Shanghai 2009
Thursday, 23 July 2009 03:07
Written by Nishita Mehta-Jasani

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The local spa circuit is monopolized by the city’s 5-star hotels. Impeccable service, unique therapies, deep-tissue facials and fabulous environments characterize most of these places, which target the city’s elite and discerning travelers. Their offerings also come at top-drawer prices.
BanyanTree (3/F, the Westin Shanghai, 88 Henan Zhong Lu, 6335 1888), of the internationally renowned Thai spa chain, has 13 chambers inspired by the five elements of fire, water, earth, wood and wind. It offers an eclectic massage menu with interesting combination packages. Massages begin from RMB 800 and reservations are recommended.
Chi (Pudong Shangri-La, Tower 2, Level 6, 33 Fucheng Lu, 5877 1503) is the Shangri-La group’s international spa brand, named after the Chinese concept of body energy. It offers an interesting range of body, water, massage and facial therapies and has been awarded for ‘Interior Design of the Year’ by Baccarat Asia Spa 2006. Massages start from RMB 700.
Evian (2/F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Three on the Bund, 6321 6622), building on the international brand, offers cellulite treatments, toning wraps and water therapy treatments (obviously using only Evian water). It is the only Evian Spa outside France and treatments begin at RMB 500.
I-Spa (Intercontinental Hotel, 777 Zhangyang Lu, Pudong, 5835 6666) offers some of the most excellent massages this side of the river. The space is luxurious, with an English speaking staff. The 80-minute signature treatment costs RMB 780.
L’ Institut de Guerlain (The Regent, 1116 Yan’an Xi Lu, 6115 9988) based on the international fragrance brand, opened its first luxury spa in China in 2006 as part of the Spa Chakra alliance. It features numerous massage and health treatments using Guerlain’s extensive range of beauty products.
Mandara (JW Marriott Hotel, 6/F, 399 Nanjing Xi Lu, 5359 4969) has rustic Asian interiors that are among the best in Shanghai and create an ideal ambience for relaxation. Herbal teas, floral foot soaks and soft robes precede the massages. Each room has its own attached bath area and steam showers. Signature services include herbal back treatment and Yin-Yang massage.
Oasis (5/F, 5 on the Bund, 5 Zhongshang Dong Yi Lu, 6321 9135) is a recent entrant to Shanghai’s spa circuit. It has a large Zen pool filled with floating lilies at the entrance and nine treatment rooms with beautiful Bund views and attached bath areas. The massage menu ranges from RMB 400 to a steep RMB 2,000 per treatment. They include the lomi lomi from Hawaii, a Swedish massage, signature concubine pearl treatment and a hot stone therapy.

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