The first international branded spa in the New Territories, the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Sha Tin's Melo Spa, is worth the journey. It has spacious, well-appointed suites and is decked out in tasteful shades of light and dark brown that echo the backdrop of the mountains outside. Shell and bamboo furnishings further serve to bring the outside indoors. With a large whirlpool bathtub, oversized rain shower cubicle, lounge and changing area, the suite also boasts a roomy balcony.
Irish organic peat is said to help eliminate toxins and reduce the appearance of cellulite, and a therapist pours liquefied peat into a tub of hot water for my soak. The tub's whirlpool function further enhances the experience. I lie back for half an hour in the bubbling, steamy, mud-coloured water and enjoy the sensation of my skin slowly becoming softer as time passes.
Then the Lavender Detox Therapy begins. This is a treatment that also promises to diminish cellulite. Melo Spa has recently partnered with Irish spa brand Voya, which develops products using natural ingredients such as indigenous hand-harvested seaweed, sea salt and essential oils. All of the spa's newly launched detox treatments incorporate these products.
First, an organic seaweed, lavender bud and sugar body polish is gently scrubbed onto skin to remove unwanted cells.
After rinsing it off in the generously proportioned shower (the spa features products from June Jacobs, a US brand based on plant extracts), I return to a pleasantly warmed treatment table for a brown marine algae body wrap, which not only detoxifies, but also moisturises skin.
Tightly wrapped in plastic to hold the seaweed in place and further cocooned in a hot blanket, I start to feel quite clammy after about 10 minutes. So the scalp massage provides a welcome distraction.
A refreshing shower follows, and a glass of water flavoured with cucumber, mint, lemon and orange to rehydrate you after the sweat-inducing wrap. I glance at my reflection in the full-length mirror next to the dressing table.
