Business is booming as men and women in Hong Kong turn to luxurious settings to unwind and re-energise
In the past, when the going got tough, most hard-pressed professionals found solace in a bottle. For the past five years, it has become the norm for Hongkongers to reject this route and restore their sense of wellbeing with a spa treatment instead. In fact, the local spa industry is on a seemingly unstoppable roll.
This is closely linked to consumers' high standards of education and overweening urge to be healthier, youthful and energised, according to Anna Orvay, the co-owner of Sense of Touch.
'They find these aspects and solace in a spa environment,' Ms Orvay said.
Treatments range from detox programmes, which are dedicated to luxuriously restoring clients' health and looks, to wellness resorts that offer full programmes with special meals, drinks, exercise regimes, five-star beds and a caring environment.
Spa parties are also in high demand, especially from groups of women who relish the chance to enjoy spa treatments with a glass of wine and in the company of friends. Finally, sleep zones are a local hit, offering prescriptive massages with enough time for power naps.
Spa treatments are far from being a female preserve.