If your idea of a perfect day off is to escape the city without leaving it, Hong Kong's spas, salons and health clubs have treatments to give you the equivalent of a holiday in less than 24 hours.
Although most spas offer combination packages and lengthy treatments, it's the extras such as poolside lunches, saunas and sunbathing that can turn what would otherwise be a few hours' solace into a day of pure indulgence.
The Peninsula in Tsim Sha Tsui, for example, offers full- and half- day packages for non-guests to enjoy facilities such as the pool and thermal suite, as well as receive treatments.
Its Weekday Spa Escape is the most popular package, which includes a 30-minute salt and oil exfoliation for your whole body, an 80-minute aromatherapy body massage and a healthy poolside breakfast or lunch.
The HK$1,500 package (available on weekdays) includes use of the hotel swimming pool and all spa facilities, including the steam room and sauna with harbour views, as well as the relaxation areas.
'The client comes in the morning or afternoon,' says spa director Sharon Codner. After enjoying the facilities and a two-hour treatment, most people are well relaxed. 'We're looking at five hours,' says Codner. 'And it only costs HK$1,500.'
