As we all know, life in Hong Kong can be a little hectic. The daily grind, cramped commutes and hours spent hunching over technology can combine to become the main cause of not only emotional stress, but also physical tension. Needless to say, massages are a must if you want to truly relax and revitalise your tired body. Enter one such massage that focuses on the soothing art of aromatherapy at The Spa at Base Camp, located inside Kerry Hotel.
The Treatment: Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage
Pressure: Light–Medium
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Products:
Organic, sustainable and hand-harvested ingredients form the base of all Zents products, including the oils used in this massage. Born from the need to heal, Zents has been mindfully formulated for those with scent sensitivities, resulting in aromas that are gentle yet stimulating. Prior to my treatment, I was invited to choose my preferred aroma, so that they could soothe my soul and shoulders with a scent that fits my exact need. Here, four scents are offered; warming Mandarin (with ginger and cardamon), energising Oolong (with lavender and lime), sensual Ore, (with orris, ylang ylang and spicy clove), and the oil of choice for my massage: calming Sun, a blend of vanilla, sandalwood and amber.
Service:
My own personal frustration with massages has always been the amount of pressure used for all that rubbing and kneading of my body. Most times, it’s simply too painful; other times, it’s even reduced me to tears. I’m sure I’m just the wimp in these situations, but it sure is comforting to know that I can select the amount of pressure I prefer prior to my treatment, and that’s exactly what The Spa at Base Camp offered me. I simply ticked the two boxes that indicated a light to medium pressure and my massage therapist did the rest. What’s more, I could even cross out the areas that are too sensitive to touch, or where there are any injuries; reducing any risk of painful or even awkward massage moments.
Environment:
The spa’s back-to-basics theme has been set to feel like an escape from the bustling city. And it certainly feels that way, but only after you get past the reception area (where I filled out my consultation form) which sits next to the gym pumping loud, motivating music. Thereafter, it is indeed relaxing with a design concept made up of natural materials. Dark wood, bamboo and stone are used across the walls and décor of the three private ensuite treatment rooms and VIP couples suite. Base Camp facilities are open to club members and hotel guests, which include the gym, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and outdoor swimming pool. The showers provide full sets of toiletries, towels and bathroom amenities that feature Zents products, too.
Experience:
The massage began on my front, where I took deep breaths to take in the aromatherapy oil that I had chosen. Filled with warm base notes and a lingering zest of summer sun, I became calm and most importantly, relaxed. My body naturally began to sink into the bed as she worked my body using Swedish massage techniques that aim to reduce muscle tension and increase circulation. Working diligently from my back, arms, legs, feet and hands, I was blown away by how my massage therapist loosened it all up. It may not have been a deep tissue massage that I went for, but I could definitely feel that some (if not most) knots were released during the process. The almost hypnotic experience seemed to end all too soon as I came to my senses and headed off to shower in the modern and airy changing rooms.
After the treatment, I headed straight to the spacious outdoor terrace which leads to the infinity pool and lounge areas. There's an impressive view of the harbour and considering the perfect weather Hong Kong was having that day -- it would have been a crime not to lounge a little and enjoy it fully. It didn’t take long until I was feeling fully rejuvenated and ready to tackle my next challenge: The challenge of booking in my next spa appointment at Base Camp.
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