Hong Kong is notoriously fast paced, but it’s also got a remarkably varied spa scene. That’s a relief for both jet-lagged travellers and locals, who can find a reliable, relaxing experience at any price point – from affordable foot massages to pioneering wellness treatments at luxury hotels. Your Hong Kong massage awaits…

Affordable

Ten Feet Tall

At its locations in Central and Happy Valley, Ten Feet Tall provides a range of foot, body and hand massages, with manicures and pedicures available as add-ons if you’re in need of a full refresh. The soft lighting, contemporary decor and plush massage sofas make this a tempting choice for weary urbanites in need of an hour’s respite from the Hong Kong hustle.

20/F & 21/F, L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central; +852 2971 1010

Tai Pan Reflexology Parlour

If you’ve been pounding pavements, refresh your aching toes at the 1940s-inspired Tai Pan Reflexology Parlour on Tsim Sha Tsui’s Nathan Road. Its signature foot massage begins with a soothing leg soak as you unwind in a vintage barber’s chair, before an energising reflexology treatment that’s designed to release tension and unblock energy flow. Linger over refreshments at Tai Pan’s very own tea lounge before heading back into the fray of TST.

B/F, 83 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2301 1990

Gao’s Foot Massage

Don’t be fooled by the name: while Gao’s does indeed offer excellent reflexology, you’ll also find traditional Chinese acupressure treatments and soothing aromatherapy body massages at this popular parlour with three locations in Central and Mid-Levels. Grab a read from the well-stocked pile of magazines and let the piped birdsong and reviving rosebud tea soothe your senses.

17/F, Silver Fortune Plaza, 1 Wellington Street, Central; + 852 2810 9219

Mid-range

Sense of Touch

With multiple convenient locations throughout Hong Kong, comfortable treatment rooms and expert therapists, Sense of Touch has been one of the city’s most popular day spas since its launch in 2002. Among a wide range of beauty treatments, it’s probably best known for massages, with a full menu of options from relaxing prenatal massage to results-driven sports treatments.

1/F-5/F, 52 D’Aguilar Street, Central; + 852 2526 6918

The Right Spot

Coolly contemporary in decor, The Right Spot is a pared-back urban spa and art gallery – and a fuss-free alternative to traditional spas. It caters to time-poor Hongkongers with elevated-yet-efficient foot and body massages that are easily customisable; choose among 50-, 75-, or 100-minute treatments, with or without oil. Pregnancy, lymphatic and sports massages are available on request, while each foot massage comes with an organic bath bomb soak and warming eye mask to ensure maximum relaxation.

5/G, 20 Stanley Street, Central; +852 6998 7768

High-end

Chuan Spa, Cordis Hong Kong

With a range of offerings based around the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, Chuan Spa promises to restore equilibrium through the timeless principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Case in point: the signature Chuan Harmony treatment. It begins with an aromatic steam or sauna, followed by a cooling Japanese onsen shower, and combines acupressure with a full-body oil massage to stimulate meridian harmony, restore well-being and promote a deep sense of relaxation.

41/F, Cordis Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok; +852 3552 3510

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Hong Kong

On the 116th floor of Kowloon’s International Commerce Centre, The Ritz-Carlton Spa is the world’s highest hotel spa – and as luxurious as you might expect. Keen sports enthusiasts can hasten their recovery time and improve performance through the cryotherapy treatment, which combines sports and deep-tissue massage with targeted, ultra-low temperature exposure to treat over-worked muscles and improve vitality. Surprisingly calming, this fatigue-busting treatment is a reviving alternative to traditional massage therapies, delivered with a spectacular view.

116/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon; +852 2263 2040

Fivelements Habitat

Fivelements Habitat imports tried-and-tested treatments from its Bali retreat to a 15,000-square-foot sanctuary in the heart of the Causeway Bay shopping district. Indulge in one of the menu’s deep-tissue massages, incorporating herbal, floral and other organic elements, for a blissed-out, rejuvenating experience that takes you far from the maddening crowds.

Level 13A, Tower One, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay; +852 6803 5081

Related stories
7 of the best wellness resorts in Phuket
De-stress before boarding at the Sanctuary by Pure Yoga
How to stay healthy while travelling