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The boy and I have good things to say about a new massage place in Sai Ying Pun: Thai Retreat on Queens Road West. At first, I was a little hesitant, because it's not on the ground floor so you can't get a good look at the joint before you go in. But have no fear, Thai Retreat isn't scary like The Forest, and it's nearly as cheap.
Thai Retreat is run by Su, a Thai woman who says she used to work at ET Brilliant. It's on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. The place is basic but clean and tastefully decorated, with low lighting -- no blaring Canto TV or fluorescent lighting. The reception area can accommodate four foot massage customers, and there are 3 private rooms for body massage. We called ahead and booked two body massages for 9 p.m. on a Thursday. They offer Swedish, hot stone, lymphatic and Thai body massage (all $188 for 50 minutes) plus acupressure ($168 for 50 minutes). You can also get a facial ($238), foot reflexology ($118) and a combo head massage + ear candling ($138).
When we showed up, Su and a second staffer were there, but we had to wait for another masseuse to arrive before we could get started. Meanwhile we had tea, plus some Thai coconut beverage that was rather tasty. After 15 minutes the other masseuse arrived and we were on our way. My boy, who prefers a lighter touch, opted for the Swedish with Mina, while I went for the lymphatic with Su. There's no funny business here; a sign on the back of the door in each private room says, rather sincerely: "Sorry! NO SEX SERVICE." You can read my boy's funny review on his site, Hong Kong Hitch.
Generally, lymphatic massage is on the gentle side. It is intended to promote the removal of bodily toxins and waste. Read more about the lymph system here. Lymphatic massage is useful for people with edema or those of you who feel like you are retaining a lot of fluid. It's also said to help improve the metabolism. You can read more about the benefits here.
Su's version of lymphatic massage is the firmest I've ever experienced, and unlike most other lymphatic massages I've had, she used oil. Su is about 1.5 meters tall, with no discernible biceps and a total body weight of less than 50 kg for sure, but the gal is strong! I tend to like a lot of pressure in my rubdowns, and Su delivered, but if you prefer a lighter touch, be sure to ask -- her English is passable and she seemed eager for feedback. The massage ended up being pretty much a Thai style workover, with a lot of focus on the lymphatic areas like armpits and upper thighs. There was even stretching and the typical contortionist moves toward the end. A nice touch was a large, hot, citrus-scented towel over the back at the finale -- no going home oily.
Final thoughts: Best combo of atmosphere and price we've found in the area.
Thai Retreat, 291 Queens Road West, 1/F, Sai Ying Pun. Map.
Phone 2882 2396 or 5126 5797.
Hours 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., although later appointments seem to be available upon request.
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