There has been quite the buzz around Sai Kung since news spread that Sense of Touch, with its numerous awards and luxury treatments, was opening. So, I felt rather like a lucky girl in a candy shop, to try them out on behalf of Sassy Mama. The timing was perfect, having just spent the last months concentrating on setting up my own business and fostering a little puppy (btw if anyone wants an adorable pup) I had be feeling less than glam!
Sense of Touch has been open for about five weeks now, and is an ideal addition to Sai Kung’s blossoming town. Sai Kung living is all about making the best of both worlds, peaceful spacious living and access to the finer things in life. Sense of Touch has recognized this market by opening a franchised branch to meet this growing demand.
The entry was very nice, double height ceilings and smelled simply gorgeous. A lovely range of various beauty creams, potions and nail polish adorned the wall, with light refreshments on offer and a plush sofa.
I was met and warmly welcomed by Vivien Tang (PR and Marketing) and the owner of Sense of Touch Sai Kung, Angela McGlynn. I received a personal tour and got to take a peek in the various treatment rooms. There are gorgeous features such as custom doors flown in from India and a nice blend of Indian/ethnic and contemporary themed interiors. Stunningly beautiful wallpaper completes that day spa feeling. First impressions were that the treatment rooms were a little small, but each came with their own steam shower, and there is a bathroom downstairs. Downstairs they have one treatment room and the popular mani and pedi area with pretty and comfy looking chairs.
I received the exclusive 90 minute Elemis signature treatment, “Ice Cool Thermal Massage with exceptional Pro Collagen Quartz Lift Facial”. Basically this combination treatment uses extremities of temperature for awakening the body whilst addressing specific skincare concerns. Ice Cool Thermal Massage is performed using prescribed warm essential oils blended with the cooling properties of Elemis Instant Refreshing Gel (which I absolutely adored on my skin) and the deep pressure of hot stones. I love hot stone treatments and was very excited when I realized that was indeed in store for me. Eddy my masseuse made me feel at home and did a great job on my skin and body. I’d have to say that the combination of the cool gel and hot stones is very nice!
Microcirculation increases blood flow to target specific problem areas, alleviating stress and easing aching muscles. It seems this is a popular concept since Roman times, when both hot and cold temperatures are applied to the body, the circulatory system is boosted, aiding detoxification.
The facial was also very soothing, not quite what I’d been expecting. Usually I am very jittery when it comes to products for my face, as I have very sensitive skin and tend to break out into all sorts of ugly spots afterwards… However my face felt lovely, slightly glowing and now I can happily report that it is still in great conditions three days later – so that is a huge compliment to Eddy’s skills, the Elemis products used and Sense of Touch.
Some further points to mention:
Sense of Touch has a private courtyard area. Great for a little party, relaxing over a foot massage or pedicure in the fresh air.
The Sai Kung branch is Sense of Touch’s first franchised day spa. It has a handy location if you are familiar with Sai Kung. Unfortunately the building next door is being renovated, so there was some noise, however I think personally that is part and parcel of living in Hong Kong – should it be of a concern, just check with the team and I am sure that they can find a solution for you.
If there was any negative for me during the treatment it was that I wan’t the biggest fan of the music that played when I was being pampered. I have a feeling though that the Sense of Touch team will happily change the type of music that is playing if you also find that it isn’t the right soundtrack for you…
Situated on Man Nin Street it has a very quiet location in terms of general traffic noise as opposed to some of the other day spas on the main road coming into Sai Kung.
Very sweetly they gave me a few samples, which according to them will be perfect for my skin.
Sense of Touch won Best Luxury Day Spa at World Luxury Spa Awards 2011, quite an impressive result, and here’s to Sai Kung Sense of Touch that it will receive such equally impressive accolades for its future.
Thanks Sense of Touch Sai Kung, I feel rejuvenated and pampered!
Sense of Touch Sai Kung, G/F, 77 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, New Territories, 2791 2278