Spa by MTM provides treatments combining Japanese, Chinese and Western methods. The Causeway Bay location is conveniently close to its skincare store, where products are custom-blended for each client. Different essences stored in a glass room are added to a luxurious base cream. If the result isn't quite right, customers may return for a remix.
The spa has created three blends for the Zen Happiness Experience, a two-hour treatment.
The first step towards 'Zen' is to find out what the soul needs. Upon arriving, I'm asked to select a card - much like a sophisticated paint swatch - based on my mood. This decides which tincture is needed; 'Balance (Mind)', includes ginseng and wolfberry, 'Relax (Soul)' with echinops (thistle) and lavender or, in my case, 'Revive (Body)', which contains cinnamon and angelica root.
Soft lighting and twinkling lights above the bed help you ease into the mood, as does the pre-treatment shower. A choice of incense is offered before a foot bath takes the strain out of aching calves and feet. Then Tibetan bells sound the beginning of the experience.
First is a hot stone massage. There's no oil, just steam and heat. As my body unwinds, the world seems to drift away.
A combination of Chinese and Japanese acupressure points are massaged between the head and shoulders. Deeper tissue stress comes out slowly, and it's a struggle to stay awake.