Angsana Spa at Hotel ICON: Hong Kong

Where Is It: Tsim Sha Tsui East.

Why Go: It’s an elegant spa in a fabulous, funky hotel.

Best For: Couples, friends.

Three Things We Loved: The exceptional service, the decor, the menu of treatments.

The Ultimate Factor: The huge VIP room.

Overview:

One of the many "must do's" on my bucket list when visiting Hong Kong is to visit at least one of its spas, but when it comes to pampering there are two ways to go in this city; ultra luxury, or ultra local. At the luxury end of the scale, almost every hotel worth its salt has a top quality spa, and the funky ICON Hotel is no exception. Located in Tsim Sha Tsui East, this designer driven hip hotel is adjacent to the heart of Kowloon's sights, nightlife and shopping, and a hotel quite unlike any other; a fusion of art, design, fine food, luxury, and with a strong environmental focus. Its spa is tucked away in a quiet spot on the 9th floor of the hotel, an oasis of relaxation from the moment you step into the petite reception area. Angsana is a spa brand known for its use of natural ingredients including native flowers, and all its therapists undergo strict training at a choice of schools in various locations in Asia so that the same high level of service is offered at all its outlets. The spa experience at Hotel ICON was no exception.

The Decor:

It’s crisp, clean and modern with almost a clinical feel, yet also warm and welcoming with flowers in reception and soft music playing on arrival. There are four treatment rooms, each with its own bathroom and shower. Our treatment was offered in a VIP room, a huge space exclusively for two with its own private locker area, a double vanity, a bathroom, a walk-in shower, a huge sunken jacuzzi bath, and two treatment tables. Besides a highly polished floor, the room featured plenty of creamy coloured marble, and accents of rich wood. 

The Treatment:

We had an indulgent lineup of treatments, ideal for a couple, across a relaxing 120 minutes including a body polish, a massage, and the spa's signature 30 minute bath and relaxation time at the end. It all began with a welcoming foot wash, after which our therapists checked with each of us the kind of pressure we liked in our massage, and the type of oil which would be used. The massage was a blend of Thai and Swedish, appropriately called Fusion, and it was highly customised to suit our needs, with our therapists intuitive rather than working to a predetermined rhythm. If they found an area which required more work, which they did for us both, they worked on it. Our massage finished to the ritual sound of a gong, and we were invited to relax in the sunken bath, while being served fresh fruit and herbal tea - something which is added to all spa treatments at Angsana on a complimentary basis. The 30 minute soak flew by.

The Verdict:

Hotel ICON was a welcome addition to the five-star lineup of Hong Kong hotels, and its lovely spa retreat is an added bonus. It provides an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city, and is complemented by top notch therapists and a warm welcome.