What it involves

I was offered tea while I waited for my therapist, and also asked to complete a form – the usual routine for a spa visit. I tried the “signature indulgence” (HK$3,000 for two hours), which features a jade stone facial and full-body massage. While I was waiting, I noticed the display products – Éminence Organics and Aromatherapy Associates, one of my favourite body and bath brands. I was later told that Elu Spa strives to stay organic and chemical-free, which is great if you have sensitive skin or are conscious about what goes onto your skin.

5 express workouts and go-to spa treatments for your lunch break

The top yoga and meditation spots in the world’s hardest-working cities

Plus points are given to the decor – floor-to-ceiling wood elements beautifully decorated with flowers and fronds, while stylish coffee-table books add a fashionable dimension to the waiting area. There is also a bar section where you can get something to drink and a nibble. I must mention the slick toilet, where the taps at the sink and shower come in a Pinterest-worthy black design.

What it’s like

It started off with a foot soak, which, surprisingly, was done in water at room temperature. I have always had soaks in scalding water and often have to tell the therapist to add cold water. There was no need to do so this time. I was a bit worried my feet were not clean enough, but the therapist seemed satisfied.

That took place in another part of the spa, and afterwards I was promptly taken to the spa room. I was asked to disrobe in the small room, and I thought it was a bit odd to have all my clothes hanging off a single hook – what happens in winter when you’re wearing several layers? I was also uncomfortable about leaving my underwear out like that for all to see.

What’s a karma-releasing spa treatment like?

These thoughts occupied my mind as I lay face down. The therapist came in and started the head-to-toe massage with Aromatherapy Associates’ essential oil blends. I was told that I would be asked to pick a blend based on how I was feeling that day, but it didn’t happen. Not that I minded – I fell asleep pretty quickly (and might have snored a fair bit, too). The therapist used a mixture of Swedish and “neuromuscular” techniques, said to promote blood circulation and ease out stress knots in the muscles.

When the massage ended, the therapist told me the jade stone facial would start shortly and would involve the use of Éminence Organics, which are entirely natural and free of any animal by-products (a plus point if you’re a vegan), parabens, synthetic colourants and fragrances. Because I had said that I have sensitive skin, the therapist said she would go gently on my skin and skip the exfoliating step.

And “gently” was the order of the day. Once my skin was cleansed and toned, the therapist worked on my under eye with a jade roller, then ended the treatment by placing a mask made entirely from rose quartz on my face after slathering on a layer of cream. The cool sensation was rather relaxing.

Things to note

I asked the spa later about the advantages of using jade stone for a facial, and the benefits sounded fantastic: “It encourages lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness. For the eye area we’ve used the jade roller, which is cool, and also more gentle, to avoid pulling and tugging. The Rose Quartz mask applied near the end of the treatment helps calm and soothes skin.”

Germaphobes can rest easy, too. The spa said: “We wash all tools thoroughly after every treatment, with gentle soap, brush and air dry [technique].”

We review Fivelements Habitat in Hong Kong

Conclusion

I was enamoured by the spa’s atmosphere, and am keen to return and try other treatments. I am not sure if the two-hour treatment I tried is worth the price, though; I felt claustrophobic in the tiny room, but that could have been because of its central location, and the all-too-brief application of the jade stone mask during the facial. I rate the massage five out of five, the facial three.

Elu Spa, 7/F, 46 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong.

The signature indulgence treatment is available on appointment for HK$3,000 for two hours.

Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.