Aqua Chi Foot Bath

Getting lucky in Hong Kong

HONG KONG—There are many ways to get lucky in Asia’s most glamorous city. Flying from Toronto in Cathay Pacific’s swanky business class, I meet an elegant Chinese woman who tells me jade brings fortune.

Later, as I check into the InterContinental Hong Kong at the edge of Victoria Harbour, Louis, the chief concierge, tells me of another way to court prosperity — Feng Shui — the art of positioning objects to improve the flow of Qi, or positive energy.

“Our hotel has excellent Feng Shui,” he says. “It’s designed to attract the Nine Dragons of Kowloon.”

According to legend, he explains, there are nine dragons that live in the mountains around Kowloon, and they like to come down to the harbour for a bath and a drink. Since dragons can magically pass through glass, the lobby’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide an auspicious pathway. “They fly in, deposit prosperity at the island-shaped reception desk and then pass through to the harbour,” Louis says.

Between good Feng Shui and a few jade souvenirs I should be a millionaire by the time I leave. But I know nothing about jade. “How will I know what to buy?” I ask.

“No problem,” Louis says. “I’ll sign you up for a jade appreciation course.”

He sends me off to Amigo Jewelry, a third-floor shop on nearby Mody Rd. It’s nondescript outside, but inside it looks like an emperor’s secret stash. Shelves are lined with elaborate carvings in shades of jade I didn’t know existed: lavender, yellow and white. Display cases glitter with pendants and earrings. Plus, there’s a huge jade pig on the floor.

“The most valuable jade is bright green. We call it ‘imperial jade,’” says Cecilia, the shop’s jade expert as I twirl around in a brilliant green necklace surrounded by diamonds. “Look for vivid colour and translucency.”

I can’t afford anything so glamorous, but my idea is to look at the good stuff here then head to the touristy Jade Market in Yau Ma Tei to scoop up some deals. Accessed through an elaborate red gate, the market is a warehouse-style space housing more than four hundred stalls. Bewildered by the sheer volume of bangles, Buddha statues and key chains, I buy three milky green bracelets then whip back to the hotel for my upcoming city tour.

Rosanna, my guide, is an efficient woman whose Chinese name translates to Queen Bee. After travelling to Victoria Peak for a hazy view of the city, we visit Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Rd. The Taoist temple is dedicated to the God of literature and the God of martial arts.

Aqua Chi Footbath helps you ready for spring! | Regina Chante ...

Nothing like a relaxing, detoxifying, energizing experience in the Aqua Chi ionizing footbath!  Bring your  favorite book or music and relax your feet in cozy warm salt water for about 40 minutes while  helpful  negatively-charged ions absorb through the pores of your feet and into your body.  This therapy helps to  improve your overall circulation and improve the cells’ ability to clear toxins and absorb nutrients.  Your  session is wrapped up with a soothing massage for the feet and lower legs. An  affordable, non-invasive,  relaxing experience for people of all ages!  Make it part of your monthly  preventative healthcare routine.

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