A wholesome facial at N°8 Organic Spa, Hong Kong’s latest daytime escape.
A wholesome facial at N°8 Organic Spa, Hong Kong’s latest daytime escape.
THE DEAL: The latest addition to a blossoming wellness corner of the glitzy Landmark, Central in the heart of Hong Kong, is new organic facial spa concept N°8 Organic Spa. Set to pamper the city’s stressed executives and ladies who lunch, all products are from beauty specialist Beyørg whose selection of organic brands include everything from skin, body and hair care to essential oils, make-up, nail polishes and fragrances.
Designed by architect Darryl W. Goveas of Pure Creative, with creative and image work by celebrated Paris-based designer Antoine Ricardou of Be-poles, N°8 features a modern, minimalist interior with three treatment rooms. The focus is on facials that comprise a carefully curated product range of more than 20 brands handpicked from around the world.
THE LOWDOWN: My therapist selects the Amala Deluxe Rejuvenating Firming Facial which she customises to combat dryness by using the line’s most hydrating offerings. As many as 18 products from the German NATRUE-certified organic brand are used for a rather decadent pampering.
Make-up is first removed and the face cleansed with the Rejuvenating Cleansing Milk, which gently removes impurities to leave skin smooth, toned and prepped for the treatment. After extraction and exfoliation, a delectably scented mask is applied to revive, restore and repair the skin. With cocoa bean Amala’s star ingredient, it’s like being smothered in chocolate, which just happens to be one of my favourite things.
A Rejuvenating Serum comprising whole plant ingredients is smoothed onto the face, containing vitamin C-rich acerola, sea algae and the ubiquitous cocoa bean for an antioxidant boost offering protection from environmental and free radical damage. The Hydrating Eye Treatment is also applied to soothe puffiness.
Best of all, a neck and shoulder massage is the final and much appreciated element, using the Rejuvenating Neck and Décolleté Treatment which firms the delicate skin around the neck with a rich cream which leaves the area soft and supple.
THE BENEFITS: Nourishment is key throughout each step of the process, with layer upon layer of components rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids to purify, for a healthy, radiant complexion. It also happens to be completely relaxing and I find myself dozing off even in the very early stages.
It’s a treatment you can feel good about (not just facially) as particularly in the case of Amala, all organic ingredients are sourced from fair trade farm partners, and plucked from native habitats for maximum potency.
THE VERDICT: For those who have just a moment to spare, this facial is a fantastic option, conveniently located in the heart of town. It’s incredible how much you can pack into an hour (or longer should you opt for the 90-minute option). The treatment felt much more leisurely with so many products incorporated, time for extraction and a mask, as well as the much-needed massage to cap things off.
It’s also a refreshing change not to have to read labels and scan for potentially toxic nasties, with this one-stop wonder. Everything is natural and mostly certified organic. Gentle on the skin, yet effective and kind to the earth, how’s that for feelgood factor?
