We all know that life in Hong Kong operates at one speed – fast! The intensity and vibrancy that we all love about the city does start to take its toll; running down cobbled hills in our high heels from an intense work day… then straight to dinner with the girls… staying out far later than we anticipated and drinking one or two cocktails too many, often results in frazzled worn-out women in need of some “me-time”. That’s where super hero Sassy comes to the rescue!

We have rounded up the top four wellness retreats in Asia; the perfect spots for heading to either alone or with a girlfriend and giving yourself that indulgence, relaxation and pampering that you so desperately deserve! Check out our reviews and choose the one that is right for you… and because we care so much about your wellbeing, to incentivise you that little bit further to carve some time in your hectic schedule to take care of number one, we have gotten hold of some fantastic Sassy deals exclusively for you.

Kamalaya Wellness Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand
A holistic sanctuary located on a beautifully serene hillside overlooking the sea, Kamalaya’s very essence radiates wellness and relaxation. Combining all the luxury of a 5 star hotel with one of the most well-researched range of wellness programmes around makes it the perfect spot to restore your sense of health and peace. Whether you are looking to take part in their detox, stress relief, weight loss or relaxation packages you will return a changed woman. The perfect spot for someone needing a complete escape for body and mind.

See our full review of Kamalaya here.

SASSY DEAL: Exclusive to Sassy readers, book a 3 day intro to detox programme and only pay for 2 nights, as well as receiving a complimentary hand massage. To redeem the offer, simply quote SASSY on booking. Kamalaya are offering the following packages on any programme booked:

-        Stay 4, 5 or 6 nights and get 1 night free

-        Stay  7 or 8 nights and get 2 nights free

-        Stay 9 or 10 nights and get 3 nights free

For full details on packages and what they include, check the website. Valid from May 14-December 16.

Kamalaya Koh Samui, Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, Thailand +66 (0) 77 429 800

www.kamalaya.com

Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
A favourite retreat for A-list celebrities, Chiva Som has grown a loyal following for those looking to escape from their city existences and carve out some time for personal indulgence. This impeccably designed resort houses luxurious bedrooms and facilities that offer an instant escape. Combine this with the wide range of wellness breaks on offer, whether you’re looking for yoga, detox or any other type of relaxation, and you have found yourself a little slice of heaven. They take the effort out of relaxing by limiting the use of technology and offering up sumptuous but healthy spa cuisine. It’s hard to believe an escape this idyllic and restorative is such a short flight from HK.

See our full review of Chiva Som here.

SASSY DEAL: Mention SASSY HONG KONG when booking to receive a complimentary credit of THB3500 per person to redeem against Health & Wellness treatments at Chiva-Som during your stay. The offer is valid until 30 September 2012, and on stays for two people of at least 5 nights in any room. Email reservation@chivasom.com or reserv@chivasom.com to book!

Chiva-Som, 73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand. Call 032-536 536, email reservation@chivasom.com or book online here.

www.chivasom.com

Shreya’s Retreat, Bangalore, India
Located in a peaceful part of Bangalore Shreya’s is widely regarded as one of the world’s top destinations for spa and yoga retreats. Head back to the country where Yoga originated from and immerse yourself in a luxury vegetarian resort that quite literally, practices what it preaches. Wake when the sun rises and spend your days in truly tranquil yoga classes, meditating to clear your mind or slightly more indulgently, enjoy their award winning spa treatments. This wellness retreat is all about spiritual healing and is the perfect destination for all yoga bunnies who have ever dreamed of escaping from the city and partaking in their own Eat, Pray, Love journey.

See our full review of Shreya’s Retreat here.

SASSY DEAL: Quote Sassy Girls Special and received a complimentary 60-minute Rejuvenation Massage!

Shreya’s Retreat, call +91 80 2773 7102 or book online here.

www.shreyasretreat.com

Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui, Thailand
The name really does say it all, as Absolute Sanctuary has created a pocket of heaven on their little corner of Koh Samui. Their most popular wellness programme is the detox which they tailor according to your demands; there are strict fasting detox programmes for instant results or more gentle vegetarian or raw food versions if broths and smoothies seem a bit too intense. If your idea of a wellness retreat involves a little more indulgence, then opt for a rejuvenation programme which promises to mend broken hearts, calm overactive minds and ease overworked bodies with delicious food, luxurious settings and divine spa treatments and yoga classes.

See our full review of Absolute Sanctuary here.

SASSY DEAL: Just quote SASSY when making your booking to enjoy the below deal!

-        Get 1 extra night FREE for every 3 day or 5 day wellness holiday package bought

-        Get 2 extra nights FREE for every 7 day or more wellness holiday package bought

The booking period valid is until 30 June 2012.

SPECIAL NOTE: The Extra night(s) does not include breakfast and the Extra night(s) must be used with the trip booked. The Extra night(s) is non transferable, non exchangeable for cash

Absolute Sanctuary, Reservations: +66 77-601-205, bookings@absolutesanctuary.com

www.absolutesanctuary.com

So, block out some time in your diaries, pack your bikinis and yoga gear and make 2012 the year of looking after yourself with one of our fantastic range of wellness retreats!

Head East-side…
Have you ever been to Chai Wan? Well, it’s time to venture out of the Central bubble and into a new one! Take the MTR all the way down the Island line and before you know it, you’ll be in Chai Wan just in time for Chai Wan Mei! It’s an open-studio event that aims to introduce you to the works of local designers, artists and the hidden creative community; we’ll definitely be heading to The Gift Shop by Tangram (the brainchild of our That Girl Paola), where their design studio will be transformed into a concept pop-up shop with cool products from Hong Kong-based designers and creatives on show. Art, design and entertainment, this is an event for everyone… especially if you’re stuck in that Central bubble!

When: 19 May, 11am-8pm
Where: See all participating studios here (scroll down for the addresses!); free shuttle buses from the HKCEC in Wan Chai every 30 minutes. Tangram Studio, Unit 1701, 17/F Chai Wan Industrial City, Phase 270 Wing Tai Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.
How much: Free entry; payments by cash or cheque only

Bazaar sale bonanza
Did someone say sale?! It is our mission at Sassy to inform you of the best fashion bargains and here we go again…. The Pedder Warehouse sale gives you a chance to purchase designer shoes, handbags and accessories at up to 90% off (this is no joke!). We suggest you get in early, as this sale is not for the faint hearted… See you there, girls!

When: 18 May, 1-9pm 
& 19-22 May, 11am-9pm
Where: Times Square Bazaar, access from 13F food forum (or from 2/F atrium on Sat after 2pm, Sunday and public holidays), 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

Eat, drink and be merry!
With the weather heating up, we’ve rounded up our top five alfresco restaurants in HK for some great food and even better views! If you fancy the views without getting too sweaty, how about trying the fantastic food and stunning panoramas from Felix at The Peninsula or Tosca at The Ritz-Carlton, both of which we checked out recently. But if you’re after some more liquid refreshments, then here are our favourite bars off the beaten track in Central – including the gorgeous terrace at The Blck Brd and the very secret 001… we’ll even email you the address if you fill out the form at the bottom of the article here!

Unlimited style
To all you fashionistas… Unlimited Style is the pop-up shop for you! It’s all about distinction and luxury, showcasing designers such as Ana Boutique from Singapore, Madeleine Thompson and Forest Bird. Image Consultant Claire Edwards will be there too to give a helping hand on what you should definitely buy and what should be left for someone else to treasure. It’s open for two days only so don’t miss out!

When: 23-24 May, 11am-8pm
Where: The Strand Lounge, 18 Cochrane St, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

We’re Gaga for Nicopanda
The Nicopanda invasion is in full swing! Nicola Formichetti makes a Hong Kong Spring debut with his pop-up store in Lane Crawford for the month of May. Prepare yourself for fresh offbeat designs… and a whole lot of pandas! It’s a weird and wonderful collection only Lady Gaga’s fashion director could pull off and the little panda is everywhere you look – from the limited-edition sleek Mahjong sets to cheeky iPhone cases. Swoon over a selection of Lady Gaga’s most theatrical stage outfits (check out the towering heels!) while you browse and grab a keepsake tee or notebook to add a bit of quirky charm to your signature style.  Check out Sassy’s Nicopanda Opening Party pics to get a sense of the insanity!

When: Until 31 May, 10am-9pm
Where: Lane Crawford IFC, Podium 3, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Tees from $990, accessories from $280

My husband (we will call him P.) thought I was insane when I first brought up the idea of a staycation a few years ago. He deemed it ridiculous, a waste of money and absolutely no fun to holiday in your own town.

I knew deep down he would come around someday to the loveliness that is getting away without really going anywhere and recently my someday came. All I needed to do was add 5 letters to the front of staycation to make him weak in the knees and to say yes immediately to my getaway request. Just a small little whisper of Macau had him S-O-L-D, sold and with that our little holiday to the Banyan Tree Macau was born.

Being that Macau is only an hour away made it pretty flexible for our plan to get over there. I selfishly decided to take a half-day on a Friday so I could get pampered in the spa so I made my way over after lunch while P. (poor guy) worked a full day.  Please note, that the poor guy later spent hours gambling the next day (his second true love after me) so I am not feeling too sorry for the man.

The trip over couldn’t have been easier. I managed to get in a bit of work to end my day on the ferry ride over (tip: purchase first class for $50 more for extra room + food!) and once I arrived I whizzed through immigration and jumped right on the bus headed to The Galaxy complex, which is home to the Banyan Tree, Hotel Okura and The Galaxy hotel.

Upon check-in I was greeted by the friendly desk staff in the traditional Thai way that almost made me feel like I just landed in Bangkok. The next thing I knew I was opening the door to my amazing Grand Cotai suite (all the rooms in Banyan Tree are suites!) and right then and there my jaw dropped to the ground. I have heard about the pools in all the Banyan Tree Macau rooms but honestly I never believed they actually did exist. Well, my dear Sassy readers, it is true. My room, and all others I promise you, had a relaxation plunge pool that spanned half of the length of the room.

After getting myself situated in my room, I headed down to the spa for my 2-hour pampering treatment. My word of advice is this. If you can’t splurge on both the hotel and the spa and can only pick one then you must try the spa. It is the definition of an urban sanctuary. Walking back to the treatment room area you go through a bamboo garden courtyard that is identical to something you would see on a beautiful island resort in Phuket. The Banyan Tree spa specializes in making each treatment feel unique and special to each guest. The treatments are inspired by the Chinese Five Elements healing philosophy so you can tap into your own individual needs and pick a treatment that feels right for you on that specific day and the treatment rooms also come with some personal decision making as well. You can select the type of music you want to get you feeling uber relaxed and they have a list of different types of incense they can burn that will help ease specific ailments such as tiredness, stress and anxiety.

Each treatment at Banyan Tree Spa comes with 30 minutes of calm time, which includes a foot bath before and tea with fruit and yogurt after. I had the Classic Rejuvenation treatment which included a 30-minute body scrub followed by an hour massage. Whenever I get a scrub I typically always want to jump right ahead to the massage but I have to say that this one ranked pretty high on my list of scrubs. After the scrub and a quick visit to the steam room followed by a shower I emerged back into the room for my hour massage. Everything was incredible, the strokes of the masseuse were perfect so if I had to say anything picky about the treatment it is that I have become a Kashwere* snob and the only thing missing from a near perfect experience for me might have been the presence of a Kashwere blanket on the massage table and a Kashwere robe to put on my body.  Purely a snobby comment on my end as everything is pretty much up to A+ standards already.

After getting my relaxation on I needed to make a quick pit stop before P. arrived in town. You see, part of my excitement for this tip to Macau was that I was finally able to get my hands on the Happy Bag from Dooney and Bourke that Sabrina wrote about a few weeks ago. As soon as I saw it I became obsessed and have been anxiously awaiting this trip so I could finally make it mine. Dooney and Bourke is located in the Venetian shops so all I did was jump in a cab and make my way straight to the store like a women on a misson. Within 40 minutes I was back in my room with my new aqua Happy Bag in hand. With about 20 minutes to spare before P. arrived, I popped on my swimsuit and swam around my private plunge pool with a ridiculous smile on my face happy that it was Friday.

We had made plans to see House of Dancing Water that night, which I highly recommend, so once P. arrived to the room and he oohed and aahed over the amazingness of it we jetted off to the City of Dreams for the show. We really had no intention of making it a big night so after the show was over we both looked at each other and said —- room service! We raced back to the hotel room, jumped into our robes, popped open a bottle of wine and ordered our dinner. It was so nice to just chill in the suite’s living room with a glass of wine in hand and just relax together away from the craziness of Hong Kong.

The next morning we woke up and made our way down to the complimentary breakfast, which was a nice display of eggs, bacon, cereal, noodles, you name it. After a light meal and coffee we went for a quick visit to the hotel pool before we needed to check out.  The hotel pool is enormous and they have a pretty strict policy that it is only for hotel guests so chances are you will only ever see it if you stay at one of the Galaxy properties. I have stayed in other Macau hotels before and this pool is on another level.  The Galaxy has definitely set the bar high when it comes to doing things right and making you feel like you are far, far away from the casinos.

After a quick shower and a sad goodbye to our suite we checked out but not before enjoying a nice lunch at Saffron, The Banyan Tree’s main restaurant. The specialty at Saffron is Thai cuisine and for lunch they offer a set menu or you can order a la carte. I went for the trusty Pad Thai, which was very generous serving, while P. enjoyed the set lunch, which included three courses (appetizer, entrée and dessert). The waitresses were really attentive and I loved how they brought me an empty bowel in case P. wanted to share any of his soup with me. I thought that was a nice touch and it forced him to be nice and share!

All in all our staycation at the Banyan Tree Macau was really lovely. We now are planning on doing a Macau staycation there every three months or so and our current plan is to do a quiet night by ourselves followed by a big night the next night with friends (that is what they call ying and yang baby!).

Also, I will leave you with this. If you can spare the time off then definitely do the half-day on Friday, as it feels so good to get a head start on the weekend and most definitely stay at Banyan Tree Macau. It is the most wonderful sanctuary right smack in the middle of buzzing Macau.

* I have no affiliation to Kashwere, I swear, I just really, really like the brand!

SASSY DEAL: Enjoy one complimentary Afternoon tea when booking a room under Banyan Tree’s Best Available Rate. The offer period is from 18 May 2012 – 30 June 2012 and is valid on Weekdays Only. Please provide the code “BTCNMCSAS” when making your reservation on www.banyantree.com

Banyan Tree Macau, www.banyantree.com, Classic Rejuvination Treatment is priced at $1,600 for 2 hours (90 minutes of treatment, 30 minutes of relaxation).

Summer is officially here! Hong Kong is heating up and it’s time to start organising some stylish summer parties. Once again, we’ve enlisted former That Girl Lauren from Sweet Soirees to give us her insider tips on hosting the hottest summer parties this season; bottoms up, girls!

The great thing about summer in Hong Kong is that it lasts all the way into October, which means plenty of opportunities for summer celebrations. Cocktails on roof terraces, pool parties and beach barbeques are right around the corner so here are some of my helpful hints on how to throw a beautiful easy summer party.

First thing to do when planning your party is pick your summer theme. There are so many great summer themes to choose from that it may be hard to pick which one to go for first! If you are stuck for ideas, some of my favourite summer themes are a Hawaiian Luau, Arabian Nights, Midsummer Nights Dream and Summer of Love 60’s Party.

For my summer party, I decided to go with a Hampton’s Beach theme because I thought it was really fresh and reminded me of escaping the city to luxury on the beach. I also love the film Something’s Gotta Give and couldn’t resist trying to recreate the beautiful setting in the film.

To create the Hampton’s look, I chose a crisp blue and white striped tablecloth and matched it with some beautiful fresh white flowers to create a relaxed but elegant table setting. I also added a few table decorations, such as vases filled with sand and shells, with a few extra shells and candles scattered around the table to create the beach feel (you can pick up bags of shells from Ikea). I always think adding a few table decorations to accentuate the theme or your party can really make your party stand out.

When planning a summer party, I like to keep my menus fresh and light so I tend to incorporate a lot of salads and light appetizers with lots of flavor to my meal. For my Hamptons Party menu, I had:

Olives

Bruschetta

Parma Ham and Melon

Caviar Dip with Pita Chips

Fresh Green Salad

Peanut Sesame Chicken Salad

I love this menu because it had a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, which not only taste delicious, but also made the table look really colourful. In the summer, I feel it is always best to serve cold light food because with this Hong Kong heat, no one wants to be weighed down with a hot heavy meal!

Heat can definitely be your enemy at a summer party. To beat the heat, offer your guests cool refreshing beverages and snacks. You can’t go wrong with summer cocktail classics such as Sea Breezes, Pimms and Mojitos.  However, this time I decided to try something new and fun by taking the refreshments to a new level with cocktail popsicles! They are super easy to make and go down a real treat with guests who look like they are over-heating.

Lauren’s recipe for Strawberry Peach Vodka Collins Popsicles

Makes 8 (2 oz) Popsicles

6 oz Pureed Strawberries (about 10 Strawberries)
6 oz Peach Syrup
4 oz Vodka

1. Stir strawberry puree with 2oz of vodka. Place 3 teaspoons of strawberry mixture at the bottom of popsicle mold and set aside.

2. Stir peach syrup with 2 oz of vodka.

3. Pour peach and vodka mixture over strawberry mixture and stir to combine.

4. Put in freezer over night. To release popsicles, run under hot water on the outside of the popsicle mold for 2-3 seconds.

Summer tunes are the best! Make sure you have your summer party playlist in order as nothing puts people in the spirit of summer more then a classic summer tune. One of my all time favourites is ‘Praise you’ by Fatboy Slim, it is pretty old school, but it definitely makes me think of summer! Check out what’s on Team Sassy’s playlists here.

In case I haven’t mentioned it enough – summer in Hong Kong is HOT! Therefore your summer party venue choice is crucial. My rule of thumb is, if you are having a summer party in the day you should have it inside in the comfort of air conditioning and shade. However, if you are having a summer party at night you can venture outside with the aid of a few key items:

• An outdoor fan definitely comes in handy to help cool guests down. An extra bonus is it can also double up as a wind machine to give guests that glamorous windswept look you see on the cover of magazines – time to practice that smize!

• Another key item is ice… As much ice as you can possibly fit in your freezer or portable icebox! It’s always in demand and tends to run out quickly. The good news is that most 7-Elevens stock bags of ice so if you do ever find yourself short try popping down to your nearest 7-Eleven. Apparently there is one every 1.16 km² in Hong Kong… so there’s no excuse!

• Last but not least – lighting. With so many buildings casting out bright lights in Hong Kong, people tend to forget to add lights outside. Without your own party lighting it can still be quite dark and difficult to see your guests. Fairy lights, candles and lanterns will do the trick, just make sure to check for power points at your outside venue. You can always get battery and solar operated fairy lights and lanterns from Ikea and on Pottinger Street if you have limited power supply.

I hope these tips help you plan the perfect summer party!

Lauren is the owner of Sweet Soirees, one of our favourite party-planning companies. If you fancy leaving all your party planning to the experts, they are certain to add some sparkle to your shindig!

A special thank you to family photographer Darren LeBeuf for contributing his talents for this article!

[Banner photo by Photos By Jodi.]

When it comes to doing your hair in Hong Kong sometimes the easiest answer may seem just to shave it all off! But wait! With a few pins and a little creativity you can keep your hair and your sanity! I’m here to help with styles to keep you looking and feeling cool for the hot weather to come!

The Messy Bun (medium to long hair/ all textures)
Piling your hair on top of your head is the easiest way to stave off heat! The top-knot was sported in nearly every front row during fashion week by all the A-list starlets. All you need are a few bobby pins/hair grips (you can find them at Sasa) and you are on your way to bun bliss! A bit of teasing beforehand will help the pieces stay in place while adding fullness to the final product.

Tutorial from Sonja.

The Pony Express (medium to long hair/ all textures)
Here are a few options to liven up your locks and revive that plain old pony! Simply add a few twists here and there, divide your hair into two and knot it once or twice or run a few braids through it and you have something that feels very new and chic! A styling balm will help to manage the frizzies and keep you smooth even in HK’s hellish humidity! If you feel you need a bit more hair to pull this off then stop by Hair Konnections in Sheung Wan (111-115 Jervois Street, 3B Man Bond Building, 5190 8362) and clip in all the length you desire! You can even add strands of colors to your look with out actually committing to a full on dye job!

Tutorial from The Beauty Department.

Do the Twist (short, medium, long/ all textures)
An easy trick to freshening up your style is to simply twist your locks back and pin along the way. You can do this with any hair length and the best part is that it works even better with dirty strands, so feel free to skip a shampoo!

Braids Braids Braids! (medium to long/ all textures)
While the side braid was the hipster hair for the summer of ’10 (spotted on our That Girl Elle at Victoria Beckham the other week… and on VB herself!) and the top-knot for last summer, this year it is all about the boho braids! These styles can sometimes look intimidating to pull off but once you get the hang of braiding your own hair, it’s a cinch – simply make your braids and pin them up where you want ‘em! Personally, my arms always give out before the coif is finished so this summer I am vowing to work on those arm muscles if only to be able to handle braiding my own mane!

And when all else fails…. Accessorize!
Even if you end up with the most basic of ‘dos, you can liven up the look with a scarf or ribbon tied on top. Pop by H&M and stock up on loads of girly barrettes and clips to add pizzazz to your plait, whilst Accessorize and local accessories shops are great for all different styles of Alice bands (or stock up online at ASOS or with some amazing directional pieces at Rock N Rose)! Make like our That Girl Paola and try a turban; there is a fantastic tutorial here and even though it is not in English, it is still very easy to follow along!

There you have it! You are now ready to conquer summer with confidence! Grab a handful of bobby pins and a can of hairspray and see what amazing creations you can come up with!

There are approximately 50 beaches scattered over the Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories that are safe to swim from… so with summer upon us, what better excuse to get off the beaten track at the weekends and see a different side to this amazing country that we live in? Rather than visiting Repulse Bay or Stanley yet again, here are our top five beaches in Hong Kong, each picked with a different activity in mind. Some of them are popular choices that many of you will have visited before, but hopefully a couple will be new and take you to a new side of the 852!

The one for camping: Tai Long Wan
Starting with the best – this is one of my all time favourite beaches in Hong Kong! This beach takes some commitment to reach; there is an hour long hike on the Stage 2 of the MacLehose Trail before you get there, but if you make the effort you will be rewarded with a white sand beach and amazing views. There is a small restaurant on the beach where you can buy food and drinks as well as hire tents and camping gear (and surf boards – if the wind direction is right this is a great spot for beginner surfers, although there is no lifeguard here so only go in if you are a strong swimmer and always surf with a friend to spot for you). The beach can get quite busy at the weekends with scouts and local walking groups making the trip too but camping over night, watching the sun go down, seeing the phosphorescent in the surf, and waking to the sound of waves is a truly special experience… one that is guaranteed to make you feel 1,000 miles away from the crazy pace of the city, and brings you back to the office on Monday with a glow, as you feel like you have been in another world for the weekend!

How to get there: from Sai Kung take Bus 94 to Wong Shek Pier. From there it is a short boat ride ($20 per person) to the start of the trail.

The one for taking your dogs: Lamma Power Station Beach Beach
If you have a dog in Hong Kong, it can be hard to find new places to walk them at the weekends where they can run around off the lead without getting in harm’s way. Lamma Power Station Beach on Lamma Island is a dog-friendly sandy beach in the sight of the power station. It is a quiet beach and the island’s lack of any traffic makes a safe place for dogs to run around freely. It is a short walk from Yung Shue Wan village, which has many dog-friendly bars and restaurants for lunch after your walk – I recommend the Bookworm Café for their excellent juices and amazing salads.

How to get there: take the Lamma Island ferry, which leaves Central every half hour during the day, to Yung Shue Wan village. From there, follow the signs to the beach.

The one for getting away from the crowds: Upper Cheung Sha Beach
Imagine a white sand beach stretching for miles with no one on it. Now imagine that you don’t have to leave Hong Kong to find it. This beach is just a short ride away from Hong Kong Island on the Lantau ferry that leaves from Pier 6 and gets you to Mui Wo village in half an hour. From there, it is a short bus ride (15 minutes) or taxi ride (approximately $100) to get to the beach. There are two halves of the beach; the first has a few restaurants where you can buy drinks and lunch. This tends to be a bit busier with families at the weekend taking advantage of the safe swimming waters and lifeguard stations. If you really want to get away from the crowds, then walk up the beach for ten minutes where you will come to a second little cove. This beach is totally void of restaurants, but this also keeps the crowds away. The white sand is spotless and the swimming is safe here. A perfect place to relax and tan the day away.

How to get there: Mui Wo ferry from Pier 6 in Central will get you there in half an hour. From Mui Wo take the bus to Cheung Sha Beach (approx 15 minutes)

The one for fresh water swimming: Sai Wan Beach
Sai Wan Beach is located in Sai Kung Country Park and is a short hike (approximately 45 minutes) from Sai Wan Pavillion. The beach itself is relatively small, but has lovely clean white sand and a very gentle drop off in depth (ideal for those who want to paddle rather than dive straight in!). A short way up the hill from the beach there are two waterfalls and fresh water pools where you can swim and cool off away from the crowds. Sai Wan beach is flanked by two steep hills either side, forming a protected bay, but this also means that you are totally cut off from any signs of town or village life, and you can relax in peace far away from the sounds of traffic and people that are our normal soundtrack in Hong Kong.

How to get there: take the 29R bus from Sai Kung which will drop you at Sai Wan Pavillion (approx 25 minutes). To get to the waterfalls, walk to the end of Sai Wan beach and follow the trail left from the river. The path gets very narrow and quite rocky – I seriously suggest you don’t do this in flipflops! – but after about 10-15 minutes, it will become wider and clearer and you will see the waterfalls ahead of you.

The one for sun-downers and people-watching: Shek O Beach
A chilled-out vibe and relaxed community make Shek O Beach one of the nicest on Hong Kong Island. Long white sands and good facilities mean that it can get crowded quickly at the weekends, so get there early to claim your spot; however, if you are looking for a beach to people watch and make new friends then Shek O is the one for you. There are a number of great bars to choose from for food and drinks – I recommend Ben’s Bar on Shek O back beach for the excellent cocktails and extensive drinks list.

How to get there: Take Bus #9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR station and get off at the last stop.

Have you been keeping up with Team Sassy’s doses of summer inspiration? Don’t forget to read Part 1 and Part 2 of our Perfect Hong Kong Summers… and here’s the final installment for your reading pleasure! Now enjoy, go forth and make your own perfect summers too!

1)  Ideal summer getaway
I just got back from Abaca in Cebu and loved it! The service was incredible and everyone in the hotel greeted me by name the entire stay! I love seeing the bottom when I swim (hence why I avoided lake trips as a kid) and here the ocean is crystal clear. Rivalling the amazing water is the delicious food – I had my lunches served poolside so I never had to leave my cabana! The restaurant had a wood-burning stove, which served up the best homemade breads I have had in Asia… I would love any excuse to go back!

2)  Favourite HK summer activity
My fave summer activity is hanging out by the pool at HKCC sipping rose and eating their yummy baba ganoush! Sometimes, I even sneak in a workout before hand so that I can enjoy the Toblerone cheesecake that’s on the menu too! I always run into friends here and to round out the day, we all head over to the grassy field for a bit of lawn bowling (note: Googling “lawn bowling” brings up no young people whatsoever… I might need to take up a new activity!). I was the lawn-bowling champion of our friends last summer (sorry C.D.)!

3)  What’s in my beach bag:

• Sunscreen is a must. My pick is Coppertone SPF 30 for the body and Aveeno SPF 50 for the face, chest, and hands as those are the first places to show age.
• A Gianormous Hat. As much as I love the bright sun, I sometime need a break and I always know I can find respite under a huge floppy hat- the bigger the better.
• Sarong. I have had mine for several years and it has been all over Asia with me. It works as a cover up, a dress, a scarf, a beach blanket, and even served as a turban before! There are several just like it at Theodora & Callum!
• Big Dark Sunglasses by House of Harlow. They makes some seriously cute shades and I am currently obsessed with all the cat eye varieties out there including these. House of Harlow sunnies are sold at The9thMuse here in Hong Kong or you can grab yours from Shopbop too (free shipping remember)!
• I love the retro feel of this Anthropolgie swimsuit but also that you can actually wear it without getting any crazy high cut or cut out tan lines like other trendy swimwear that is out now. I would have to get some serious colour before I could pull off a white ‘kini though!
• A Stack of Magazines. Hit up Fleet Arcade for mags at cover price – see my Sassy scoop here for more details of this insiders’ HK secret!

4)  Summer lust-haves

• Dress from BCBGMAXAZRIA. It’s colour-blocked, it has cut outs at the only moderately toned portion of my abs, and it has pleats… all my trendy boxes are checked! Check out the rest of their SS12 collection here.
• Every summer I think about how glam I would like to look lying by the beach or pool and every year I am left feeling sweaty and frizzy and utterly un-glam! I have a feeling that wearing this amazing DVF kaftan would instantly distract you from my flyaway hair and splotchy tan! Instant allure! (Ok… looking at all of this is making me wish for the warmer days ahead! Is it summer yet!?)

1)  Ideal summer getaway
For my ideal summer getaway, you can’t beat a stylish villa holiday with its own pool but near the beach for the best of both worlds. I prefer Thailand over Bali as it’s quicker to reach and often cheaper… and that’s what we, like cheap but chic! I loved staying at the Dhevatara Residence in Koh Samui – not only did it have a private pool (so I didn’t have to worry about the poolside wobble) and was a stone’s throw from the beach, but it also had staff (tres important for luxe lazing around), including a mean Thai chef, to pamper to your every whim.. bliss! Mind you that didn’t help the poolside wobble either… ho hum!

2)  Favourite HK summer activity
For when it really hots up in the 852 (and we’re talking when the mercury gets into the 30s!), there are only two things that cut the mustard: Baltic aircon AND being by the water!

So my favourite HK summer activity has to involve water or AC to cool off! A Jasper’s Junk is a great way to enjoy the sea breeze (literally… and the alcoholic way!) while getting some rays in. Or anywhere that has a pool… Hong Kong Football Club or the Cricket Club have great pools, but beware of the masses on the weekend! Or try the Grand Hyatt if you fancy splashing the cash for day membership or take advantage of their staycation package.

3)  What’s in my beach bag
I can’t live without this Clarins Oil-Free Sunscreen Spray and get very precious about sharing it (I try not to)!  After an allergic reaction to sunscreen in Greece yonks ago, I struggled to find a sunscreen that didn’t cause a similar reaction until I stumbled across this, which is available in Clarins stores in HK… yippee!  As it’s oil free, it doesn’t clog your pores, which can sometimes lead to skin irritation and the dreaded prickly heat in my case!

4)  Summer lust-have
This summer I shall be lusting after some bits and bobs from new swimwear store Itsie Bitsie… now I know one of my fellow bloggers has already mentioned this in her Perfect Summer, but two people can lust after the same thing can’t they?! Usually it ends in tears, but not this time as I’m going for a different bikini, the “Take a Bow”, and the “Poncho PomPom” beach cover-up!

1)    Ideal summer getaway
I would love to go to Hawaii for the sun and the sand, as well as to brush up on my surfing skills! If I can’t get near the sea, then a laid-back cultural and foodie holiday to somewhere like Umbria in Italy would be amazing.

2)   Favourite HK summer activity
I have two – all day to early evening BBQs at Shek O beach with my friends or junk trips!

3)   What’s in my beach bag

• I tan with or without sunscreen but I always slather on Anti-Dark Spot Facial Sun Protection Factor 50+ by Boots No.7 (load up next time you or a friend is in the UK!) and Banana Boat’s Factor 50 for the body.
• My trusty bikini sarong that I picked up in Penang years ago, but miraculously it still looks as good as new!
• Ray Ban Aviators
• iPod for some summer beats
• My favourite book of all time, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Can’t beat a good read.

4)   Summer lust-have
I’m loving this Peep-Hole Blue Let Love Down Maxi dress, from Finder Keepers at The Fashion Bunker.

P.S Don’t forget to enter our amazing summer giveaway to win a hamper stuffed with seasonal goodies! Enter here.

Hong Kong’s mantra? “Work Hard. Play Hard”. The result? A city filled with professionals burning the candle at both ends. Conversation often centres around the need to detox – a word people associate with starvation inducing fast periods. To me, this approach seemed unhealthy; not holistic and restorative enough to reintroduce the balance I so desperately needed in my life. Eventually, I found a retreat that promised a wellness-focused detox. Suitcase filled with bikinis and high hopes, I set off for Kamalaya, nestled on a divine hillside in Koh Samui where I was to embark on a seven-day comprehensive detox retreat.

Day One: Exploration & Supplements
I initially feel like I could be in any luxury Koh Samui hotel. My sprawling villa has beautiful modern decor, Thai hints and a serene balcony overlooking the lush vegetation and sea beyond. Built on a steep hillside ensuring a relentless thigh workout, meandering paths lead between the reception area and main restaurant, wellness sanctuary, and finally down to the lunchtime cafe with secluded salas overlooking the pool and beach. The very essence of the place is of subtle serenity; with an environment conducive to contemplation, isolation and relaxation, this is a resort built within the surroundings, not on top of them, creating the perfect atmosphere for a retreat.

I trundled off optimistically to my wellness consultation where I receive my weeks’ schedule. Every day includes a massage, scrub, infrared sauna or all of the above, with the intention of removing toxins and restoring my body’s strength. Diet-wise, I am only allowed meals from the detox menu (essentially, vegetables). To ensure I don’t spontaneously combust, I have also been handed my armoury of tablets; vitamins need to be taken upon waking, after breakfast, mid-morning, after lunch, mid-afternoon, after dinner and just for luck, before bed. That’s a total of 29 tablets a day, plus protein shakes and fibre sachets. Exhausted just thinking about it, I get my first massage – a soothing vitality oil massage in the blissful discreet wellness sanctuary which is the hub of the whole resort.

At dinner, there is no strict schedule of broths and smoothies but instead a menu of about twenty options, giving you a sense of variety that ensures you don’t get bored or feel starved. I had fresh cucumber and vegetable rolls to start, then delicious vegetables cooked in a lemongrass sauce. I opted to sit by myself, as part of my reason for visiting was to take time to be relaxed, peaceful and stop stressing. However, I did suspiciously eye the “community” table for those wishing to meet others and felt I would be tempted there later.

Day Two: The Making of a Spa Addict
A sunrise Tai Chi class in the yoga pavilion kick-started my Zen-like mindset. This was lucky as I needed strength of mind to bypass the buckwheat pancakes and opt instead for pumpkin paste, vegetables and a wheatgrass shot for breakfast. By mid-morning the spa was beckoning, first with a Far Infrared Sauna, which penetrates into your tissues whilst burning 600 calories in a mere thirty minutes… it felt like the 45 degree heat drew every ounce of sweat from my body. Luckily, a more relaxing detoxifying body scrub and wrap followed. All this pampering was definitely distracting me from any potential hunger! After lunch, a blissful two hours by the pool was dampened by my body starting to feel the detox effects, in the form of nausea and fatigue… but further distraction called in the form of a Chi Nei Tsang massage, which focuses on the stomach area and improves digestion. I had thought I would sit with the “others” tonight but I’m not only appreciating the physical detox but the emotional stillness and clarity of mind that being alone is bringing.

Day Three: The ups and downs of detoxing
There is no hiding the fact that my energy levels are depleted today. The veggie-only diet and supplements are making me feel bloated and nauseous but I power on through with my daily activities, including a sauna and lunch comprising of cucumber gazpacho followed by vegetable curry. The schedule of activities rescues me from my lull with an Ayuverdic massage. Every massage is a bit like a therapy session, alone in your thoughts you contemplate all aspects of your life before slowly being lulled to sleep. I end the day with a lymphatic drainage massage. For 90 minutes, my body is very gently pushed to improve the working of my lymph system and aid the elimination of toxins. I slept through almost the entire treatment in a semi-meditative state.

Day Four: Becoming part of the gang
A chat with a fellow guest on my walk down to the beach reveals that I’m now part of the Kamalaya community. I’m in on the secret – that we are all privileged to be embarking on our own journeys, whether they be detox, stress relief, weight control or just a healthy holiday, in this magnificent haven. Snippets of overheard conversation between other guests reveal many are repeat visitors. Rather than undermine the lasting effects of Kamalaya, for me it reinforces them, for when any of us is seeking guidance we will always return to the place which reset our compasses. An afternoon of beach lying and lazy swims reveal that I feel truly well here. No aches and pains, no ailments, no stress.

Day Five: Subtle differences
As I head early to the wellness sanctuary, I realise that very little is occupying my mind; I, the perennial to-do lister and OCD organisational queen, am quite happy to not have anything to do! My skin and hair also seem to be glowing, despite the fact I haven’t applied an ounce of make up since arriving, and there is a bounce in my step.  After a chilled out day, I watch the sunset blissfully before my evening lymphatic drainage massage.

Day Six: My ideal version of a busy day
By now my days feel almost meditatively ritualistic. Today differs due to lunch with the glowing Karina Stewart, one of Kamalaya’s founders. A fascinating and genuinely warm woman, her background in Chinese medicine and belief in holistic well-being shines through every aspect of the resort. She explains that their detox programme is not a short-term solution but is based on the pure science of the liver and its requirements, hence why there is no starvation or deprivation of nutrients. The abundance of choice for detoxers combined with lack of direct supervision ensures people take control and creates a more sustainable impact. I go to bed that evening contented, relaxed and lamenting the fact that tomorrow is my final day.

Day Seven: The Shining Effects of Detox
Today is my final day on the detox and I can feel its effects seeping through me. My skin is soft, supple and glowing, my stomach is settled and calm, my eyes are sparkling and I feel well and truly centred. I have no energy swings, no moods, no headaches… and for a misunderstood hypochondriac like me, that’s quite a big deal! My body feels svelte, smooth and toned. I read my post-detox instructions determined to maintain this healthy approach, not only to food, but also my mental and emotional wellbeing. I realise I’m going to deeply miss Kamalaya; the charming friendly staff, the serenity and beauty of the surroundings, the community spirit and unique emotional state brought on by being here. I have a feeling I too will graduate into being a repeat visitor; I fear nowhere else in the world would be so effective at restoring my inner peace and wellness and detoxing me of Hong Kong’s intense lifestyle.

SASSY DEAL: Exclusive to Sassy readers, book a 3 day intro to detox programme and only pay for 2 nights, as well as receiving a complimentary hand massage. To redeem the offer, simply quote SASSY on booking. Kamalaya are offering the following packages on any programme booked:

-        Stay 4, 5 or 6 nights and get 1 night free

-        Stay  7 or 8 nights and get 2 nights free

-        Stay 9 or 10 nights and get 3 nights free

For full details on packages and what they include, check the website. Valid from May 14-December 16.

Kamalaya Koh Samui, Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, Thailand +66 (0) 77 429 800

www.kamalaya.com

This week’s That Girl is super-sporty Lauren Mead, brand coordinator at Jack Wills Hong Kong. We’ve been fans of Jack Wills ever since they landed on our shores (see here!) so now’s the perfect opportunity to get to know one of the brains behind the brand!

We chat to Lauren about how we can uncover our sporty sides, discover why sailing’s not just for old men, find out what keeps bringing her back to Hong Kong and just what an average working day in the world of fashion entails!

Can you fill us in on your background and how your family ended up in Hong Kong?
I’ve lived in Hong Kong on and off my entire life – for some reason I just can’t leave the place alone! My family is scattered around the globe – in the UK, Germany and Dubai to name a few, but we all find that there is something magnetic about this island that brings us back time and again.

After finishing my degree in London (at the School of Oriental and African Studies), I was travelling in Indonesia when the opportunity to work in Hong Kong came up and I jumped at the chance to see the city in a new light – from a business and retail angle for the first time. There is a real energy and attitude to Hong Kong that makes working and living here a fantastic experience, which I have not found in any other city.

Where do you live? How have you made your home your own?
I live right next to the escalator, just off Hollywood Road and am always aware of what an amazing location and great space I have to call home. Everyone in my building knows each other and we sometimes meet on the rooftop for post-work drinks and a catch up at the end of the day – it’s lovely to be part of a tiny community within a city that can sometimes be so anonymous.

When I was fitting out my apartment, I wanted it to be somewhere that I could relax and get away from it all, whilst still being in the heart of Soho. I like to keep mementoes from my home and travels on display, such as photos of my family and friends, or prints by my mother who is a professional print-maker and artist.

How would you describe your personal style? How does it evolve and change?
I sometimes feel like I lead two very separate lives in Hong Kong. There is my week-day life, when I am always in the city, visiting the Jack Wills stores or planning our next big event. At the weekends I try to leave the concrete jungle as far away as possible, and so I spend a lot of time sailing, at the beach, or hiking in the New Territories. As a result, my personal style has to match both of these very different worlds.

During the week I want to project a professional appearance, although given the industry I work in this still gives me scope to have fun with what I wear! I like to wear simple block colours with clean, tailored lines and lots of accessories in the winter. In the summer, I love to wear prints or floral pieces, and to feel more relaxed in what I wear. At the weekends I will always be found in dressed down pieces, flip-flops, cut off shorts or flirty skirts, and old much-loved t-shirts.

Where do you shop in Hong Kong? Any secret finds you can let us in on?
I would have to (honestly!) say that I wear something from Jack Wills nearly every single day. I really like the preppy, smart-casual style of the clothes, and they are great quality so the cut and finish of each piece hangs really nicely. I have recently fallen in love with strapless dresses and playsuits, and Jack Wills has some great examples with fun prints in store this summer, which I think I will be living in!

I also like exploring the smaller independent boutiques in Soho, which are obviously right on my doorstep. Beatrice Da Silva, Magnan&Tse and Dutch Items Shanghai are all favorites. My most recent discovery has also been the online jewellery brand Pretty Dangerous, which has fabulous edgy jewellery from up and coming designers at great prices.

What are your must-have beauty products? Where do you go for hair/nails/maintenance?
I have a very low maintenance beauty routine. I tend to just wear a slick of mascara each day, and that is about it! I find that in HK too much makeup is just going to melt off you anyway. I am religious about putting on sunscreen (SPF 20) on my face each morning, and use Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare moisturiser at night, which uses organic ingredients only, and makes my skin feel really clean and happy!

For hair, I go to Toni & Guy on Old Bailey Street, with their wonderful Creative Stylist, Emma Woodall. I had one or two hair disasters when I first got to Hong Kong and was beyond letting anyone within arms length of my hair, but Emma was great, giving me a proper consultation and making suggestions at changes that got me back to being happy with my hair once more.

For nails, facials or massages I go to Fast Beauty on Hollywood Road. They are really good, particularly when I am pushed for time from work, and want to treat myself during a quick lunch break.

What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?
I am obsessed with the sea, as anyone who knows me will tell you. I’ve been sailing and racing since I was a child, and can be found every weekend on a boat either sailing out of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in Causeway Bay, or up in Port Shelter near Sai Kung. I am part of a regular team that competes both in Hong Kong, on the Asian circuit, and also back in Europe, so I am very lucky to see a side of Hong Kong that many people do not have access to – from the water. If I am not sailing, I’m still likely to be either swimming, attempting to surf (still learning!) or generally relaxing at the beach. The great thing about this city is that in 20 minutes you can leave the madness behind and be out on the trails or a deserted beach and it feels as if you are in a completely different country.

How did you get into sailing? What would you say to people that think sailing’s an old man’s sport?
I got into sailing when I was a child via my Dad who was a professional racer for many years. When I was small, this really meant just playing on dinghies, swimming a lot and spending as much time on the water as I could, because it was a fun way to cool down in the hot Hong Kong weather! When we moved back to the UK for a few years, my sailing interest then developed into a full-on racing obsession of my own, as the standard of racing in the UK is very high. Since then I’ve sailed and trained with many great teams including the GBR Yacht Racing Academy; I’ve also taken part in a 40 day offshore race from the UK to Rio de Janerio in Brazil, and worked as a sail maker for three years at the same time as doing my degree. I represented Hong Kong at the Rolex Commodores Cup in 2010 and will be going back with the team again this summer to have a second attempt at winning the cup (we came 2^nd last time!).

Sailing is definitely not an old man’s sport, or even a particularly elite sport, any more! There are lots of girls in sailing, with the number going up every year. Since I was a child in Hong Kong there has been a huge improvement in the level of training and courses available here for people who want to learn to sail and race, via any of the yacht clubs (I recommend you check out the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club website for courses for beginners).

Being on the water brings you a feeling of such peace and relaxation, I couldn’t imagine my own life without boats, and the sea, in it somehow. Racing is also the perfect way for me to work out my competitive spirit, whilst also teaching important management skills as you and your team have to work together in harmony to make the boat run smoothly. Sailing can infect people, it becomes a new way of life, but is also one that I cannot recommend enough.

What are your fave destinations to sail to in HK?
I race in three main locations around HK – the harbour, Sai Kung and Repulse Bay; however for fun and relaxing sailing, it is hard to beat a day sail to the Po Tois with friends for fantastic seafood in the sun and a swim on the way home! There are also a number of races you can do that start in Hong Kong and sail to locations around Asia – Boracay, Vietnam and Taiwan to name a few. Doing a longer race and sailing into an entirely different country is a fantastic experience – particularly the moment you spot land coming into view over the horizon – it’s always a moment of high excitement on the boat, but when you get to sail into such gorgeous locations, you remember how lucky we are to live in Asia.

What are your favourite restaurants/bars in Hong Kong?
Like most people in Hong Kong, I eat out a lot, and am always on the look out for new places to go. My most recent haunt is Mana on Wellington Street. It has only been open for about a month, but does fantastic home made hummus, flat breads and juices; I go there for lunch at least once a week.

In the evenings for dinner, I often visit Tapeo, for good tapas and wine – but book ahead as it’s always busy. To show visiting friends the dazzling Hong Kong skyline, I would head to Sevva or Upper House, which never fail to fascinate.

What’s your favourite place in Hong Kong? Any secret hide-outs?
I love to try and get off the beaten track in Hong Kong by heading out on to the trails at the weekends or visiting the nearby islands. I have family living on Lamma at the moment and try to get over there to see them as often as I can. I love the vibe in the villages, the beaches, or doing the walk over the island to have seafood at the end.

We know you’re quite sporty – sailing, rock-climbing etc – how can girls get into the sportier side of HK?
Although I have always been quite sporty, in Hong Kong this felt more important than ever, as it is so easy to get sucked in to the bar/party scene here and to end up feeling like you never see the sunlight.

I started rock climbing earlier this year with a couple of friends at an indoor wall in Sheung Wan (Da Verm) It is a great sport for girls as you get to build up your core strength gradually as you tackle harder courses, but it is also about being intelligent and climbing smartly so that you do not waste energy. Everyone at the club is really friendly and always prepared to help new members improve on their technique, so if you want to try a new sport this summer, or just blow off some steam after work, I recommend it!

I also do yoga at Anahata Yoga on Lyndhurst Terrace two or three times a week, which is a good way to get back into working out if you have not been exercising for a few months – start slow and build yourself back up! Ultimately I think it is very easy for girls to get into the sportier side of Hong Kong – it’s fun, you will meet new friends, and get to see a side of this city that you will totally miss if you just stay in the work/socialising loop.

A lot of people who grew up in Hong Kong often decide to leave after going to uni overseas. What made you decide to come back and stay?
I left for a few years, to do my degree in London… however Hong Kong has always had a unique draw for me. It is a place where, I feel, you can achieve anything. You are constantly surrounded by inspiring people who are carving out their own paths – in business, in sport, just in life in general – and it was too difficult to resist coming back and to have the chance to be a part of that again. The entrepreneurialism of the city is something I love, and I have learnt so much about business here. I hope one day I can put those lessons to good use and have my own projects going here.

Fill us in on your average working day – is it all glamour? What does being ‘brand coordinator’ actually entail?
My average day involves working closely with both the Head Office team and our stores to plan our next marketing events, which takes quite a bit of time, arranging tours of the store for media, and liaising with the teams back in the UK.

Jack Wills has a strong heritage – the brand was founded in Salcombe in Devon twelve years ago. Everything we do, every design, is influenced by this British heritage and so it is really important for us to explain the British culture and history that inspires us to our staff, our customers and also to bloggers and media who come to talk to us. I spend a lot of my time talking to the design teams in the UK to fully understand what has influenced them with each new collection so that I can present this to the staff; they in turn can provide our customers with a better shopping experience when they really know the products and understand the ideas that have helped shape them.

My job takes on many different elements of business life in HK. From one day to the next I could either be working on budgets for events, or visiting Mong Kok to scout out props for a new window display – I love the variation and how it allows me to see all sides of the business.

Any tips on achieving the work-life balance, especially in hectic HK?
I might not be the best person to ask on achieving a good work/life balance! I have definite workaholic tendencies, but this is partly due to the fact that I love my job and the team I work with. All of our marketing events take place either in the evenings after work or at weekends, so it is easy to do a lot of overtime; however, when it is running a fun event, it feels less like work anyway! The weekends I do have off are spent far away from internet or phone reception, so I feel like I have the majority of my ‘down time’ at the weekends, whereas during the week I can easily be answering emails until midnight on a regular basis. Again, doing lots of sport and trying to eat healthily, plus rewarding yourself with small treats (facial etc) every now and then means you feel great, even if you are working ‘Hong Kong Hours’.

Do you have any tips for other HK girls who want to get into the fashion industry?
At Jack Wills, we made the conscious decision not to use editorial advertising as a mass marketing tool, but rather to focus on the individual, both instore and online – with particular focus on social media. We want to make sure that everyone who visits the store leaves having experienced great service and having discovered something new about Jack Wills. The best way to do this for us is to focus on social media and talking about the individual experience.

Therefore, my tip for getting into fashion marketing in Hong Kong would be to stay up to date with social media developments – how are other brands using social media in creative new ways? Is there a new social media platform that your company should have a presence on (i.e. the explosion of the number of brands on Pinterest recently)? There are some really interesting marketing projects being thought up right now, and it is important to stay connected.

SASSY GIVEAWAY: We’ve snagged some awesome Jack Wills goodie bags to give to 50 lucky Sassy readers! All you have to do is Like both Sassy and Jack Wills on Facebook (thumbs up if you like us both already!) and then drop your contact details in the form here. Competition ends on 20 May and we will contact the winners on 21 May with details on how to claim their prize!

All photos in the That Girl article above were taken by the hugely-talented Sabrina Sikora of Sabrina Sikora Photography – get in touch with her at sabrinasikora@gmail.com.

Check out the rest of our That Girls here!

After months of winter hibernation, enveloping ourselves in cosy layers and indulging ourselves on comfort food, we are all now facing the dreaded shedding of layers and revealing of what lies beneath! For many, this sudden transition from baggy chunky knits to the land of the bikini and mini dress can be as traumatising as walking out of the toilets with your skirt tucked in your knickers. But fear not, with a little forward thinking, dedication and belief, the below tips can take you from your winter cocoon and transform you into the summer goddess you truly are!

Dietary Adjustments
In winter our body craves fatty comfort foods to keep us warm and our tummies crave it as it tastes so good. However, summer is the time to embrace all that is healthy. Switch your food mantra from cosy and warming (read: pies and pizzas) to light and refreshing (read: fruit and salads). By trying to eat in a style that emulates the weather you will naturally be eating fresher, healthier and more energising foods. Our favourite foods should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and chicken, and should come in the form of salad, grilled dishes or best of all barbeques (try Life Cafe or MANA! for some super-yummy salads). To help shed those winter bulges, stay clear of saturated fats such as butter and cream, processed foods, refined carbohydrates and refined sugars. Swap the cake for fruit, the calorie-laden red wine for a refreshing G&T and your daily cappuccino fix for a cooling lemon ice tea.

Cardio Boosts
Not many people like doing cardio. Going to the gym is boring and involves revealing your sweaty red faced glow to the whole of Pure. Running outside is an impossibility due to the humidity. Hikes become a forgotten memory from spring days. But unfortunately, cardio is pretty essential for fat burning, toning and keeping yourself in shape. So this summer the focus is all about maximum impact from minimum effort. The key? Interval training. Rather than subjecting yourself to a 45 minute stint of medium paced jogging on a treadmill watching the seconds laboriously tick by, learn how to interval train. This essentially should involve a workout that looks like the following:

-        5 minute warm up – 6km/h
-        1 minute sprint – 14km/h
-        1 minute jog – 6km/h
-        1 minute sprint – 14km/h
-        1 minute jog – 6km/h
-        Repeat the above two stages for your preferred length of workout, ideally for at least ten repetitions, so twenty minutes of interval training
-        5 minute cool down

Don’t forget to stretch thoroughly at the end as leaving lactic acid sitting around in muscles not only causes aching but can cause muscle bunching and stocky looking thighs. Impact training is all about fat burning so is the perfect anecdote to winter padding around your legs. Ideally do this 3-4 times a week, but if even that seems to boring, substitute some of the sessions for any other form of cardio, whether it be swimming, team sports and window shopping the streets of Soho heavy shopping bags in hand!

Toning
It’s all very well burning the fat but we don’t want to be left with dangling bits of skin. It’s just as important to schedule in some form of toning exercise every week. And if you can choose a toning class that doubles up as a cardio workout – fantastic! Whereas men do weightlifting as they want big bulging muscles, girls prefer the long and lean look rather than female bodybuilder. My advice, if looking to slim and tone, is to sign up to one of the following classes:

• Reformer Pilates a relaxing but effective way of working up a slight sweat but most importantly creating longer, more defined muscles and an uber strong core; we recommend the class at Flex.
• Yoga you only have to look at yoga bunnies and their svelte figures to see the transformative effect yoga can have on any shape or size (Sassy are silver sponsors of the Asia Yoga Conference running from 7-10 June this year, so head there from some inspiration!)
• TRX these classes have the dual benefit of creating toned muscles but also adopting an interval approach to training that ensures you work up a sweat and burn off some fat.
• Body Pump A great group class offered in most gyms that involves enough muscle building but again, in an interval style guaranteed to get your heart rate rocketing.

Hair Removal
Winter allows us the indulgent liberty of allowing our primitive roots to re-emerge in the form of unshaven legs and unkempt bikini lines. Come summer, and it is only the naive who are anything other than expertly preened at all times – who wants those awkward moments of trying to explain why you can’t swim on an unforeseen junk trip without revealing the real reason that you haven’t touched your bikini line in 2 weeks?! My advice? Take a permanent approach to hair removal. Laser hair removal actually kills the hair at the root so after 5 treatments, you never need to worry about exposed follicles any longer and can be beach ready at the snap of a finger; we recommend a treatment course at Nude (don’t forget to snag your special Sassy deal on your first treatment!).

Skin Preparation
There is nothing worse than investing gruelling time on a sun lounger, slowly building up the perfect tan, only to peel the moment you step inside an air-conditioned room. The secret? Exfoliation.

At the start of the summer season, treat yourself and book in for a skin focused treatment at one of Hong Kong’s finest spas; we loved the detoxifying spa day at The Intercontinental Hong Kong. Then once a week at least, exfoliate your own skin using an all over body scrub, like this one from The Organic Pharmacy, available at Harvey Nichols.

So there you have it, my comprehensive guide to getting your body summer ready. The key to it all is routine, so get started immediately and shed the pale wobbles in favour of the golden toned goddess you deserve to be!