Escapism is defined as “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.”

We are not saying that Christmas is an unpleasant reality, but getting a moment to relax is nothing but a fantasy for most people over the festive period.

The harsh reality is that the holiday season will involve a packed schedule of family engagements and festive parties, with hardly any time to yourself.

However, if you can find the time, Hong Kong is awash with places that allow for a bit of self-indulgence and escapism, such as spas.

Here are four of the best to help you re-energise over the festive period.

Ritz-Carlton Spa

With views overlooking Victoria Harbour from the 116th floor — making it the world’s highest spa — the Ritz-Carlton Spa is a getaway in the clouds.

Gaze out from the floor-to-ceiling windows as you unwind in one of the nine treatment rooms, including two couples spa suites, or from the indoor infinity swimming pool.

The signature treatments include the Lava Shell Body Treatment which uses heated lava shells to soothe your feet before a full-body massage with aromatic oils and therapeutic strokes.  The Radiance Jade Facial refreshes tired skin using jade stone rollers to ease and rejuvenate the eyes.

Once you’re done being pampered, choose from eight relaxation lounges with separate areas for males and females to destress even more.

Perfect!

Festive promotion: The Velvet Red Carpet Facial uses the Nubo skin care range to redefine facial contours and rehydrate and soften the skin. The festive treatment also includes an arm wrap and a limited-edition Nubo gift set.

To book a treatment, email spareception.hk@ritzcarlton.com or call 2263 2040.

Venue: 116/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui

Mandarin Oriental Spa

Inspired by 1930s Shanghai, and located in a hotel that has been a cornerstone of Hong Kong since the 1960s, the spa at the Mandarin Oriental covers 2,100 square metres over three floors.

Treatments and packages are inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and modern techniques.

For example, the Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapy treatment, which is tailor-made for each guest, was developed by specialists in Chinese medicine and master aromatherapists.

The Mandarin Oriental has three floors with nine treatment rooms, an indoor pool and a fitness centre. It also has a herb steam room, a hydrotherapy Kneipp pool, showers and a dedicated relaxation area.

Christmas promotion: Guests who book treatments on 24, 25 and 26 December will receive a voucher for a 30-minute treatment upgrade upon their next reservation (blackout dates and terms & conditions apply).

To book a treatment, email mohkg-spa@mohg.com or call 2825 4888.

Venue: 5 Connaught Road Central

Four Seasons Spa

Just like the Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons Spa has sweeping views of Victoria Harbour from its treatment rooms. It is also a giant space, covering just under 2,100 metres with 17 treatment rooms. So reserving a space should be easy!

The spa epitomises elegant escapism, which is embodied in a number of treatments, including the Be Present Day of Beauty package. The package is a full body scrub utilising aromatic ginger, cinnamon, clove and salt. A lymphatic massage and the application of a warm herbal poultice work to release tension, purify and tone the body. This is followed by a traditional Ayurvedic treatment.

The pampering continues in the Nail Bar with an Expresso Manicure and Pedicure. Finally, you will enjoy an al fresco lunch at the pool terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour.

Outside of the treatment rooms, the spa features an amethyst crystal steam room, sauna, ice fountain, chi-water jacuzzi, relaxation lounge and experience shower.

Click here to view Christmas promotions.

To book a treatment, visit their website here or call 3196-8888.

Venue: 8 Finance St, Central

W Bliss Spa

The W brands itself as a trendy hotel aimed at the more modern traveller. The spa complements this with treatments called Peeling Groovy, Fatgirlslim, Head Over Peels and Triple Oxygen Treatment, which are clearly aimed at a younger spa-goer.

The Fatgirlslim package uses dry brushing to apply essential oil, a rubberising mask on cellulite-prone rear and thigh areas, a heated wrap and a rubdown with formulas.

Visitors can put the stress of Christmas behind them with a facial, body scrub or massage in one of nine treatment rooms, including two VIP doubles.

Bliss also offers a jacuzzi, sauna, steam rooms and the highest pool in Hong Kong.

If you’re feeling a bit peckish after your spa, then treat yourself to a chocolate from the brownie bar.

Bliss spa is smaller than the other options on the list, but sometimes the best things come in smaller packages!

To book a treatment, call 3717 2222.

Click here to view Christmas promotions.

Venue: 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon

With these spa choices, you’ll be in good hands — literally.