Elu, aptly named after the Estonian word for 'life', is a stunning new luxury spa that recently opened on 46 Lyndhurst Terrace in Central. It's right across the street from the famous egg tart bakery (Tai Cheong Bakery), on the 7th floor of a chic residential-looking building. Elu specialises in holistic wellness, rejecting chemically-infused artificial products and using only all-natural products from Aromatherapy Associates and Hungarian brand Eminence.
Since my usual facial therapist left Hong Kong last month, I was looking for a new spa I could go to after work on a more consistent basis, rather than jumping around new spots. I think I've found it. The below is a review of my experience of Elu's 120-min Signature Indulgence (HK$3,000) package, which consists of one Aromatherapy Massage (60-min) and one Gemstone Facial (60-min). My therapist for both hours was Limbu, who is to credit for my five-star overall experience here.
When you step into Elu, it's hard to imagine you're in the middle of a bustling city with protests going on left and right. The space is very moody and dimly lit, with dark wood tones and sleek designer furniture adorning the lobby. You're made to take off your shoes to replace with Elu slippers before going in, and given a locker key.
The chic waiting area with Hermes throw blankets and Japanese-Scandinavian-inspired details.
The usual pre-massage questionnaire is a little bit different from what I'm used to - you can actually go more in-depth about skin concerns (crow's feet, sagging) and specify the kinds of treatment you've had done on your face recently, such as lasers or fillers. From what I experienced after, the therapist really takes note of what you write here and tailors the treatment to your concerns. Here, you choose your organic essential oil for the aromatherapy massage as well, while sipping on a tea of choice.
Room designs straight out of my Pinterest board for zen home designs. Loved all the pretty corner pieces.
I'm not sure if this is custom with all treatments at Elu, but I was given a sweet little Asian-style foot bath / foot scrub in an adjoining room prior to my massage, using all natural, organic and chemical-free products from Eminence.
We started with the personalised Aromatherapy Massage, which combines Swedish oil massage with deeply releasing techniques that relieve muscle ache, poor circulation and joint stiffness. I asked for medium firmness with a focus on my shoulders (which have been killing me lately) and Limbu applied the perfect amount of pressure. Before long I was falling into a deep snooze without realising it, and the hour passed by pretty quickly.
The gemstone facial was also very special - lots of deep cleaning, crystal rollers and gemstone masks. I particularly loved the use of Eminence Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10% which felt slightly irritating and tingly, but the effects on my skin were amazing. Loved that they did this instead of painful extractions, which I usually request facial therapists not to do. After cleansing, exfoliating and massaging, my facial concluded with a cold and heavy Rose Quartz gem face mask, which looks like this, and works to immediately reduce puffiness via lymph drainage, and decreases the appearance of dark circles. My face was glowing after.
If you're down to try something new, I would highly recommend this slightly alternative approach to a wellness retreat. It's well located, highly professional and clean, and they're running a ton of promotions since they've just opened - so nab one quick.
elu.spa Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2668 1381 | Whatsapp: +852 6477 8647
Email: booking@eluspa.com Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 11am-8pm
Address: 7/F, 46 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central (above Bookazine)
Website: https://eluspa.com
Menu direct link: https://eluspa.com/pages/menu