Warm hospitality goes along way as far as I’m concerned and that’s exactly what you will get at Melo Spa, located on the 5^th floor within Hyatt Regency in Sha Tin, Hong Kong. Smiling, friendly staff and luxurious surroundings await you at the first international branded spa in the New Territories.

That’s right readers, Melo Spa is just past Sha Tin near to the University MTR station, so it’s excellent for those living in Kowloon wanting to visit a world class spa. It’s a little hop, skip and a jump for those traveling from Hong Kong Island, but not hard to find and the easiest way to explain how to get there is take the train most of us affectionately known as the train to Shenzhen and get off at University. I quite enjoyed venturing out and once the treatment started I actually felt like I had escaped the rat-race as the journey helps create that distance to relax and enjoy.

Melo Spa has New Year Refreshers and Valentine’s Retreats all ready to go and I enjoyed a sneak preview to the Melo Sweet Dream Ritual. I couldn’t have thought of a better way to spend 2.5 hours on a Tuesday evening and after being escorted to my treatment room and slipping on my cashmere robe I knew I was in for a lovely experience.

The room itself was very spacious, but not too big where it feels intimidating and cold. The rooms are designed to be all-inclusive featuring large whirlpool bath tubs, oversized rain shower cubicles, lounge area, changing area, grooming station and separate lavatory.

My treatment started with a hydrotherapy bath in the enormous tub that was big enough to really sink into and soak away the worries of the day. It was temperature controlled and a great way to unwind and kick-off the treatment. The room had a view of a little courtyard and the courtyard overlooked the hotel’s swimming pool so as I bubbled and gurgled away I enjoyed staring out the windows onto the world.

Next was my honey sugar scrub made with brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. After the scrub came my deluxe hydration milk body envelopment and as I was wrapped up like a bunch of flowers with my head poking out the top I enjoyed a gentle head massage and admit I did doze off to lah-lah land for a few minutes. I felt cozy and comfortable on the massage bed that was heated to the perfect temperature on this cooler than usual evening and after soaking up the goodness of lavender and ylang ylang it was time for a hot shower.

My skin felt nourished and really silky smooth. Then it was back onto the bed for my aroma bliss massage. As my therapist Tina rubbed and stroked I let out a big yawn and disappeared into a day dream of bliss as she worked away the tension knots in my shoulders and lower back. At the end of my treatment when I heard the words ‘thank you Miss Rewell your treatment is finished’, I could have easily been convinced to stay and indulge for a little longer.

Before I disappeared into the night I was invited to munch on some fresh fruit and sip on some warm tea before being presented with my gorgeous spa gift that is a part of the package. What a wonderful gift this treatment would make at such a wonderful spa.

I sleepily left the Melo Spa and after catching the MTR four stops the wrong way I think it was safe to stay I was in a state of total relaxation.

Be sure to check out this package until the end of February 2012. At HK$1,830 per person it’s a lovely treat. With plenty of delicious treatments and packages you are spoiled for choice at Melo Spa.

Melo Spa
5/F, Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 3723 7684
Email: melospa@hyatt.com
Website: www.hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/

Famed for its eco-treatments, Emmanuel F. has recently launched their new whitening line, perfect for us Asians! The spa is tucked away in the Nexxus building, decorated with light wood interior, making it an instant place of comfort. To give you a better idea, I have naturally pale skin with a few freckles here and there, I don’t tan easily either and when I am finally able to get a tan, it leaves me in a few weeks.
The therapist takes me to a dimly lit treatment room and explains the six-step whitening treatment and what it is composed of. Before the facial begins, the therapist relaxes me with a 10 minute back massage.

What’s involved?
The skin was first cleaned off with Phyt’s Lait de soin (Cleansing milk) which had a divine scent; I later discovered the aroma of the cleansing milk was a combination of Palm oil and Hazel seed oil. The next step was the toner followed by the White Bio-active Concentrate which is great for whitening and anti-ageing. In the beginning when the concentrate was being applied, there was a bit of a tingly feeling but was soon replaced by a comforting massage.
The White Bio-Active peel off mask was applied next. I love the feeling of peel-off masks as they always seem to be lifting the residue of your skin as they are removed. I guiltily fell into a deep sleep in the 15 minutes of the mask (dreaming that I was away in a faraway land…). The remainder of the Concentrate and the White Bio-Active Cream was lathered on to my skin.

The Verdict
I felt very relaxed and refreshed. My face looked brighter and felt softer, not to mention, my back felt much looser. As for my freckles, I have not noticed much of a difference in color. On the other hand, my face was brighter and clearer for the next couple of days following.
Would I go back?
Absolutely! The therapist was extremely friendly and informative, the product is all natural and the environment was definitely a place of comfort.
How Much?
Signature Whitening Facial $1,200 hkd (75 mins)

Where?
Emmanuel f.
Nexxus building,
Level 2, Shop 211-213
41 Connaught Road Central
Hong Kong
+852 2167 8280

By Janice Tam

With so many Hong Kongers visiting Bangkok on a regular basis, BBHK decided to compile a list of the best places for some R&R, and pampering for after the crazy shopping and for before the insane partying! BBHK Editor Chantel Shafie and Georg Lauth visited the land of smiles to compile the BBHK spa guide to Bangkok from both a male and a female perspective. Top on our hot list of MediSpas was the Tria Integrative Wellness and Medical Institute.

What is a Medi Spa?
The way a medispa differs from a normal spa is that is has a licensed doctor at the helm, and can therefore offer non-surgical cosmetic and medical treatments that spas would not normally be licensed to perform.  Some of the treatments that medispas offer include laser treatments and IPL, microdermabrasion, fillers such as Juvederm, and Restylane, Botox, chemical peels and laser treatments.  In the case of Tria, they take a more holistic approach to rejeuvination, and consider themselves more of an urban health retreat for those who wish to embrace wellness as a lifestyle.  The doctors on hand will prescribe various healing treatments, ranging from facials and massages, to acupuncture, TCM, chiropractic consultations, weight management, and prescribing medicine for ailments, as well as helping cancer patients from the neighbouring hospital on their road to recovery using complete wellness as an answer.

Tria -Tra la la la laaa
With Bangkok being considered by many as Asia’s Spa capital, the competition is fierce. Situated behind the Piyavate Hospital, the Tria Institute is a large and assuming building that from the outside looks like a modern hospital. Stepping through the sleek floor to ceiling glass doors, into the blonde wood foyer, you get the impression you have walked into a uber cool Los Angeles holistic plastic surgery centre, (Nip/Tuck viewers will know what I mean!) I half expected to see a Thai celeb with black glasses, a nose-job bandage and paparazzi outside, (for the record no surgery, plastic or otherwise is conducted there.) It feels calming, inviting and safe, yet medical at the same time and I immediately loved it. The Tria was unlike any other spa I had walked into before. Gone were the gongs, bamboo and Buddhas, all replaced with a centre that is there for one reason only, to make you feel better, and for some actually get better! The men and women are divided into two separate very large identical sections, consisting of indoor pool, with a vast array of spa jets, hydrotherapy massage sprays, whirlpools and jacuzzi jets. Along side this is the obligatory sauna and steam rooms. I spent a good half an hour pressing buttons and being massaged by various powerful jets. My sore shoulders were particularly happy with the hose jets that pummelled the stress away. I was sad to have to leave the pool to my anti-ageing facial, but I was lead into a double height vast atrium with another large jacuzzi plunge pool, set a constant 34 degree centigrade temperature. The heat is combated by a mosaic encrusted ice crusher which supplies you with ever-flowing ice cold ice to spread over your warm and relaxed body. The 26 treatment rooms are arranged around the hot/cold bliss jacuzzi thing, with half of them on the 2nd floor mezzanine level which overlooks the pool.

Look into my eyes…my eyes…my eyes… and sleep…
We both chose to have the Chrono-Reverser facial. This 60 minute facial uses anti-ageing alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin C to create a uniform glow and regenerate skin cells. I wasn’t sure what it meant either, but it has anti-ageing and regeneration in one sentence, so we thought we would have to give it a go.  In keeping with the Tria style, the room was spacious, with lovely high ceilings, again in the synonymous hues of walnut and cream, of course with the obligatory spa music. After the 45 minutes padding around the various spa facilities I was already extremely relaxed and gormless, so the facial was just the cherry on the serenity cake. Various potions and lotions were massaged, applied, and removed from my face, all finished off by a sublime head and shoulder massage. Needless to say I was snoring away by the time the treatment had ended. My only complaint is that 60 minutes was not enough, It was just too good!  If things could not get any better I was sleep-walked up to the outdoor rooftop pool, which by now was under the cover of a million twinkilng Bankok stars, and was offered a cup of yummy lemongrass and ginger tea.  Bliss.

The Tria is massive, which is another reason why it doesn’t feel like a normal spa. I usually like a small, inviting and intimate spa, which I think lends itself to relaxation and serenity. The Tria although large in stature still managed to evoke these emotions. In a way I felt like a kid in candy shop, every corner you turned, albeit a huge one, offered another delightful spa delicacy waiting to be devoured, and I cant wait to go back to see what I missed.

Where?
TRIA Integrative Wellness
998 Rimklongsamsen Road, Bangkapi
Huay Kwang
Bangkok 10310
Thailand

Reservation Hotline: +66 (0) 2660 2602
Tel. +66 (0) 2660 2600
Fax. +66 (0) 2660 2601
info@triaintegrativewellness.com

What and How Much?
Chrino-Reverser facial – Baht 3500/ 60 mins (HKD890) includes free use of all the Tria spa facilities.

Facials, facials, facials.  Facials to get rid of your wrinkles, facials to make your skin whiter, facials for blackhead removal, with such a plethora of choices in Hong Kong to treat your most important asset, where should you go and what should you do?  The papers are littered with special offers, and packages from various salons around town, most of them very cheap, but using questionable Chinese skincare products. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to your face,  I believe in using the best products and the best therapists in town.

With this in mind I visited The Beautiful Skin Centre in Pacific Place for the new anti-aging Murad IP5 Illuminating Peel Facial.  Now that is quite a mouthful, and at $1400 dollars it isn’t cheap, but what is it, what is it supposed to do, or more importantly how young will I look?

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Howard Murad a few weeks ago, and by talking to him about skincare and his profession as a dermatologist, there is  no wonder why he is one of the world’s foremost authorities on skin health and skincare.  He has developed this new anti-aging facial to exfoliate, lift, plump and illuminate – all in one treatment. “This professional facial takes skin resurfacing to a new level by removing non-functioning cells and increasing cell to cell communication between healthy cells,” Murad said.  The facial comprises of five very high performance exfoliators and brighteners that resurface your skin, followed by Murad’s Immuno-Skin Complex which is said to plump up the skin with antioxidants to maximize cell renewal and ‘vaccinate’ skin against age-related degradation.

Tucked away in a secret corner by the entrance to the Conrad hotel in Pacific Place, The Beautiful Skin Centre is tiny, and easy to miss.  But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in service and stature.  Part of the same family as The Elemis Day Spa and The Victorian Spa in Disney, The Beautiful Skin Centre is arguably one of the best beauty salons in Hong Kong.  As I settled down into my treatment room, my therapist Clara chatted to me about the Murad skin care range, and other products that the salon carry.  She was extremely knowledgeable and excited and I got the impression that she takes her job very seriously, and tries and tests all products herself so she can have a comprehensive judgement when she suggests products to her clients.  I immediately felt at ease, as I had complete confidence that she knew what she was doing.

The treatment starts with the IP5 Illuminating Peel.  Clara informs me that IP5 stands for intensive peel 5, as it consists of five active components -Glycolic, Lactic and Salycylic Acids, which exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, alongside Indian fig extract and ‘vitamin c ester’ to stimulate cell renewal.  There was a slight tingling sensation, but nothing uncomfortable, in fact it was quite refreshing.  This was followed by a glorious acupressure facial which I was told would help my collagen production and encourage lymphatic drainage.  Two ticks in my books in the search for everlasting youth, and the removal of excess champagne and cosmos from the night before.  Finally Murad’s Cooling Recovery Mask was applied at the same time as the Eye Lift Concentrate, which according to Clara is proven to increase skin firmness by up to 75% in just 15 minutes, due to the magic super-hydrating Hyaluronic nanoparticles.

Being a beauty writer I get subjected to all manner of facials and treatments, and one thing that often bothers me is a salons allegiance to a brand.  No matter how good the salon, their products are ‘the best’, and you have to use ‘this particular line’, or it wont work etc.  But one thing that strikes me about The Beautiful Skin Centre, is that even though they are backing a few brands, they really believe that they are in the best interest of the client.  They choose the products, not the products choosing the salon, which is often the case.  There was  no hard sell after the treatment, and being totally honest, my skin looked incredible afterwards.  I was literally glowing, and I don’t think it had ever felt so smooth.  At $1400HKD, it is on the more expensive end of the facial scale, but for a once a month treatment, I truly think it is worth it if you care about really looking after your skin.

How Much? How Long?
$1400 for approx 75 minutes.

Where?
The Beautiful Skin Centre
Shop 344, Pacific Place,
88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2877 8911
Email: beautifulskincentre@schinac.com

Can you believe it? Sense Of Touch recently reached the grand old age of eight years old!  There are no surprises as to why Sense Of Touch touch has been awarded practically every award going for their five spa locations, and to commemorate this very special occasion, Sense of Touch has teamed up with the fabulous Aromatherapy Associates to create a massage that is right up my street – The After Eight Anniversary Treatment.

For those of you that may not know of my obsession with After Eight mints, or in fact not know what they are, these inexpensive chocolates are famous in the UK for an after dinner treat especially at dinner parties at home.  Throughout the 70′s and 80′s no housewife could hold up their bouffant heads without presenting After Eights to their guests with their cafetiere.  As a little girl I would often steal one (or two or three) of these delightful chocolate mint wafers and sit under the coffee table (I’m sure that would still be fun…) and nibble away.  Today they remind me of my childhood, and home, not to mention that they are seriously yummy!

So when I heard of this treatment from SOT, my heart strings panged and I totted along to the Lan Kwai Fong spa to be pampered, After Eight style.  Aromatherapy Associates have cleverly concocted a blend of peppermint and lavender, which at first glance I thought would be awful, but in fact sit gloriously side by side, and smells strangely like After Eights.  The treatment begins with a full body scrub using the Support range, followed by a fabulous full body and face massage using the special blend.  The journey is completed with a cup of peppermint tea and two scrumptious After Eight Mints, which I had to stop myself from climbing under the massage table to devour.  The whole treatment was divine, and definitely one to recommend, if only for the chocolates!

Where?

All Sense of Touch locations

How Much?

$888HKD for 80 minutes

Now the nasty monsoon season is coming to an end, its time to start pampering once again, and embrace the sunshine.  Together with the 2010 beauty fall collections in store, Joyce Beauty is celebrating the season with events,  exclusive product launches, special offers, and complimentary services galore.  Hurrah!

Complimentary Gifts
Customers will be treated to countless gifts with purchase and special offers. Additionally, those who spend HK$1,200 or more at JOYCE Beauty will receive a head-to-toe pampering set, including travel-sized skincare, hair care, make up, or fragrances with value over HK$500. (Limited to first 500 customers)

Shopping Weekends
2nd -3rd, 9th -10th, 16th-17th, and 23rd -24th October, 2010, discover the best new products & complimentary services of F/W 2010 at JOYCE BEAUTY’s shopping weekends (online registration at http://202.181.164.210/joyce/20100921/ with a deposit of HK$200 is required, fully redeemable after services):

1. Pamper your skin -
• Elemis Visia Skinlab Skincare Service – Receive advice on improving skin tone and radiance level with a complimentary sample kit.

• Murad Reveal Camera Skincare Consultation – Receive complimentary advice on the purity of your skin and the size of your pores in order to choose which treatments suit you. After the consultation, customers will receive a free cleanser sample.

• Clarisonic Hand Treatment – Experience the power of Clarisonic micro-massage action benefited by the gentle sonic technology. The hands will be much more nourished as serum and cream are absorbed better than before.

2. Achieve the flawless makeup -
• Laura Mercier Perfect Complexion Beauty Workshop – Professional Trainer from Laura Mercier will share the secrets of creating flawless complexion, fresh, shine-less but radiant.

• JOYCE BEAUTY Fall/Winter Beauty Workshops – Join our professional makeup artists to learn how to choose the right foundation, and create perfect looks for every occasion in this F/W.

• JOYCE BEAUTY Express Make Up Service – Enjoy a one-on-one express make up service by our professional make up artist and get the look from fall’s top trend.

3. Style your hair –

• Leonor Greyl Hair Test – Try Leonor Greyl’s unique testing machine, which magnifies hair by 100 times to see hydration levels, hair structure, and overall health. Customers will receive a complimentary shampoo sample.

• WAM Hair Styling – Enjoy free hair styling for the weekend using WAM’s Ultimate Hair Dryer and Curling Irons to create body and waves.

4. Have fun -

• Lippmann Manicure Service – Experience a Deborah Lippmann Express Nail Coloring Service in just 20 minutes, including a hand massage and nail lacquer application.

• Lip Balm D.I.Y. Workshop – Create your unique lip balm with your favorable JOYCE BEAUTY serums and products.

5. Enjoy a healthy life –

• Functionalab Health and Nutrition Consultations – Meet our nutritionist for private consultations on a healthy diet and the right supplements for your lifestyle. Sample unique health drinks and supplements created by Functionalab.

Complimentary Facial Services (Available at selected JOYCE BEAUTY stores)

• Clarisonic Skin Purity Facial Treatment – Deposit $500 to enjoy a Clarisonic Skin Purity Facial Treatment (45-minute), which is fully redeemable on all JOYCE BEAUTY products.

• Omorovicza Plumping and Brightening Facial Treatment – Purchase HK$1,800 or more of Omorovicza products to experience the 50-minute treatment, performed the visiting International Facial Therapist from Omorovicza.

• Clinica Ivo Pitanguy Skin Glowy Facial Treatment – Purchase Clinica Ivo Pitanguy over net $2, 200 to enjoy a 50-minute facial treatment performed by the International Facial Training Manager.

JOYCE BEAUTY Shop List：
G/F New World Tower
G13, Lee Gardens 2
G106, Gateway Arcade, Canton Road
G39 Festival Walk
JOYCE BEAUTY, Lane Crawford ifc mall
JOYCE BEAUTY, Lane Crawford Pacific Place
JOYCE BEAUTY, Lane Crawford Times Square

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

With such changing weather and pollution in Hong Kong, so many of us suffer with problem skin.  In this weeks PowWOW we chat to Aromatherapy Associates founder, Geraldine Howard to find out her top tips for summer sun survival.

Q: During summer, what do you think are the most common beauty problems affecting Hong Kong women?
“The most common skin concern in the summer months is unwanted shine on the face. But, depending on what sort of environment you spend most time in, skin can also become very dry as a result of constantly going from air-conditioned offices to humid, hot conditions, which can result in a dull, flaky complexion.”

Q: Many people in Hong Kong are indoors all day and find that the air-conditioning dries out their skin, making it dull and flaky. How can people address this problem?
“It’s important to nourish skin, at both the beginning and the end of the day. To ensure skin is kept protected from the harsh conditions that can leave it lacking radiance and health, and looking dull, I would suggest the following regime:

Each morning, layer a serum over the skin, such as our Mattifying Skin Serum, which contains orange flower water (to calm), Oat Flour (to provide a matt finish), silk extracts (moisturizing and conditioning) and Tea-tree (anti-bacterial). This will help keep the skin looking healthy and nourished all day.

At night, give the complexion an extra ‘feed’, by layering products over the skin. Begin with an application of Mattifying Serum, followed by Refining Facial Oil and Orange Flower Mattifying Moisturizer. The moisturizer locks in the goodness of the essential oils and will intensively nourish skin in preparation for the day ahead.”

Q: What about fine lines and wrinkles?– these are especially a problem when you also have oily skin. Many people often don’t know if they should use a moisturizer for the lines or stay away altogether because of the oil?
“It’s important to combine both an oil and a moisturizer to help get rid of fine lines, even on oily skins. An oil designed for the face penetrates more deeply into the skin than a cream, delivering goodness and benefits in an area of the skin where they can really make an enormous difference. A moisturizer also provides intense nourishment and helps to ensure the surface of the skin is smooth and radiant. Our Refining Facial Oil was developed for oily skins and actually counteracts natural sebum to help even-out skin-tone.”

Q: Even though I’m an adult I still suffer from blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads. The summer heat and humidity make things even worse. What should I do to address this problem?
“I would always recommend using a serum that contains anti-bacterial essential oils, as this won’t weigh the skin down, but will provide just the right amount of conditioning to help eradicate blemishes and spots. As detailed above, our Mattifying Skin Serum contains a selection of anti-bacterial essential oils, which really do have a positive effect on more difficult skins.”

Q: I find that my skin reacts to most products. Do you have any recommendations for sensitive skin?
“Absolutely – choose products that contain English Chamomile, Evening Primrose Oil, Butchers Broom and Rice Extract. Probiotics are also excellent at calming skins that have a tendency to be more reactive. Sensitivity is often caused by reactions to heat, the environment and dietary issues, so it’s also important to look at these external and internal aggressors, as well as your topical skincare.”

Q: You have a number of facial oil products for the skin. Are these okay to use for oily skin types? Even in summer?
“Absolutely, as long as you use the correct blend. Our Skin Refining Facial Oil helps bring the skin’s own natural oils into balance with the healing, repairing and conditioning oils of Lavender, Rose, Ylang-Ylang and Vitamin E.”

Q: What is the difference between using an oil-based product and a traditional moisturizer?
“A carrier oil containing essential oils is able to penetrate into the blood stream and optimise the cellular renewal process, helping to directly treat the skin. A moisturiser containing essential oils can also deliver benefits deeper into the skin, but is generally more effective at treating the surface.”

Q: The heat also often makes it difficult to sleep, are there any remedies or rituals you could recommend?
“Bathe in our award-winning Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil before going to bed – the essential oils of Vetivert, Camomile and Sandalwood, help to soothe, calm and relax the body and instill a peaceful night’s sleep. Alternatively, add a few drops of Vetivert to a bowl of hot water and place next to the bed.”

Q: What kind of products help the skin adapt to environmental changes from indoors to outdoors or vice versa?
“Anything nourishing and protecting – rose is a fantastic essential oil for helping support capillary circulation and it creates a barrier on the skin to protect it from harsh, changing weather conditions.”

Q: Many products come with SPF nowadays; is it best to use as many products as possible that contain SPF – from moisturizer to foundation?
“No, you only need to use one form of SPF. I would always recommend either using a specifically designed product, which you apply on top of your normal moisturizer, or use a moisturizer that already contains an SPF (minimum 15). This is because it’s more likely that you will cover the entire face with a moisturizer, rather than a foundation. And don’t forget the neck, which can be one of the first areas to show signs of sun damage and skin ageing.”

Recommeded Products
Mattifying Skin Serum HK$437/50ml
Refining Facial Oil HK$530/15ml
Orange Flower Mattifying Moisturiser HK$608/50ml
Deep Relax Bath and Shower Oil – HK$530/55ml

Stockists:
▪    The Mandarin Spa at The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
▪    Oriental Spa at Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
▪    Wellness Centre at Excelsior Hong Kong
▪    Sense of Touch, Repulse Bay and Lan Kwai Fong

Nestled deep in the heart of the cosmetics department at Lane Crawford lurks a hidden gem: a cluster of cocoon like pods specially designed to soothe, rejuvenate and invigorate. I went along to Pacific Place to experience pod living the Elemis way and familiarize myself with some of Elemis’s next generation retail beauty products.

As one of those people whose daily beauty routine is lucky if it includes moisturiser, the Elemis facial was something of a master-class in how one should really look after one’s face – if you want to avoid looking like a soggy beancurd sheet by the time you’re 50 that is.

As soon as I’d discarded my day-wear for a toweling robe and settled onto the comfy pod bed, we kicked off the treatment with a gentle cleanse. Rehydrating rose-petal cleanser was applied in an artfully soothing manner to help remove the build up of grot and grime from my un-loved skin. I particularly liked its delicate fragrance which, unlike many rose scented products, was not too overpowering.

After the cleanser came the application of toner and a gentle exfoliation. Sophia, the therapist, applied eye mask, face mask and lip mask (see below for details) before settling me, ready for a 15 minute hot stone massage. Ahhhhh – what bliss. I drifted near sleep as Sophia oiled my shoulders and set to work with her hot stones. I wasn’t expecting to feel so much more relaxed after only 15 minutes, but I was………zzz.

Sophia removed the mask, again using the rose-petal cleanser and applied pro-collagen marine cream, an anti-ageing treatment cream. It wasn’t too heavy, cloying or perfumed. As for its anti-ageing credentials, one session just isn’t enough to comment, but according to Elemis its anti-ageing ingredients include marine algae, gingko biloba, Chlorella, Prophyridium, Rose and Mimosa Absolutes. Quite a list!
After donning my day-wear, I walked away feeling a little bit taller (thank you the hot stones) and more energised. My face didn’t feel clogged up by the application of multiple products, but firmer, brighter and better tended than it has done in some time.

So with my critical hat on, what could have been better? Well the exfoliation could have been a little more abrasive but I suppose that’s partly a personal preference and on the plus side, I didn’t leave looking like my face had been on the receiving end of a sand storm.

End Result
The pod facials are a brilliant way of taking a little time out from the office or the shops (especially if you work or shop in Central) and treating yourself and your skin to some professional care. I liked the products and am tempted to treat myself to the rose-petal cleanser and apricot toner.
X factor

Hot stone massage. This was an unexpected treat and I encourage all you hot stone skeptics out there to give it a go.
Things you should know

A number of power booster facials are offered in the Pod, all at the HK$790 mark. Guys don’t need to feel left out either as there is a specially designed treatment to keep you looking and feeling and looking tip-top-tastic in the face department.

Helen Wrigglesworth

Costs
Facial:
Pod Power Booster facials: HK$790
Products:
Rehydrating Rose Petal Cleanser, 200ml: HK$399
Soothing Apricot Toner, 200ml: HK$399
Gentle Rose Exfoliator, 50ml: HK$365
Pro-collagen Quartz Mask, 50ml: HK$1150
Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask (applied to lips), 50ml: HK$550
Absolute Eye Mask, 30ml: HK$450
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, 50ml: HK$1380

Where
Elemis Counter
Cosmetics Department
Lane Crawford at Pacific Place
Tel. +852 2118 3654

Elemis fans should also check out the Elemis day-spa
9/F, Century Square,  
1 D’Aguilar Street,  
Central, Hong Kong  
Tel: +852 2521 6660