Healing Hands City Spa is on the 20th floor of the Sino Plaza building, so getting there felt like going into the office, which was a little dispiriting. The spa is dark and covered in brightly coloured Indian textiles. The changing rooms are small but clean and pleasant. The treatment room felt a little cramped. The staff were amiable, but I didn't need two people to accompany me to the changing room, and I felt crowded. I suspect it was because they didn't have much to do.

How was the treatment?

The therapist massaged my face expertly - it was so relaxing that I fell asleep - but the facial was secondary to a firm and thorough head and shoulder massage. Then a rather alarming-looking mask, with the wires from the iontophoresis machine attached, was put on me. Strapping it on was a bit of a palaver for the therapist. It was left on for about 20 minutes - the claustrophobic might find it uncomfortable.

What were the results?

Noticeably softer, plumper skin immediately afterwards. However, as with most facials, for it to be effective, continual treatment is recommended.

What else?

The treatment was on the expensive side. As with a lot of local spas, the first facial was a promotion and quite reasonable. But there's a hard-sell afterwards to buy more treatments in bulk, which some people might not like.

How much and where is it?

HK$1,580 for 90 minutes. Healing Hands City Spa, Unit 05B, 20/F Sino Plaza, 255-257 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Inquiries: 2891 9195. There's also a 8,000sqft spa in Hung Hom.

How did it rate?