It's Electric

Although we had some difficulty finding this spa, we happily forgot the day's stress as we entered this oasis of calm. We opted for the 80-minute, Aromatherapy Treatment facial, which promised to detoxify our skin and included a short back and shoulder massage and the 30-minute ... Read more »

An Asian Interlude

We resisted the urge to step inside The Spice Market and continued our ascent of the exotic stairwell leading to Lotos Spa. Lined with greenery and candles, the scent of lemon and jasmine oil was immediate and inviting as we passed rippling water toward a double door ... Read more »

Signature Sensation

This Asian-inspired spa's signature Chinese element decor greeted us as we entered this sanctuary of relaxation. Black stones and red accents lined the walkways as we were led through a labyrinth of hallways to our treatment room, aptly named "Clarity." After changing out of our confining street ... Read more »

The Works

Designed more as a fitness center, the facilities at this spa are quite modest, with several small treatment rooms necessitating a fair bit of movement between treatments. But what it lacks in ambiance, it makes up for in quality. Our package began with a thoroughly relaxing hot stone ... Read more »

Top to Toe

Upon arriving at this spa we were immediately offered some light refreshments–a salad, sandwich, fruit plate and tea–which we chose to enjoy outside on the comfortable deck patio before beginning our treatment. After entering our room, a cleanly designed space with dark wood and rich ... Read more »

Decorate Your Digits

We were elated when we heard that our favorite nail house from the U.S. had arrived in Shanghai. Upon entering this renovated lane house, we immediately recognized the brand's signature open design and pink and white décor. Our package started with the much anticipated Virtual ... Read more »

Summer Detox

With the Shanghai summer upon us and clothing often taking up minimal yardage, we were intrigued by the detox package offered at Evian Spa, promising a slimmer waistline with just a few hours of pampering and the use of Eve Tailor Aroma Oil. We arrived and were immediately ... Read more »

Bean There, Done That

Once you step inside this spa on Dagu Lu, you are transported into a traditional Chinese escape. Scrolls of Chinese artwork adorn the walls, and antique furniture lines the never-ending halls and staircases. We were led to our private nook, where we took a quick shower ... Read more »

From Retro to Metro

We tend to cling to the idea that men just don't enjoy pampering. But with the metrosexual movement in Shanghai gaining momentum, we have to take note when dedicated spa sessions for men pop up. So it was only with a modicum of hesitancy that ... Read more »

The Right Digits

We scouted out some new pampering options at The Spa at the Hilton that would be great for mommy dearest. We arrived early and discovered that we had full run of the facilities; send mom early so that she can take full advantage, it's complimentary. Once ... Read more »

Sweet Serenity

As we got out of the elevator, we knew we were going to be in for a treat as the simple decor and the serene atmosphere of Le Spa were immediately soothing. We chose to bypass the sauna in the common changing room and headed to a private ... Read more »

Written in Basalt

We entered the sleek interior of Yuan Spa's reception area and felt imbued with an earthen feel. You can change in the locker room which provides access to the spa's other facilities (pool, saunas and so forth) or proceed directly to your treatment room if ... Read more »

Personalized Pampering

This branch of Diva Life Nail & Beauty Lounge is hidden in an alley on Ruijin Er Lu which was just as well, since we were seeking an urban escape away from noise, traffic and all things disruptive. Our treatment room inside the lane house retreat was decked out ... Read more »

Welcoming the Season

It all began when the sun came out and we decided to look for something refreshing. Our search led us to Mandara Spa’s chic interior-a combination of warmth and color using Chinese lattice work and dark woods with Thai design and natural elements to create a ... Read more »

By Water and Light

Unlike the earthen sepia tones many spas employ to achieve a sense of warmth, natural light floods through the two-story balcony window into the interior of Quan Spa, lending an uplifting air to a large open space. Combined with cool purple hues, palm trees and a ... Read more »

Personalized Pampering

Tucked in Ferguson Lane's fifth floor, Shui Urban Spa is an oasis of simple style and chic décor. What sets this spa apart from others in town is its use of clean lines and minimal color to depict tranquility and calm. We dropped by to try out ... Read more »

Chi, the Spa | Jade Journey | Lujiazui

The elements are at play during this award-winning guasha treatment, providing a unique experience which combines traditional techniques with modern elegance. Your element (wood, earth, fire, water or metal) dictates some of the details of your treatment-ours was metal. We proceeded to a warm ... Read more »