Whether Valentine’s Day elicits sighs of romance or eye-rolls of contempt, it’s an excellent excuse to take advantage of some of the spa deals out there. If you’re single, cloister yourself in a treatment room for V-Day itself and avoid the simpering couples squiring their oversized bouquets around town. Or if you’re paired up, check in for a couple’s spa day or buy a treatment for the lucky lady (or gent) in your life—pricy though it may be, it’s still cheaper than a hyper-inflated bunch of roses.
Sensual Skin
The brand spanking new Mecca Beauty organic spa on Canton Road has only just opened its doors, and it’s already spicing up my inbox with its “Feminine Sensuality Treatment,” a 90-minute facial using Alquimia products that aims to (quote) “enhance a woman’s radiant beauty and reinforce sensuality and relaxation.” Sounds like a pretty tall order for a spa treatment, I have to say. If anyone wants to give it a whirl, it’s $2,360.
17/F, Chung Fung Commercial Building, 12 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2736-8328, www.facebook.com/meccabeauty.
A Great Deal
Here’s a package that you can treat yourself to—or buy for your steady gal. Until February 16, Central’s Glow with Ceri Silk spa is offering a girls-only 50 percent discount on its two-hour “Sapphire Body Treatment,” which combines a facial, a wrap ritual (including a footbath, relaxing back massage, exfoliation, a bath and finally the wrap itself), followed by anti-fatigue massage—all using gemstone-enriched products. Although the deal is only on until the 16th, you can drop in any time before the cut-off day and purchase a voucher, which is then valid for six months. The special price is $980 (regular price $2,380).
9/F, Parker House, 72 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2525-5198, www.cerisilk.com.
Couple’s Retreat
OK, five grand is a lot to drop. But when you break down the all-day couple’s spa treatment at the InterContinental’s I-Spa, it’s actually a pretty good deal. Throughout the month of February, the “Romantic Indulgence for Two” includes two-and-a-half hours of spa treatments (including a 30-minute whirlpool bath in the private couple’s suite, plus a private steam room and sauna), a 90-minute signature massage and a 30-minute facial for two. The deal also comes with a three-course lunch on the pool terrace with a glass of champagne each, as well as use of the hotel’s pool and fitness center.
$4,800 per couple, The InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2721-1221.
Do-it-Yourself
If you’re a true massage fiend, why not take a couple’s workshop so you can learn how to give a massage (and receive one, natch) any time you want? The Sutherland-Chan Centre, which offers medical massage to combat muscle pain and treat injuries, is offering a 90-minute couple’s workshop from now until the end of the year. In the class, you’ll focus on neck, shoulders and back. $1,200 per couple, including a take-home gift. Also available as a gift certificate.
19/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley St., Central, 2544-5838, www.sccentre.com.hk.
Priapistic Pressies
All this spa stuff too rich for your blood? Go the cost-effective route with a fragrant gift.
For Him
Containing a cardamom hair and body wash, a somewhat hint-dropping hair loss treatment, and a manly-smelling bar of soap.
$488 from Apivita, G/F, 74 Wellington St., Central, 2111-2562.
For Her
You might not have gotten any flowers this year, but at least you can smell as if you did. Crabtree & Evelyn’s set of three rose-scented, heart-shaped soaps are a sweet little gift. The pretty box was designed by a textile design student at Central Saint Martins, so you’re supporting the creative industries as well.
$165 from Crabtree & Evelyn outlets citywide, including Shop B205, B2/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson St., Causeway Bay, 2576-6682.
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