Celebrity Life

Cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturise and apply sunscreen. Most of us have our daily skin care regimen down to a T (for T zone), but there are times when you just need a bit of extra help from the professionals. That’s why we headed to the Intercontinental’s I-Spa to inject a little life back into our dull, post-winter skin and here’s what we found.

The Treatment: Youth Intensive Facial

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Products

If you’re going to trust any kind of skin care product, go with a brand that's backed by science and research. At I-Spa, they’ve opted for Parisian brand Sothys, which was founded over 70 years ago by medical biologist Dr. Hotz. These days, scientists collaborate with universities and laboratories to formulate products that combine technology and well-being -- one of which has resulted in the Youth Intensive Treatment at I-Spa. The facial includes a total of six products from this line for exfoliation, lifting and dermo-filling. Here, core ingredients such as saffron, sophora, and peptides claim to help slow down the ageing process while stimulating skin cell regeneration. The products felt light on the skin and held a delicate scent, nothing too overpowering. I was asked to allow the product to fully absorb into the skin even after the treatment was complete, and I was pleasantly surprised by how dewy and refreshed my face felt for the rest of the day.

[caption id="attachment_142687" align="alignnone" width="720"] The Youth Intensive Treatment (and line of Youth creams) by Sothys claim it can turn back the clock on your skin.[/caption]

Service

One of the things that can be a little bothersome, even before you set foot in the treatment room, are the forms you need to fill in. At I-Spa, this consisted of a very short consultation form and instead, the therapist spent more time with me to ask about my current skincare routine and possible sensitive areas. She also gave a detailed explanation about the treatment products, procedure and expected results. It was good to know that not only was I was in safe, knowledgable hands, but that the treatment procedure was geared towards my preferences and skin condition. The execution of the double serum face massage was also incredibly effective with firm yet relaxing massage movements throughout.

[caption id="attachment_142686" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Infinity spa pools offers a striking view of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour for further relaxation with all spa experiences.[/caption]

Environment

The spa décor is pared back and simple, with a marble design that looks refined but slightly dated. However, I forgot this as soon as I entered the dimly-lit rooms, which are spacious and feel calming just the same. Each private spa suite comes with its own sauna, steam shower, whirlpool bathtub and massage facilities to enable a full-on luxury spa experience. For further wellness, the gym is open 24 hours and a large outdoor swimming pool offers a terrace, while the infinity spa pools show off a stunning view overlooking Victoria Harbour.

[caption id="attachment_142683" align="alignnone" width="1417"] There are 7 steps in the Youth Intensive Treatment which includes cleansing, exfoliation, toning, face massage, youth modelling, mask and finishing.[/caption]

Experience

I entered the private spa suite after sipping a warm cup of mint tea, so it felt like the perfect temperature as I disrobed, though I was maybe a tiny bit too warm as I slipped under the cashmere blanket. But as my body temperature dropped during the treatment, I was extremely grateful for it in the end.

After cleansing of the face and neck was complete, a two-step exfoliation process ensued with light pinching movements, which is said to better prepare the skin for absorption. Warm mitts were used in removing lotions and pastes, which not only felt great but also ensured the skin was completely clean. The facial then moved on to toning, before a simultaneously relaxing and invigorating face massage was performed. My therapist’s movements were firm yet thoughtful, as she lifted and contoured the skin around key areas such as the forehead, around eyes and lips, and the neck and décolletage. More youth modelling followed, along with a short massage on the neck and nape, too.

During the face mask elements of the treatment, my therapist kindly explained when she was going to cover my face or would gently tap to indicate her next movements. Experience, I’m sure, told her that some may feel sensitive when certain areas (especially around the eyes) are treated. I rested assured as I was in competent hands, and I drifted off naturally during a scalp massage. It was only when the finishing touches, with serum and moisturiser, were applied that I finally awoke and thanked her for skilled application.

Feeling fresh-faced, I returned to the the real world and was immediately complemented for my glowing skin. "That’ll be the facial", I told them, but when I think back to my experience, it most definitely was more than that. The Youth Intensive Treatment at I-Spa, with optional quick nap, is the “facial workout” that your face needs as much as your body requires the gym.

The post Spa Review: The Youth Intensive Treatment at InterContinental’s I-Spa appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The treatment: Breathe & Detox Treatment

Duration: 90 Minutes

Products

One thing that makes The Mandarin Spa so special is that its products are exclusive to Mandarin Oriental. All the bathroom amenities, as well as the spa products, are by Flourish, the brand designed for MO properties around the globe. For this particular treatment, a blind test was conducted so that I could select the scent I felt was more soothing without the influence of botanical names. I chose the lemon and lemongrass, a blend of essential oils combining healing powers, which stimulate movement of the lymphatic system, detoxification and the reduction of water retention.

Service

Upon arrival, I’m welcomed by warm hellos and a hot cup of jasmine tea. Slippers are brought for me to change into, and the attentive receptionist introduces me to the therapist that will be looking after me for the afternoon. She gives me a brief introduction of the facilities and the treatment I’m about to try before we head down to the 23rd floor, where all the treatment rooms are located. Once in the luxurious spa suite, more tea (except this time lavender), detox juice and ice water awaits. I thought nothing at the time, but it turns out that following the treatment you desperately need to rehydrate -- how thoughtful!

Environment

There’s something very tranquil about The Mandarin Spa. Keeping in style with the hotel, its interiors and décor honour the Oriental heritage it's built upon with Chinese accents visible throughout. The wellness centre is spread over three floors spanning 2,100 square meters, and it boasts a Chinese herbal steam room, jacuzzi, tepidarium (warm Roman bath), indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, tea lounge, sauna and nine treatment rooms that include two spa suites with private vitality pools. Guests are invited to arrive 45 minutes before their scheduled appointment to luxuriate in these facilities offered to them. The Mandarin Salon is also part of this little oasis on the 24th floor.

Experience

Part I: Halotheraphy & Infrared Sauna

The treatment begins with a 30-minute relaxation period in the spa suite. I'm invited to enjoy the halotherapy, a treatment which involves breathing in salty air to mimic the conditions of a salt cave, where the sodium is said to improve respiratory and skin conditions, and infrared sauna to enhance my metabolism. Sitting nude in a little wooden and glass box might feel rather odd at first, but after the first few minutes I ease in and start to enjoy a good sweat. Relaxing it may be, but perhaps some sort of audio would have made the experience slightly less awkward. Before I know it, the 30 minutes are up as the timer inside the box indicates. Next I'm off to the steam and shower room to refresh and wash away the sweat and salt buildup.

Part II: Lymphatic Massage

With the sound and vibrations of a singing bowl and a deep inhale of my selected essential oil blend, my treatment begins. As I lie face down, the therapist works her way from my neck and shoulders down to my feet. It’s time to turn over: Unlike other lymphatic massages that I’ve experienced before, the therapist explains to me the importance of massaging the abdominal area and that this will be her concentration. I’m not usually a fan of tummy massages, as I’ve always worried about pressure on my organs. But her technical knowledge and technique so far reassure me and I allow her to locate the pressure points on my torso and the rest of my body. Aligned with my breathing, she presses in on my exhales -- with every breath relieving tension in the tummy area and promoting lymphatic drainage -- a strange, unfamiliar feeling that was surprisingly comforting.

Moving on, using a traditional gua sha tool, she applies pressure on points of my neck, chin and temples, then scrapes across my cheekbones, jaw and forehead to stimulate circulation and drain facial toxins. I’m in disbelief as I hear the sound of the singing bowl once again, ending my treatment -- how had 60 minutes gone by so quickly? The saying that time flies when you’re having fun (or in this case, being pampered from head to toe) comes to mind. I’m reminded to drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day to flush out all the impurities before the therapist politely retreats to allow me some privacy to fully revive and dress.

The intimate relaxation room is made available for those who wish to linger for just a while longer while they mentally prepare to be thrown back into reality. Knowing myself to be a sloth, I peel myself off the recliner and make my way out before being sucked in for the rest of the day.

Takeaways from the experience? One, abdominal massages aren’t as scary as I thought. Two, drinking copious amounts of water beforehand really reaps better results. And lastly, The Mandarin Spa is one of the city’s best wellness retreats to melt away stress -- even if it is just for 90 minutes.

The post Spa Review: The Mandarin Spa’s Breathe & Detox Treatment appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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