Sparadise Urban Retreat and Gallery review

As someone who loves to be pampered but is also a bit of a product junkie, it’s fair to say that I’m probably slathering WAY too many chemicals on my skin every day in the name of beauty. So when the lovely Jen at Sparadise – a boutique spa that uses organic products – reached out to me to invite me along to check out their new Central location, I gladly took her up on the offer to detox – if not my diet – then at least my skincare.

Having previously visited and loved Sparadise’s cosy location on Mosque Street, I was keen to take a look at the new Central space, which is styled not just as a spa but also as a gallery space for up-and-coming Hong Kong artists to exhibit their work. Situated on the 3rd and 4th floor of a typically nondescript building on Wellington Street (the entrance is tucked away just down the alley to your left), the new location is more spacious, brighter and now features a comfortable loungey nail station area where you can relax and enjoy your (organic, natch) mani-pedi while you browse the artwork and organic aromatherapy candles scent the air.

(Note: I am writing this at 5.30am after being woken by Baby T-T four times last night – I am virtually weeping at the thought of relaxing while aromatherapy candles scenting the air.)

The new larger space also offers more room to showcase Sparadise’s lovely range of natural beauty products that are available to take away after your treatment. I was also chuffed to see that they stock the Baby Hero range of organic cotton baby clothes. This awesome brand provides essential neonatal medical kits to expectant mothers in developing countries for every product sold, and their designs are absolutely gorgeous too. If you’ve got a baby shower to buy for then check them out while you get a massage (the very definition of a win-win situation).

I was here to try out the Body Indulgence scrub-massage-and-wrap treatment by Sparitual and the Organic Soothe and Calm facial by Native Essentials – both established organic brands that use natural ingredients to produce gentle, yet effective results.

My treatment began with a thorough – and much-needed – scrub administered by my friendly therapist. This blend of black volcanic and white sand gently polished away my dry and scaly skin, leaving the bed looking like I’d just got back from a hard day’s surfing. Happily, my therapist somehow magicked away the entire gritty mess while I rinsed off in the treatment room’s private shower in readiness for stage two of the Body Indulgence treatment – massage.

Now I absolutely LOVE anything ginger-scented and so the spicy, warming oil used in this treatment was right up my street. My therapist got to work kneading the knots from my body using long, firm strokes that soon had me drifting off to sleep, despite a bit of a background hum from busy Wellington Street below. If you’re very sensitive to sound then you may want to opt for one of the rooms that doesn’t overlook the street. Fortunately I’m not and so there may have been snoring – when you have small children at home, an hour lying alone in a darkened room is pure unadulterated LUXURY.

As the treatment came to an end, I was left feeling bereft. The massage was so good, the bed was so comfortable and I am so sleep deprived that the idea of peeling myself off it and back out into the world seemed unbearably sad. Happily, I remembered that there was still an entire facial to come – hooray! – so snuggled back under the covers to continue my doze as the therapists did a quick switcheroo.

The deeply hydrating Organic Soothe & Calm Facial was just the thing to perk up my tired, parched skin, that has suffered badly from too much broken sleep, sun exposure and aircon throughout the summer. Starting with a thorough cleanse, tone and a gentle exfoliation, it was then time for a delicious-smelling facial massage using rosehip oil. I could practically feel my skin drinking this up and, as I (rather predictably) headed back to the Land of Nod, I made a mental note to have a good look at my face afterwards, as the recent dryness has left me prone to random sensitivity and blotchiness. Not a good look.

I’m happy to report that, after the rest of the facial (there was definitely a mask – beyond that I really couldn’t be sure of too many details… zzz), my skin was left hydrated, smooth and without a red splodge in sight. Best of all, I looked less grey and exhausted and more like someone who’d had their full eight hours the night before (*hollow laugh*). The results elevated the overall experience from “good” to “great” and – combined with the great location and reasonable price point – make Sparadise a fab day spa destination that won’t break the bank.

This is the excuse you’ve been waiting for to book the massage AND the mani. You deserve it. (Especially if you have kids, then you probably deserve the facial too, and perhaps some gin).

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 9pm; Sundays and Public Holidays, 10am – 7pm.