Celebrity Life

There are several things that we can never seem to get enough of -- time, energy and sleep come to mind immediately -- but we'd have to add spa treatments to the list. Nothing gives you absolute bliss quite like a visit to the spa does, surrendering yourself completely to a couple hours of relaxation and walking away restored and revived. So when boutique wellness retreat Elu Spa opened its doors in Central, we were the first to sign up and test out what this little sanctuary in Central could do for our mind, body and soul.

The Treatment: Signature Indulgence Treatment
Duration: 120 minutes
Price: HK$3,000

Products

[caption id="attachment_162900" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Take your pick from Aromatherapy Associates essential oils.[/caption]

The Signature Indulgence Treatment is split into two halves, beginning with a full body massage followed by the spa’s acclaimed gemstone facial. To select the body oil, I was presented with a blind test whereby I chose a light and earthy scent for the treatment; I later found out it was a therapeutic blend of vetiver, chamomile and ylang ylang by Aromatherapy Associates. As for the facial, the skincare brand of choice is Éminence. The organic skincare brand’s entire range is all-natural and free of parabens, animal by-products, colourants and fragrances which is gentle enough for even my hypersensitive and easily irritable skin.

Service

The moment you arrive, you’ll need a quick moment to readjust to the peaceful aura of the space, a stark contract from the outside world. I was greeted by tan attentive staff member who escorted me to a seating area where I changed into my comfy slippers and filled out the usual forms while snacking on blueberries and sipping on lemongrass tea. Before long, I was guided to a sun room where I enjoyed a foot bath and scrub to kick off the treatment.

Environment

[caption id="attachment_162899" align="alignnone" width="5233"] Private rooms come with bathtubs for a relaxing soak.[/caption]

It’s clear why Elu used nature as its inspiration for the design of the spa. After all, it's intended to be an oasis for us urbanites. The minimalistic surrounding opens up the spaces, while the use of dark wood and lush greenery creates a calming effect to take you to a new state of relaxation. The private rooms are fitted with massage tables and a bathtub -- if you should choose to take a relaxing soak pre-treatment -- and are decorated with plants, wicker baskets and soft candlelight.

Experience

[caption id="attachment_162898" align="alignnone" width="960"] Jaedstone masks used at elu. spa[/caption]

Getting comfortable didn’t take long as I was well prepared for a well-deserved pampering. It all began with a body massage that used a combination of Swedish and neuromuscular techniques to knead out my knots. I’m guilty of not stretching after workouts, so I suffer from tightness around my shoulders and back. I was pleasantly surprised that the massage was a lot less painful than what I had anticipated, and I even comfortable enough to fall asleep for a little while.

Next up was the much talked-about gemstone facial mask. The masks are made of semi-precious gems like rose quartz, jade, amethyst, quartz and black obsidian, each crystal possessing its own healing properties. Almost like a chainmail mask (except infinitely more luxurious), a cold rose quartz mask was blanketed on my face above the treatment essence that was earlier applied.

The cooling effects of the stones assist with lymphatic drainage, reduce water retention and product absorption. What amazed me most was the comfort that came from the weight of the mask, touching on pressure points I've never paid attention to. After the soak was done, the therapist used stone rollers to further massage the potent serum deep into my skin. By then, the holistic spa session had to come to a close and it was time to step back into harsh reality.

The post Spa Review: A Head-to-Toe Pampering at Elu Spa appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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.

[caption id="attachment_208117" align="alignnone" width="1480"] The relaxing aromatherapy massage at The Spa features Zents, a brand that uses organic ingredients and luxurious formulations.[/caption]

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.

[gallery ids="145018,145021,145024"]

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.

[gallery ids="145026,145028"]

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.

The post Spa Review: Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage at Kerry Hotel’s Spa at Base Camp appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Get the best of both worlds on your next trip to Phuket.

The post Spa at Amatara Resorts Phuket combines Turkish hammam with Thai massage appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Get the best of both worlds on your next trip to Phuket.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

After our amazing (but very busy) second day at The Krka National Park and Fresh Island Festival, day three in Croatia was aaaaall about relaxation!...

The post Croatia Day Three | Secret Beaches and Sea View Massages | #AAAinCroatia appeared first on xameliax.