Flawless
Photo Courtesy of Flawless
Hong Kong may not be the most relaxing of cities, but there are plenty of peaceful retreats tucked high above the frenetic streets. Whether you need a midweek pampering session or you’re celebrating something special, these spas offer some of the most unique mani-pedi experiences — from excellent views to exclusive treatments, designer polishes and heavenly relaxation zones.
The Nail Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
Opened in 2014, The Nail Bar at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has become the go-to place for after-work pampering and unhurried treatments among well-heeled Hongkongers. That might have something to do with the atmosphere — gleaming marble, oak fixtures, leather recliners and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer glorious views of Victoria Harbour.
The Nail Bar, Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels Limited
As for the nail treatments, the spa uses polishes from brands like Deborah Lippmann and Azature and specializes in detail-oriented nail art, should you be looking for something extra special. Every Wednesday, the spa serves up its popular Whiskey Wednesday service, where ladies and gents alike can relax for a mani-pedi, dine on foie gras and cheese, and sip on a complimentary flight of whiskey. The whiskey theme changes weekly — showcasing anything from an 18-year single malt Scotch to a trio of Japanese whiskies.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA
Of the 11 treatment rooms at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, seven of them have sweeping harbor vistas and all offer manicure and pedicure services. Of course, the blissful foot and hand spa treatments are worth a trip alone, but the best part is having access to the rest of the spa.
Up on the 116th floor of Five-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, it’s an oasis of relaxation with an expansive wet zone — picture a wet sauna, dry sauna, and comfy-cozy lounge chairs — which you are welcome to enjoy for an hour before and after the treatment. As long as you purchase an 80-minute treatment (luckily, a mani-pedi combo counts), you can also have all-day access to the glistening swimming pool.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
A historic property that dates back to 1963, the Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has long been a haven for discerning travelers and Hong Kong’s elite. Its Five-Star spa is known as one of the most luxurious in town, boasting two entire floors devoted to spa services, exercise, salon and nail treatments. Located on the 24th floor, the Mandarin Salon offers commanding views of Victoria Harbour, and a row of mani-pedi treatment counters face a wall of windows, so you can watch the ships pass by as your nails dry.
The Mandarin Spa, Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited
If you’re looking for a unique service, ask about the Shanghainese pedicure, a time-honored technique that uses sharp blades to painlessly clear away dead skin. The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is home to two highly trained professionals — Samuel So and Ben Cheung — who perform the centuries-old service in both The Mandarin Barber and The Mandarin Salon.
The Nail Library
The Nail Library is the only nail salon in Hong Kong to carry a large collection of designer polishes such as those by Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Dior, Deborah Lippmann, Kure Bazaar and Yves Saint Laurent.
Set inside a cool, New York loft-inspired space, this is the place to go for fantastic nail colors, intricate art, fashion-forward stripes and funky stick-on patterns. The new flagship space has moved to On Wo Lane in the trendy Gough Street neighborhood, so you can shop around the indie boutiques once your nails dry.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
The Oriental Spa at Five-Star The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is a sight to behold. It’s hard to imagine such a calming oasis so close to the heart of buzzing Central. The lobby welcomes you in with neutral interiors and tranquil mood lighting. Once inside, you can enjoy the experience showers, ice fountains, crystal steam rooms, vitality pools and more.
While the hot stone massages and heavenly facials are not to be missed, the star of the show is the PEDI:MANI:CURE Studio by Bastien Gonzalez. The podiatry-trained pedicurist has designed a hyper-technical experience that doesn’t even use polish — it’s all about shaving away dead skin, buffing nails, relaxing muscles and leaving your nails shiny and healthy looking.
Flawless
Tucked away above fashionable Wyndham Street, Flawless pampers guests in a chic environment — picture fresh white interiors, big comfy chairs, a dedicated nail bar and a breezy outdoor terrace. Though the beauty salon offers a range of massage, makeup and facial services, the mani-pedis are certified crowd pleasers.
Nail experiences come with a fizzy glass of bubbly, high-end polishes, a sugar scrub and, of course, a soothing massage. If your hands need a little extra love, ask about the intensive hydrating paraffin hand treatments, or the anti-aging chemical peel.
