To escape the hustle and bustle of city life, you don't have to
drive out to the suburbs. You might be able to find all you need
right next door. Hiding amid the towering city buildings there are
some top-class spas that provide clients with a soothing, pleasant
get-away from the daily pressure. So why not step next door and
leave all you worries behind?
SPA is the acronym for Greek phrase Solus Par Aqua meaning
'water of health' in English. The word 'spa' may call to mind
images of rose petal baths and Thai massages, but in reality a trip
to a spa is much more comprehensive, including beautiful background
music, aromatherapy, healthy foods and peace of mind. There are
many different kinds of spas, city spas, day spas and mineral spas,
just to name a few. There are also spas that offer one-day spa
treatment and facial massages.??
One Spa: go for the music
One Spa stands out because of its broad music selection,
encompassing everything from foreign tunes to Chinese folk.
At In one Spa, clients can choose their aromatic essential oils
out of five available scents. The philosophy behind it is that the
client will naturally choose the scent that contains the elements
his or her body is lacking. A 90-minute aromatherapy massage costs
about RMB688.
Location: 2F, Tower E, Beijing Hotel, No.33 Dongchangan Jie,
Dongcheng
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Tel: 010-65135812
The Community at the foot of the Great Wall: go for the
landscape
The Great Wall Community is located inside the valley right at
the foot of the Great Wall. It boasts 42 independent and unique
designed villas of 236 guestrooms. Each has a good view of the old
Great Wall and has a private path leading to the Great Wall.
The community is known for the Mandara massage method. Mandara
is the biggest spa brand in the Asia Pacific region and it
advocates that the massage speed should be in accordance with the
client's breathing. Mandara's signature massage method integrates
an essential oil massage from Bali Island, finger pressing from
Japan and other skills from Hawaii, Sweden and Thailand. The
50-minute massage is given by two masseuses at once. The complexity
of Mandara massage relaxes the body, instead of making it tense. A
90-minute massage costs RMB 880. There are also set services
lasting from one hour to four hours, with prices ranging from RMB
1000 to RMB 4000.
How to get there: Take the Badaling Highway and
take the Shuiguan Great Wall Exit. The drive takes about 50 minutes
from downtown Beijing.
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The spa is about a 15-minute drive from Badaling Airport, which
provides services for private helicopters and small planes
only.
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Tel: 010-81181888
Green Tree Spa: for a quiet mind
Located inside the Rich and Force Club, right in the center of
CBD (central business district) surrounded by the city's most
prestigious office buildings, the Green Tree Spa focuses on simple
Thai massage. It boasts eight suites, all of different decorative
styles. Each suite has different aromatic themes, but all have a
private bathroom and a sauna to ensure that clients can enjoy the
whole spa in one room. Services offered by Green Tree Spa include a
whole body spa, partial massage and facial treatment. With
equipment imported from Italy, Green Tree Spa also offers weight
loss and body-building services.
Location: B1/F, Rich and Force Club Spa Center, No.59
Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang
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Tel: 010-58623139/58622277
Alexander City Club-CBD Branch: for the
soothing sauna
Located inside the busy business area, the Alexander City Club
CBD branch creates a beautiful blue Mediterranean world with
healthy drinks and warm afternoon sunshine. It's fitness center
including various sports facilities for tennis, squash and swimming
and various spas that give clients a chance to rest after
sports.
Alexander City Club CBD Branch is a members-only club. It issues
two kinds of cards, the RMB 599 annual card for ordinary spas and
the RMB 13,000 annual card that offers members professional spa
treatment including dry sauna, wet sauna and Taiwan flower tea.
Those buying cards before Spring Festival may get a discount off
the original price.
Location: No. 6 Chaowai Avenue,Chaoyang Dist
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Tel: 010-65970088
Spa Tips
Smoking and alcohol are not allowed in spas. Drinking alcohol
before a spa is also not allowed due to health considerations.
Those suffering from heart diseases, asthma, high blood pressure as
well as pregnant women should not do spas.
For those having their first spa, or those not feeling well, the
spa time should be shortened by 10 or 15 minutes.
After the spa, don't forget to spend 20 or 30 minutes in the
designated restrooms before getting ready to leave.
(China Daily January 12, 2007)