Dapper sophisticated chaps should descend on the Mandarin Oriental’s new Shoe Shine Butler service, by none other than world renowned shoe designer John Lobb.  The bespoke Hermes buffalo leather chair is one of only four in the world, and will now grace the east lobby of the hotel.
Guests can enjoy a John Lobb shoe-shine, by a dedicated Shoe-Shine Butler, whilst ‘polishing’ up on the day’s news with the latest national and international newspapers and magazines and a cup of coffee or chilled drink. Priced at HKD150, the 15 minute service will be offered between 8 a.m. – 9 a.m., 12 noon – 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and is available to both hotel guests and visitors.

www.johnlobb.com

And now something for the boys….  We know at BBHK we sometimes forget the Hong Kong hansomes… Well aromatherapist extraordinaire Ling Yee has concocted one of her special blends especially for a smooth after shave finish.

The perfect blend of natural homemade oils is perfect for looking after bladed skin, and shold help stop irritations and shaving burns and rashes.

Us Brits are taking the whole royal wedding very seriously. And it is a distinctly British tradition to commemorate such an event with all kinds of awkward souvenirs. Coins, towels, plates, dolls, nail art,  and more have already been emblazoned with portraits of Prince Will and Kate Middleton in anticipation of the April nuptials. But the latest piece of regal memorabilia is causing a bit of controversy, and has people asking: would you buy commemorative Crown Jewels Condoms?

Well, would you? The copy on the company’s website is fairly hilarious, so allow us to share. The condoms’ slogan? “Lie back and think of England.” Why? “Like a Royal Wedding, intercourse with a loved one is an unforgettable occasion.” But what makes these condoms so special? ”Combining the strength of a prince with the yielding sensitivity of a princess-to-be, Crown Jewels condoms promise a royal union of pleasure.” You know, because they’re “lavishly lubed” and “regally ribbed.” Three “heritage love sheaths” will set you back £5 (about $65HKD).

Apparently people think this is tacky and tasteless and hurtful (yes, hurtful). Maybe we’re totally wrong, but souvenir condoms don’t seem any more offensive than cheesy china — and they’re way funnier. We do have one problem with the royal prophylactics, however. As per the fine print: “Crown Jewels Royal Wedding Souvenir Condoms are a novelty condom not suitable for contraception or protection against STDs.” Now that’s just odd. And irresponsible.

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.

Bangkok is often regarded as the best city in the world for a touch of pampering, what can not be denied is the Thai hospitality and numerous options for massages. Every street corner, mall and hotel is home to a Thai massage parlour, or spa. 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 urban spas was the Thann Sanctuary in Gaysorn Plaza.

HIM -Georg Lauth, Luxury Editor BBHK

After a long flight and struggling to get through Bangkok’s rush hour to keep my appointment at the ‘Thann’ Spa at Gaysorn Plaza , I could have not been happier arriving just in time for my 90 min massage.  And little did I know what was waiting for me.

Entering this boutique Spa on the top floor at one of the luxurious shopping malls in town I could have been not less disappointed.  The place is decorated in the most stylish Thai-Modern decor I had seen in a while: a dark and moody interior with each room of its own signature ‘living wall’ of planting arrangement featuring the ingredient of ‘Thann’s products.

Seduced by its beauty I could relax and having the introduction by the charming staff at the spa.  I was lead to my treatment room for the ‘Thann sanctuary signature massage’.   My wonderful therapist guided me thoroughly over the functions of the room and the adjoining bathroom.  After taking a quick shower, I could now relax on the bed and let her commence.

A slow start to ease every muscle on the feet and legs, the therapist then made her way up to what has always been my problematic area: my back and shoulders. Not only did she use all her strength to go through every muscle but to my surprise I did not feel any pain throughout the whole process. The therapist knew exactly how to release the tension of each muscle part and was working at some point what felt like hours. I must have drifted away which I still don’t understand keeping in mind the strength and pressure she put in my back.

I awoke and still did not know what ‘magic’ my therapist had done to me until I got dressed. I ‘floated’ to the reception to get some tea and fruit. Every minute I felt better and better. I had experienced the perfect massage and could now dance away all night in what else Bangkok had to offer…

HER – Chantel Shafie – Editor BBHK

Being a Spa and Beauty Writer I am lucky enough to visit many countries and locations for a massage and pamper sesh. Even after having lived in Asia now for five years, I am still not used to the idea of stepping into a shopping mall, and really relaxing into a spa. In my mind spas should be tucked away on some deserted island, or failing that, in the grounds of a hotel. Obviously visiting a metropolis like Bangkok, this is not possible. With so many Thai massage shops all around town, which offer really good massages at extremely cheap prices, I thought it would be tough to appreciate a spa in a shopping centre that is essentially 10x the cost of a street front shop.

Stepping into Gaysorn plaza is a nice experience in itself.  It is a premium shopping centre in the middle of town, which is small enough to still feel exclusive and inviting. The Thann Sanctuary, situated on the 3rd floor occupies 160 square meters, comprising of 6 treatment rooms and a separate steam room.  In a style that would be equally pleasing to both men and women, Each room is designed to represent one of Thann’s signature product lines, Sea Foam, Aromatic Wood, Oriental Essence, Mediterranean Floral, Rice and Shiso.  Every wall of the spa is lined with bamboo, creating a hidden sanctuary far away from the shopping mall.

I chose the signature treatment which comprised of a 90 minute firm deep tissue massage, using palms, thumbs and forearms, and a specially concocted aromatherapy blend for my needs.  I personally have extremely tensed shoulders, probably from writing all the time.  I pointed out my own points for concern, and I have to say out of the hundreds and hundreds of massages I have had in my life, this was by far the best.

The therapist applied just the perfect amount of pressure and completely intuitively rubbed my aches and pains away.  At first I thought she was applying far too much pressure, and that I would be in pain for the entire week. However her hands knew best, and  I felt a massive release of pressure and floated out for the sanctuary, as for the first time in literally years, I had no tension in my neck and shoulders.

’Thann’ is available throughout Asia and is now expanding into Europe and Russia.  A success which is truly deserved and I just hope a new Spa is opening right on my doorstep.

Tip: before you leave Gaysorn Plaza try out the ‘Thann’s’  tearoom on the 2nd floor: very cute decor with flower shop and all of ‘Thann’s’ delicious products!

What?
THANN Sanctuary Signature Massage

How much?
2,200 Baht (HKD 568)

Where?
THANN Sanctuary
Gaysorn Shopping Mall
3rd floor
Ploenchit Road
Lumpini
Bangkok 10330
Tel: +66 2 656 1424

www.thann.info

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!

Guerlain’s latest offering – launched exclusively at Harvey Nicks – is the latest must-have for any self-respecting dandy.

The French perfumier tell us it’s inspired by Arsène Lupin, France’s fictional gentleman thief and a favourite of Jean-Paul Guerlain, the last of the company’s family perfumers.

There are two scents on offer – Dandy, and Voyou, (scoundrel), each tailored to represent Lupin’s deceptive and contrasting character. The BBHK crew were keen to get their hands on sample, so when a suspiciously cryptic blank package arrived on the BBHK doorstep last week, it could mean only one thing… a special package from Arsène!

We sampled the Dandy variant, and it has become an instant hit among the team in the office.

Firstly, it looks sexy as hell. The 100ml bottle is presented within a thin ebony frame. The beautifully understated bottle design smacks of the reassurance only a quality perfumier the stature of Guerlain can attest.

The scent itself is equally bold and impressive. Chic and powerful. Quite unlike anything we’ve smelt for a long time. It’s a rich, dark blend of smoky leather and powdery violet. It’s peppery with a very definite bitter orange overtone. Perhaps most importantly, it really lingers. You’ll need no more than two or three sprays first thing in the morning and it will last you all day.

Lupin’s roguish side is represented by Voyou, the other half of this Excluisifs collection. In contrast, Voyou is aromatic and herbal with hints of Artemisia, coriander and piquant pepper.

Neither are cheap. At HK$1,880 for a 100ml bottle it is an investment, but it is a price reflective of the quality of the liquid the Guerlain team have produced. True to the man it’s based on, the fragrance is also hard to find – you’ll only find it at Harvey Nicks (one of just 50 outlets chosen worldwide). And if you’re still having trouble locating a bottle for yourself, just head for the huddle of suspicious-looking tall, dark, handsome, trench coat and sunglasses-wearing briefcase-carrying strangers – you’ll not go far wrong!

Delicious! So much so we have a feeling we might have a contender for BBHK’s top 10 Christmas gift guide which we’ll be revealing in the next couple of weeks. Join the mailing list here to be sent it in advance.

Note from the BBHK editor
If you are still intrigued by the Monsieur Lupin, you might be interested to read this from the UK’s Daily Mail. It seems Guerlain are not the only ones drawing their influences from the illusive gentleman thief – restauranteurs, you have been warned!

Guys it’s time to re-vamp your wardrobe and add some character with a printed shirt  from the funky men’s store Moustache…. oh and they’re having a 50% off sale this weekend so no excuses!

31 Aberdeen street, Central, Hong Kong, Saturday 20th November and Sunday 21st November

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

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