Welcome to Good Times - What are you searching for?

I'm your designated guide in Hong Kong, Asia's high-rise, high tech, action-packed metropolis.
Today we will explore the wealth of wellness and relaxation possibilities for men in this fascinating city.
Held by the British until 1997 and then returned to China, it is 'the destination', if you are looking for the high life, sweet bargains, frenzied pace, and little escapes.

I began my pursuit of holistic health experiences in five-star style with the landmark Mandarin Oriental. Regular patrons here step out of S-class Mercedes Benz with a boot-load of Louis Vuitton luggage. But I like to walk and travel light!

The hotel spa gets lots of male clients, all looking to spend a minor fortune to unwind and invigorate body and soul. And with good reason, after all making money is stressful. The only excuse I had was a five-hour flight from New Delhi.

For my warm-up session, I was lavished with the spa's signature therapy – 'Oriental Harmony' that promised to take me to an elevated plane of existence. It begins with the ritual cleansing of feet, warm body scrub, exfoliation and the tandem massage.

The therapy combines traditional Chinese techniques and western methods. An upside - you have two therapists working on you with magic fingers. The oil is fragrant and warm and feels great especially when it gets to your head.
Sleep follows swiftly until the bill arrives! The 'Oriental Harmony' lasts an hour and 50 minutes and costs upwards 2,500 Hong Kong dollars.

My next stop is Men's Skin Care and Body Toning Authority for Men. Charming name don't you think? Here I am handed a very interesting document called a 'Body Composition Analysis Report'.

So you want to know what my report says? I have a 'few problems'! I have five-and-a-half-kg excess fat around my waist and 2.3 kg muscle mass. How flattering, I have more fat than muscle! Fortunately this tell-on-you machine does not reveal my IQ!

I'm assured my 'weighty problems' will be sorted in the next three to four hours. To get me started I'm strapped to all kinds of fancy gadgets. God, I feel like I'm laid up in hospital.

I'm told these space age machines will simulate an intensive gym session. So if two hours of gym burns 800 calories, a two-hour treatment will burn a staggering 4,900 calories!

If you are wondering about the clientèle, they are mostly urban busybodies or lazy overweight men looking for weight loss minus the drill of exercise and dietary rigours.

Now that's a sweet deal, just plug in and say bye-bye to double chins, eye bags and that beer belly. Not that I have any of these problems. Men's has even patented this novel weight loss system.

Post a cold gel rub on my belly that makes me squirm I get a facial. The things I do for you people, have you met a more willing guinea pig?
I'm told it stimulates collagen production, melts fat and restores muscle tone of the face, chin and neck. Pamper session over it's time for 'before' and 'after' mug shots.

Ha, pose and grin and feel the difference. (Aside: I feel the same, man!)
Visibly revived I'm ready for some Tai Chi with Master William. Atop the Peak Tower roof-top on Mount Victoria, the Master informs me that Tai Chi is probably an Indian export like yoga.

A well known system of self care, it involves a series of rhythmic, meditative movements that stimulate 'chi' or 'energy' and boosts the immune system. Though slow and easy I find it quite strenuous.

If I did it more often, I'd be as fit as Master William whose demonstration is sheer poetry. One minute he is Crouching Tiger, the next Hidden Dragon!
Like kung fu styles, it has curious names: 'Grasping the Bird's Tail', 'Needle at the Bottom of the Sea' or 'White Crane Flaps its Wings'.

Now I don't know about my yin and yang but I did allow myself a few rush hour moves, after all it is Jackie Chan country!

But leaping off the roof-top wasn't particularly appealing!