Sparadise – an organic oasis spa in the Mid-Levels

Post-Christmas, I had my annual moment of clarity whereby I set aside the mince pies and mulled wine and vowed to start the New Year with a healthier attitude to what I put in my body. So far, so typical (and always so easily forgotten by February!) But this year, in my fervour of self-improvement, I also started wondering about the chemicals I put on my body and the potential impact that my beauty product-junkie lifestyle has on my health.  Musing on this, I took a trip up the escalator to check out Sparadise, a new boutique spa retreat tucked away on Mosque Street.

This cute little spa punches well above its teeny-tiny weight in terms of service and treatments on offer.  There’s the usual menu of facials, massages and manis-pedis, but all done using organic, natural and non-toxic products such as Scotch nail polish and Pangea Organics moisturisers, making this ideal for those with sensitive skin, pregnant women and nursing mothers. There’s even a range of vegan spa products on offer for those who want totally cruelty-free beauty options, and the full range of Australian, NZ and US skincare is available to buy in the spa boutique post-treatment.

Feeling a pressing need to kick-start 2013 with a healthier me, I opted for the Lymphatic Drainage Detox Massage, which is said to reduce toxins and improve circulation. Using an organic oil custom blended in-house, my therapist used long firm strokes to work out my kinks and knots and left me feeling looser than I have for a long time. The heat pad beneath me on the couch was a thoughtful touch on a chilly afternoon and it wasn’t long before I was happily in a half-doze.

Following the massage, I was asked to move to the outdoor treatment room for my Pink Clay Exfoliating Facial. I must admit that I was a bit nervous about this, as the mercury was at a positively arctic-for-Hong Kong 9°c that day, but I was so glad I did! The well-heated terrace with its bamboo cladding, green plants and decked floors made the facial feel like far more of an indulgent experience than the pleasant-but-unremarkable treatment room where I’d had my massage.

I love a good facial and this one was excellent, using deliciously scented organic products by Aussie brand Absolutely Gorgeous. As my skin was super-dry from the cold weather, my therapist recommended substituting the deep cleansing pink clay mask for a more nourishing cream version that left my poor parched face incredibly soft and smooth. Once again, a heated bed had me in such a semi-comatose state that I was reluctant to get off up again, but a quick cup of refreshing lemongrass tea did the trick and got me back out of the door.

If you’re organic all the way with your food then it makes perfect sense that you would want to follow suit with your skincare. The products used in my treatments at Sparadise were all effective as well as gentle, which for me is the real test. The service was attentive and friendly, the atmosphere calm and chilled out, and location-wise, Sparadise couldn’t be more convenient, with the 11am-11pm opening hours making this a great option for post-work unwinding.

Sparadise, G/F, 21 Mosque Street, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong, 5962 2236

www.sparadise.com.hk