In need of a little rest and respite, we headed over to Tsim Sha Tsui to check into the Peninsula for a weekend wellness retreat from The Happiness Factory. Here’s what we thought:
The Buzz
With travel restrictions still in full swing, local wellness retreats are becoming more of a go-to for Hongkongers looking to reset and destress. We checked out a weekend retreat run by The Happiness Factory, an organisation that aims to boost our collective wellbeing through talks, events and retreats. The retreat took place at The Peninsula.
The Retreat
We kicked off at 11am on Saturday with a two-hour breathwork and heart opening yoga class. After this, we got to know the other retreat-goers with ice-breakers, and learned more about the weekend’s programme. There were only eight people on the retreat to ensure both COVID-compliance and a more peaceful atmosphere.
The remainder of Saturday’s programming included an Inside Flow class – think vinyasa yoga infused with dance and martial arts, set to the beat of music. This unique offering was challenging, calming and empowering all at once. To round off Saturday we were treated to a poolside sound healing gong bath plus a short CBD workshop (samples included), to set us up for a solid night’s rest.
The next morning, we woke up to a sunrise vinyasa yoga class on the sun deck overlooking Victoria Harbour, followed by a leisurely breakfast. The retreat finished with a Wim Hof Method breathwork and ice bath session in which we were expertly guided through a two-hour workshop on all things breathing – it’s harder than you think! We then put this training into action with an ice bath. To wrap up the weekend, we got to enjoy a late checkout, and made full use of the Peninsula’s pool and sun terrace.
Rather than being a detox retreat, The Happiness Factory’s mission is to help people to “Eat Happy, Move Happy, Sleep Happy and Feel Happy.” So don’t come expecting a cleanse! The food that was served for lunch and dinner on the Saturday consisted of proteins, veggies and healthy carbs, but also included The Peninsula’s famous scones with generous servings of clotted cream and jam.
The Verdict
We loved feeling as if we had escaped the craziness of Hong Kong city life, even if just for a weekend. Although we were in the heart of TST, we felt a world away from the streets below and managed to switch off from our day-to-day. If you can splurge, we reckon it’s worth staying the Friday night also (The Happiness Factory guests have preferential room rates!). We left feeling rested and recharged, with a bunch of knowledge and tools to bring some Zen into our daily lives.
Cost: $5,888 for single occupancy / $8,888 for shared occupancy for one night and all workshops. $3,500 for just workshops. Next retreat is coming in June.
Email [email protected] for more information on future retreats.
Read more reviews, like this Enzyme Nutrition Retreat on Lantau Island.
