Spas in Macau: get stoned

World-class spas offer a wide range of the most soothing treatments

The 805-sq m Mandarin Oriental Spa has a sauna, steam, indoor Jacuzzi and tranquil relaxation lounge. It is the most relaxing and tranquil of places in this city, and right on the doorstep of all the main attractions.

Especially worthy is the "La Stone" treatment, whereby hot and cold stones are placed on the body's energy centers. The treatment is touted as ìone of the fastest-growing and most therapeutic availableî and takes 80 minutes to ìclear blocked energy centers, relax, and dissolve stressî the spaís management says.

Individuals or couples can opt for various kinds of massage, including Thai and Swedish, Reiki, reflexology, and Chinese acupressure, plus body scrubs and wraps, Vichy showers, facials, and aromatherapy. The most interesting special that was taking place while we were there was the ìSangria Bathî, which, as the name suggests, involves a dip in a Jacuzzi filled with Sangria.

Guests are invited to check in at least 30 minutes before their appointment to allow time for a brief steam bath, sauna or whirlpool to open pores, warm the body and relax muscles before a treatment.

Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Macau

957-1110 Avenida da Amizade, Macau

(853) 567 888

M Spa at the
Westin Resort

This spa promises, among other pleasures, a "retreat within a retreat", a set of treatment packages combining massage, scrubs, aromatherapy and other pleasures to enjoy in your hotel room.

If you're not a guest, you can still take advantage of the matchless surroundings overlooking the South China Sea on Coloane Island to stop in for a quick lymphatic detoxifying treatment, anti-cellulite toning, body waxing or any of the myriad delights on offer and, at the same time, chill out by the seaside.

The Westin Resort Macau
1918 Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane

(853) 899 1093

Spa Philosophy

"Macau's first world-class day spa" is the way its managing director, Mandy Chan, describes Spa Philosophy. "A day spa, to a lot of people, is a glorified beauty salon, but Spa Philosophy does not want to be perceived in this way," she says. This small, pristine haven of comfort just behind the Mandarin Oriental and the Macau Sands is a place, she adds, to achieve ìa balance of the mind, body, and soul."

The serenity envelops you as soon as the door opens. The softly lit minimalist interior design is enhanced by the subtle scents of aromatherapy. You may not be aware of it at first, but Spa Philosophy is the first day spa in Macau to offer the invigorating benefits of a fully-oxygenated environment, another element of many here that contributes to a feeling of wellbeing, which is, after all, what a visit to a spa is for.

The menu of services includes massages and facial and body treatments in individual sessions or as part of ongoing programs tailored to individual needs.

327-331 Avenida Xian Xing Hai
Nam On Garden, Macau

(853) 728330

Nirvana Day Spa

A warm and relaxing day spa specialising in Asian-style treatments. Nirvana offers, among other treatments, Ayurvedic, Thai, Hot Stone, Deep Tissue, Reiki and the ancient Indian Shirodhara therapies, for men, women, and couples, along with aromatherapy massages and ìpampering servicesî for the face, hands and feet.

Beauty-oriented treatments like facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures are also on the spaís extensive menu of services, all offered day or evening. Proprietor Christina Lobo is not only well-trained in Asia and the US, she is well known among the Macanese community for her modeling career.

Nirvana Beauty Institute Company Ltd, Av Praia Grande 403-405

(853) 331521