Cover Rosewood Hong Kong's Asaya Lodges are the first, and only, of their kind in Hong Kong (Photo: courtesy of Rosewood Hong Kong)

Five years on, Asaya Lodges at Rosewood Hong Kong remain the first and only urban retreat of its kind in the city, providing a unique escape that promotes better physical and mental health

When Rosewood Hong Kong opened in 2019, it created a lot of buzz among Hongkongers. And a fair share of this anticipation was for the opening of Rosewood Hong Kong’s wellness concept, Asaya. Five years later, it’s safe to say we weren’t disappointed. 

A 40,000 sq ft standalone sanctuary, Asaya was designed by award-winning New York designer Tony Chi, who created an oasis of lush greenery and calming spaces that incorporate light, water and stone.

Spas are a-plenty in Hong Kong, but wellness retreats? Practically non-existent. With Asaya, Rosewood Hong Kong wanted to show that you don’t have to travel to a faraway place to attain wellness and healing—that it can be accessed right here in our own backyard. Driving this point home, the hotel built two private lodges within Asaya where guests can experience a luxurious, wellness-focused retreat in the heart of the city.

See also: These are Hong Kong’s best luxury hotels

First impressions

Check-in happens not at Rosewood Hong Kong, but at Asaya’s reception, where an apothecary-style atelier opens into a courtyard.

From here, the two Asaya Lodges can be accessed by a private elevator. Resembling the kind of private hideaway you might find in Bali or Thailand, these retreats are the first—and only—of their kind in Hong Kong. It’s impressive how remote and disconnected from the city it feels to be here, despite being in the middle of Tsim Sha Tsui.

The standalone lodges sit facing each other on a tree-lined path—made extra-pretty in the evenings with the soft glow of lanterns—and serve as private sanctuaries where one can disappear to before re-emerging as refreshed versions of themselves, guided by Asaya’s wellness experts.

The room

Tatler Asia
Above The Asaya Lodges’ elegant bathrooms feature an oversized bathtub (Photo: courtesy of Rosewood Hong Kong)

Upon entering the lodge, guests are welcomed into a spacious lounge decorated in soothing neutral tones with whispers of Rosewood maximalism in the form of gold and marble accents. This leads into the bedroom, which features bold black-and-white striped walls and a plush king-sized bed.

Here, a glass cabinet houses Asaya-branded fitness equipment including a mat, yoga blocks and straps. To make use of these, guests have access to a series of videos created exclusively for Asaya including yoga, simple exercise circuits and meditation. Private classes and personal training can also be arranged, and guests have access to the Rosewood Hong Kong gym which boasts impressive views of Victoria Harbour.

An elegant walk-in closet dressed in dark wood separates the bedroom and the serene stone-and-marble bathroom. Within the bathroom, you’ll find a deep soaking tub, and an absurdly (in the best way) oversized shower which doubles as a steam room at the push of a button.

Finally, behind a large stone door that cheekily blends into the bathroom wall, is a private couples’ treatment room with a his and hers vanity, two cloud-like massage tables and a sitting area for pre- and post-treatment relaxation. The treatment room also features a separate entrance for spa therapists—a thoughtful extra that ensures absolute privacy within the rest of the lodge.

It was in here that I enjoyed an anti-ageing body treatment developed as part of Asaya’s partnership with the world-renowned beauty brand Dr Barbara Sturm. After an all-over body scrub to remove dead skin and promote circulation, a back mask for deep cleansing and the application of Sturm’s deliciously hydrating body serum, my skin felt like butter. 

Bells and whistles

Tatler Asia
Above A couples’ treatment room in each lodge offers absolute privacy (Photo: courtesy of Rosewood Hong Kong)

Guests staying in the lodges have access to Rosewood Hong Kong’s infinity pool, as well as Asaya’s heated marble bathhouse, which includes a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and ice-misting shower.

They also have access to a wellness coordinator, who can help curate and plan activities and treatments based on your wellness goals.

Asaya’s programming is built around five themes: emotional balance, fitness and nutrition, physical therapies, skin health and community. Its offerings serve to connect guests with the areas of their lives that might be out of alignment, encouraging them to re-evaluate fundamental relationships, whether that’s with food, technology, sleep, our bodies or even the people in our lives.

The treatments range from spa staples like massages and facials, to more esoteric offerings like hypnotherapy, astrology and even cognitive behavioural therapy and family therapy. So you can get into some pretty deep, serious healing here if you choose to, albeit within the comforts of Rosewood’s five-star amenities.

Wine and dine

Tatler Asia
Above Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Asaya Kitchen (Photo: courtesy of Rosewood Hong Kong)

Asaya Kitchen is an airy 120-seat restaurant serving wholesome, health-conscious cuisine with a focus on responsibly sourced ingredients. Helmed by chef Fabio Nompleggio, the menu is a creative selection of vegetarian and seafood dishes influenced by Mediterranean flavours.

Proving that wholesome, clean eating doesn’t have to be restrictive, some highlights on the menu include a whole rock bream topped with juicy plum tomatoes and smoked olives, and a linguine with Palamós red prawns, Amalfi lemon and bottarga.

But if you want a break from all things wellness, don’t forget you’re still staying at Rosewood Hong Kong, which is home to some of the city’s most coveted restaurants including the Michelin-starred Chaat, Cantonese fine-dining restaurant The Legacy House, and American grill and smokehouse Henry.

Tatler tip

It’s worth getting access to Rosewood Hong Kong’s Manor Club when booking. Situated on the 40th floor of the hotel, its views over Victoria Harbour are unparalleled.

Aside from enjoying a complimentary premium breakfast spread, afternoon tea and evening drinks, access to the Manor Club also means you can enjoy services including shoe care and a team of butlers who can help organise exclusive experiences around the city. 

Topics