Diamonds Are Forever

Photo: The spa suite offers fantastic views of Macau

With more Forbes five-star awards than any other brand in the world, it’s a safe bet that any visit to the Mandarin Oriental is going to be a good one. The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Macau, which recently received the prestigious Forbes award for the fourth year in a row, would surely be as good as a spa could be, wouldn’t it? We couldn’t wait to find out.

As you would expect from a five-star spa, the staff are friendly and attentive throughout the whole experience and are all smiles until the elevator doors close as you leave.

Photo: Service at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Macau is attentive and friendly throughout the whole treatment

As is customary, you are offered a cup of tea and asked to fill out a survey to indicate your preferences for pressure and the like and if there are any particular ache or ailments the therapists can address or any allergies they should be aware of. Shoes are exchanged for slippers and you are escorted to the changing facilities which are down a candle-lit hallway behind the reception desk, which really helps the relaxing begin.

The changing facilities are a bit smaller than some of the other spas in the city, but then size isn’t everything. They are, however, just as well equipped, with “experience” showers, a small vitality pool, and a sauna. Amenity kits that can be taken home are in each locker and include a pair of disposable underwear for the more abashed spa guest.

Photo: The diamond mask contains diamond dust to reveal a radiant, luminious complexion

After changing into a luxurious robe, you are given a few moments in the relaxation room before being escorted to one of eight treatment rooms by your therapist, who walks you through the steps of your treatment. We opted for the 100-minute “Diamond Utopia Advanced Anti-ageing Facial” (MOP2,300++) which was created as a natural and less invasive alternative to cosmetic injections.

Created specifically to utilize the innovative products of Australian skincare brand Gaylia Kristensen, the treatment started with "Gentle" an orange blossom face cleanser, which was then followed by an exfoliation using "Velvet" facial polish, designed to renew and brighten. A spritz with one of my new favourite products “Heaven” and you are on your way to being reborn, if only for a while.

Next was a facial massage using “Passion” oil. The thorough massage is combined with reflexology to help relax tense muscles and deliver waves of soothing pleasure throughout the body. A diamond-dust infused collagen mask is then applied to your now supple and relaxed face and hands delivering a healthy dose of collagen. While the diamond dust and collagen is doing its thing, your neck and shoulders get a massage to bring them to the same state of jelly-like relaxation that your face has already achieved.

The whole treatment wraps up with an application of Gaylia Kristensen’s “Eye Lift” serum and “Dream” cream before you are given a hand-held mirror to revel in your new-found face. The treatment delivers what’s promised: luminosity, radiance and a firmer complexion (the relaxed neck and shoulders are just an added bonus).

The spa also offers a 90-minute "Utopia Advanced Anti-ageing Facial" (MOP2,000++ on weekdays and MOP2,200++ on weekends) which uses a plant collagen infusion mask to lift and firm skin.

Photo: Our new favorite beauty products from the Gaylia Kristensen line

The treatment was fantastic, but the best thing about it was discovering the Gaylia Kristensen range. The products are light when applied, they are fast-absorbing and they all smell absolutely incredible.

The results will last between 5-7 days, and while the thought of weekly facials is certainly a nice thought, Gaylia Kristensen recommends having the treatment at least once a month. Of course there is plenty you can do at home in between facials. Stay tuned for a detailed review of several Gaylia Kristensen facial care products, as well as where you can find them in Macau and Hong Kong.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is open daily from 11am to 11pm

For reservations call (853) 8805 8588

www.mandarinoriental.com

#glamour #beauty