Spa from heaven
HONG KONG HAS a new member's club ... but this one won't be filled with stuffy suits and cigar smoke. Spa Club Asia, the region's first membership programme for the spa and wellness industry, was launched this month, offering discounts at a wide variety of high-end spas, fitness centres and health facilities.
Melinda Yon is the brains behind the scheme. Yon arrived in Hong Kong two years ago looking for work opportunities, but the chaotic environment and frenetic pace of the city convinced her there was a need for accessible health and beauty treatments and information for harassed Hongkongers. Australian-born Yon has more than 10 years' experience in marketing from events, sponsorship and advertising to public relations, both in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. She has worked with leading international organisations in a variety of fields, as well as major international events such as the Sydney Olympics and grands prix.
Yon came up with the idea of a membership scheme that promises members free treatments and consultations, product discounts, and educational support.
'I'm passionate about this,' says Yon. 'It's an extension of me, and I've put everything I've learned together.
'I wish someone had offered it to me 10 years ago for a head start in health and well-being.'
Fascinated by the industry since her 20s, Yon has self-researched her way through various treatments, from massages and facials to less known therapies such as Buteyko breathing, craniosacral therapy and osteopathy, to name a few. Now, she is making her knowledge accessible to Spa Club Asia members.
Of course, it's not free, but Yon says the yearly membership fee of $2,888 represents great value for money.
Immediate benefits include complimentary treatments worth more than $10,000 in the form of facials, massages or other treatments at participating spas. The venues are some of the best, and include the Aveda Lifestyle and Day Spa, the Decleor Institut de Beaute, the Mu-Lan Spa, the Integrated Medicine Institute, New York @ hAL, and Ziz Skincare for Men. All have been handpicked by Yon, who has also targeted venues in Shanghai, Macau, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta and Bali.
Additionally, every associated spa or health centre also offers members a minimum of 20 per cent off future treatments, consultations and products.
'There are a variety of privileges and benefits to members,' says Yon. 'And not in just one particular area. This is an integrated approach to spa well-being and fitness, and the most important thing is educating members in their pursuit of well-being.'
Yon plans to communicate with members through her website and e-mail newsletters, informing them about different topics and keeping them up to date about new spa partners and treatments. She is also hoping to set up various workshops and seminars together with industry experts.
'This is a substantial product with a genuine interest in helping people with their well-being,' she says. 'By the end of the year - in fact, during the year - members will definitely have a better understanding of their overall health and lifestyle management.'
