What exactly is a spa? Originally the word spa was taken from the name of the famous mineral springs in Spa, Belgium where the mineral water springs had medicinal properties.

In a fast-paced city like Hong Kong, spas offer the chance to escape for a short time and relax in a calming haven of fluffy robes, pampering and a break from the frenetic pace of city life.

We've chosen some of our favourites among the top spas in Hong Kong, with a range of enticing treatments, and some of the reasons why we enjoy them so much.

Best Results

I-Spa at the InterContinental Hong Kong

Open for 10 years but expanded and renovated in October 2002, I-Spa at the Hotel Intercontinental is state-of-the-art and interestingly, designed entirely around the principles of feng shui. I-Spa features luxury private spa suites, each with its own private jacuzzi, sauna, steam shower and massage facilities for men and women.

In 2004, the upgrade paid off, and I-Spa was voted the Top Spa in Hong Kong 2004 in the Spa Finder Readers' Choice Award. In the same year, it was also named one of the Top Ten Romantic Spa Experiences by AsiaSpa Magazine.

Being a hotel spa, it includes treatments to soothe travel-related stresses such as the Jet Lag Relief Programme, designed to relieve swelling, water retention and aches (HK$1,350). It also offers Oriental Healing treatments including the Chinese Herbal Wrap ($900) and the Almond and Soya Body Scrub to exfoliate and nourish skin ($400).

I-Spa also advocates result-driven treatments, such as the Lift 6® Cosmécaneque Non-surgical Face Lift ($500 for a 35-minute session) which "stimulates and tightens the skin" as well as the M6® Cellulite Treatment for body slimming and contouring ($600).

Best European Spa

SE SPA

Contact Information: In our spa directory

Founded by Swedish sisters, SE Spa & Salon is Hong Kong’s first European organic spa, offering pure and natural top-to-toe pampering. Its philosophy is to make all guests instantly see and feel different from inside out after having a full retreat at SE.

The European-style spa is located at 10/F Centrium Building, Central. The 2500+ square feet centre is decorated using organic elements from all-natural wood, colours and stones. The environment gives all guests a truly relaxed feeling with a European touch. The centre is divided up into the spa area and the hair salon area, where guests can receive premium spa services and hair treatments. The five treatment rooms are named “Aqua,” “Relax,” “Rejuvenate,” “Regenerate” and “Refresh.”

The SE Organic Facial ($1200, 60-70 mins) uses specific European style treatment techniques specially designed by Susan Yarbug, the Spa Director. The first step is the Swedish back massage which revitalizes the senses and makes your skin more receptive to the organic treatment products. This is followed by the organic facial, which involves a natural deep cleansing to reveal smooth and glowing skin. This is followed by a face massage that will ease your mind and spirit. The treatment is finished with your personal prescription treatment mask to give your skin a healthier, smoother complexion.

The SE Hair Treatment ($500, 30 mins) is comprised by a professional hair consultation. Then the hair treatment is started using different Swedish head massage techniques, followed by shampooing and intensive hair treatment. A Hair Spa is used to maximize the essential ingredients in the hair treatment and to relax the client for a further 20 minutes. Finally the SE hair stylist will finish the hair treatment with a customized blow-dry and styling service.

Best Facials

Clarins at the Peninsula Spa

Contact Information: In our spa directory

The Peninsula Spa is an oasis of luxury in Kowloon. Its gym, sun terrace, whirlpools, steam room, sauna and cold plunge pool are complemented by a Roman-themed swimming pool with an incredible city view of Hong Kong island.

All its renowned beauty therapies have been developed by Clarins in Paris. The signature treatment at the Peninsula Spa is the Pro-active facial ($780 for one hour) or body massage ($830 for one hour). Both promise to improve blood circulation, reduce water retention, contour face or body shape and help to remove toxins from the lymphatic system.