Upon arriving in my newly adopted city, I immediately thought of the essentials: food, water,…read moreshelter... and finding a new stylist on HK island! You see, my tresses dictate many life decisions as it's just not your typical head of hair. It's thick, coarse, frizzy but not curly, and there's a ton of it. How much exactly? Most stylists say enough for 3 heads... AT LEAST. On top of all of that, I lighten it which means it needs special care and maintenance. Oh, and did I mention I'm very picky about the shade of blonde my stylist achieves? I prefer it as cool and ashy as possible - and post color-job, I'm always aspiring to minimize the brassiness with toners and various purple shampoos and conditioners! So yeah, I realize that my total satisfaction is quite the tall order. Thanks to some insistent jet lag, a groggy search led me to booking an appointment online at 1:45am for the next day at noon thanks to a cancellation. Enter Sharon at Paul Gerrard! Sharon took one look at my hair, which I've had balyaged for over a year now. The coming-to-Jesus moment sounded a bit like this: "Darling, you're never going to be the pale, cool blonde you desire unless you stop balyaging and go back to foil highlighting. Foils are the only way to get that kind of blonde." She was right, you know. Sharon is basically this whirlwind of a color whiz with 30+ years of experience, who had me in and out of her chair within 3 hours including the blow-dry. I've come to accept that a 5-hour appointment is just the standard with my hair - nope, with a super savvy, efficient stylist it doesn't have to be that way. I'm loving the fresh take on my blonde, and though it will take several sessions to erase the brassiness out of all my hair, foil by foil, the improvement I'm already seeing can only be classified as major. I also received a perfect pedicure from another staffer while I had my hair done - the model of efficiency! Can't wait to return. And thanks Sharon, for helping me see the cool blonde light.

Coming from Los Angeles, I will admit that I am very picky about my hair and I've had some…read morefantastic hair stylists (cut and balayage/color for ~$250-280 USD max). Hong Kong prices for anything similar or for fashion colors is so outrageous that it infuriates me if my hair doesn't come out near perfect. After going to Hollywood Hair, Carte en Blanc (Japanese salon), Hair Duo (I only trust Oliver there), a couple other high-end local Hong Kong salons and still having damaged disasters, I had resorted to just waiting until I went back to the States to get my hair done. Some background on my type of hair: I have a lot of fine, Asian hair that I've had bad chunky highlights/balayaged at least 3 times by other salons in Hong Kong that really ruined the integrity of my long hair. Despite being in Asia, I find that the stylists in general don't have the most current technical knowledge of how to achieve the most current trends in the US (babylights, colormelts, balayage is finally catching on 5 years later...and please no thinning scissors on my hair!!) and how to apply it to either Asian or non-Asian hair. Finally, I couldn't stand my long, damaged hair in the humidity, so I decided to chop it. I had been resisting going to Paul Gerrard because it is very expensive, even for a cut, but I was chopping off half of it so I didn't want to risk it. I researched and asked for an appointment with Natani and was so happy I chose right! While I brought in some photos I liked, I really wanted her advice for what would look flattering for my face shape and lifestyle. Natani took her time to talk to me about what I was thinking of doing, what my routine was like, what I like or don't like about my current hair. She didn't rush to cut it, she started by cutting the length into a lob and working her way with adding texture and tiny layers little by little. By doing this, I was able to see each step take shape instead of hoping that it would all turn out ok after the blowdry. On top of the great results, Natani is a lovely person is general, and I would be very happy to go back to her again. The only reason I took off one star is the price, but if you want to be safe rather than sorry, it's probably worth it!

The lovely side of this spa is the service and the prices. It pretty much ends up there, but…read morehonestly, I don't need much more when those two are as amazing as they are at Lovely Spa. I randomly saw the place while walking up Lan Kwai Fong Street and took one of their leaflets outside their building. As I flicked through, my face turned into a 'no way!' expression...50 HKD for eyebrow threading? 230 HKD for a Brazilian wax? I called them and made an appointment two days later. Don't get put off by the building; yes, it seems like it's falling apart but the place itself is welcoming and very clean. I got there just in time and was welcomed with some water before the therapist led me to one of their (three) rooms. I wanted to get my eyebrows done but my expectations weren't high. However, I asked her for advice on how to reshape them. She took her time and made a couple of observations, which made me feel more comfortable, then just got onto it and in a matter of 10 minutes I was out. My thoughts: very professional, quick and well performed. This is what you get anywhere else in Hong Kong, but for 120 HKD and not much advice. As I came out of the room I saw two people getting a manicure and it looked so good, I made the next appointment! Just be warned of two things: it's cash only and there is no lift to the 3rd floor.

Lovely Spa is by no means fancy as you'll gather from the entrance - a dingy staircase in the…read moremiddle of Lan Kwai Fong. After climbing up a couple of storeys of shabby stairs (just follow the arrows printed on A4 paper) you reach Lovely Spa. Ring the doorbell and you'll be let in to a small, dark room which is decorated quite cheaply yet comfortably. The treatment rooms are divided by thin plastic walls so you can hear every word being said within the tiny space and other spa goers can hear every wax strip being torn off which can be a little off putting. However, the service is professional and the price is SO CHEAP that you can ignore the basic fit out. It's literally only $230 for a Brazilian wax - half the price of places like Nude and Nu and the results are as good. Hot Stone Massages are only $300 whilst a spa manicure is $130. I bring my own colours for manicures but the range of options is reasonable. The cash only policy is a little annoying but understandable for such a small operation. All in all, Lovely Spa is not the best choice for a luxury, indulgent experience, but for basic grooming at a price you can't beat, this is the place.

Sad to leave this review since it was such a cute and clean space…read more Had a 75-min full body massage and it was by far the worst massage I have ever had. I get massages on a very regular basis - from nicer spas to a hole in a wall - I know what's a good massage and what's a bad massage. While I enjoy strong pressure, the massage I had gotten here was pure pain and extremely not enjoyable. I have never wished a massage to end sooner. Not only were my knots not fixed, I actually felt that I had gotten beaten up by someone. I woke up the next morning with major back pain. I was injured from the massage and could not sit up straight for a few days. I hesitated to inform them because I felt bad for my masseuse - in all fairness, my masseuse was a really nice person... but I did in the end because I thought this could be productive feedback for them. They were extremely apologetic and offered me a free massage, which was really nice of them. I appreciated the offer but frankly I'm a bit too scared to go back. The two-star is for the environment and the very helpful and friendly staff. Technique wise, I have to say (or maybe I was unlucky with the masseuse I had).

Nice location, friendly staff. What was advertised was not…read morethe service I received. I paid for 1 hour foot massage with exfoliation. I received 20 min nail clipping and exfoliate. I was then charged for the full hour. When asked why I did not receive the full hour, I was told the ad said "up to one hour". I will not return with a Gabito and switch like that.

All you can eat bananas and apples... There was mould on…read moremost surfaces. Tiles were being held on by tape. Saunas were blistering hot. Old men were spitting and smoking in the bath. Much more expensive than it should have been.

First, a warning! This is a long review. But I promise the long read will be worth it. And, at the…read moreend of it you will know how to get the most out of this place. The basics: ME: a person with horrible posture who spends 40-60 hours-a-week looking at a computer screen or walking around with a heavy camera rig strapped to my body. I've been in physical therapy for both a bad knee and excruciating shoulder pain. THIS PLACE: recommended by two colleagues, one a Hong Kong resident, the other a frequent visitor to the city. THINGS TO KNOW: This place is open 12:00PM to 6:00AM. Men and women are on two separate floors. They take credit cards and you can add the tip to the credit card. You can order food and drink if you choose. The location is fitted with a sauna and a steam room. The bathroom has all the toiletries needed to shower and get ready after your massage. The lockers are programmed to open with a key and a remote button sequentially for added safety. I had two massages here, one week apart: FIRST: 90-minute full body massage, priced higher because it was before 10:00PM. HK$596 = US$77 (with tax and tip) SECOND: 45-minute full body massage, priced lower because it was after 10:00PM. HK$340 = US$44 (with tax and tip) Both massages started with a middle-aged female masseuse in a pink uniform climbing up on my back and walking all over it. Both of them asked me if I wanted it soft or hard. In both instances I said hard. They both seemed to know what my problem areas were because both of them immediately honed in on my neck and shoulder blades. From here on, my description is for the first, longer massage -- As my masseuse worked one foot over my entire back while using the other for balance, I felt individual discs in my spine click back into place. Halfway through the session, she piled a heap of warm towels over my back to keep it relaxed before sitting down to work out the knots in my feet. Then she asked me to turn over and continued to massage my legs, my arms and finally my scalp. When the massage was over, she smiled sweetly and said, "You like massage. You give good tip." After that she led me back to the shower area where I first went to the sauna and then took a shower. When all was said and done, I tipped her more than 20% because she did a fantastic job. At this point if you're wondering why I gave Sunny Paradise Sauna four instead of five stars, let me explain. My second massage was similar to my first one, but maybe not as hard. She still massaged my whole body but because it was the shorter session, I didn't get my foot or my scalped massaged for 10 minutes each. The reason why this place isn't getting top marks is because my second masseuse was very pushy about the tip and would not let me exit the room without a tip sheet where she had marked up what the tip should be. That annoyed me off a little. Even though my second massage wasn't as fantastic as the first one, I would have tipped her the same percentage as the first masseuse if she hadn't been so aggressive. All that said, if I ever return to Hong Kong, I will most definitely revisit this place and I highly recommend it. So here are my tips on conquering this place: - Go after 10:00PM for the cheaper rates. - Bring as little stuff with you as possible so you don't have to lug back things after all the kinks in your body have been worked out. - Locate the price list on display and show the black-and-white uniform clad hostess the session you want. - Take a photo of the price list. - Splurge and get the 90-minute massage; it's worth the HK$596 = US$77 (with tax and tip). - As soon as you meet the masseuse, say "90-minute full body massage" and show her the item on the photo you took. - Specify whether you want a soft or a hard massage. - If you have problem areas and want to absolutely make sure she doesn't miss them, point them out. - If you have the misfortune of getting a pushy masseuse who wants to give you a marked up tip sheet, just take it. When you're at the counter, you can tell them what tip you want to add. Website: http://sunnyparadise.iyp.hk/

This is the place. It's no frills. They give u tea & water. It's clean. They know what they're…read moredoing. Book an appointment w/ Mr Lai he will cure your aches & pains!! I had a foot massage one day 60 min. And he knew exactly what other ailments I had from my feet. So I came back following day & he gave me full body 90 min. Fixed my hip!! Thanks Mr Lai. Go here, Forget the other tourist traps, this is the real deal. You won't be disappointed. Front desk speaks English, massage therapists mostly only Cantonese w/ a few words of English. Nice people !!

Stumbled into this place on Yelp's reviews. Being a native Hong Konger living abroad, I have…read morevisited various saunas and spas in the Wan Chai districts. While those were good but over the years, those 'parlors' became less massage and more happy endings. Not what I was looking for. This place is the real deal and for $540 for 90 minutes, it is a steal when compared to the US prices. But that is just half of the story. Ah Ping was my therapist. She is a special lady with a real talent in figuring out where it hurts and where she needed to focus. She literally has magical hands. Deep tissue is on tap for the day and oh boy, she is incredible. The icing on the cake is she is genuinely nice and caring. She doesn't speak English and prefers not to cater to non Chinese speakers. But, if you can convince her to give you her magical treatments, you will be glad to fork over your fee plus a healthy tip.

I'm addicted to this place. If I ever go back to Hong Kong this is the only place I would go to for…read morea massage. The service was spectacular and the massage was the best I've ever had. Thank you Chi Wa Siam for taking care of me.

After a LONG day of walking, I wanted to get a massage. I cross-referenced Google and Yelp and was…read morelead to this location. Previously, I just walked in to an unknown massage place while exploring. However, this location, I actually searched. As I walked in to a dark massage area, I was led to a tiny bathroom to change into the shorts and shirt they provided. There were no areas to place our clothes, so I had to keep it with me. As I opted for a foot massage. I sat in a chair that reclined and the masseuse got to work. The massage was okay, but not the greatest. The pressure was a little weak. I asked for more pressure but it didn't seem much different. The prices were slightly higher than the other massage establishments in the area so maybe my expectation was a little higher. Overall, my experience was okay. It just wasn't the 4.6 star rating I was expecting.

Phenomenal place- it was a better experience than most resort spas in the U.S.!…read more Our hotel made the suggestion to visit Yuen and said it was "the best bang for the buck" - being apprehensive, I asked how much is service in USD? Roughly $35-40 for 50 minutes! SO...My husband went to go check it out beforehand and comes back to my step-daughter and me and said "You'll love it!" He spoke with Jackie and she made wonderful suggestions based on our needs. Yuen is located just a few blocks from our hotel, so look for the sign, take the elevator to the 15th floor. You will be warmly greeted in absolutely euphoric atmosphere and very clean. You would have never guessed such a glorious place existed in an office like building. Slippers are provided. After waiting just a few minutes we were whisked to a room with 2 beds for my step-daughter and me. Masseuses were phenomenal, complete quiet relaxation. Post massage, warm tea and a gelatin like dessert was served - very tasty. Husband also decided to get a 50 minute foot massage while we got massages and scrub and all 3 of use received treatments for ~$110 USD. Jackie who helped us was an excellent and gracious hostess, everything was professional and yes.....worth every single penny. This experience is definitely worth a visit when in this neighborhood or a tourist looking for a massage after long travel!

Thanks Annie M. for recommending this excellent place. This will be my new favorite for foot…read moresteaming from now on, as I like how it's newer and cleaner than the one I've frequented. Don't hold any fantasy for this spa, this is just a basic place for foot steaming. However, the interior is nice, the faux slate stone walls and floor giving it a clean, modern look. Service is good, and the clothes that I change into for the steaming looks new and clean. The staff told me that they send their laundry out to clean. As a first timer I get a discounted price of $98 (normal is $138), and I added a 20 min shoulder massage for a small fee. Massage was good if not excellent. They did not push me to buy packages and add ons, which I appreciate. This place is right by the Prince Edward MTR. Exit B2 and it's in the building across the street to your left.

I love massage and do it every week when I'm in town (Vancouver).. One of my friends had foot…read moresteaming and posted on facebook few months ago. I thought it's so cool! I definitely would try it when I get a chance. My best friend took me to Fantasy Spa for foot steaming and massage. I like this place, it is nothing fancy but the price is very reasonable. It's clean and roomy. The foot massage technicians are so experience and great. They explained to us the benefits of foot steaming with different herbals medicine. (Promote blood circulation, Detoxification, Eliminate blood stasis, Anit-aging and etc) I wish Vancouver could have foot steaming massage shop soon.