This month: Body and bump
pregnancy massage at the
Mandarin Oriental
The low-down:
This luxurious massage for mothers-to-
be uses rose-scented oils and body
balms to deeply nourish the skin, aiding
the prevention of stretch marks and
soothing fluid retention. The treatment
ends with a hydrating facial and hair
mask. This treatment is performed on
a revolutionary pregnancy comfort
cushion, using only all-natural
ingredients.
The experience
I arrived on the 24th floor of the
Mandarin Oriental and entered
the sweet-smelling haven of the
spa reception to be greeted with a
refreshing jasmine tea.
My therapist Angel thoughtfully
offered me the option of smelling
the oils to make a choice before the
treatment started. I really appreciated
this as my sense of smell has gone into
overdrive in the last few weeks. I chose
a light rose oil, which I was informed
was also great for preventing stretch
marks – bonus!
Angel helped me manoeuvre myself
on to the massage bed and place
my bump into a hole created with a
special cushion so that I could lie safely
on my front. As someone who likes to
sleep on their front, this was heaven
in itself. The treatment started with a
foot scrub before a wonderful back
massage to take away all the strain
and stress carrying a baby can put
on your back and neck. The beauty
of this treatment is that after the
back massage, you get to turn over
Feeling great!
THE SPA INSIDER
Each month, our undercover spa spy samples some of the city’s top treatments.
Q
Are there any tips to avoid split
ends?
A
Heat-styling hair tools are
major culprits when it comes
to getting split ends. Hair cuticles
weaken when they get exposed to
heat, causing dry, damaged hair
and split ends. The only true way
to get rid of them is to have them
snipped.
But there are ways to protect
our silky strands from getting
dehydrated. Freshly washed hair
is at its most sensitive and brittle
stage. Apply a no-rinse, leave-in
conditioner like Moroccanoil or
coconut oil to soften the strands,
then gently run a wide-toothed
comb through. Make sure tangles are
combed with care, as brushing them
roughly causes the hair to break off.
Do some research when purchasing
heating tools like blow dryers,
straighteners and curling irons. The
cheaper the make, the higher chance
of the gadget dangerously over-
heating, causing hair to suffer. If you
invest in top-quality tools (such as
GHD), your hair and pocket will benefit
in the long term.
You also need to be vigilant
about using too much protein in your
products. Although protein is good for
the hair, overloading on it can cause
hair breakage.
Another thing you can do to help
Ask the beauty expert!
Anna Treier, the name behind Sense of Touch, Sense of Touch Laboratories Skincare and Capelli salon, answers your question.
and have a facial, moisturising hair
treatment, and then an invigorating
hand and foot massage. Your entire
body – the wonderful vessel giving
shelter to a new growing life – is
revitalised.
This was a totally indulgent and
much-appreciated spa visit for a
pregnant woman.
Who should go?
Pregnant women past their first
trimester who are tired, weary or simply
want to feel amazing!
The nitty gritty
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Mon – Thu: $1,650 + 10%
Fri – Sun: $1,930 + 10%
To book, call 2825 4888 or visit
hongkong/luxury-spa/
prevent split ends it to visit your
favourite stylist for a regular trim
and hair treatment. Home hair care
masks also do the trick. I swear by
Phytokeratine Ultra Repair Mask by
Phyto Paris – I wrap my hair in cling
film for about 20 minutes then wash
off for hair that feels salon worthy!
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advice
