Party rescue package
In anticipation of the festive season's excesses, day spa Sense of Touch has devised a Party Rescue package to revive tired faces worn down by too much revelry and soothe aching muscles brought on by too many nights teetering on, or dancing in, impossibly high heels.
After browsing the generous retail section in the reception area at the Lan Kwai Fong branch (last-minute Christmas gift ideas include Aromatherapy Associates oils packaged in festive red stars and Natural Patches wellness pouches), I head upstairs to the spa area. The treatment begins with the Exotic Moisture Dew Facial, where my face is blasted with vapours.
Then the therapist tells me firmly: 'Extraction begins' and decisively removes goodness knows what from my pores. It's a little painful, but I keep telling myself it'll be worth it, and the endless layers of cream applied to my face afterwards are, in contrast, immensely soothing. Containing rose oil, the moisture-rich emulsion helps combat the dry skin that so many of us suffer from during the winter months, the therapist tells me.
Next it's time for the Warm Stone Eye Massage. Small, piping hot stones are gently placed on the delicate under-eye area to banish dark circles and the puffiness that go with too much alcohol and not enough sleep. It's a thoroughly pleasant sensation and the stones cool quickly once applied.
Now considerably rested, I inhale lavender and eucalyptus oil - both renowned for their calming properties - in preparation for the hour-long Detox Revive Massage. The tension melts away from my neck, back and shoulders as firm, rhythmic strokes are expertly applied all the way from my scalp to my toes and fingertips.
While the rooms will seem small for those who are accustomed to spacious hotel spas, they have a pleasantly soothing ambience.
Before leaving the spa, I check my reflection and am pleased to note that, despite one too many wines at a party a few days before the treatment, my face appears tauter and fresher than it has in a long time. This is coupled with a fresh, rosy glow and diminished laughter lines. The tension in my shoulders has also significantly decreased, and a few days later I still feel bold enough to head out without my usual blusher or concealer.
The two-hour, 45-minute Party Rescue package includes the Exotic Moisture Dew Facial, Warm Stone Eye Massage and 60-minute Detox Revive Massage and costs HK$1,499 (originally HK$1,870), with an extra 10 per cent off from December 25 to January 6.
