Skin Deep, May 08, 2009

Spa Review

Aroma Stone Therapy at The Retreat

The latest addition to the south side, and arguably Hong Kong’s first wellness destination, The Retreat is a spa, nail salon, organic café and Toni & Guy hairdresser all rolled into one. Tai Tais hailing from all over the area have been flocking to see what the fuss is about, and with good reason. Located on Beach Road in Repulse Bay, the spa is designed to evoke the sea, with mother-of-pearl tiling and subtle water features lining the way to the spa rooms. Having opted for the aroma stone massage, the friendly therapist first washed our feet, and then instructed us to lie face down on the bed. Several warm pebbles were placed at strategic points along our spine and a couple of rocks in our upturned palms. The therapist then used swift back-and-forth motions and liberal amounts of scented oil to really get into those knots. The combination of the warm room and the hot stones lulled us into a dreamlike state, making this an ideal treatment for people who can’t stand the cold or have trouble sleeping. We finished feeling fresh and glowing, and in the morning felt pleasantly sore, as if all our tension had been eased out of us once and for all.
Aroma Stone Therapy, $880 for 75 minutes at The Retreat, 1/F, 33 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, 2803-1860, www.the-retreat.com.hk.