Experiences - Sassy Hong Kong https://www.sassyhongkong.com/category/travel/experiences/ The girl's guide to everything Hong Kong Mon, 29 Apr 2024 09:10:15 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/favicon.png Experiences - Sassy Hong Kong https://www.sassyhongkong.com/category/travel/experiences/ 32 32 Calling All Kids At Heart! Galaxy Macau Is Your Ultimate Playground https://www.sassyhongkong.com/galaxy-macau-edutainment-centre-kidz-travel/ Sun, 28 Apr 2024 22:00:22 +0000 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/?p=142726 Get ready for non-stop fun and adventure as we explore why Galaxy Macau is the ultimate playground for kids and kids at heart. Calling all kids at heart! Get ready for an adventure at Galaxy Macau, the ultimate playground. This world-class integrated resort offers the height of innovative and versatile entertainment and leisure experiences that’ll […]

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Get ready for non-stop fun and adventure as we explore why Galaxy Macau is the ultimate playground for kids and kids at heart.

Calling all kids at heart! Get ready for an adventure at Galaxy Macau, the ultimate playground. This world-class integrated resort offers the height of innovative and versatile entertainment and leisure experiences that’ll leave you in awe. Brace yourself for thrilling attractions like the longest skytop river ride and a massive wave pool that guarantees non-stop excitement.

But that’s not all – Galaxy Macau takes it a step further with its versatile programme offerings. Prepare to engage in immersive activities, from workshops and science discoveries to cooking classes, where you can let your creativity run wild and rediscover the joy of wonder. Whether you’re young or young at heart, this resort ignites curiosity and unleashes your inner child at every turn. Read on to find out why Galaxy Macau is the ultimate destination for the kids at heart!

Galaxy Macau Kidz edutainment centre

First off, for the kid inside us all, Galaxy Macau’s Galaxy Kidz edutainment centre is a playground of endless possibilities. Spanning over 1,200 square-metres of interactive magic, this space is designed to evoke a sense of childlike wonder in all of us. Feeling crafty? Head to the arts and crafts studio and let your creativity run wild. More of a science head? The STEAM lab is calling, with opportunities to design robots, mix chemical reactions, and engineer all sorts of incredible structures. And don’t forget the cooking workshops! Get ready to turn your taste bud discoveries into edible science experiments. Plus, you can always head outside to the playground and gardens for some fresh-air fun when you need a break.

At Galaxy Kidz, you can rediscover the thrill of open-ended play and indulge your fascination with the world around you. With every turn, Galaxy Kidz stimulates the intellect and imagination, proving that it’s never too late to have a happy childhood.

galaxy macau birthday party

Galaxy Macau isn’t only a playground for kids at heart, but also the perfect destination for special celebrations and milestones. What better way to celebrate your inner child than by throwing an epic birthday bash at Galaxy Kidz? With its party packages designed to transform special occasions into thrilling experiences for guests young and young at heart, you’re in for a memorable celebration. Alternatively, you can host your event in the private party room, accommodating up to 50 guests.

From whimsical cakes to captivating cartoon character shows, Galaxy Kidz ensures that the party options are tailored to indulge your inner child. Its birthday packages guarantee that your special day is filled with the same excitement and wonder as your childhood dreams. It’s time to rediscover the delight of celebration as you throw the ultimate kids-at-heart party at Galaxy Kidz. Get ready to create cherished memories and embrace the joy of being a kid at heart once again!

galaxy macau kidcation
No matter if you’re turning 5 or 35 this year, one thing is for certain: Galaxy Macau is the ultimate playground for every kid at heart. This world-class resort has innovation and variety in spades, delivering entertainment and discovery that caters to guests of all ages. We’re talking amusement rides that’ll have your inner daredevil buzzing with excitement, plus the boundless edutainment of the Galaxy Kidz programme, where every experience ignites that childhood spirit of wonder.

With so much to see and do, Galaxy Macau truly is a paradise for kids of all ages. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your “kid-cation” stay at Galaxy Macau today and rediscover the sheer joy of being a kid at heart.

Galaxy Kidz Macau, 2/F, Galaxy Hotel, Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai, Macau, 8883 3753, Facebook: Galaxy Kidz, Instagram: @galaxykidzmacau, www.galaxymacau.com


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8 Sustainable Eco Hotels To Add To Your 2024 Travel Bucket List https://www.sassyhongkong.com/travel-sustainable-eco-friendly-hotels-bucket-list/ Sun, 14 Apr 2024 22:00:56 +0000 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/?p=87119 Trying to travel more mindfully? From eco hotels to sustainable boutique lodges, these spots are designed for the conscious traveller… The rise of sustainable travel is no longer just a trend, but a practice that is here to stay. In fact, the expectations for hotels and businesses to reduce their impact on our planet continues […]

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Trying to travel more mindfully? From eco hotels to sustainable boutique lodges, these spots are designed for the conscious traveller…

The rise of sustainable travel is no longer just a trend, but a practice that is here to stay. In fact, the expectations for hotels and businesses to reduce their impact on our planet continues to grow, and it’s great to see hoteliers responding positively and rapidly to this shift in perspectives. Now, we have more sustainable lodging options than ever to choose from to do our part in preserving the planet.

From off-the-grid hotels generating more energy than they consume, to farm-to-table lodges celebrating local produce, here are eight eco-friendly hotels and lodges to add to your 2024 travel bucket list.

Read More: 11 Unique Hotels In Asia To Book In 2024


Eco Hotel, Sustainable Hotel, Eco-Friendly Hotel, Sustainable Travel: Fogo Island Inn, Canada

Fogo Island Inn – Newfoundland, Canada

If you’re looking to really disconnect, look no further than Fogo Island Inn (because it really doesn’t get any further than that). Located at the edge of the North Atlantic, this 29-room hotel is built on the principle of sustainability. With strong initiatives in place to reduce its impact on our planet, Fogo Island Inn reinvents what it means to travel consciously. After all, if you commit to making the journey, you are bound to value its preservation.

From balancing out its greenhouse gas emissions and reinvesting its entire operating surpluses to its community, Fogo Island Inn is the most extraordinary place for travellers to experience what true social and environmental responsibility means.

Fogo Island Inn, 210 Main Road, Joe Batt’s Arm, Newfoundland A0G 2X0, Canada, reservations@fogoislandinn.ca,  fogoislandinn.ca


Eco Hotel, Sustainable Hotel, Eco-Friendly Hotel, Sustainable Travel: Whitepod Original, Switzerland

Piaule Catskill– New York, USA

New York is not exactly a city that pops to mind when talking about sustainability. However, Piaule is here to change that. Set in the forest of Catskill, this hotel is as much a design-led as it is sustainability-led. Structured in a way that allows the property to tread lightly on the earth, only five out of the 50 acres of land are used to build 24 cabins, allowing guests to fully immerse in nature.

As cleverly stated on their website, “If you are looking for the Four Seasons, look elsewhere. If you want to experience the earth’s four seasons, this is the place.”

Piaule Catskill, 333 Mossy Hill Road, Catskill, New York 12414, United States, stay@piaule.co, www.piaule.com


Eco Hotel, Sustainable Hotel, Eco-Friendly Hotel, Sustainable Travel: Rockhouse Hotel & Spa, Jamaica

Rockhouse Hotel & Spa –  Negril, Jamaica

If what you’re after is a socially responsible tropical escape, this award-winning hotel in Jamaica offers just that. Perched over the cliffs of Negril amongst eight acres of tropical gardens, Rockhouse has established itself as one of the most-cherished destinations amongst travellers. We love that this Caribbean paradise prioritises its environmental undertaking as much as it does customer experience. And if you’re still not convinced, this used to be a frequent hang out spot for The Rolling Stones and Bob Marley!

Rockhouse Hotel & Spa, West End Road, Negril, Jamaica, info@rockhousehotel.com, www.rockhouse.com

Read More: 7 Beachside Weekend Getaways From Hong Kong


Eco Hotel, Sustainable Hotel, Eco-Friendly Hotel, Sustainable Travel: The Pig at Combe, United Kingdom

The Pig at Combe – Devon, United Kingdom

Immerse yourself in a quintessentially English country house that is traditional in the way it looks but thinking ahead in its approach to supporting biodiversity. What sets The Pig at Combe apart from the rest is the food. While each Pig has its own kitchen garden (there are 11 Pigs in total!), The Pig at Combe goes to an even greater length to ensure the menu is seasonal and supports local suppliers. Everything you find on the menu is sourced within 25 miles of the property and is subject to change daily! All this effort is made to ensure that guests can have a fantastic time while supporting a great initiative.

The Pig at Combe, Gittisham, Honiton EX14 3AD, United Kingdom, reservations@thepighotel.com, www.thepighotel.com/at-combe

Read More: Your Guide To Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants In Hong Kong


Eco Hotel, Sustainable Hotel, Eco-Friendly Hotel, Sustainable Travel: Whitepod Original, Switzerland

Whitepod Original – Monthey, Switzerland

Located 1,400 metres above sea level, Whitepod Original is an eco-luxury hotel that offers the luxury of a traditional hotel while committing to preserving the planet with energy-efficient designs and practices.

The Swiss hotel offers two types of accommodation: cosy pods for romantic getaways and spacious cabins for nature-loving families. Both fully equipped with eco-friendly amenities and an unobstructed view of nature, it is hard to pick a favourite! Guests can also ski on Whitepod’s self-operated ski slopes in the winter, and enjoy dog karting and paragliding tours in the warmer months.

Whitepod Original, Les Giettes, Des Cerniers, 1871 Monthey, Switzerland, reservations@whitepod.com, whitepod.com


Eco Hotel, Sustainable Hotel, Eco-Friendly Hotel, Sustainable Travel: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – Gansbaai, South Africa

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a sanctuary for those who want to go beyond the basics and truly experience the wilderness of Africa. Located just two hours away from Cape Town, at the southern tip of Africa, this award-winning family-run eco-paradise is where biodiversity and natural wonder meet.

With over 23 mammal species found on the reserve and 100 endangered plant species in the surrounding areas, Grootbos adopts a progressive approach to tourism, constantly innovating and coming up with new ways of preserving the world’s natural wonders. Guests can indulge in freshly picked produce and one-of-a-kind experiences including shark cage diving and marine safari to deepen their interactions with nature’s beasts whilst directly contributing to the hotel’s conservation efforts.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, R43, Gansbaai, 7220, South Africa, bookings@grootbos.co.za, www.grootbos.com


Eco Hotel, Sustainable Hotel, Eco-Friendly Hotel, Sustainable Travel: Rockhouse Hotel & Spa, Jamaica

Six Senses – Thimphu, Bhutan

With Bhutan being the world’s first and only carbon-negative country, it is no surprise that both hoteliers and visitors alike are strictly regulated by the local authorities to help preserve this climate-friendly nation. The wellness-led hotel brand, Six Senses, is no exception and delivers utmost luxury to guests while adhering to a zero waste philosophy. Guests can wake up to breathtaking views of Bhutan’s stunning landscapes from any of the 82 luxurious villas and suites, with the option to fully immerse themselves into the local culture through culinary experiences handpicked by the hotel.

Six Senses, Chunimeding, Babesa, Chang Gewog, Thimphu, Bhutan, reservations-bhutan@sixsenses.com, www.sixsenses.com

Read More: Wellness Retreats In Hong Kong – Hotel Deals & Alternative Retreats


Eco Hotel, Sustainable Hotel, Eco-Friendly Hotel, Sustainable Travel: Svart, Norway

Svart – Meløy, Norway

Being energy-positive in the travel and real estate industries is almost as hard as spotting the Northern Lights. However, Svart sets out to deliver both – although the latter is less within its control. This Norwegian hotel is the world’s first energy-positive hotel (which means it makes more energy than it uses), pushing the limits of sustainable travel while still ensuring that guests still enjoy the highest standard of luxury. Located within the Arctic circle, Svart establishes itself as a prime destination for aurora sightings. Its innovation and environmental consciousness will no doubt make the experience more unique and memorable.

Svart is set to open later this year.

Svart, Meløy, Norway, svart.no

Read More: 7 Ways To Live A More Sustainable Lifestyle


 

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11 Unique Hotels In Asia To Book In 2024 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/unique-hotels-asia-experiences-retreats-travel/ Sun, 31 Dec 2023 22:00:05 +0000 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/?p=126626 Make your next holiday one to remember at one of these unique hotels and offbeat retreat stays in Asia. We can’t wait for a break — and we’re planning on making the next one our most unique holiday yet! After more than three years of restrictions and quarantine protocols, we’d say 2024 is finally the […]

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Make your next holiday one to remember at one of these unique hotels and offbeat retreat stays in Asia.

We can’t wait for a break — and we’re planning on making the next one our most unique holiday yet! After more than three years of restrictions and quarantine protocols, we’d say 2024 is finally the year for travel. As borders near (like right across from us near and all over Asia!) and far open up, maximise your annual leave, grab a ticket, pack your bags, and say a (temporary!) goodbye to staycations and hello to real, good old vacations. Make your first trip abroad extra special by booking a stay at one of Asia’s 11 most unique hotels and making it a holiday to remember.

Read More: 5 Direct Flight Destinations From Hong Kong You Might Not Have Thought Of


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Villa Alam Mountain — Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Villa Finder promises a truly unforgettable holiday experience, boasting over 28 destinations worldwide including Bali, Indonesia, Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand and Sri Lanka. We’re highlighting Villa Alam Mountain, a gorgeous two-bedroom bungalow in the heart of Bali, situated by a 350-year-old village with rich cultural traditions. Perfect for nature and history lovers, you’ll have direct access to scenic hiking trails and picturesque views of rice fields, forests, hot springs, waterfalls and mountains. You won’t want to miss the sunrise!

New Sassy Perk StickerUse the code SASSY to get $300 off on a minimum booking of $5,000. Simply mention the code when you’re making your reservation.

Villa Alam Mountain, www.villa-bali.com

Villa Finder, +852 5803 5658, Facebook: Villa Finder, Instagram: @villafinder, www.villa-finder.com

Read More: Bali Resorts For Beginners – Where To Stay And What To Do


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Taj Lake Palace — Rajasthan, India

Originally an 18th-century palace used by the Mewar Royal family, the Taj Lake Palace was converted into a heritage hotel in the 1960s. It floats in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan (quite literally, the land of kings!), and boasts 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites that each offer a breathtaking view of the neighbouring City Palace and the natural wonders that surround the hotel. Plus, the James Bond film “Octopussy” was shot at this very location.

Taj Lake Palace, www.tajhotels.com

Read More: 12 Luxury Resorts In Asia To Put On Your 2023 Travel Bucket List


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Sekeping Serendah — Selangor, Malaysia

Fully immerse yourself in nature at Sekeping Serendah in Serendah, Malaysia. Think of it as less of a traditional hotel stay and more as a private forest retreat. Here you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find serenity in the form of a glass house that floats above the tropical rainforest floor, complete with transparent, open sheds.

Sekeping Serendah, www.sekeping.com/serendah

Read More: How To Get Your Hands On The 80,000 Free Airline Tickets For Hong Kong Residents


unique hotels asia experiences retreats travel koshu nishiyama hot spring keiunkan yamanashi japan natural hot springs historical

Koshu Nishiyama Hot Spring, Keiunkan — Yamanashi, Japan

Named “the world’s most historical inn” by the Guinness Book of World Records, Koshu Nishiyama Hot Spring, Keiunkan boasts over 1,300 years of history and free-flowing natural hot springs. It’s located at the foot of the South Japanese Alps in the Yamanashi Prefecture — making it a must-visit if you’re looking for the ultimate tranquil getaway.

Koshu Nishiyama Hot Spring Keiunkan, www.keiunkan.co.jp

Read More: City Breaks In Asia – 5 Direct Flight Destinations From Hong Kong


unique hotels asia experiences retreats travel buahan banyan tree escape bali indonesia jungle ayung river mountains waterfall 3

Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape — Bali, Indonesia

Located nearby a small Buahan village in the heart of the Balinese jungle is Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape. Its “no walls, no doors” design allows guests to soak in the tropical landscapes of the island — a place where you’ll wake up to birdsong and the sights of rice fields, peak mountains, alongside the Ayung River and its untouched waterfall. Plus, did we mention that there’s an open-air bamboo spa on site?

Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape, escape.banyantree.com

Read More: Destination Weddings In Asia – Best Locations And Hotels


unique hotels asia experiences retreats travel avana retreat how binh vietnam mai chau valley mountains forest

Avana Retreat — Hòa Bình, Vietnam

Four heated infinity pools and 36 gorgeous villas spread across 15 hectares of land. Welcome to Aaena Retreat! This luxurious eco mountain retreat is an idyllic place to rewind and reset, as you experience the all-encompassing beauty of the vast rural Mai Chau Valley. Surrounded by forest, rice fields, mountains and waterfalls, this is an off-the-beaten-track choice for adventurous travellers.

Avana Retreat, avanaretreat.com

Read More: 9 Sustainable And Eco Hotels To Put On Your Travel Bucket List


unique hotels asia experiences retreats travel lux chongzuo guangxi china vietnam mingshi river

LUX* Chongzuo — Guangxi, China

Located on the banks of the Mingshi River at the edge of China and Vietnam, LUX* Chongzuo is a tropical luxury resort with an interesting mix of influences. Its lush, picturesque gardens and karst rock formations promise to help you master the art of slow living — and the 35-metre-long infinity pool and rooftop where you can bask in golden light don’t hurt either.

LUX* Chongzuo, www.luxresorts.com

Read More: Sassy’s Quick Guide To Macau


unique hotels asia experiences retreats travel la lanna resort chiang mai thailand

La Lanna Resort — Chiang Mai, Thailand

La Lanna Resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand has some of the most unique rooms you’ll ever find. Think beautiful bungalows with fittings like moving beds, terraces, waterfall curtains, and private jacuzzi tubs and pools, all situated in fresh open-air greenery.

La Lana Resort, www.facebook.com/lalannaresort


unique hotels asia experiences retreats travel hotel everest view solukhumbu nepal himalayas mountains range

Hotel Everest View — Solukhumbu, Nepal

One of the highest-placed hotels in the world, Hotel Everest View is located 13,000 feet above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the magnificent Himalayan mountain range and its peaks. Each of its exclusive rooms gives you a view of Mount Everest, and the resort is situated perfectly to make it easy to explore nearby villages, treks and landscapes. And we can’t forget its luxurious dining experiences.

Hotel Everest View, hoteleverestview.com


unique hotels asia experiences retreats travel aman summer palace beijing china forbidden city ming qing dynasty

Aman Summer Palace — Beijing, China

Step back in time at Aman Summer Palace, a boutique hotel situated just steps away from the East Gate of the Forbidden City UNESCO World Heritage Site. Housed at the very pavilions that once served as imperial waiting rooms for guests of Empress Dowager Cixi, this peaceful retreat captures the essence of Chinese history and culture with exquisite Ming Dynasty-inspired furnishings and stunning Qing Dynasty architecture.

Aman Summer Palace, www.aman.com

Read More: The Best Hotel Staycations In Hong Kong – Easter Staycations & More


unique hotels asia experiences retreats travel taprobane island sri lanka private island tropical paradise

Taprobane Island — Sri Lanka

A private island that’s played host to royalty, presidents, writers and eccentrics, Taprobane Island is two and a half acres of tropical fantasy. This is Sri Lanka’s only privately-owned island, and boasts a neo-palladian mansion that promises to cater to your every need. What’s more, this romantic island villa is only accessible by wading through the sea on an elephant, unless, of course, you’d fancy a swim.

Taprobane Island, taprobaneisland.com


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I Tried 9 Of Korea’s Most Popular Beauty Treatments In Just 3 Hours https://www.sassyhongkong.com/korea-lip-filler-botox-facial-treatments-beauty/ Sun, 19 Nov 2023 22:00:14 +0000 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/?p=136776 I travelled to Seoul for fun, which for me, of course, meant trying out as many beauty treatments as I could — micro-needling, a cryo facial, LED light therapy, Botox, lip filler and more — in one day. Specifically, nine treatments in three hours all at one stop. As a self-proclaimed skincare addict (“wackjob” to […]

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I travelled to Seoul for fun, which for me, of course, meant trying out as many beauty treatments as I could — micro-needling, a cryo facial, LED light therapy, Botox, lip filler and more — in one day. Specifically, nine treatments in three hours all at one stop.

As a self-proclaimed skincare addict (“wackjob” to be precise), I’ve gone to the furthest reaches of the globe to experience some of the most unique treatments the world has to offer. Dead skin-eating fish at the base of a waterfall in Laos? Sold. Mud bath in the jungle of Tulum? Yes, please. Mud wrap from the Dead Sea? Sign me up.

However, I’ve always considered Korean beauty the holy grail of skincare and South Korea, the holy land. I had planned a last-minute solo trip to Korea in June 2023 as a bit of my own “Eat, Pray, Love” experience but with only two goals in mind: 1. eat all of the Korean food (one of my favourites) and do all of the skin care — within just four days of travel. Challenge accepted.

Read More: Botox Clinics & Doctors In Hong Kong – What To Know & Where To Go


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Before arriving in South Korea, I didn’t have an exact laid-out plan of action. I had researched different clinics and read the reviews but didn’t know exactly what I wanted done (while simultaneously wanting it all).

I landed on a clinic known to be “foreigner-friendly”, which just meant: they spoke English and had… decent enough reviews (yes, I know. Never settle for decent when it comes to treatments). This was not a particularly glamorous space; it was a bit akin to a factory. There was no luxury to be found anywhere but that was okay, I was on a mission.

My appointment was set for 10:30am in Hongdae and when I say I was there early, I was there early! I arrived at 9am sharp and decided to walk off my excitement, lapping the neighbourhood twice before my scheduled appointment time.

I entered the reception area, which resembled an overly crowded waiting room in a regular doctor’s office except that every person was covered in numbing cream or bandages. So, perhaps more like an average plastic surgeon’s office in Beverly Hills.

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By 11am I had gone through a consultation with the sales representatives. I imagine others having more invasive treatments would meet a registered Doctor well ahead of time. In my case, however, I simply sat with a salesperson for about 10 minutes, who asked me what I wanted to do, keeping in mind that I had “pretty nice skin” (to which I replied, “I know.” I’m nothing if not humble).

On the spot, I decided I wanted “glass skin” — a phrase I’ve heard tossed around usually in reference to K-pop stars (none of whom I follow so I didn’t have an actual idea of what this meant. But I love the phrase). Quickly, the sales representative pulled out a treatment package that included:

• An aqua oxygen peel facial treatment
• A cryotherapy cryo facial
• A mesotherapy (micro-needling) Chanel injection skin booster
• A Korean modeling mask
• Various sheet mask treatments
• and LED light therapy

All for the low cost of around 2,000 HKD.

But of course, that just wasn’t enough when it came to my quest to “do it all”. I found myself blurting out that I wanted masseter Botox and lip fillers, neither of which I had ever done before or even wanted. But here I was. In the sales office of a Mediclinic in Seoul, South Korea. By myself, deciding that, yes, today was the day I did it all.

Read More: Our Favourite Hong Kong Facial Treatments

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Soon after the consultation, the sales representative applied numbing cream to my face in a manner like applying sunscreen. “Oh, is this going to be really painful?” I asked. How naive I was.

I was taken to a large room lined with treatment beds, kept apart by small dividers that gave you just the slightest sliver of privacy. Here, I lay down and a team immediately got to work.

At this point, while I knew all of the treatments were starting, I felt nothing. Not only because I had numbing cream on but also because I had just signed up to stick needles in my body, in a foreign country, by myself. I am truly terrified of needles so it was adrenaline and fear that kept me going.

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To start, my skin was prepped and a gel-like substance was applied to help soothe. Pre-soaked toner pads were used to remove any extra sebum left. Immediately after this, we went right into an “aqua peel”.

Read More: Top Collagen Boosting Treatments, Products & More In Hong Kong

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The Korean aqua peel facial treatment was exactly as it may sound: water being shot at your face in an attempt to clear out any “gunk” that may be trapped in your pores.

Without a break or any hesitation, we moved immediately onto the Botox. Yes, the Botox that I had hastily signed up for. As I’m lying on the bed, I hear someone say “Botox” and then nothing else as someone shoots me in the face with needles. At this point, I am full-body sweating because this abrupt turn without any clear warning was terrifying.

I happened to be live texting my friends throughout the treatment, but at this point, I’ve simply sent a “YIKES”. The rest of my messages looked like this:

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It’s now 12pm, and we haven’t even made it halfway through. Immediately following the Botox attack, we moved onto microneedling which, comparatively, was not painful at all. I’ve heard many people say microneedling is incredibly painful but it’s possible that all the adrenaline from the anxiety of Botox was keeping me from feeling anything else.

To help cool down my face after all the poking and prodding, I had a cryo facial, which essentially felt like an ice cube being pushed around on my skin. Then, we moved on to the LED light therapy, where an LED box-like device was placed over my head with a sheet mask, to help my skin recover from the assault it had just experienced.

I was told we were at the last step of the procedures — for this room. We ended this round with a Korean modeling mask; a clay mask put on the skin wet, designed to harden and mould as it dries.

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At this point, it’s almost 1pm and I’m over it.

As we move to a different floor for the cosmetic injectables, I’m now regretting all of my life choices that got me here and second-guessing them all.

Again, I find myself in a waiting room, this time, a smaller space with less bandaged clients. I’ve asked them twice to reapply the numbing cream because I am terrified of having a needle shot into my lips.

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As I’m brought to a room by a nurse who does not speak English, I’m greeted by a doctor (or at least a man in a white coat) who speaks limited English and is coming at me with a needle.

Understanding that I am the one in a foreign country and I need to adapt to their language, not the other way around, I attempt to navigate using a combination of Google Translate and broken English to tell them: 1. I want my lips to look as natural as possible and 2. to ask if this will hurt.

The doctor simply smiled back at me and began to inject; I started involuntarily tearing up.

While it seems everyone in the world is constantly getting filler and Botox, none of them ever seem to warn you how painful it really is.

I was technically done in just five minutes, but I continued to text my friends for three more hours about how much pain I was in. It was that bad.

Read More: Our Beauty Editor’s Gentle & Affordable Skincare Routine

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As I leave the clinic, the receptionist yells after me to not forget to grab medicine at the pharmacy. This stops me dead in my tracks. No one had given me a single second of aftercare instruction or informed me that I would be on medication for a full week. It was at this moment, that I learnt I needed to shield my skin for two days from the sun, could not use straws for two weeks and that I would be on antibiotics for an entire week.

All brand-new information to me, as I’m nursing my self-inflicted wounds on the way out the door.

So, the big question is: would I do it again? Unfortunately, since I’m a glutton for punishment — yes. While the experience was painful and terrifying, the results were unmatched. Plus combined with the cost, I couldn’t possibly say no! But maybe, I’ll wait a few more months…


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8 Summer Music Festivals You Don’t Want To Miss https://www.sassyhongkong.com/summer-music-festivals-europe-asia-north-america-travel/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 22:00:15 +0000 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/?p=132177 The best music festivals worldwide to catch this summer include Creamfields North, Summer Sonic and Outside Lands. Grab your festival fits, boots, face paint and belt bags, it’s that time of the year: summer music festival season! If you’re looking for somewhere to escape and all the good vibes, we’ve rounded up the best upcoming […]

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The best music festivals worldwide to catch this summer include Creamfields North, Summer Sonic and Outside Lands.

Grab your festival fits, boots, face paint and belt bags, it’s that time of the year: summer music festival season! If you’re looking for somewhere to escape and all the good vibes, we’ve rounded up the best upcoming summer music festivals (and a couple to keep an eye on!) all over the world — including Creamfields North in the UK, Summer Sonic in Osaka and Tokyo, and Outside Lands in San Francisco — to grab your tickets for, covering genres like eDM, rock, R&B and more. Book your flights and get set for plenty of tunes, dance, live music and more…

Read More: 12 Travel Accessories For Your Next Trip


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Sziget Festival — Budapest, Hungary

Any festival lover would have heard of Sziget. One of Europe’s largest music and cultural festivals, it’s held annually over six days in northern Budapest, Hungary. Expect over 1,000 performances by some of the biggest names in music. This year’s line-up includes Billie Eilish, Lorde, Imagine Dragons and Macklemore, to name a few!

Fly to: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, then get to the Island of Freedom directly with miniBUD (€17.50, approximately $150, for a single journey or €33, approximately $284, for a journey including return).
Flight time: 15 hours, 15 minutes

When: Thursday, 10 to Tuesday, 15 August, 2023
Where: Óbuda Island, Budapest, Hungary
How much: $817 to $903 for a one-day ticket, from $2,323 for a three-day pass, from $3,262 for a full six-day festival pass — see all ticket types and passes here and buy yours

Sziget Festival, szigetfestival.com

Read More: How To Get Your Hands On Free Airline Tickets, Vouchers & More


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Outside Lands — San Francisco, USA

Taking place annually in San Francisco, Outside Lands is a three-day event celebrating music, food, art and more. In celebration of its 15th year, the 2023 festival will see Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters and Odesza headline alongside Megan Thee Stallion, Lana Del Rey and more big-name acts. Tickets are selling out as we speak — grab yours quickly from the official website.

Fly to: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), then take a 23-minute drive to the park. Please note that parking is not available at the festival. Outside Lands offers official rideshare from Balboa Street & 30th Avenue (adjacent to George Washington High School) and Irving Street between 25th and 27th Avenue.
Flight time: 12 hours, 55 minutes

When: Friday, 11 to Sunday, 13 August, 2023
Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, United States
How much: From $1,678 — see all ticket types and buy yours here

Outside Lands, sfoutsidelands.com

Read More: 2023 Public Holidays – How To Maximise Your Annual Leave


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Summer Sonic — Osaka and Tokyo, Japan

Summer Sonic — also known as Supersonic — is held annually over two days in August, in two separate cities in Japan: Osaka and Tokyo. The line-up in both cities is set to be more or less the same, with Kendrick Lamar or Blur alternating headlining in the different cities according to the day, and acts like Liam Gallagher, Fall Out Boy and Two Door Cinema Club. Tokyo will also offer an extra stage. Tickets for both venues have already sold out on the official website but you can try your luck on some reseller platforms.

Fly to:
Osaka — Osaka Kansai Airport, then a 27-minute drive to Cosmosquare Subway Station or a 1 hour, 20 minutes journey on public transport. From the airport, walk to Hatarugaike Station, take the Takarazuka Main Line to Osaka-Umeda Station and switch to the Midosuji Line towards Nakamozu direction. Get off at Hommachi Station before changing to Chuo Line to Cosmosquare Station. Once you arrive at the train station, take the paid shuttle bus to Maishima Summer Sonic Park.
Tokyo — Haneda-Airport, then get the airport shuttle bus to Kaihin-Makuhari Eki, which is two minutes from Kaihin-Makuhari Eki Station. Then it’s a seven-minute walk to Makuhari Messe or a 15-minute walk to ZOZO Marine Stadium.
Flight time: 3 hours, 55 minutes to Osaka, 4 hours, 25 minutes to Tokyo

When: Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 August, 2023
Where: Maishima Sonic Park, Osaka; ZOZO Marine Stadium & Makuhari Messe, Tokyo, Japan
How much: Osaka — $884 for a one-day ticket and $1,658 for a two-day ticket; Tokyo — $1,022 for a one-day ticket and $1,879 for a two-day ticket

Summer Sonic Festival, www.summersonic.com

Read More: Where To Stay, Eat & Explore In Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka


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Rock en Seine Festival — Paris, France

The City of Love is also home to Rock en Seine. The annual rock music festival has been one of France’s biggest summer events for almost two decades (the venue has the capacity for up to 40,000 festival-goers!). For three days, enjoy all kinds of rock music and discover some of the best up-and-coming French artists. This year’s headliners include Billie Eilish, Placebo, The Chemical Brothers, Florence + The Machine and The Strokes.

Fly to: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. First, get on the RER B to Châtelet Les Halles and change to RER A to La Défense, then take RER L to Saint-Cloud. The park is a 15-minute walk from the station.
Flight time: 13 hours, 50 minutes

When: Wednesday, 23 to Sunday, 27 August, 2023
Where: Saint Cloud National Park, Paris, France
How much: From $639 — see all ticket types and buy yours here

Rock en Seine Festival, www.rockenseine.com

Read More: 8 Lust-Worthy Luggage Picks For Your Next Getaway


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Delta Festival — Marseille, France

If you’re looking for the ultimate summer beach party, this is it! Delta Festival in Marseille is a three-day music bash that brings an epic line-up of dance music to the sunny Plage du Prado in the South of France. With some of the best French-speaking artists like Angèle and Damso headlining, alongside Amelie Lens and Charlotte de Witt, this really is a summer music festival that’s not to be missed.

Fly to: Marseille Provence Airport. Get the TER train to Saint-Charles station, change to Line M2 towards Sainte-Marguerite Dromel and get off at Rond-Point Du Prado. From there get bus 19 to Plague Du Prado.
Flight time: 16 hours, 10 minutes

When: Wednesday, 23 to Sunday, 27 August, 2023
Where: Plage du Prado/ Parc balnéaire du Prado, Marseille, France
How much: From $550 — see all ticket types and buy yours here

Delta Festival, www.delta-festival.com

Read More: 7 Beachside Weekend Getaways From Hong Kong


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Creamfields North — Daresbury, England, UK

Creamfields is one of the UK’s best electronic dance music festivals. With the event’s growing popularity, there’s been not one but two Creamfields festivals organised in the country, North and South. Taking place this August, Creamfields North’s headliners include Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Tiësto, Diplo, DJ Snake and Martin Garrix.

Sassy Tip: If you can’t make it all the way to England for this, don’t worry. Creamfields has expanded to Asia with festivals hosted in Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and, of course, Hong Kong! Make sure to check out its website for news on upcoming events.

Fly to: Manchester Airport, then take a train to Warrington Central and get on a shuttle bus from the station to the festival. Shuttle bus tickets are £12 (approximately $119) each (£24, approximately $237, for a return)
Flight time: 14 hours, 20 minutes

When: Thursday, 24 to Sunday, 27 August, 2023
Where: Daresbury, Cheshire, United Kingdom
How much: From $1,043 — see all ticket types and buy yours here

Creamfields North, creamfieldsnorth.com


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Kalorama Festival — Lisbon, Portugal

If you’re looking for a real unique music festival experience, Kalorama Festival in Lisbon promises to deliver. With Florence + The Machine and Arcade Fire headlining alongside acts like The Blaze, Blur and The Prodigy, this Portuguese music event is guaranteed to be Europe’s last big summer festival before the cold starts to sink in.

Fly to: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport then take the red line directly to Bela Vista station, which is seven stops away. From there, it’s a 12-minute walk to the park.
Flight time: 17 hours, 30 minutes

When: Thursday, 31 August to Saturday, 2 September, 2023
Where: Parque da Bela Vista, Lisbon, Portugal
How much: From $556 — see all ticket types and buy yours here

Kalorama Festival, meokalorama.pt


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Lights On Festival — California, USA

This summer R&B music festival is curated by H.E.R. and features huge-name acts like Jazmine Sullivan, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Alina Baraz, Smino, Syd, Doechii, UMI, FLO, Amerie and more! It promises to be an experience like no other — all for the love of R&B.

Fly to: San Jose (SJC) Airport. The Shoreline Amphitheatre is a 15 to 20-minute car ride away from San Jose.
Flight time: Starting from 18 hours for a flight with a layover. We’d recommend flying direct from Hong Kong, 13 hours, 25 minutes, to Los Angeles and taking a second one-hour flight to San Jose.

When: Saturday, 16 to Sunday, 17, September, 2023
Where: Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, California, United States
How much: From $1,920 — see all ticket types and buy yours here

Lights On Festival, lightsonfest.com


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More Summer Music Festivals To Keep An Eye On — For 2023 & 2024!

  • KCON, Friday, 18 to Sunday, 20 August, 2023 in Los Angeles — The largest fan celebration of Korean culture and music. This year’s headlines include ATEEZ, (G)I-DLE, Stray Kids, XG and Everglow. www.kconusa.com
  • Head In The Clouds — 88rising’s annual music festival with a line-up featuring artists from across Asia and the Asian diaspora. New York’s edition in May 2023 saw ITZY, Rich Brian, beabadoobee and Milli headline while LA’s edition in early August 2023 featured DPR Live, DPR Ian, Rich Brian, NIKI, Rina Sawayama and more. Look out for more upcoming HITC festivals this year in Jakarta (September 2023) and Guangzhou (TBC!). hitcfestival.com
  • All Things Go Music Festival, Saturday, 30 September to Sunday, 1 October, 2023 in Washington, DC — A music festival with 32 groundbreaking artists performing across multiple stages at the historic Merriweather Post Pavilion. Acts include headliner Maggie Rogers, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lana Del Rey and Boygenius plus Lizzy McAlpine, beabadoobee and more. allthingsgofestival.com
  • Glastonbury Festival, Wednesday, 26 to Sunday, 30 June, 2024 TBC in the UK — A five-day contemporary performing arts festival with music, dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, and more. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
  • Fiji Rock Festival, July, 2024 TBC in Niigata — The annual rock festival held at one of Japan’s most popular ski resorts, Naeba Ski Resort. This year’s line-up saw over 200 Japanese and international musicians. www.fujirockfestival.com
  • Lollapalooza, August, 2024 TBC in Chicago — The perpetually sold-out annual four-day music festival covering various genres. This year’s edition in Chicago included NewJeans, beabadoobee, Sabrina Carpenter, Maggie Rogers and more huge names. Lollapalooza also saw editions in Mumbai, India in January 2023; Sao Paulo, Brazil, Argentina and Chile in March 2023 (with March 2024 for all three to be confirmed soon!), Stockholm, Sweden in June 2023, Paris, France in July 2023 and Berlin, Germany in September 2023. www.lollapalooza.com

Read More: The Best Events & Weekend Activities In Hong Kong This August


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TIA Wellness Resort, Da Nang, Vietnam: Sassy Tried & Tested https://www.sassyhongkong.com/tia-wellness-resort-da-nang-vietnam-review-travel/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 22:00:51 +0000 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/?p=129312 A closer look at exactly what’s on offer at TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam Da Nang has long topped our holiday lists. So much so that it was the first holiday this Team Sassy member booked post-pandemic! After an affordable, two-hour direct flight you can be sitting beachside, relaxing with a cocktail in […]

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A closer look at exactly what’s on offer at TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang has long topped our holiday lists. So much so that it was the first holiday this Team Sassy member booked post-pandemic! After an affordable, two-hour direct flight you can be sitting beachside, relaxing with a cocktail in hand or exploring the lantern-lined lanes of historic Hoi An. Not to mention munching on the fresh fragrant flavours Vietnamese cuisine is famous for.

So let’s just say it was a happy coincidence that we could spend a day checking out TIA Wellness Resort to sample the amazing prize on offer in the current Sassy giveaway.

Read More: GIVEAWAY — A 2-Night Retreat At TIA Wellness Resort, Da Nang


tia wellness resort danang vietnam yoga

TIA Wellness Resort

Just a short drive from Da Nang International Airport, we arrive at TIA Wellness Resort and are immediately struck by the boutique look and feel of the all-villa property. The lobby and main restaurant have a chic, modern Vietnamese design that flows through the picturesque gardens leading to the beachside infinity pool.

Despite its photogenic position by the sand, the pool is surprisingly quiet thanks to each villa having a private pool (more on that later!). We took full advantage, diving straight in! Likewise, we were able to lap it up, relaxing in the crystal clear waters of the South China Sea.

Read More: The Farm at San Benito — Sassy Tried & Tested


tia wellness resort da nang vietnam

Breathwork, Yoga And Wellness Activities At TIA Wellness Resort

A unique concept, TIA Wellness Resort offers complimentary wellness classes for all guests. It offers daily breathwork, Tai Chi, yoga and creative workshops.

Hosted in a bright and airy studio within the spa sanctuary, the breathwork class was held to the meditative sounds of the waterfall, palm trees moving in the breeze and the melodic hum of the cicadas and birds. As we were all beginners, the instructor guided us through the basics, easing us into relaxation for the day ahead.

The session I was most curious about, if not a little sceptical about (if I’m being honest) was the creative workshop. Colouring with my kids aside, neither my husband nor I are the most artistic people. We went in with an open mind (and perhaps a few jokes about our creative capabilities). The workshop was surprisingly relaxing, as we were guided through colour choices to match our feelings and given a variety of mediums to work with.

No, I will not be showing you my masterpiece. But, in a turn that could only be described as fate, the session concluded with my husband and I revealing our very, VERY similar works of art. I’m going to assume it’s because we are soulmates so in tune with each other’s feelings rather than the sheer coincidence of a shared beachside view out the window (we both created ocean waves and sunsets in case you were wondering!).

Read More: 6 Health & Wellness Retreats To Reset In 2023


tia wellness resort spa treatments da nang vietnam

Included Spa Treatments At TIA Wellness Resort

We couldn’t visit an all-inclusive resort without sampling the spa menu. Every guest has access to up to two spa treatments (to a maximum of 80 minutes) every day from a treatment menu with a variety of both 50-minute and 30-minute options.

Our session started with a private visit to the new and modern spa facilities. There are DIY scrubs to choose from, one of the most hypnotic steam rooms I’ve ever seen (the colour-changing lights on the ceiling were a lovely touch), a sauna overlooking the lush tropical garden, plus a shower room with a rain shower, Vichy shower bed and massage jets. Our 30 minutes was up all too quickly but set us up well for our treatments ahead.

We were led through to our couples’ room full of natural light. We both chose a 50-minute body massage (Himalayan salt stone for me and deep-tissue sports massage for him), followed by a 30-minute head and shoulder massage. Our experienced therapists knew exactly what they were doing and there’s a good chance one of us may have nodded off.

Read More: The Best Spas In Hong Kong 


tia wellness resort da nang vietnam

Wellness Cuisine

A huge part of visiting Vietnam is the food. Personally, I’d start every day with a cà phê sữa dá (Vietnamese iced coffee) if I could! As a health and wellness resort, I was curious to see the menu offerings. TIA Wellness Resort caters for all diets, from those on a full cleanse to those looking to indulge.

I was struck by the diversity of what was on offer at the breakfast buffet. There were vegan options and healthy wellness options (fresh spring rolls, chia puddings, protein balls and more) for those keeping it light. On the flip side, the traditional holiday treats — eggs, bacon, croissants and pastries were also available. Plus an al a carte option and made-to-order Vietnamese and barista coffees. Everything was delicious!

We also sampled the vegan lunch options at The Ocean Bistro. The poolside restaurant had a breezy, coastal feel to it and dished up innovative plant-based plates.

Read More: Your Guide To Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants In Hong Kong


tia wellness resort da nang vietnam pool villa

Private Pool Villas At TIA Wellness Resort

While we didn’t spend the night at TIA, we were treated to a sneak peek at its stunning private pool villas. No wonder the beachside pool was quiet — the villas are your own little sanctuary! With sleek and spacious interiors coupled with your own plunge pool, there’s little reason to leave. Well, except for those spa and wellness treatments!

Plus, if you miss the breakfast buffet you can order from the in-room dining menu at any time or snack from the included wellness-inspired mini bar.

Read More: Bali Resorts For Beginners — Where To Stay And What To Do


TIA wellness resort da nang gardens vietnam

Final thoughts on TIA Wellness Resort, Da Nang

Having visited Da Nang (and Vietnam in general) many times over the last decade or so I can safely say this is a property I’ll be coming back to. I particularly love that it caters for all wellness interests and mixed abilities. If you are someone looking to dive into cleanses, detox and daily yoga there are programmes available. At the same time if your travel companion is more interested in cocktails by the pool and a good massage they won’t be disappointed either.

I may already be planning a solo retreat for my next long weekend!

TIA Wellness Resort, www.tiawellnessresort.com

Read More: Public Holidays 2023 — How To Maximise Your Annual Leave

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The Farm at San Benito: Sassy Tried & Tested! https://www.sassyhongkong.com/review-the-farm-at-san-benito-manila-philippines-travel/ Wed, 11 Jan 2023 22:00:06 +0000 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/?p=122496 After the rollercoaster ride that was 2022, who would say no to a stay at The Farm at San Benito? Imagining a weekend of relaxing by the pool, maybe a yoga class and massage in a lovely resort in the Philippines, I was quick to say yes to a quick trip to The Farm at […]

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After the rollercoaster ride that was 2022, who would say no to a stay at The Farm at San Benito?

Imagining a weekend of relaxing by the pool, maybe a yoga class and massage in a lovely resort in the Philippines, I was quick to say yes to a quick trip to The Farm at San Benito. A bit of time out to set the tone for the new year ahead. Without wanting to sound too dramatic about it, The Farm at San Benito was so much more…

I love a spot of yoga and will never say no to a good spa treatment. However, when it comes to crystals and chakras, juice detoxes and vegan living, I’m a bit more sceptical. But I’ll try anything once! The beauty of a stay at The Farm at San Benito is there is something for everyone’s interpretation of wellness. There are options for those seeking a complete lifestyle overhaul and those who want a simple holiday retreat with healthy food, relaxation and mindfulness and fitness.

Read More: 6 Health & Wellness Retreats To Reset In 2023


the farm at san benito review philippines

What is The Farm at San Benito?

More than just a lovely tropical resort (although it is definitely that too!), The Farm is a complete holistic lifestyle destination. There are onsite yoga, fitness and wellness classes and a luxurious spa, as well as a holistic medical centre all just a 90-minute drive from Manila International Airport. Easy reach for a quick getaway from Hong Kong. 

Read More: Public Holidays 2023 — How To Maximise Your Annual Leave


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Wellness At The Holistic Sanctuary

What sets this destination apart is the Holistic Sanctuary, a medical centre that offers everything from general consultations, nutritional advice and digestive cleanses supervised by a team of onsite doctors to physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture and reiki, psychology and psychoemotional healing. There are programmes and packages covering all sorts of health issues including long Covid recovery, sleep induction, stress reduction and hormonal balance.

The options can seem quite overwhelming, but at the heart of each package is a personalised, medically supervised treatment plan. The helpful team will guide you through the options and help build your perfect retreat.

Read More: Alternative Therapy In Hong Kong — Reiki Energy Healing, Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy And More


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Tested Treatments At The Holistic Sanctuary

My treatments started with the Live Blood Analysis which involved a finger prick blood droplet being examined under a microscope. While not diagnostic, it was interesting to see the blood cells interact giving insight and direction to other health conversations. 

This was followed by a Voice Analysis where I spoke into a microphone for around a minute, followed by the doctor’s interpretation of my personality, mental and physical health. I still have no idea how it works, but the results were scarily accurate and some of the personality traits (both positive and negative) definitely struck close to home. Like the Blood Analysis, the results help form a broader picture of your health and areas for improvement. 

Finally, I spent some time in the Vital Dome infra-red sauna. A strange experience as you lie down, in a dimly lit room with peaceful music playing, covered by the dome with just your head out. On the “detox” setting, the heat went up to 65º C, sending my heart racing and letting my body sweat out the toxins. I’m still trying to decide whether it felt like a relaxing meditation or an intense workout. Yes, very conflicting concepts, but I would absolutely do it again

Read More: 8 Habits To Improve Your Mental Health


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Healing Sanctuary Spa And Aqua Sanctuary

No retreat would be complete without a visit (or two or three!) to the spa and the Healing Sanctuary and Aqua Sanctuary did not disappoint. I tried the signature Purification Treatment which was a simply divine combination body scrub and massage. 

Next up was Aqua Therapy, a two-hour onsen-like experience. The time was spent being guided from the saunas and steam rooms through different water jets and onsen pools, before finishing up with an infrared foot sauna and shoulder massage. It was relaxing and meditative and something I’d highly recommend.

Read More: The Best Spas In Hong Kong 


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Included Activities At The Farm at San Benito

Given The Farm at San Benito is a holistic resort, there is also a focus on the body and mind. A yoga session overlooking the lake was the perfect start to the day and there were also guided nature walks, fitness classes and meditation sessions at various times each day.

Read More: The Best Yoga Studios And Classes In Hong Kong


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Restaurants At The Farm at San Benito

Everyone knows that a key to good health is eating well. ALIVE! serves up delicious vegan meals (and if you are doing a cleanse this is where all your meals will likely be). I also really enjoyed the meals at PRANA, the Indian-inspired vegetarian restaurant and also PESCE which, as the name suggests, serves up seafood by the pool.

Read More: Your Guide To Vegan And Vegetarian Restaurants In Hong Kong


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Accommodation At The Farm at San Benito

There is a range of rooms, suites and villas to suit your style. My room was a Banaba Deluxe in the newest section of the resort. It was lovely and comfortable and I really enjoyed waking up to the sounds and views of the forest. It is near a new section of the resort that is being constructed (with exciting things to come!) and a bit of a walk to the main areas so if I were to stay again I’d look into the villas which enjoy a private garden and some with their own pools. 

Read More: City Breaks In Asia — 5 Direct Flight Destinations From Hong Kong


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Final Thoughts On The Farm at San Benito

Would I go back? Absolutely!

The Farm at San Benito, www.thefarmatsanbenito.com

Read More: 12 Luxury Resorts To Put On Your 2023 Bucket List

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12 Luxury Resorts In Asia To Put On Your 2023 Travel Bucket List https://www.sassyhongkong.com/sassys-asian-travel-bucket-list-travel/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 22:00:50 +0000 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/?p=56877 Travel is back and we couldn’t be happier! Now it’s time to start planning the ultimate Asian getaways. After years of daydreaming about holidays to far-flung vacations, the time has finally come to put firm travel plans in place. As we head into 2023 we’re thinking of indulging and booking those amazing and iconic hotels […]

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Travel is back and we couldn’t be happier! Now it’s time to start planning the ultimate Asian getaways.

After years of daydreaming about holidays to far-flung vacations, the time has finally come to put firm travel plans in place. As we head into 2023 we’re thinking of indulging and booking those amazing and iconic hotels and resorts for a vacation you’ll be talking about for years to come!

Read More: 5 City Breaks In Asia — Direct Flight Destinations In Asia


soneva jani maldives hong kong travel bucket list

Soneva Jani — Maldives

The Maldives is a bucket list destination as it is, but for that extra sense of luxury you can’t go past Soneva Jani’s overwater bungalows which come complete with a waterslide into the picture-perfect turquoise waters.

Soneva Janiwww.soneva.com


rosewood luang prabang travel hong kong

Rosewood — Luang Prabang, Laos

Strolling around the quiet streets of historic Luang Prabang is a treat made that much more special by booking your stay at Rosewood Luang Prabang. Book your Hilltop Tent to wake fully immersed in the lush jungle.

Rosewood Luang Prabangwww.rosewoodhotels.com

Read More: Hong Kong Public Holidays 2023 — How To Maximise Your Annual Leave


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Song Saa Private Island — Koh Rong Islands, Cambodia

If you needed an extra excuse to put a private island paradise on your hotel bucket list, the sustainable ethos that underpins Song Saa Private Island will have you feeling good about booking your stay. Its wooden overwater bungalows are built from reclaimed timber and feature up-cycled decor and repurposed furniture. Plus, the gourmet food is whipped up from locally-sourced ingredients. Spend your days snorkelling the pristine coral reefs, wandering rainforest paths or simply kick back and relax.

Song Saa Private Island, www.songsaacollective.com


anantara golden triangle elephant camp and resort hotel bucket list

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort — Chiang Rai, Thailand

What’s better than glamping in a bubble tent? Watching rescued elephants roam freely just meters from your luxury lodge. The rooms and suites of the resort overlook the misty mountains that form the border of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, and there are a variety of ethical elephant experiences on offer, but for a truly memorable trip, you’ll want to book a stay in your very own jungle bubble.

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resortwww.anantara.com

Read More: 6 Health & Wellness Retreats To Reset In 2023


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Pangulasian Island — El Nido, Philippines

The crystal clear waters, ancient limestone cliffs and lush forests surrounding the El Nido islands are the stuff of legends. The eco-luxury resort on Pangulasian Island embraces environmental sustainability and warm Filipino hospitality with all the little touches to make this a stunning, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Pangulasian Island, www.elnidoresorts.com


metropole hotel hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel — Hanoi, Vietnam

This glamorous heritage hotel is steeped in history and classic, French colonial style. Since opening in 1901 it has hosted everyone from Hollywood stars to politicians and diplomats and is sure to make your next Hanoi long weekend that extra special!

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotelwww.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com

Read More: A Weekend In Singapore – Where To Stay, Eat & Explore


misool raja ampat indonesia hotel

Misool Resort — Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Marine lovers looking to get off the beaten path would already have Raja Ampat high on their bucket list. Getting to this remote island oasis is an adventure in itself and after your scenic journey, you’ll be rewarded with access to pristine coral reefs and unparalleled marine biodiversity right in front of this boutique eco-resort. Plus, the resort hosts only 40 guests at a time so you know you won’t be battling the crowds on this little slice of paradise.

Misool Resortwww.misool.info


oberoi hotel bucket list

Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort — Rajasthan, India

Use the Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort as your base to explore the legendary Ranthambore National Park, a designated wildlife sanctuary that is home to free-roaming tigers as well as the one thousand-year-old, UNESCO world-heritage-listed Ranthambore Fort. Your luxury tent is the perfect place to relax after an epic day of exploring!

Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resortwww.oberoihotels.com

Read More: The Best Hotels To Book For A Hong Kong Staycation


pangkor laut resort malaysia bucket list hotel

Pangkor Laut Resort — Malaysia

There’s a lot to love about Pangkor Laut Resort. Overwater bungalows set against a private island paradise make for a truly romantic getaway. But, what really sets this resort apart is its phenomenal Spa Village. We won’t spoil it, but let’s just say you’ll want to arrive early to make the most of your Bath House Experience.

Pangkor Laut Resortwww.pangkorlautresort.com


raffles angkor siem reap

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor — Siem Reap, Cambodia

After spending your days temple hopping the ancient monuments of Angkor Wat, retire to the lovingly restored Grand Hotel d’Angkor and enjoy its legendary hospitality. From the lush tropical gardens and pools to French colonial decor, there’s a reason travellers in Indochina have been staying here since 1932.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkorwww.raffles.com/siem-reap/

Read More: Houseboats And Holiday Villas – Unique Hong Kong Airbnbs We Love


como shambala estate ubud bali

COMO Shambhala Estate — Bali, Indonesia

There is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in Bali, but we’ve got our eyes on a stay at COMO Shambala Estate in the mountains of Ubud. Relax and refresh as you explore its 23 hectares of lush jungle-covered riverfront, indulge in some wellness treatments or simply relax by the pool.

COMO Shambhala Estate, www.comohotels.com


marina bay sands singapore hotel bucket list

Marina Bay Sands — Singapore

Ever since we found out the only way to gain access to the world’s largest infinity pool (perched high on the 57th floor no less!) was by booking a room at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, we’ve been itching to go!

Marina Bay Sands, www.marinabaysands.com

 

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Why We’re Looking To Kerry Hotel Hong Kong For Our Next City Escape https://www.sassyhongkong.com/kerry-hotel-hong-kong-daycation-whats-on/ Thu, 28 Jul 2022 22:00:31 +0000 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/?p=118653 Offering an all-day pool pass, stunning skyline view, set lunch and more, Kerry’s daycation ticks all the boxes for an easy summer getaway. Desperate for a quick and fuss-free getaway? Kerry Hotel’s daycation offering is calling your name. We’re talking all-day access to Kerry’s glass-like infinity pool which seamlessly blends into the harbour, stretching out […]

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Offering an all-day pool pass, stunning skyline view, set lunch and more, Kerry’s daycation ticks all the boxes for an easy summer getaway.

Desperate for a quick and fuss-free getaway? Kerry Hotel’s daycation offering is calling your name. We’re talking all-day access to Kerry’s glass-like infinity pool which seamlessly blends into the harbour, stretching out from below. No overnight bags necessary – all you need is your swimsuit and SPF and you’re good to go!

Daycation At Kerry Hotel Hong Kong: Pool Deck

A popular Kowloon-side destination, we’re sure Kerry’s 25-metre pool has made recurrent appearances on your Instagram feed. Book your visit and it can soon be your turn to bombard your friends with selfies sipping cocktails by the pool, self-timed shots of you taking a dip in the water, and a perfectly framed flat lay of your delicious lunch spread.

Daycation At Kerry Hotel Hong Kong: Set Lunch

“A Daycation at Kerry” starts at $550 on weekdays and $750 on weekends, and includes a Pool Day Pass and a set lunch (choose from five sets, complete with a fresh fruit platter and Iscream gelato) at the Pool Terrace. Open from 9am till 6pm, enjoy a full day of basking in the sun until it sets into the horizon.

Want to make the most of your visit? For the ultimate pampered experience, an additional $800 will get you a blissful 60-minute massage treatment at The Spa at Base Camp. You won’t regret it.

Daycation At Kerry Hotel Hong Kong: Spa

Bringing a special someone? Opt for the Couples VIP Package (from $3,700 for two persons), which includes a Pool Day Pass for two, set lunch with reserved seating at the Lower Deck (complete with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne) and a 60-minute couples massage.

“A Daycation at Kerry” is available for booking from now until the end of December 2022.

Kerry Hotel Hong Kong, Base Camp Kerry Sports, 4/F, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2252 5350, Facebook: Kerry Hotel Hong Kong, Instagram: @kerryhotelhk, www.shangri-la.com/en/hongkong/kerry

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Your Chance To Win An Exclusive Stay At Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong https://www.sassyhongkong.com/mandarin-oriental-christmas-giveaway-travel/ Thu, 25 Nov 2021 22:00:08 +0000 https://www.sassyhongkong.com/?p=115372 How does a stay at the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong sound this Christmas? There’s a huge range of festive offerings! The best bit – Sassy is treating one lucky reader to a Harbour View Suite, complete with access to The Mandarin Club for two people. If you’ve ever wanted to stay at Mandarin Oriental, […]

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How does a stay at the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong sound this Christmas? There’s a huge range of festive offerings! The best bit – Sassy is treating one lucky reader to a Harbour View Suite, complete with access to The Mandarin Club for two people.

If you’ve ever wanted to stay at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, the winter holidays are the perfect time. There are festive feasts available at the hotel’s nine dining outlets (including Michellin-starred Mandarin Bar + Grill and Man Wah), roasted chestnuts, mince pies and mulled wine, and special offerings from The Mandarin Cake Shop (trifle anyone?!) as well as The Mandarin Spa (a cinnamon body scrub). Plus, Santa will even make appearances for photo ops at the hotel’s Santa Grotto in December.

Mandarin Oriental hong kong mandarin club access giveaway

Want to elevate your experience? Book a Club room or Suite to enjoy The Mandarin Club exclusive privileges like daily breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and canapés, as well as light snacks throughout the day.

There are great deals on offer too. Check out the Celebration Suite for 25% off your suite booking and a complimentary second room, or the Festive Limited-Time Offer which includes a festive dinner buffet for two.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Christmas dinner

If you like the sound of all that, you’re going to love our exclusive giveaway! We’re giving one lucky reader a one-night, weekday stay for two people in a Harbour View Suite, including access to The Mandarin Club (reservations subject to availability, blackout dates and must be redeemed by 31, March 2022). Enter your details below for your chance to win!

Mandarin OrientalHong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 0111, mohkg-reservations@mohg.com, www.mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong

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