Nothing chases away the winter blues like a hot oil massage and facial. Unfortunately slogging to and from the spa on Beijing’s gridlocked roads can detract from even the most blissful environs. If you plan on hibernating for the greater part of the season, set up a little slice of paradise in your domicile and keep 99 Massage Center and Spa on speed dial. Their 24/7 house call services provide all the necessities for optimal tranquility in the comfort of your own home. Don’t get too carried away though, these professional masseuses are for relaxation purposes only. Start chipping away at years of accumulated stress with a spectacular rubdown.

At the heart of the CBD, 99 Massage and Spa is located across from the Kerry Center, an ideal location for those needing some rest and relaxation after work. This oasis impresses with its service, massage treatments and reasonable prices, rather than any over-the-top décor. We settled into our spacious rooms, complete with rain shower, two spa baths and a sauna, for a 90-minute essential oil massage (¥480).

The masseuses began with our backs, rubbing in the warmed essential oils, before zoning in on target areas and pressure points. After, they worked on our arms and hands, stimulating various pressure points, before moving on to our tired legs. After 45 minutes, when we were nearly fast asleep, we were asked to turn over so the masseuses could work on the front sides of our bodies. The highlight of the massage was its ending, which included a 10-minute head massage. The masseuses began working over the whole of the head, forehead and neck, then stimulated our follicles with circular motions across our scalps.

As we slowly came to, the masseuses returned to our room with teas and fruits. A full menu of snacks, fruits, juices and teas is complimentary for all guests. Overall, the 90-minute massage was a magnificent, reinvigorating experience. Those looking for a quick, after-work massage may also want to consider the 60-minute version (¥320), which covers all the same areas at a slightly faster pace. We, on other hand, will soon be back to indulge in the 120-minute version (¥780), which also includes a tub bath and a sea salt body scrub.