CBD therapy, Ayurveda treatments, gong baths: the latest wellness spa trends and where to enjoy them in Hong Kong
- CBD sleep therapy gives us a blissful night’s rest, gong baths are like aural Valium, and having your abdomen massaged with therapeutic mud is weirdly relaxing
- A mind spa adds meditation, hypnotherapy and drawing to the usual facial and massage, while an Ayurveda experience is so relaxing it’s like you’re in a coma
Wellness is having a moment thanks to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Home workouts have become the norm, mindfulness apps continue to attract millions of new users each month and the world’s most lauded wellness retreats have reopened with new treatments and programmes designed to make life more manageable.
We’ve taken a look at the latest trends across the industry and scouted where to find them in Hong Kong. Here’s our pick of hotel spas that will help you get with the programme.
What’s the trend? Cannabis-based therapies
Where to find it: Landmark Mandarin Oriental
The therapy begins with a tincture, which tastes like a strong herbal liqueur. Some will be relieved to hear it doesn’t get you stoned (the oil is non-psychoactive), others may be disappointed.
Cannabis extract CBD’s use in Hong Kong is growing – how to consume it
The only effect I noticed was that I was able to relax faster than usual, which is exactly what you want for the 90-minute massage that follows.
During the rub down, more CBD is blended with the MO’s sweet-smelling signature oils and drizzled along the spine, a few drops are massaged into the forehead and there’s a CBD-infused muscle salve for achy necks and shoulders.
I was genuinely surprised by how effective the treatment was and slept blissfully that night – although my superb therapist, Phoebe, definitely deserves some of the credit.
CBD Sleep Therapy massage costs HK$1,800 (US$230) from Monday to Friday and HK$2,000 at the weekend and public holidays; mandarinoriental.com
What’s the trend? Gong baths
Where to find it: The Peninsula
If it all sounds a bit Goop-y, take a look at the science: studies approved by the University of California have shown that these types of sound therapy can lower blood pressure and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. That makes you feel at rest, which in turn aids healing and increases a sense of well-being – and you don’t even have to know how to meditate.
Where to go after Covid-19: new hotels in Thailand, Vietnam and Australia
Banging the gong in Hong Kong is Malbert Lee, who is offering full moon gong bath meditations at The Peninsula. Group sessions take place in different areas of the hotel each month and can be twinned with a healthy Naturally Peninsula dinner.
During my session, we settled by the swimming pool (after it had closed to guests for the day) and lay on our backs with our eyes closed while Lee clanged four different gongs, including one made of titanium, sending crashing vibrating hums around the rooms. The result? Aural Valium.
Sound bath experience costs HK$400, with dinner the cost is HK$800; peninsula.com
What’s the trend? Mind spas
Where to find it: Asaya
But with travel to foreign spa sanctuaries off the cards for the foreseeable future for Hong Kong residents, Rosewood’s Asaya has stepped up with a range of one-day and two-day “wellcations” that knit together traditional spa therapies (massage, facials) with psychoanalysis, creative classes and self-discovery workshops.
For a deep dive into your mental recesses, make an appointment with the serene Kit Shum, who holds degrees in education, expressive arts therapy and behavioural health.
To really feel like you’re getting away from it all, you can also book a night in one of two Asaya lodges, which are set on the roof terrace above the spa and have private treatment rooms.
Asaya daycation starts from HK$3,750, including lunch and access to the pool and gym. Adding an overnight stay in an Asaya Lodge starts from HK$8,000; rosewood.com
What’s the trend? Women’s health optimisation
Where to find it: Ritz-Carlton
So far, we’re only seeing baby steps towards this important trend in Hong Kong – but the Ritz-Carlton has introduced a 90-minute Ladies Wellness Therapy, aimed at improving blood circulation, easing period pains and promoting female well-being.
Five of the most fun Hong Kong hotel staycation deals this summer
Centred around the womb, the treatment starts face-down with the application of a warm patch of therapeutic mud applied to the abdomen, which feels quite gooey but weirdly relaxing.
The tummy is then topped with a heat patch to maximise circulation and relax the muscles in the region, reducing any cramping, while your back, legs and shoulders are massaged.
Afterwards, sip lemon water (or champagne) and take in the views from your Queen of the World relaxation room vantage point.
90-minute Ladies Wellness Therapy costs HK$2,700 at peak times and HK$2,530 off-peak; ritzcarlton.com
What’s the trend? Ayurveda: The Science of Life
Where to find it: Four Seasons Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, the only place you will find treatments worthy of its South Asian counterparts is at the Four Seasons, which offers a two-hour and 30-minute Kizhi and Shirodhara experience.
How Ayurveda helped two women get their lives back on track
Whether you’re Vata, Kapha or Pitta determines which herbs are used and the flow of your ritual, which begins with a soothing long-stroke massage and a gentle scrub with triphala tea (containing anti-oxidant-packed Indian gooseberry), before you’re wrapped up like a samosa while warm oil is poured over your third eye chakra.
By the end, you’ll be in an almost coma-like state of relaxation. Set aside any concerns about male therapists; resident Ayurvedic specialist Shyju Valappil Palliyath comes from Kerala, the birthplace of Ayurveda, and was trained by his doctor grandfather. You couldn’t be in better hands.
Kizhi and Shirodhara starts from HK$3,300; fourseasons.com
