Couples therapy
Read our other features:
Leave me alone
Couples therapy
Time to sparty
The Weird World of Spas
Couples therapy. No – we’re not advocating sitting in front of a marriage counsellor, talking about feelings and why he or she does ‘that’. Rather, we’re referring to the indulgent world of couple spa treatments – where you and your beloved can escape to a romantic dream world filled with magical massages and fine facials.
Spas designed for couples are becoming increasingly popular across town. And it’s not difficult to see why – they’re the ultimate bonding experience for the time-strapped, passion seeking pair. Dinner has been done to death, and right now it’s far too cold for long romantic walks on the beach or in the rain. And, unless you’re 15 and going on a first date with the girl you really, really like, who sits in front of you in Maths class, a day at the theme park is probably not going to do the trick.
The couples treatments available today are so ridiculously varied that there’s literally something for everyone: some are like a mini-getaway without the hassles of travel; others include adventures on the high sea; and then there are the classics, featuring floating rose petals and soothing scrubs. But despite the almost overwhelming range of treatments and ambiences on the market, rest assured that couples spas everywhere all excel in one thing: creating the perfect environment for bonded bliss, where you and your partner can connect over the shared experience of being spoiled and pampered, leaving only two things left to argue about – whose massage was better, and who drunk the last of the complimentary champagne.
If you’re still not convinced, check out a few of the spas that we’ve selected, close your eyes, and imagine yourself being induced into a heavenly coma together with your loved one. Of course, if you need any other excuse to indulge, February 14 might just be it. Valentine’s Day always creeps up so fast.
Plateau Spa at the Grand Hyatt
1 Harbour Road, Central, 2588 1234; hongkong.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas
In amongst the 80,000 square feet of this enormous spa – a tranquil setting of fountains, pools and waterfalls, and seemingly never ending treatment rooms – there is a sanctuary for couples. From Plateau Spa’s deluxe harbour view treatment room, you and your partner can sip welcoming herbal tea whilst enjoying the spectacular, sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and the Central skyline, before getting down to business – massage therapy. Spread yourself across king size Japanese futons and exquisite Egyptian cotton duvets and select your desired treatment: the spa’s signature Plateau range of facials ($980/75mins) and massages ($1,250/90mins) are on the menu, as well as various all over bodily treatments. And then, when you’re done, immerse yourself in the immense infinity bath tub or rain shower and let any final, remaining tension dissolve away.
Landmark Mandarin Oriental
15 Queen’s Road Central, The Landmark, Central, 2132 0011; www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark/spa
Amethyst crystal steam showers, a large tub, enormous, immaculate futons, and luxurious dual massage beds in a pristine, minimalist, Eastern design. In short, a room of disgusting indulgence to be shared only with your partner. Rightly, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental prides itself on having some of the finest couple specific rooms in the city – the aptly-named Sanctuary Suite is proof of that. Locked away in this private haven, everything is prepared for you with the Couples Orient package ($5,230* per couple/225min), a specially-tailored full range treatment for both him and her, which includes a foot ritual, body scrub, massage, spa refreshment and facial. After you’re done, get into the vitality tub and let your muscles surrender to the oh-so soothing water.
Victorian spa at Disneyland
Level 1, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Lantau Island, 3510 6388; www.victorianspa.com.hk
Surrounded by American Main Street, terrifying, oversized ducks, and screaming, screeching children, chances are both your physical and mental wellbeing are already being tested to their limits. But, thankfully, the Victorian Spa at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel offers no Mickey Mouse treatment, even avoiding the temptation of Disney-inspired décor. Rather, true to its name, the spa has gone Victorian, its amenities featuring period touches perfect for a romantic escape from toy town. Once you enter one of three exclusive couples treatment rooms for the comprehensive Exotic Victorian Indulgence ($4,400 per couple/180min), you’re in a fantasy (or perhaps Fantasia) world. You start with a foot ritual and exfoliating lime and ginger salt glow treatment. Then the spa turns the romance up a notch, providing you with a rose-petal bath, nourishing milk bath and Elemis Express facial, finishing with the highlight – the Aroma Stone massage. Now who’s taking the mickey?
V Spa at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel
Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, Taipa, Macau, (853) 2882 8882; www.venetianmacao.com/en/show/the_v_spa
The tender gondolier’s serenade resonating beneath the impeccably blue sky – is there anything more sickeningly romantic (or kitsch) than a gondola ride through the canals of Venice? Perhaps. Although the journey at the Venetian Macao is not quite the authentic experience Sheldon Adelson may have hoped for, it’s still a wonderful way to commence an afternoon of affection. The V Spa’s Romantic Interlude package ($4,400** per couple/180min) begins on the gentle ripples of the Venetian’s Grand Canal, followed by a lavish spa treatment in the contemporary Oriental couple’s room, where you and your partner will receive delightful pampering in the form of a body scrub, Body Bliss massage, and facial to suit your now ultra-relaxed face. O solo mio…
Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel
1 Castle Peak Rd, Castle Peak Bay, Kowloon, 2452 8833; www.goldcoasthotel.com.hk
Sometimes, getting away from it all is the only proper remedy for a relationship. The Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, hidden away near Castle Peak Bay in ten acres of lush gardens, is about as far away from it all you can get in Hong Kong, without taking a boat that is. And its Spa and Champagne Accommodation Package ($1,998 per couple/) is the perfect escape from the city’s stresses, smog and sounds. Overlooking Golden Beach, you’ll be treated to a glass of champagne in your Superior Seaview Room (where you’ll stay overnight) and then, what you’re really here for – spa therapy (120mins). You can choose from the Body Silk Scrub, Body Foam Massage & Wrap or the Body Silk Scrub and Revitalising Facial, to suit your particular spa fetish. Cheekily, the package only includes treatment for one person, so you’ll have to dish out an extra $1,200 for both you and your partner to get those aches straightened out. It’s a small price to pay to avoid any serenity-destroying jealousy.
Read our other features:
Leave me alone
Couples therapy
Time to sparty
The Weird World of Spas



Add your comment