If you need time to unwind or reinvigorate, a quick trip across the border to soak your bones will surely do the trick
It's hard to imagine what could be more luxurious than to come home, doff the work clothes and within moments be relaxing in one's own backyard spa. For the vast majority of Hongkongers, however, this is a pipe dream. (The backyard, we mean.) To get their limbs soaked, most need to travel at least out of their apartment block. They would do well to consider going a bit further, to the proverbial back yard of their city.
As Shenzhen's leisure class grows at a rapid pace, so the supply of quality spas is increasing to meet demand for oases of serenity places where the newly wealthy and newly stressed can unwind. Some are simple, unelaborate facilities outside the city, built in places of bucolic beauty already blessed with natural hot springs which are channeled into stone pools and mixed to various temperatures. Others are fancier, following newer health trends, like yoga and spirulina smoothies. A few offer the chance to spend a day or two in scenic splendour, soaking up ocean views and mountain air far removed from the everyday grind. Here are three of the best we found.
THE EVERGREEN RESORT
Ten minutes by taxi from Shekou Ferry Pier, 25 minutes from Huanggang, 45 minutes from Luohu
#1 Qingqing St, Moonbay, Nanshan