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.