What is it?
A deep-tissue massage at the new Repulse Bay day spa, The Retreat, and a wash and blow-dry at Toni&Guy hair salon, which is a part of the spa's offerings (as well as a health cafe).
What did it involve?
In a spacious seaside room decorated in cool, soothing shades, the therapist began with a brief scalp massage, a sure-fire way to make one relaxed and calm. She then worked to de-knot my shoulders and focused on my lower back (a questionnaire filled out beforehand asks which areas you prefer, along with general health and skin questions), applying the right amount of pressure I had specified in the form - not too hard, but not so soft it was pointless. While deep- tissue massage can be challenging on tighter areas such as the neck, it is effective at loosening tension, which was the result after 60 minutes. Once the intense kneading was under way, I slipped into a quick snooze. The room was warm and quiet and the massage bed wide and comfortable.
What about the hair salon?
The Retreat is not just for facials, massage and nails. The Toni&Guy within the spa offers what you would expect from any of its free-standing salons around town. A wash, volumising treatment for fine hair and a blow-dry I could never attempt myself were the ideal conclusion to an hour of massage. The senior stylist knew what shape suited my face. Men and children are also catered to, and a flat-screen television surrounded by bean-bags in the corner means the little ones can remain occupied if you need a quick touch-up.