Pampering perfection

From testing out the new 'waxing institution' in Hong Kong to exploring treatments tailor-made to an individual's Chinese zodiac sign, we've let ourselves be pruned, poked, prodded and even put through gym sessions in order to bring you four of our favourite spa treatments this year. Here's to a pampered life.

Relax and Wax

The fear of pain and embarrassment are no longer legitimate excuses for wax virgins. STRIP: The Ministry of Waxing has arrived in Hong Kong and is promising to 'save virgin forests one Brazilian wax at a time'.

'The whole philosophy of STRIP is to make waxing fun, relatable and quirky to the traditionally conservative Asian market,' says STRIP founder Cynthia Chua. 'It's no longer hush-hush. It has become a culture, and people can talk about it.'

STRIP is meant to be a hip, welcoming place and, with its funky urban decor, colourful products and friendly staff, it's not surprising that the resident 'waxpert' has conducted some two million 'prunings' worldwide.

Too many spas claim to offer the most pain-free wax in town only to subject people to excruciating experiences - here is one that delivers on that promise.

The first step was a short trip to the bathroom where a bidet is available for what Chua calls a 'wash and blow dry'. Then your therapist hands you your 'individual hygiene pack', which contains everything you'll need for the treatment, including a pH-balanced wipe, 20 spatulas, gloves and a face mask.