Some prefer their spa retreats to have a setting that’s achingly modern, others prefer them attractively retro. The Mandarin Spa, at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, delivers a bit of both. It whispers 1930s Shanghai-era style, with its dark wood antiques and lacquer accents, but its 10 treatment rooms are more contemporary.The two suites charm with just a hint of chinoiserie.
Traditional Chinese therapy features strongly in the spa’s philosophy, with trained practitioners on hand to prescribe treatments to suit your needs, such as acupuncture and hot cupping. Like all Mandarin Oriental spas, visitors book a block of time rather than a service, which allows you to chose your treatment on a whim when you arrive. Packages can last a day, and pre- or post-treatment, the wet area is a relaxing place to test out the rain showers, fragrant steam room and the heated tepidariums.