Sunny Paradise Sauna and Spa, Wanchai

Sunny Paradise can be a welcome escape from the more taxing pursuits in Wan Chai. It’s not the nicest, cheapest or most fun spa in the city by far. It’s also not the place to go if you have a group of guys and gals who want to hang out together, because the men’s area and women’s area are separated, with no co-ed space.

Much like the sign outside, which has long since faded from its original gaudy gold color to a more tolerable bronze, Sunny Paradise shows its age.  The lobby is Chinese kitch, a melee of carp pond, Buddhist statues and incense. A lone hostess stands guard, ready to usher patrons into the elevator. Upstairs there are two floors. The first is the men’s area and cashier, the second, the women’s area.

Sunny Paradise is a homey spa where the friendly attendees seem more like aunties. Upon existing the elevator, patrons are guided into the changing area, where belongings and street clothes can be stored. A plastic wristband, provided for every visitor, acts as both key and your tab.

The changing room leads directly into the shower/steam room/sauna area (98HKD without massage services, more on weekends). Albeit slightly worn, the facilities are clean and in good working condition.  Once squeaky clean, guests can relax in the rest area.

The rest area, roughly 25’ by 25’, consists of armchair and ottoman sets with a snack menu, which is dangerous since this menu includes delectables such as grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. Lounge services are also offered in the common area, these include manicure, pedicure, foot massage, and of course the unforgettable ear cleaning (all about 88HKD). The men’s area seems to offer more amenities than the ladies’ side.

While you are relaxing with a nice bowl of ramen, order up a 90 min Hong Kong, Chinese, or Thai style massage (~385HKD). The attendees will wait until you seem fully sated before leading you to the massage room. No rush services here.

The massage is by far the best part of this place. The masseuses are no spring chickens, and the technique is noticeably perfected. They will knead and stretch until every kink is worked out.  Some will even walk on your back if you want them to. Note for those who are sensitive to pain: the Chinese and Hong Kongese don’t mind slightly painful massages, as they believe that this will result in a feeling of relaxation later. However, if one were of a Western sensibility, it would be wise to make clear that a soft touch is needed.

A recent trip here by a group of 2 guys and 2 gals was disappointing because the staff failed to coordinate the massages among the two groups despite multiple phone calls between the two floors. The girls got back rubs, but one guy never got his massage because the attendants were all busy. He still got charged for the sauna. He left very angry.

Final thoughts: Not the newest nor cheapest place, but still worth it if one is in search of a place to relax and fill up an empty stomach. Go alone or with members of the same sex, to avoid complications coordinating the schedules among different floors.

Sunny Paradise, 341 Lockhart Road, Wanchai. Phone: 2831-0123

Tags: Body Massage, Foot Massage, Hong Kong Island, Massage, Sauna, Wanchai

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 31st, 2010 at 21:53 and is filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.