Beauty fix: Spa treatments to soothe dry winter skin
Tess Ma
OM Spa has introduced two new treatments tailored to dry winter skin: the Sweet Chocolate Moment and the Aromatic Coffee Sensation. At the Sha Tin branch, I wait for my chosen treatment (it was a no-brainer for a chocolate lover) in a spacious lounge decked out in soothing aquatic colours. My masseuse, Lily, leads me upstairs to the large treatment room, which is laid out like a hotel room, complete with en suite bathroom and double bed.
I am given disposable underwear, a shower cap to protect my hair and a towel. Lily begins by rubbing chocolate paste on my back, legs, stomach, shoulders, and arms. The paste feels warm at first touch and fills the air with the delicious scent of chocolate; it dries to the texture of oatmeal.
I am told that both the chocolate body wrap and the coffee scrub are made in-house. The first is designed for a detox, while the latter stimulates blood circulation.
I am wrapped in a plastic sheet and covered with two towels to encourage sweating. Lily occasionally massages me lightly on the legs and arms, and she ends with a nice long head massage. The heat doesn't reach an uncomfortable level, it's only when Lily removes the sheet after 25 minutes that I notice it sticking to my skin.
Before I shower, I choose one of three aromatic oils, products from Phuket-based Lemongrass House, for my massage.
Afterwards, I am given a cup of tea before I lie down for the massage part of the treatment. Lily starts off with broad, gentle strokes that focus on my back and legs before moving on to my stomach, arms and shoulders. The massage is relaxing, but I'd have liked a bit more pressure to work out the knots in my muscles.
My skin doesn't feel especially moisturised afterwards, and there is still some tension in my back. But it's a pleasant and pampering 80 minutes, should you happen to find yourself with a little time to spare in Sha Tin or when you are at the airport.
The Sweet Chocolate Moment and Aromatic Coffee Sensation treatments (HK$1,060/80 minutes) are available at OM Spa, Regal Riverside Hotel and Regal Airport Hotel until March 31. spa-om.com