Review

TEST-DRIVE

Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends

RETREAT

Wellness Package at The Langham

The Buzz: It’s no secret that we can’t keep ourselves away from local wellness retreats these days. So when we heard about the new health-focused weekend staycation at The Langham, we were among the first to sign up. From classes led by some of Hong Kong’s top wellness experts to nutritious meals, and a couple of sweet bonus gifts thrown in for good measure, we were excited to test the waters. Here’s what we thought.

The Staycation: We arrive and enjoy an early check-in, before heading to our room, conveniently located next to the health club and pool area. We notice a generous fruit basket waiting for us, and a complimentary yoga mat from Lululemon that we’ll be using throughout our stay. We head off to the first class, a one-hour mobility class led by Lululemon ambassador and personal trainer Chris Tang. After that, we head back to the room to enjoy a quick soak in the gorgeous marble bathtub before the Detox Dinner set at the Bostonian Seafood & Grill, included in the package. It’s a healthy three-course menu, with plenty of delicious and nutritious dishes, like quinoa salad and poached salmon. The next morning, an egg white omelette breakfast is delivered to our door, before the gong bath and singing bowl class, led by local meditation guru Malbert Lee. After an hour of rhythmic immersion, we make a beeline to the pool where we bask in the early afternoon sun before checking out. The Verdict: Everything we expected and more from this luxury hotel brand! The gong bath was the perfect Sunday reset before the start of a new week, and we loved all the little touches, like a fresh new yoga mat and healthy meals tailor-made for the experience. Staff were exceptionally helpful in squeezing us into the pool schedule, making us feel extra welcome during the weekend. Definitely one to try out this summer! Cost: $2,388, Available for booking: 17-18 July, 14-15 August, 28-29 August, 11-12 September

Let's Get NAKED!

Everyone we know is hopping onto the bamboo bedding craze! Bamboo bedsheet specialist, NakedLab, are pioneers of the trend, using their exclusive BambooSilk textile for a better night's sleep. Here's why you should make the switch to bamboo now!

SLEEP WELL = HEALTHIER EATING HABITS

We all know that the key to good health is a good night's sleep - but did you know that your sleep quality affects your eating habits? Experts have found that sleep deprivation can make it more difficult to control your appetite.When you're tired, you're more likely to reach for caffeinated drinks and sugary snacks to keep your energy upthrough out the day. Plus, sleep is important in regulating how your body uses food for energy, meaning that getting good quality sleep (and enough of it) can help you to maintain your weight. SLEEP BETTER: NakedLab's bedding is naturally thermo-regulating, which means it can keep you at the perfect temperature for sleeping.

BREATHABLE BED SHEETS TO SAVE YOUR SKIN

BambooSilk is great for sensitive skin due to its antibacterial and breathable properties. Recommended for eczema, acne and asthma sufferers, NakedLab's bedding can help your whole family get a healthy night's sleep, from babies to adults!

WAKE UP, FEEL GREAT

BambooSilk sheets are smooth and silky, meaning that they're kinder to your face and hair. Traditional pillowcases are made from rough cotton or cotton/polyester blends that create friction on your skin and hair at night. This can leave you with creases and frizzy hair in the morning. Cotton is also very absorbent and pulls the moisture from your skin and hair while you sleep. If you’ve ever woken up with dry, parched skin and brittle hair, you know exactly what we’re talking about. BambooSilk sheets, on the other hand, are made from much smoother materials which reduces tension and pulling during the night, helping your hair and skin retain their natural levels of moisture.

A LUXURIOUS BEDTIME

BambooSilk is softer and more breathable than cotton, silk and linen. It's often compared to silk, but without silk's slippery feel. It's also vegan, which we love! What's more, NakedLab benefits from the founder, Joyce Lau's background in architecture and aesthetic eye, and has a simple but sophisticated palette of complementary colours.

Ready to make the switch to bamboo? Check out the collection at nakedlab.com

Retreat

JOIN US AT THE LIV WELL RETREAT ON JULY 19-20!

Slow down and take some time for yourself this summer with our first-ever Liv Well Retreat!

Taking place on July 19-20 at The Hyatt Regency Sha Tin, this one-night, all-inclusive retreat will cover all pillars of wellness, from movement to nutrition, sleep to skincare, and everything in between.

In addition to a full programme of wellness activities, the Liv Well Retreat includes all your meals, including a healthy Chinese dinner by award-winner restaurant Sha Tin 18; access to the hotel’s five-star facilities, including pool and gym, a 20% discount at the popular Melo Spa; and a welcome basket filled with gifts worth more than $1,000. There will also be a wellness market taking place throughout the day on the 19th.

Spaces are strictly limited to just 20 guests, so book your spot today! Early bird pricing is available on ticketflap.com until July 5.

THE LIV WELL RETREAT INCLUDES…

• 1 × 75-minute yoga class by

Pivot Point • 1 × 60-minute sound meditation by Yin-Ki Wellness & Coaching • 1 × skincare and crystal workshop by Evolcare • 1 × matcha ceremony by

HYGGEWellbeing • 1 × qigong class by Luminal Space • 1 × curated welcome basket worth $1,000 • a healthy Chinese dinner from award-winning Chinese restaurant,

Sha Tin 18 • buffet breakfast • a healthy bento box • access to the hotel’s pool and gym • an exclusive 20% off spa treatments at Melo Spa • late checkout • voucher for future visits to Hyatt

Regency Sha Tin • retreat opening and closing ceremony led by Coco Alexandra • opportunity to win lucky draw prizes during the retreat

THE COST:

$3,600 per head (until July 5, single occupancy) $2,650 per head (until July 5, twin sharing) $3,850 per head (standard, single occupancy) $2800 per head (standard, twin sharing

Book your spot at ticketflap.com/livwellretreat. Spaces are strictly limited

MEET THE FACILITATORS

COCO ALEXANDRA, HOST

An intuitive healer, spiritual guide and tarot card reader, Coco Alexandra is one of Hong Kong’s top names in spirituality, and is passionate about guiding her clients to various life stages to a place of self-love via sacred healing, plant medicine and ceremonies and rituals. Coco will be hosting the retreat and curating the shared wellness spaces for each class or workshop. She will also open and close the retreat with an intimate meditation ceremony.

SARAH KALMETA, PIVOT POINT

A success coach, public speaker and wellness practitioner, Sarah Kalmeta, aka Sarah the Pivoter, worked in the corporate world for 15 years, before experiencing burnout and pivoting to a new career in wellness. Through her own journey Sarah has learned how to transform challenging situations into growth and enlightenment. Sarah will be leading an empowering yoga flow and meditation during the retreat.

ALICE KWAN, EVOLCARE

Alice is from Evolcare, a Hong Kong-based clean beauty brand with a focus on active ingredients. For the retreat, they are leading a 30-minute workshop where they teach you to perform your own effective and soothing face massage using rose quartz rollers – which you then get to keep!

JASMINE LIU, HYGGEWELLBEING

A trip to the spiritual kingdom of Bhutan inspired Jasmine to found HYGGEWellbeing, an online store offering carefully curated superfoods and wellness products that focus on simplicity and wellbeing. As part of the retreat, Jasmine will lead a matcha tea ceremony to promote health, mindfulness and wellbeing.

NICHOLAS MOUTAFIS, LUMINAL SPACE

The founder of Luminal Space, Nicholas discovered a passion for Qigong, an ancient Chinese mindful exercise that focuses on meditation, breathing and movement. As part of the retreat, he will lead an early morning Qigong class on the 20th to set your intention for the day, slow down, and find inner peace.

YINKI WONG, YIN KI WELLNESS & COACHING

A sound healer and singing bowls practitioner, Yinki Wong uses sounds and vibrations to facilitate deep relaxation, healing and transformation. Her crystal bowls are made with quartz, and their melodic vibrations help to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and induce a meditative state. She will be leading a relaxing singing bowls session just before bedtime on the 19th.

ABOUT THE HYATT REGENCY SHA TIN

Located in the verdant heart of the New Territories, the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin is a five-star urban resort surrounded by lush greenery on one side, and impressive views of Tolo Harbour on the other. With a luxurious pool, fully-equipped fitness centre, beautifully appointed room and the popular Melo Spa offering luxury spa treatments, the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin is the dream location for a tranquil getaway.