Iyara Day Spa, also in Central and Wan Chai, recently opened a Mid-Levels branch. Tucked away on Prince’s Terrace, the shop has a warm and peaceful atmosphere. On arrival, you are asked to sit at the open pedicure area and are given a cup of Thai lemon grass tea, before being shown to the treatment room.
The massage begins with an inhalation of Aroma Vera’s lavender essence. And after the masseuse Santi Gurung gives me a brief body stretch, she gets down to business, using a refreshing oil to massage my back and upper body. She applies just the right amount of pressure to loosen tight muscles and gives more attention to tenser areas, such as my neck.
Heat packs, which contain flax seed and lavender from Sonoma, California, are placed on my shoulder and back, then the back of my legs, as Gurung moves on to massage my lower body. She explains that lavender is used for its health benefits, such as relieving tension and enhancing blood circulation.
The packs are pretty hot, designed to make me sweat out any toxins.
Another essence, eucalyptus, said to be good for the respiratory system, is applied when I turn over.
The hour-long massage finishes with a warm lavender eye pack, giving my eyes a much-needed rest after constant strain of looking at computer screens. Heat packs are placed on the front of my legs.