and simply looks younger.

Kettle One – Very kindly donated a bottle of their top Vodka for a prize.

Please come down and show your support to this amazing event for a great cause. It is fancy dress, and there will be prizes on the night for the best (or worst) dressed too!

Stuck in a style rut and don’t know what to do?  Have a friend that you think is in need of a little TLC?  Well The Retreat have teamed up with Toni & Guy and Colour Me Beautiful to create the ultimate makeover day to create a brand new you for the new year.

The prize includes:

• A top to toe makeover from certified Colour Me Beautiful image consultant, Ms Veena Dansinghani (worth HKD$3500)
• Hair style,  colour consultation and hair treatment mask from Toni & Guy and eyebrow shaping and express manicure from The Retreat (worth HK$3160)
• A before and after photoshoot with Digital Thinking (worth HKD$1000)
• An interview with Beauty Buzz Hong Kong (priceless!)

You can nominate a friend in need, or enter yourself by emailing win@beautybuzzhk.com before 24th December with your name or your friend’s name and contact details to be in included in the drawer. Good luck!

The lucky winner will be notified in the new year.

The Retreat Details here.

For Terms and Conditions click here.

We scour all the local offers in town, and compile them in one easy place, the BBHK promotions page. Enjoy.

The Power Plate Institute

10% off packages for BBHK readers and competition to win package.

.

Click here

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Brazilian Blowout at The Retreat- PROMOTION OVER

Also get a FREE Brazilian Blowout Shampoo and Conditioner worth $900 when you have your 1st treatment

http://www.the-retreat.com.hk/

Sense of Touch – Arbothnot Road Spa

Cellu M6 slimming/anti aging maching

Receive 5 free treatments when 10 purchased.

lg/f The Ovolo, 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central

Tel: 2869 0939

Hydrohealth Colon Hydrotherapy Center

Trial price for colonic irrigation. HKD$250 from HKD$550.

Locations in Central and TST.

.

www.hydrohealth.com.hk

Nu Waxing Workshop

50% off all waxing and massage services for 1st timer customers.

Tel: 2869 9680 Fax 2869 9331
info@nuwaxingworkshop.com

5/F., 9 On Lan Street, Central, HK

JAB MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

FREE trial session and 50% off first personal training session with top professional boxer Lawrence “The Body Snatcher” Tauasa.

5th Fl Kimley Commercial Building, 142-146 Queens Road, Central, +852 2851 6684

Elemis DaySpa / Beautiful Skin Center / Victorian Spa Disney

• Save up to 75%
• $300 – m6 slimming treatment
• $270-$300- brazilian/hollywood wax / california tan
• $440-$880 Elemis/murad facial
• $785 Permanent underarm hair removal
• $130/$215 – basic buff mani/pedi

Indulgence

Velasmooth – Cellulite banishing machine.

First time trial offer $498 (from $1380)

2815 6600

www.indulgencehk.com

The Feel Good Factor

New IPL Laser Services.

• 6 free underarm laser if 6 brazilian lasers bought
• 6 free bikini line laser if 6 full leg bought
• 6 free underarm laser if 6 1/2 leg bought

www.feelgoodfactor.com.hk

CIRCUIT 25

Free trial for outdoor group personal training sessions

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www.circuit25.com

BBHK have sourced these offers, and are not responsible for them. Please refer to individual locations for terms and conditions.

We scour all the local offers in town, and compile them in one easy place, the BBHK promotions page.  Enjoy.

The Power Plate Institute

10% off packages for BBHK readers and competition to win package.

.

Click here

.

Brazilian Blowout at The Retreat

Exclusive for BBHK- WIN 20% off a Brazilian Blowout

Also get a FREE Brazilian Blowout Shampoo and Conditioner worth $900 when you have your 1st treatment

http://www.the-retreat.com.hk/

Hydrohealth Colon Hydrotherapy Center

Trial price for colonic irrigation.  HKD$250 from HKD$550.

Locations in Central and TST.

.

www.hydrohealth.com.hk

Nu Waxing Workshop

50% off all waxing and massage services for 1st timer customers.

Tel: 2869 9680         Fax 2869 9331
info@nuwaxingworkshop.com

5/F., 9 On Lan Street, Central, HK

JAB MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

FREE trial session and 50% off first personal training session with top professional boxer Lawrence “The Body Snatcher” Tauasa.

5th Fl Kimley Commercial Building, 142-146 Queens Road, Central, +852 2851 6684

Elemis DaySpa / Beautiful Skin Center / Victorian Spa Disney

• Save up to 75%
• $300 – m6 slimming treatment
• $270-$300- brazilian/hollywood wax / california tan
• $440-$880 Elemis/murad facial
• $785 Permanent underarm hair removal
• $130/$215 – basic buff mani/pedi

Indulgence

Laser Hair Removal Offer

50% off listed price for 1st time customers

2815 6600

www.indulgencehk.com

The Feel Good Factor

New IPL Laser Services.

• 6 free underarm laser if 6 brazilian lasers bought
• 6 free bikini line laser if 6 full leg bought
• 6 free underarm laser if 6 1/2 leg bought

www.feelgoodfactor.com.hk

CIRCUIT 25

Free trial for outdoor group personal training sessions

.

www.circuit25.com

BBHK have sourced these offers, and are  not responsible for them.  Please refer to individual locations for terms and conditions.

For a self confessed lazy bones like myself, the idea of quick fix toning is just my kind of exercise.  Biannually I visit the gym, go for about three weeks, tend to eat more because i have ‘earned it’, and give up because I have a hang-over and cant be bothered to go.  As I am naturally thin, in my twenties this was fine, but now I have hit the big three-o, gravity (and vodka) has taken over and it is definitely a case of ‘now or never’.   If I choose the latter I will just wobble my way through life, so I decided to try the new exercise that has taken Hollywood by storm – Power Plates.

With a list of celebrities such as Madonna (who has one in her own house), Rachel Wiess and Courtney Cox Arquette as devotees, Power Plates uses high speed vibration training to give you a whole body work out in just 25 minutes.  So you can pop down in your lunch break, and have time for an M&S sarnie!

How does it work?
The Power Plate is a vibrating machine that stimulates the body’s muscles in a high-speed workout by making them relax and contract.  In normal life your muscles contract about once or twice a second, but when standing on the machine, the vibrations cause the muscles to contract 30-50 times a second.  The fact that many muscle groups are activated at the same time, it is claimed that a normal Power Plate session of 25 minutes will have the same results as 60 minutes heavy training in the gym.

Ive got the Power..
I visited The Power Plates Institute (previously Movers and Shapers) in Wyndham Street, Central for a trial session.  The studio has four machines, two changing cubicle and lockers.  There are no showers, but you wont need them, as generally you don’t sweat (well no more than the usual brow and top lip bead from pounding the streets of Hong Kong).  Because there are only four plates, it means that there is only ever a maximum of four people in a session.   Small classes are great for things like Power Plate as the exercises are simple but they need to be performed correctly to get the full benefit – as I have been told by the trainers – ‘It’s very easy to do some of these moves wrong, meaning it wont pull, stretch or hurt at the time, but it also means you don’t get any benefit.’

The Workout
I was told to stand on the machine, hold onto the bars, squat and stand still for 45 seconds to warm up.   It takes a few moments to adjust to the bone-rattling and teeth jarring. Not to mention the instantaneous desire to pee, but my body soon adjusted and I was ready for the workout.  For the first session the trainers are kind to you, but we still worked on a number of moves such as deep squats, reverse lunges, tricep dips, sit ups, planks, and also included medicine balls and weights in some exercises too.  Each exercise takes 30-60 seconds, but as your muscles are contracting at such high frequencies, you start to feel muscle fatigue far sooner than with regular exercise.  Now for the best bit, the ‘massage’.  After your ‘greuling’ 25 minute work out, you are treated to a vibrating massage.  This comprises of you lying on the floor, and placing various fatigued body parts on the vibrating pad, while your trainer gently applies pressure.  Its worth the workout just for the massage!

No pain. No Gain
We are used to the old saying, so in my mind I was still sceptical as to whether Power Plates can actually make a difference to a lard arse like myself.  I left the studio feeling surprisingly un-wobbly, but very ‘worked out’ and rosy.  The next morning I woke up with muscle pain in my entire body.  I was amazed that I had obviously subjected myself to a complete body workout, which I was generally too lazy to complete in the gym, and in only 25 minutes!   Parts of my body ached that I didn’t even know I had worked on.  In a word I was amazed.  The first session was free, as it is for all first time attendees, but I immediately signed up for a paid ten session blitz.

One month later
I have now used eight of my ten sessions.  Unfortunately I had the horror Hong Kong flu for 10 days in the middle, so I may not have had quite the result that I was looking for after ten sessions, but I can definitely feel the difference.  For one, my strength has increased.  Exercises that I found tough in the beginning are getting easier, and I can feel muscle for the first time since I was 18 under my flabby belly.  I also got commended for my slender toned arms the other day.  I burst out laughing, but then flexed and was astonished, there was a lump there, which could only be described as a muscle!

Pros and Cons
I am a complete convert to Power Plates.  It works for me, but it also has to be said I am not an energetic person.  I am also plagued with medical problems, for example I have broken both my knees, and I also have a rather severe curvature to my spine.  I laugh about my laziness, but there is also an element of truth that I am not able to do a lot of exercises that most people can.  That combined with the fact that I am naturally slim has made me tend to do nothing.  So a machine that I can use, that tones me, but does not harm me is a revelation.  I was told by the trainers that many of their clients are just like me, with some kind of medical condition that limits their exercise.  They have a lady with polio who comes in a wheelchair, who I was told has movement and some muscle tone for the first time in years.  They also have a 85 year old man that is a regular toner.   One thing that the Power Plates cannot do is a cardiovascular work out.  In some sessions, you definitely do raise your heart rate, but it cannot be compared to a regular cardio session in the gym such as spinning, or running.  So although the Power Plate is handy for those who want a quick workout, or for medical reasons or age cannot exercise normally, I would suggest it is better combined with other types of cardio workout for a complete exercise regime.

Power Plate pros

• Quick results
• Easy to fit into your day
• Good for people with some limiting medical conditions
• Suitable for some older, less energetic people
• Increased metabolism
• Increased muscle strength
• Reduced Cellulite
• Pain Dampening
• Improved Flexibility
• Improved fitness
• Activated circulation
• Improved co-ordination
• Increased bone density

Power Plate cons

• Not good for people who get queasy on moving surfaces
• There are better cardio machines available
• Cannot use when pregnant.

As always you must divulge any medical conditions as Power Plates may not be suitable for you.

How Much?
First sessions is FREE!  The normal price is as follows:
Group Sessions
Single session:    $300
12 sessions:         $3080
24 sessions:         $5880

Personal Training
Single session:    $500
12 sessions:         $6000

A consecutive 12 session course within 6 weeks is recommended to experience the benefits of vibration training.

The Power Plate® Institute
12th Floor,
The Centrium Building,
60 Wyndham Street, Central.

For your free trial session, telephone +852 3621 018

With Mothers Day coming up on Sunday 9th May, what better way to be treated like the queen that you are,  than being sent for a royal pamper day at the Spa.

BBHK has teamed up with The Victorian Spa in Disney Hong Kong to offer you a chance to win the ultimate Mothers Day gift:

A FREE Royal Family Mix & Match Spa Journey for 1 adult and 1 child (aged 6-15) valued at $1400, with two treatments each from the following:

• Bliss Out Back Massage
• Relaxing Foot Massage
• Neck & Shoulder De-stress
• Refresher Facial
• Nourishing Milk Bath

This competition is now closed.  Congratulations to Yummy Mummy Ruth Benny who will be ejoying this prize with her little daughter.

We know how hard it is sometimes to get someone to look after your little ones while you try to go for that much needed manicure or massage. The Victorian Spa in Disney have the answer, they are completely child friendly, whilst still managing to maintain an adult serene environment.  They also offer many packages that cater to both you and your child, so you can share a special day of indulgence together.

I went to The Victorian Spa recently with a visiting girlfriend, for an afternoon of decadence.  The magic begins as soon as the Disney MTR train pulled into Sunny Bay.  I couldn’t tell if I was more excited that the multitude of children by the Mickey Mouse shaped windows, and the Pinocchio star wishing music blasting through the carriage.  The walk up to the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is a fairytale in itself. High trimmed hedges pass you by the gates to the theme park, princess fountains and onto the Victorian themed hotel, whilst playing all the musical Disney classics we grew up with.

The hotel is a absolute gem. Only 35minutes from Central, you find yourself in a elegant 5-star hotel, set in lush tropical grounds over looking the sea in Lantau. I couldn’t help ask myself why I had never been there before? The spa is situated downstairs, adjacent to the magnificent indoor and outdoor pools, which you have full use of when you visit the spa. It is worth it just for that in itself. After a lovely lunch in the sunshine by the pool, we adjourned to the spa to start our afternoon of pampering.

The Victorian styling is quite surprising.  I expected to see a  Minnie Mouse receptionist, and Disney iconry everywhere, but it was classic and modern at the same time, without a pair of ears in sight.  Being British myself, I felt quite at home in the Spa, reminding me of visiting stately homes in the UK, albeit with a Disney twist.  The only hint of Disney is the waiting room, which plays non-stop cartoons on a discrete plasma TV, which again is perfect for children.

The modern Victorian theme continues into the different scented treatment rooms.  Our treatment took place in the Rose room, in which we had a Dream Journey Massage and Refresher Facial.  As with a Mother and Child package we had a double room, which I really think adds to the joint enjoyment of the treatment, plus in the case of having your child with you, you know they are safe and happy.  Both massage and facial were fabulous.  The therapists were absolutely lovely, and intuitive.  My friend and I had the same treatment, but the therapists tailored them slightly to our individual needs.  After being lulled into a state of complete serenity and relaxation, the treatment sadly ended.  But the journey continued into the beautiful large jacuzzi, and steam room in the ladies area.  After a further hour of lolling, steaming and chatting we decided we had to get back to the reality of Hong Kong.  The whole afternoon was truly sublime, and I was left dreaming of being a Disney Princess all over again.

In addition to the super competition, The Victorian Spa is offering an exclusive discount to BBHK readers on the following Disney packages:-

Royal Family Mix & Match Spa Journey (for 2: child aged from 6-15)
2 treatments each from the following: bliss Out Back Massage, Relaxing Foot Massage, Neck & Shoulder De-stress, Refresher Facial, Nourishing Milk Bath
Special price: HK$1,200
Original price: HK$1,400

Other Mother & Daughter packages available at Victorian Spa (child aged 6-15yrs):
* Queen & Princess Magic Manicure or Pedicure 
   30mins   $480
* Queen & Princess Foot Message 
   25 mins    $720

Other great Mother’s Day offer at Victorian Spa
* Spa & Tea (for 2: adults or children)
Includes a Dream Journey Massage or Elemis Skin Specific Facial
$1,780 (Mon – Fri, High Tea)
$1,980 (Sat, Sun & PH, Tea Buffet)

The Victorian Spa

Level 1, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Lantau Island

Tel: +852 3510 6388
Email: victorianspa@schinac.com
www.victorianspa.com.hk

Daily 9am-10pm

Trust me chaps, join my post-7s wolfpack

“Once you step into Repulse Bay, your mind is settled,” proclaims Antonia Lai, Spa Manager at The Retreat. The newly-converted dairy farm and haven from the city.

I sure hope so, I think to myself having spent much of the last three days surrounded by Lady Gagas, fat boys in morphsuits and Alan wolfpacks,

So how would Retreat for a King, The Retreat signature men’s treatment fare in helping rid my sins, and cure me of the demons pulsing through my head and bloodstream? There’s a lot of wrongs to right.

Carol, my therapist gets straight to work. A swift but very pleasant foot wash kicked things off as I’m handed a clipboard with some very basic but embarrassingly telling questions. How is your skin? How do you feel? Do you have a headache? How much do you drink? (Uh oh, on current form I run the risk of falling into the ‘degenerate alcoholic’ category).

I’m as honest as I feel I need to be. “Just look at me,” I say to myself as I take my position on the table for my treatment. At two and a half hours long, this would be the longest I’ve been horizontal for several days. And oh my God, am I ready for it.

A further examination of my skin helps Carol decide what product she’s going to use to put me right. Today is an Elemis day across the board. I’m a huge fan of Elemis for the attention it pays to its wide and diverse men’s range, and so, it seems, is The Retreat which uses Elemis across many of its treatment offerings. It’s oils, creams and heaven knows what else, combined with Carol’s experienced hands find their way to the spots that needed them most. The brochures promise the deep tissue treatment will both increase circulation and soothe muscles. As Carol softly tells me she’s done, I have no arguments – two ticks in two very much needed boxes!

Time for my Skin IQ facial. The Retreat for a King treatment’s second phase. Appropriately named, I’m comforted by a five minute close examination under the strongest light I’ve ever had thrust in my face. “A little dry here, a little oily there, this part’s very nice, a couple of lines here,” just a handful of Carol’s observations as she assesses which of Elemis’s delight’s she’s going to employ to relax and repair my weary face. “A mixed bag then,” I mutter as Carol smiles back at me. “Better than a bag of spanners” I think to myself!

This, my first ever experience of a facial was really rather pleasant. I must admit I have always had reservations. I’m not a great fan of rubbing things on my face unless I’m in the shower and they can come straight off. But the four-phased treatment (cleanse, tone, exfoliate and mask) certainly re-energized my face, which notwithstanding the onslaught of the weekend’s fun and frolics, suffers a polluted beating day in day out, courtesy of the streets of Central Hong Kong.

Gentlemen, I urge you to give this place a go. If you felt like a member of The Hangover cast as I did on Monday morning, Retreat for a King will sort you out. And here’s a thought: Retreat for a Queen – the fairer sex equivalent reviewed by BBHK just last month – is a perfect excuse to make up for whatever it is you’re still apologizing to the lady of your life for, some four days on! Gentlemen, this is a wolfpack worth joining.

Male grooming editor

Retreat For A King 135 mins • $1,860

The Retreat
1st floor, 33 Beach Road
Repulse Bay
Hong Kong
Tel:  +852 2803 1860
Fax: +852 2803 1862
info@the-retreat.com.hk
www.the-retreat.com.hk

Planning on hitting in hard this weekend? Well thanks to the BeautyBuzzHK team, your Monday morning needn’t be as painful as you think. Gentlemen, we’ve found the answer…

We’re reporting live and as it happens from ‘The Retreat’ in Repulse Bay on Monday morning as our mens editor soothes his Seven’s-weary body courtesy of the spa’s ‘Retreat for a King’ signature men’s treatment.

Read the review bleary eyed on Monday afternoon and email us your or your partner’s name and contact number to win@beautybuzzhk.com. We’re offering one “Retreat for a King” for FREE, (valued at $1860) and 10% off for ten runner’s up.

Come Monday, you’ll thank us. Till then, enjoy the Sevens!

The BeautyBuzz team

Terms and Conditions apply.