A Really Good Massage
My New Year’s resolution to write more about fitness has been going pretty well so far, and over the past few weeks I’ve put myself through several grueling fitness routines for your interest/amusement. So I hope you’ll forgive this transgression as I attempt to revive my poor aching body by trying out a new massage therapy at the award-winning Spa by MTM. The “Zen Happiness Experience” is a must-try for serious massage enthusiasts (such as myself) and anyone who suffers from chronic muscle tightness. It uses three different massage techniques to get muscles to relax and release long-held tensions. The first step is a hot stone massage, focusing mainly on the shoulders and upper back. The heat is relaxing and helps to prep shoulders for the second step: an acupressure back massage, which is oil-free and performed over a thin cotton sheet. Finally, a full-body massage with a very light, gel-like oil really gets deep into those long-standing aches, but without being overwhelmingly intense. After the treatment, you’re served a cup of honey green tea and a homemade healthy Chinese dessert soup—a trend that seems to be increasingly popular and one that I back wholeheartedly. Right, that’s my massage done. Back to bootcamps it is!
$1,980 for two hours. Shop A, G/F, 3 Yun Ping Rd., Causeway Bay, 2923-7888.
Water Works
If you routinely suffer from first-world guilt, then instead of buying a Kony t-shirt, why not join Aveda Earth Month in its campaign to raise US$4.5 million to help families in developing nations gain access to safe drinking water? Catching waterborne diseases is a huge cause of death among children in these countries, and industrial pollutants all too often render local water sources undrinkable. There are two ways you can help: one is to pick up this pretty soy candle from Aveda (below right). It costs $130 and all of the proceeds will be put towards the Global Greengrants Fund. Another way (and to help people a little closer to home) is to participate in their walkathon on May 13, which the haircare brand is holding in partnership with the Lotus Light Charity Society, which construct rain cellars in mainland China. Make sure you’re fit though, as throughout the four- or 23-kilometer walk, you can opt to carry a five-liter water bottle in order to experience the difficulties many have to go through to collect water for their families. Get an application form at the Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spas citywide.
2/F, The Loop, 33 Wellington St., Central, 2868-9859.
I Kinda Like It
If you’re a supplements and health food junkie, then you’ll want to check out ikindof.com, a Hong Kong-based online store that offers a huge selection of health and wellness products. I’ve been window shopping (browser shopping?) and I’m itching to click on the jar of virgin coconut oil, which is awesome as a hair treatment but tricky to find here. The big jars are $210, but you can get a smaller one for just $30. In addition to just about every health supplement under the sun, you can also buy earth-friendly household cleaners, veggie wash, soaps and bath products, as well as a full range of stuff for babies and children. If you really want to kick it old-school, you can also order by phone at 3188-9473.