Edition: English | 中文简体 | 中文繁体 Монгол
Homepage > China Video

Stressed Hong Kongers pay to snooze mid-day

CCTV.com

07-04-2016 05:24 BJT

Napping is a serious matter for some in Hong Kong, but finding a tranquil space is hard in the expensive and cramped city. Some enterprising companies are now taking steps to make a quick snooze their business.

An ergonomically designed recliner, calming music, soft lighting, and a soothing scent is a tranquil home away from home in the bustling city. The Nap Lounge is a new lunchtime haven for hangover sufferers. Bleary-eyed professionals can come to take a rest in the middle of a hectic day.

They can reserve a cabin for a 15-minute power nap at about HKD40, or book for a more refreshing one-hour recharge which costs around HKD 100 . There are slippers, eye-masks, magazines and free Wi-Fi in the room. Coffee and snacks are also available for when customers wake up.

“We locate three shops in very busy commercial districts. So for the business people or the traveling business people or executives nearby, they can come to enjoy like an hour relaxing time. We are setting up a trend, and letting people know the benefit of taking a nap in the afternoon time. People can improve productivity when they get back to work,” said David Lau, general manager of Nap Lounge.

A recent survey showed that people in Hong Kong work the most overtime in Asia. Nineteen percent of workers put in an extra six to eight hours a week, while 20 percent work an extra four to six.

Many people in Hong Kong do not make a habit of napping, but for some it is rather important. After all, a 30-minute rest can make all the difference to how the rest of the day goes.

If you want to take a break in a more casual way, you can do that too, with hammocks in place of beds, meaning you can literally hang out and rest

Chillazy, another fashionable place to chillax, is growing in popularity among young people. It costs HKD 60 for the first hour on work days, and additional half hours are charged at HKD15. If you pay the rate for a three-hour session, you can stay as long as you like. It is an oasis in one of the city’s busiest industrial areas.

“Hammocks are good for your back, the swinging motion can make you easier to fall asleep. Just like mom hold a baby, you swing the baby. So we find it’s really interesting and special. So young generation can accept this new thinking. We got some social workers, some nurses, insurance salesmen. They have flexible working hours,” said Chillazy co-founder Kevin Lee.

Paying to take a nap is a new concept in Hong Kong, but more and more people are embracing the idea. While it’s enjoying a boom in popularity now, it remains to be seen whether paying to nap will become big business in the eternally busy metropolis.

Follow us on

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Instagram

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Wechat