Serene in the city: relaxing in Hong Kongs best spas

Home to one of Asia’s largest – and most competitive – spa scenes, Hong Kong is the ultimate city for a pamper-break.?From express pedicures to bespoke traditional therapies, Hong Kong’s day spas offer every treatment under the sun, and with most spas now operating until 11pm (or later), it’s easier than ever to squeeze in some luxury downtime during a city break.

If you find yourself in need of a bit of relaxation after a long day of pavement pounding, you won't go wrong with these?picks for the best spas in Hong Kong.

Spa at Ritz-Carlton

Vibe: Sky-high indulgence

The ear-popping discomfort of ascending 116 floors to the world’s highest spa (just two levels below the world’s highest bar) is wholly worth it for the exquisite views from the relaxation room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Of course, the Spa at Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong’s roster of East-meets-West therapies designed by ESPA are just as enticing. Arrive early to test drive the sauna and tropical rain shower in the sleek changing rooms.

Must try: the Lava Shell Body Treatment using heated tiger-clam shells as a massage aid is a novel alternative to a standard hot stone massage.

MiraSpa

Vibe: Futuristic Roman bathhouse

Concealed in the basement?of Hong Kong’s first design hotel, the state-of-the-art MiraSpa is a soothing subterranean oasis dominated by a 25m infinity pool. Other standout features include a relaxing waterbed ‘lounge’, a special ‘aura room’ designed to combat the effects of jetlag and an enormous nail bar stocked with every hue imaginable.

Must try: the Mira Journey leads guests through a dreamy, customised experience of salt scrubs, a four-handed massage and a decadent facial.

Spa L’Occitane

Vibe: Affordable French touch

A more accessible alternative to Hong Kong’s super high-end hotel spas, Spa L’Occitane is a little piece of Provence on Hong Kong Island. The complimentary petits fours, bunches of lavender decorating the newly-renovated, minimalist-chic treatment rooms and French-themed indulgences such as the 'Journey to Provence' make you feel like you’re there – at least for an hour or two.

Must try: the Immortelle Divine Secret to Everlasting Youth promises distinctly younger-looking skin (very convincingly).

Bliss Spa

Vibe: Playful pampering

Asia’s first – and currently only – Bliss Spa upholds the US brand’s attitude-free wellness philosophy with its firmly tongue-in-cheek treatments and quirky setting. You can watch a movie with your manicure, stop by the brownie bar after your ‘Blissage’, and cap off your visit with a soak in the hot tub in the?locker room. The views over Victoria Harbour and West Kowloon from the 72nd floor of the W Hong Kong aren’t bad, either.

Must try: the Deep-Sea Detox is designed to promote lymph drainage and replenish minerals for a truly ‘see worthy’ body.

The Mandarin Spa

Vibe: Traditional Chinese luxury

While its decadent 1930s Shanghai-style setting hints at the traditional Chinese system-boosting remedies (from cupping to moxibustion) on offer at the ultra-luxe Mandarin Oriental Spa, you can also play it conventional with an Eve Lom or Gaylia Kristensen facial. The massage menu spans the four corners of the Orient, including a full-body massage using warm bamboo to knead and stretch the muscles, but it’s almost worth visiting for the Chinese herbal steam room alone.

Must try: the?Imperial Jade Ritual uses cool jade rollers to lift and tone the skin. Gents can book in for some old school pampering at the Mandarin Barber.

I-Spa

Vibe: Ultimate zen

One of the only feng shui-friendy spas in Hong Kong, it’s all about positive design flow and serious relaxation at Intercontinental Hong Kong's I-Spa. Each of its spa suites has a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam shower, and by signing up for one of their full-day programmes, non-hotel guests also gain access to the state-of-the-art fitness centre and infinity pool that seems to?spill into the harbour (read: incredible views). Yoga and tai chi classes are held on the pool terrace.

Must try: the three-hour Five Elements Ritual, harnessing the five elements of feng shui, includes a gold-infused oil massage.

Hermitage Spa

Vibe: Elegant escape

Another great substitute to the city’s uber-luxe pamper palaces, the tastefully decorated Hermitage Spa offers a tranquil escape from the bustle ofHong Kong's Central district. Drop by for an express manicure or a spot of laser hair removal, or carve out some extra time to indulge in one of their long list of signature Epionce facials.

Must try: the Red Carpet package, which includes an Epionce Signature Renewal Facial and a traditional Chinese foot massage, is the perfect primer for a night out.

Chuan Spa

Vibe: Sublime?sleepover

One of only two luxury spas?in Hong Kong where you can stay the night (the other being the Grand Hyatt’s Plateau Residential Spa), the Langham Place hotel's Chuan Spa treatments begin with a complimentary tri-bathing ritual, after which you're?led down a candlelit staircase for one of 60 holistic therapies based on the ancient Chinese five-elements practice. After that, you can simply roll into your Chuan Residence bed.