Do it like a celebrity: Spa Encore at the Wynn Macau

Only an hour away from Hong Kong by ferry, Macau is a gaudy, riotous playground for grownups. We know it as the destination for gambling and hedonistic indulgence, although in recent times a burgeoning spa scene has emerged to cater for the high rollers. One such place is the Spa at Encore, part of the Wynn Macau – an opulent, Vegas-style resort which has won accolades for its service and which boasts two Michelin starred restaurants. The idea, I believe, is that you can be very well looked after without ever stepping outside.

The Encore tower sits adjacent to its established sister, the Wynn. Encore strikes me as more of a high end boutique hotel, a little more subtle in its decor but still bearing the signature elegance of the Wynn. I could have spent the whole afternoon happily staring at the illuminated jellyfish tank behind the reception, but Serena, the wonderful PR lady, had far more in store for me.

With a private entrance and VIP check in, the Spa at Encore knows its discerning clientele well. Celebrities have been known to patronize this place – little surprise as I found this is to be one of the most refined spas I have ever set foot in, lined with citrine crystals, dark wood and marble. The couples’ treatment room (there is only one, so do book in advance) is about twice the size of my Wanchai flat. I may have squealed a little when I first laid eyes on it.

Guests are invited to relax in their private suite, fiddle with the controls on the ridiculously high-tech shower cum steam room, relax in the sauna or simply stew in your own private Jacuzzi for up to 30 minutes prior to your treatment (all these come as standard in the 8 treatment rooms). In the interests of research I tried all of the above and would have been satisfied to call it a day, but there was, of course, more to come.

The spa’s signature four hand massage – so named as the pampered guest is treated by (you guessed it) two therapists – is a blissful, mind-bending experience. I usually find it difficult to drift off unless my problem areas are tackled right at the start of the treatment, so you can imagine how insanely pleased I was to have these Thai and Balinese-style trained therapists working on both my shoulders and my lower back at the same time.

My other half opted for the Macanese massage straight after stepping off a particularly harrowing flight from Singapore. He thought his therapist instinctively knew where his problem areas were but would have liked more “back cracking action”. Not an easy client to please, he also couldn’t understand my need to stroke the mother of pearl inlaid doors and leather accent on the dressing tables…As any celebrity knows, it is imperative to look ones best at all times – which is why the dressing area comes stocked with Futuresse, a brand of products blended with natural oils and developed specifically for private spas.

We both emerged relaxed, rejuvenated and with camera-ready smiles for any waiting paparazzi. Finding ourselves roundly ignored, we would have opted for a tipple at the Cristal bar if not for our dinner reservation at the fantastic, albeit low-key A Petisqueira. Till next time, mwah!

Spa at Encore, Wynn Macau, Rua Cidade de Sintra, NAPE, Macau
Reservations : (853) 8986 9966

The Encore Signature Four Hands Treatment costs MOP 2,000 for 60 minutes and MOP 2,500 for 90 minutes
The Macanese Massage costs MOP 1,000 for for 60 minutes and MOP 1,500 for 90 minutes

Spa Encore at the Wynn Macau are currently running a special BLISS Promotion for Summer which lasts a heavenly 3 hours of relaxation in a private spa suite including a Blissful Body Scrub, Kundalini Back Treatment and a rejuvenating Oxygen Glow Facial for MOP 1,800. Book before August 31st to take advantage of this special offer.