Levitate, a two-storey day spa opened last winter, is a hidden sanctuary designed for the whole family in Hong Kong’s south side. Offering the luxurious comfort of a high-end wellness centre, the spa boasts six elegant treatment rooms, with a range of face and body therapies using Aromatherapy Associates and Organic Pharmacy products customised to each guest’s needs.
Levitate, a two-storey day spa opened last winter, is a hidden sanctuary designed for the whole family in Hong Kong’s south side. Offering the luxurious comfort of a high-end wellness centre, the spa boasts six elegant treatment rooms, with a range of face and body therapies using Aromatherapy Associates and Organic Pharmacy products customised to each guest’s needs.
The Deal: I’m booked in for the 90-minute Levitate Signature Aromatherapy AA treatment. While the 60-minute version only includes a body massage, this longer option allows for more flexibility; it’s possible to combine a facial and a body treatment of your choice, such as a scrub or massage. Since I’ve been suffering from fatigue and muscle pain recently, my therapist Namo suggests I have a massage for the entire journey.
The Lowdown: Like many spa treatments my journey begins with a simple questionnaire about my general health and mood – something that has turned into nothing more than a formality it seems. But soon I realise my answers are taken very seriously here as Namo asks me multiple follow-up questions, before examining me more closely while I lie in the warm treatment bed.
Originally from Thailand, Namo has nearly two decades of experience in massage therapy. She decides that a light massage won’t be enough today, and picks two invigorating blends by Aromatherapy Associates called Revive Morning and De- Stress. The former, which is recommended for use before 3pm, is great for detox and to refresh. De-Stress, on the other hand, is said to boost circulation and help ease muscular tightness and soreness as well as stiff joints.
Just as she has promised, Namo doesn’t go light on me at all; but she always warns me and apologises in advance before exerting deeper pressure on a particularly painful point, assuring me that I will feel better afterwards. During the treatment, she notices the sides of my torso and legs, especially around my right knee, are swelling from water retention, so she adds lymphatic drainage to the mix of techniques used, such as Thai, stretching and acupressure.
At the end of the treatment, with my eyes still covered she asks me to take a few deep breaths. I smell eucalyptus and peppermint, a soothing yet refreshing scent of Aromatherapy Associates’ Support Breathe Essence that eases my breathing and fully awakens me.
The Benefits: Immediately after the treatment I felt lighter and thoroughly energised. The stiffness in my joints, specifically my shoulders and knees, evaporated. I remained in a refreshed state for the rest of the day and had the best night’s sleep in a while.
The Verdict: This highly bespoke journey aims at improving one’s overall wellbeing by pinpointing individual needs. Taking personalisation to the next level, the skilled therapist selects products and techniques most suitable for the guest, making necessary adjustments during the treatment when observing new concerns. Namo even taught me a simple exercise to practise every morning, which should help with my stiffness and spinal concerns. www.levitate.com.hk.
July 3–9
Ancient Wisdom
Ayurveda is believed to provide insight into what the body and mind need to achieve balance, health and longevity. Experience first-hand the benefits of this ancient healing system with Dr Aparna, a leading Ayurvedic doctor, who will be hosting the Ayurveda Detox & Yoga Retreat by ONEWORLD Retreats (July 3–9).
It features four workshops on living life according to Ayurvedic philosophy, with a consultation, treatments and a supervised detox day designed to promote quiet reflection. Yoga, meditation, nature walks and a purification ritual at a Balinese temple are also incorporated into the week-long programme so you return home balanced and refreshed. www.oneworldretreats.com.
May 20–26
Lost in Bhutan
Uma by Como, Bhutan is offering a unique retreat on (May 20–26) that introduces guests to the art of qigong as well as the rich cultural and natural landscapes of the Himalayan kingdom. Led by David Melladew, head of Oriental Medicine at Como Shambhala and an expert in martial arts and qigong, the week will begin in the town of Paro, where guests will stay at Como’s Paro resort while acclimatising to the altitude. The rest of the retreat will take place at Uma by Como, Punakha, and includes a variety of activities, from daily qigong and meditation, to sightseeing and hiking. www.comoshambhala.com.
May 8–14,June 15–21 and June 23–29
Tuscan Escape
Following the success of last year’s Ibiza programme, KU Retreats is bringing the holistic experience to Tuscany, Italy. Developed to create a positive shift in overall well-being, it helps to identify patterns and habits that prevent you from reaching your full potential. In addition to twice daily yoga classes, tai chi, qigong, meditation and healthy cooking classes, you will learn about the macrobiotic diet, which is served throughout to detox and cleanse. Upcoming dates include May 8–14, June 15–21 and 23–29; if you cannot make it this spring, the retreat will run again in September and October. www.retreats-tuscany.com.
June 30–July 3
Yogic Immersion
The world-renowned yoga and music festival Wanderlust is set to welcome wellness enthusiasts at its Aspen-Snowmass event with an exciting line-up (June 30–July 3). This year, aside from vinyasa flow and relaxing yin classes by some of the world’s best teachers, stand-up paddleboard and aerial yoga will also be offered. Artists such as Steel Pulse, Elijah Ray, Sheela Bringi and the Magic Giant will bring unique sounds from around the globe to the festival, while talks and workshops offer inspiration and new ideas. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful Aspen Mountain – join a bike excursion, sunset hike or mountain meditation. www.wanderlust.com.
June 6–11
Strike a Pose
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi/yogini, Prana Yoga Retreats’ Claire Dunniece will help you develop your practice on her Summer Yoga Retreat (June 6–11) in the Kazuby region of Northern Poland – an ideal location to get in touch with nature and enjoy activities like hiking and kayaking. During the five-day retreat, you’re free to join all of the yoga classes and workshops, including ashtanga, gentle restorative yoga, yoga nidra and meditation. Nutritious vegetarian meals prepared on site are provided throughout to keep you balanced and nourished. www.pranayogaretreats.eu.
June 17–20
Glamp in Style
Yogascapes and Free People have joined forces to create a one-of-akind experience designed to reconnect you with Mother Earth while awakening your inner intuition. Taking place in the Yellowstone National Park on its 100th anniversary, the FP Escapes Yellowstone Yoga Retreat (June 17–20) combines elements of glamping, meditation and yoga taught by Crystal Dawn Froberg, a devoted instructor, certified vegan chef and baker. Other weekend highlights include guided hikes, natural DIY beauty, mineral nutrition and cooking class, and a crystal healing session. In addition, each participant will receive US$250 worth of Free People products, selected by the team’s stylist on site. www.yogascapes.com.
