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How do you make a great spa even better? Hotel Inter-Continental Hong Kong, formerly known as The Regent Hong Kong's Spa is now Hong Kong's first spa incorporating the ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui to create balance and well-being in one's life and environment.

This Oriental art has been practiced for almost 4000 years to improve health, wealth, career and relationships. Feng Shui aims to enhance one's environment, making it more stress-free, balanced and harmonious. Literally translated "feng shui" means wind and water. Feng Shui aims to maximize the beneficial "Qi" (pronounced ch'i) or universal life energy, while deflecting "sha", the negative energy which brings adversity and misfortune. Feng Shui is an age-old Eastern science which in recent years has gained popularity in the West.

Feng Shui aims to achieve the perfect balance between the "yin" and the "yang" and between the five basic elements of Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. It also aims to balance the twelve signs of the Chinese calendar and most importantly, to achieve harmony in your environment and nature through free-flowing energy.

The Spa has incorporated these five elements, along with the use of Asian art, metal sculptures, a traditional Chinese fish bowl, Oriental plants and orchids, aromatherapy candles, Chinese calligraphied signage, relaxation chimes and soft music. Each private spa room now has a Chinese name, which is reflected in stunning gold and black lacquered calligraphied signage.

Jennifer Fox, Managing Director of Hotel Inter-Continental Hong Kong, says, "Our goal is to create a harmonious environment where mind, body and spirit become totally relaxed and revitalized. Through our 'Feng Shui friendly' spa environment and our pampering range of Oriental healing treatments, we hope our guests will emerge with a calming sense of balance of "yin" and "yang" and an indulgent feeling of well-being."

Hotel Inter-Continental Hong Kong, formerly known as The Regent Hong Kong, consulted renowned Feng Shui Master CHAN Xue Tao, known as Jackie Chan (no relation to the action star!). Born in Hong Kong, Master Chan has been interested in Chinese astrology and face reading since childhood. He studied Chinese literature, Feng Shui and I-Ching (a form of Chinese astrology) from several famous scholars and Feng Shui Masters in Hong Kong. Master Chan has established an association for Chinese astrology, called "Feng Shui and Zewei Astrology Associated". He is the author of nine books on his fields of expertise. His Feng Shui is renowned as being so accurate and positive in enhancing his clients' environment, good fortune, health and happiness, that amongst his fellow Feng Shui masters and followers, he is called "Fairy on Earth".

Following the recommendations outlined by Master Jackie Chan, The Spa has a new look which further enhances the environment for total relaxation and the ultimate Asian spa experience. Using the ancient principles of the Chinese art of Feng Shui, The Regent Spa is more peaceful and serene. The age-old Feng Shui principles of design and placement are now incorporated into The Regent Spa to enhance the "Qi" or energy life force.

Prior to the Chinese New Year, a traditional Chinese fish bowl was placed at the entrance with four gold fish, as specified by Master Chan. The fish and the flowing water at the entrance enhance the harmony of the spa for both patrons and staff.

More lighting has been added at the entrance of The Spa to improve the "Qi", making The Spa more auspicious. According to Chan, the lights must remain on all the time; and the brighter the better.

Incorporating one of the basic elements, a metal sculpture has been placed at the left-hand side of The Spa entrance. The metal sculpture consists of three Chinese calligraphied characters in relief and translates to "Wishing you smiles and happiness".

An Asian painting with metallic colors has been placed behind the reception desk. The pin spotlight on the painting creates a glittering effect. The position of this metallic work of art fosters the good mood of spa patrons and their desire to experience various spa treatments to enhance their well being and quality of life. This painting harmonizes the "Qi" elements of this area.

At the entrance, Master Chan advised to avoid using red colors or objects with "fire" elements. At his recommendation, the long tables in the corridor have been painted black. This helps arouse ideas and wisdom.

Master Chan has also given each of The Spa's luxurious private spa rooms an auspicious Chinese name. Each room, clad in green granite from floor to ceiling, has its own Jacuzzi, sauna, steam shower and massage facilities. Below are Master Jackie Chan's recommended names and the corresponding elements to enhance the "Qi" of each spa room.

Private Spa Room #1: Tzu Wei (Noble)…representing the Earth Element
Master Chan advised that this is the best amongst all five private spa rooms and is regarded as a "noble" room. The head of the massage bed should face East. At his suggestion, objects in white were needed in the room. As such, white orchid plants have been added. He additionally suggested the use of an off-white or white carpet at the entrance.

Private Spa Room #2: Wen Chang (Intellect)…representing the Wood Element
A red carpet is needed at the entrance this private spa room to help clear all obstacles. By the wall on the left, an orchid plant has been placed to pull the "Sheng Qi" (live earth elements) into the room. The head of the massage bed faces East. With these elements in place, spa patrons feel calm & comfortable. This room also needs off-white or white elements, which are incorporated with white orchid plants and white candles.

Private Spa Room #3: Tai Yin (Brilliance)…representing the Metal Element
This spa room has good Feng Shui. A red carpet or mat was recommended at the entrance to this room. Master Chan has also recommended that we paint the back of the door (from the inside) gold. The head of the massage bed should face North. For this room, suggested colours are blue, black and white, which have been incorporated via candles and orchids.

Private Spa Room #4: Wu Qu (Prosperity)…representing the Metal Element
As per Master Chan, this room was full of "non-equilibrium" and had "non-symmetrical" elements. He said that previously, guests using this room tended to feel off-centre and found it difficult to relax. To cure this negative environment, he recommended incorporating fire elements into the room. Red candles have been added; and a red carpet was suggested for the entrance. He also advised to paint the back of the door gold in order to rid this room of its odious elements. He advised that the furniture needed to be set-up for entry into the room via the right side. The head of the massage bed should face East. He advised to add off-white or white colours to the room. He also suggested we hang a small chime at the rear of the door. The chime's sound helps to draw "Qi" (positive life energy) into the room.

Private Spa Room #5: Tai Yang (Wealth)…representing the Wood Element
According to Master Chan, this room is full of "Sheng Qi" (live earth elements). It is lively and has lots of activity and movement. An off-white or white carpet is needed at the entrance of the room. The head of the massage bed should face East. Once again, he recommended that we paint the back of the door (from inside) gold.

The Spa spa patrons will find harmony and balance and a total sense of well-being through the soothing Feng Shui friendly environment, as well as through the rejuvenating and relaxing spa treatments.

Now if I could just get some Feng Shui in my house. But I travel so much, I think even the goldfish would die.

Hotel Inter-Continental Hong Kong, formerly known as The Regent Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2313 2335
Fax: (852) 2721-5964
e-mail: hongkong@interconti.com

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