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Header images courtesy of Four Seasons and W Hong Kong
Originally published by Sophie Pettit. Last updated by Annette Chan and Jen Paolini.
We all need to recharge our batteries from time to time, and what better way to do so than at one of Hong Kong’s beautiful spas? But with so many “sanctuaries” to choose from, finding one that stands out and gives you real bang for your buck can feel like a mission. With this in mind, we have taken the stress out of the search with our round-up of the very best spas Hong Kong has to offer—for those on a budget, those with the urge to splurge, and everything in-between. Get ready for some serious pampering!
Allow yourself to be pampered with a luxe spa experience all while keeping your wallet happy. Recanto, the newest wellness centre to open in the heart of Central, effortlessly combines the serenity and upscale feeling of premium hotel spas with affordability and consistent quality. From a small and minimalistic boutique done up in a soothing neutral palette with touches of natural wood, founders Elda and Keliee strive to introduce their customers to the benefits of traditional Chinese healing philosophies in a distinctly modern setting.
Choose from their concise menu of treatments, which includes the 90-minute Recanto signature package ($628)—an all-in-one with a neck and shoulder massage, foot massage, and foot steaming. Other à la carte treatments—such as the 50-minute post-workout body massage ($668) and the 50-minute acupressure body massage ($468)—make use of bespoke aromatics and myofascial release therapy to relieve stress and fatigue, and promote a sense of relaxation and a harmonious flow of qi.
Recanto, 3/F, 28 Wellington Street, Central | (+852) 9889 9572
Not only is this basement Tsim Sha Tsui spa perfectly situated for weary shoppers, but it’s also a treat for the eyes with its 1940s Shanghai barbershop-inspired décor. Don’t leave without trying the signature foot massage ($168), which is available as a 30-minute treatment on weekdays—perfect for local office workers—or in more indulgent 50-minute and 100-minute durations ($268 and $516, respectively). The expert massage techniques and warm, comforting environment are soothing enough to lull even the most caffeinated customers into a deep sleep, but you’ll leave Tai Pan feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after enjoying a post-massage cup of their signature tea blend.
Tai Pan Reflexology Parlour, B/F, 83 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 2301 1990
This atmospheric sanctuary offers a menu of affordable massage treatments carried out by Thai women themselves. Finding the entrance to the flagship on Paterson Street can feel like a mission given that it’s in a residential building with no signage, but once inside, you are met with dark mood lighting, elegant décor with purple hanging drapes and gorgeous aromas which instantly make you feel relaxed.
Treatments here are extremely reasonable given the polished feel of the spa and the friendly and professional level of service. A hands-on 60-minute traditional Thai massage will set you back $308, while a more relaxing 60-minute aroma oil massage comes in at $508, and a 120-minute zen signature treatment costs $988.
Most treatments can be enjoyed for 45, 60, or 90 minutes, so you can find one that meets your budget and needs. The spa also offers specialist treatments—including a massage for pregnant women—all of which are rounded off with a tasty cup of bael fruit tea from Thailand.
D’Varee is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in Hong Kong. Run by two lovely ladies with backgrounds in five-star hotel spas, this cosy spa specialises in massages, but also offers facial, manicure, and pedicure services that will not break the bank. A 60-minute deep tissue massage will only set you back $480. If you are picky and are looking for a new spa to try for an affordable-but-amazing massage, D’Varee is the place.
D’Varee Spa, 2/F, 5 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2865 7720
With seven locations dotted around Hong Kong, you’re never far away from an Essential Spa and the menu of goodies they offer for a bargain buck. A 55-minute Swedish, deep tissue, or acupressure body massage will set you back a reasonable $580, while a novelty 50-minute chocolate fondue or yoghurt mousse body mask costs $980 (sounds delicious).
The spa also offers hydrobaths, slimming treatments, and nail services, but the real draw here is the range of facial treatments, which cost anywhere from $480 to a whopping $2,580 and include some intriguing options such as the CELL Vitale facial treatment ($2,580 for 90 minutes) and the snail extract regenerating facial treatment ($1,280 for 75 minutes). If you want to make pamper time a regular thing, the spa offers two packages where you can buy points to redeem various treatments over a two-year period; $10,800 will get you 60 points, and $19,800 will get you 125.
If that’s too complicated though, you can always swing by for a one-off session, and it’s worth noting that newbies will receive 50 percent off their first treatment.
This award-winning spa in Central is perfect for those looking to polish their nails, soothe out those aches and pains with a relaxing body massage, or even experience the famous “ouchless” Brazilian wax—all without your wallet weeping.
Owner Nigar Qureshi sure knows a thing or two, using her skills as an award-winning aesthetician, skincare specialist, cosmetologist, and make-up artist to offer clients a range of avant-garde spa and beauty treatments at affordable prices. A 60-minute body massage—be it aromatherapy, slimming, lymphatic, or reflexology—will set you back a reasonable $690, while a deep cleansing facial costs $590. There’s even a cucumber wrap for sunburnt skin; they really have thought of everything.
The spa uses the latest and most high-tech equipment from around the globe, combining French, English, and American products to offer what they call “The French-to-the-English-American-Way.”
Spa BPZ, 12/F Sea Bird House, 22–28 Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 2524 1272
Decorated in relaxing shades of green, Iyara Day Spa is the perfect spot to unwind, and the good news is there are four locations so you’re never too far from one. If you love people-watching, then book yourself in for a relaxing foot massage at the Central branch situated next to the Mid-Levels Escalator, where you can gaze out of the window at passersby.
Walk-ins are welcomed and treatments are very reasonable, with a 60-minute Swedish massage coming in at $680 and a deep tissue massage costing $780. If you want to push the boat out, you can opt for one of their neat packages, like the two-hour weekday urban retreat, which includes a 60-minute Swedish massage or Clark’s Botanicals facial, plus a traditional manicure and pedicure, for $1,250.
If you can spare more time and cash, then the half-day pampering ($1,800) and Essence of Iyara ($1,650) packages are good options, too. Time to book that window seat!
Located in Yau Ma Tei, Nutrislim is an unexpected surprise offering true Thai hospitality—and revitalising Thai massages to rival those in the best Bangkok roadside spas—without breaking the bank.
The masseuses have many years of experience and are detail-oriented, knowing exactly where to press and how hard, without you having to give them instructions. After your treatment, you are offered a cup of Thai lemongrass tea to complete the experience. A Thai massage will set you back only $188 for 45 minutes, but do yourself a favour and book a 90-minute massage instead for pure bliss and rejuvenation.
The hot stone relaxing massage ($278 for 45 minutes) is great for deep knots, and the herbal ball compress massage ($278 for 45 minutes) provides soothing aromatherapy for extra relaxation.
NutriSlim Thai Spa, Room 491, 15/F, Prospect Building, 491 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei | (+852) 2398 7797
This simple yet stylish inner-city spa provides a modern urban retreat in which to enjoy a range of beauty services and spa treatments that won’t break the bank, but will certainly fix your aches, pains, and wrinkles. Adjoining the trendy hair salon, which happens to be home to Hong Kong’s one and only “hair doctor,” the spa has four modestly-sized beauty rooms in which you can enjoy anything from waxing to threading, eyelash tints to non-surgical skin treatments, and, of course, gorgeous massages.
Our favourite treatment is the 60-minute deep tissue massage ($850) which is extremely effective in removing knots, soothing tired muscles, and working on problem areas to release tension and relax the body. The therapists work wonders to meet your specific needs and help relieve aches and pains in your body, but if you’re just looking to relax, then the 30-minute Indian head massage ($480) is a great choice.
Indulgence is particularly good at facials, too, offering a range of specialist treatments designed to tackle various ailments such as dehydration, skin stress, and free radical damage. The Duolift Sequential Facial ($1,800) is one of the spa’s revolutionary treatments, which uses a special machine to transmit radiofrequency and ultrasound waves into the skin to tighten and lift the face, while soothing lines and wrinkles.
We gave it a go and can confirm that it feels incredible and, most importantly, works. In fact, the gentle massaging movements of the machine over the face are so relaxing that you might even fall asleep—we certainly did!
Indulgence, 22/F Silver Fortune Plaza, 1 Wellington Street, Central | (+852) 2815 6600
With only three en-suite treatment rooms and a “Back to Basics” concept, the spa at Kerry Hotel focuses more on delivering world-class, intimate spa experiences than impressing guests with lavish decor and fancy frills. Tucked away on the fourth floor of the hotel, beyond the Base Camp Sports centre, the spa offers a peaceful sanctuary in which to escape the hectic urban jungle.
With a shower, washroom, and spacious changing area built into each treatment room, guests are invited to make themselves at home before indulging in a range of massages, facials, and special treatments which are surprisingly affordable, given the team of therapists are professionally trained by Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts.
There are three body massages ($850) to choose from, with the popular signature Asian blend massage blending traditional Asian techniques such as Thai pressure point, Balinese and Malaysian stokes, and Chinese energy flow. This treatment works wonders at releasing tension in the muscles and restoring and balancing the energy throughout your entire body, leaving you feeling fully restored.
More adventurous spa-goers might enjoy the tropical de-ageing yoghurt wrap ($850 for 60 minutes) while those looking to really push the boat out can indulge in a three-hour total body makeover ($2,988) which includes a full body scrub, massage, and oxygen blast facial—heaven!
Spa at Base Camp, 4/F, Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay | (+852) 2252 5350
Founded in Paris more than 20 years ago as a family business, French medispa EstheClinic recently opened its doors in Hong Kong (along with locations in France and Singapore). This minimalist, monochrome beauty clinic offers a full menu of highly effective, pain-free, and zero-downtime aesthetic treatments. All treatments are done using the most advanced technology for permanent hair removal, anti-ageing, body contouring, rejuvenating, and hair loss treatments to sort you out from head to toe.
Their signature treatment is their Silky Smooth IPL hair removal, which uses their patented No Pain System (NPS) technology, and to ensure the hair removal procedure is completely painless and safe.
EstheClinic also has their fingers in other pies, so no matter what your skin concern is, there is a perfectly tailored solution at this clinic.
EstheClinic, 16/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central | (+852) 3615 0919 or (+852) 9158 9729 (WhatsApp)
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This Balinese-style spa has convenient locations in both Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, but for some reason has slipped under a lot of people’s radars. The Wan Chai branch is particularly lovely, with a discreet location hidden up a set of stairs off Queen’s Road East. The space itself is uber-sleek, with a muted colour palette and a serene VIP room that’s only accessible via a narrow stone-lined pathway. For a quick and hydrating treatment, go for their moisture plenish facial ($960 for 60 minutes)—if you have time to spare (and a willing pal), indulge in the Power Bliss treatment for two, ($4,480 for 150 minutes), which comprises an hour-long signature blend massage and the moisture plenish facial in a private aromatherapy steam room.
This Central beauty centre is a favourite among discerning spa-goers for its light and airy feel, professional service, and interesting range of beauty and wellness treatments, from standard mani-pedis to teen-friendly skin treatments, targeted facials, and more.
For something unique, try out their one-hour jade hot stone invigorating massage ($980), which uses hot stones to reduce bloating and puffiness.
Melomist, 3/F, Cheung Hing Commercial Building, 37–43 Cochrane Street, Central | (+852) 2450 2220
Feel your stress melt away as soon as you step foot in this beautifully appointed spa—which supposedly shares a designer with the Four Seasons—and leave your relaxation in the hands of Levo’s world-class team.
For a targeted facial that treats signs of ageing, opt for the appropriately-titled Superb Facial, which promises to renew, firm, hydrate, lift, and tone your skin in 75–90 minutes (starting from $2,300). For a full-body treatment, take your pick from the stress relief treatment ($700 for 60 minutes), the natural-blending aromatherapy massage ($800 for 60 minutes), and the relieving energy hot stone massage ($900 for 60 minutes)—whichever you choose, you can be sure that you’ll leave feeling revitalised and reinvigorated.
Levo Spa, 2/F, Winway Building, 50 Wellington Street, Central | (+852) 9694 4389
A touch of Thailand in the heart of Kowloon, Angsana Spa at Hotel Icon will have you relaxed in absolutely no time. This hidden gem is sister to the widely-acclaimed five-star Banyan Tree Spa in Bangkok and all therapists have been trained at the spa’s academy, so you know you’re in extremely safe (and healing) hands.
Angsana boasts an exquisite setting with only four treatment rooms each equipped with gorgeous scented candles, a shower, and a toilet, meaning you have plenty of personal space to relax and unwind in comfort. You’ll begin your treatment by enjoying a little tray of herbal tea and fresh fruit, before one of the lovely therapists cocoons your feet with a hot, scented towel—at this point you’ll already be impressed!
Each treatment uses products with flower and fruit extracts, so you’ll likely come out smelling as fresh as a daisy or perhaps something more exotic. A 60-minute fusion or dream full body massage will cost you $900, making Angsana more affordable than some of its hotel counterparts. Of course, you could always push the boat out and cover yourself in golden sparkles with the Glitter Golden Bliss treatment for $2,000!
Angsana Spa, 9/F, Hotel Icon, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3400 1052
Perched on the seventy-second floor of the W Hong Kong, Bliss Spa offers a fun, young, and trendy setting in which to enjoy sensational views of Victoria Harbour and some pretty delicious treatments to boot.
Aside from the highly Instagrammable double chocolate pedicure ($650 for 60 minutes), which invites you to dip your toes in melted chocolate, the spa menu features a full series of treatments including facials, massages, waxing, pedicure, and manicure, as well as an aroma steam room, dry sauna, and ultra-luxurious lounges to relax in.
Up there with the other hotel spas on the higher end of the price range, Bliss is a go-to for a very special treat, with a 75-minute Bliss aroma body massage setting you back $1,560, and a 30-minute oxygen blast facial costing $795. And if you need a bit more convincing, then the spa’s famous brownie buffet bar might just swing it!
Bliss Spa, 72/F, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3717 2797
Spanning two entire floors of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Oriental Spa is rated as one of Asia’s top spas, and it’s not hard to see why. Conveniently situated in the heart of Central, the award-winning facility provides a blissful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
As well as featuring an indoor swimming pool, relaxation lounges, men’s Turkish hammam, and women’s Moroccan rasul, the spa also has 15 treatment rooms, a VIP sanctuary suite, Pilates studio, and Ashtanga yoga studio—so whatever your idea of relaxation is, you’re sure to find it here.
You get what you pay for, so chilling here does not come cheap, with 90-minute body massages and signature spa therapies starting from $1,700—best save this one for a very special occasion.
The Oriental Spa, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central | (+852) 2132 0188
With over 12,000 square feet of space and 14 treatment rooms—several of which boast magnificent views of Victoria Harbour—the Peninsula Spa takes pampering to a whole new level of luxury.
The Spa combines Oriental, Ayurvedic, and European techniques to revitalise your mind, body, and soul, all offered within a lavish setting that fuses traditional Chinese elements with contemporary flair. Rustic woods, warm tones of marble, and soft golden lighting work together to create a luxurious, yet earthy feel which instantly brings your stress levels down to a mellow low.
Of course, luxury does not come cheap, with a 90-minute aromatherapy massage costing $1,700 and a 90-minute rejuvenation facial setting you back a hefty $1,980. If you want to go all out, then the 70-minute Khushali Himalayan crystal salt scrub comes in at $1,380 (though it does sound kind of fabulous). However, if you’re on a budget and still really want to experience luxury at its finest, you can always opt for an eyelash & eyebrow tint for a more affordable $200.
The Peninsula Spa, The Peninsula Hong Kong, 22 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 2920 288
Also topping the list of luxury hotel spas is the Four Seasons Spa which covers more than 22,000 square foot of space and features 17 treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, crystal steam and rhassoul chamber, soft sauna, indoor pool, and vitality lounge. As if that’s not enough to lure you through the doors, there’s also a pedicure lounge with built-in foot baths and private TV sets.
As a world-renowned beauty and wellness facility, it’s hardly surprising that the spa goes all out when it comes to its treatments, with a whole host of goodies on the menu such as Reiki crystal healing ($2,630 for 120 minutes), chi mineral therapy ($4,000 for 120 minutes), and 90-minute body massages starting from $1,840.
If you really have the urge to splurge, then the private treatment rooms are definitely worth a visit—especially when you get to enjoy your own private Jacuzzi while overlooking Victoria Harbour. Now, how’s that for star treatment?
Four Seasons Spa, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central | (+852) 3196 8888
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