Within Shanghai’s dynamic cityscape, three high-end spa therapies encourage relaxation by blending centuries-old methods with modern wellness innovations.
Shanghai, one of the world’s most captivating cities, has blended western and eastern cultures since the 1800s. Amid its futuristic skyscrapers, colonial-era structures, and busy streets, respite can be found in its many spas.
Below are three unique treatments offering not only relaxation but also restoration for the mind and body, using science-backed methods or centuries-old traditions.
Spa Alila: The Alila Signature Massage
A writer who shaved their head in 2023 described visiting Spa Alila within Alila Shanghai, a wellness center in an ‘urban resort.’
The spa ensures guests leave rejuvenated, even as they return to city life. For those with more time, plucking herbs from the hotel’s onsite organic garden to incorporate into treatments adds a therapeutic touch.
This is part of the 90-minute Alila Signature Massage, one of three signature treatments.
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Arriving early allows guests to maximize benefits at the swimming pool with a city view. Additional facilities include a Turkish bath, hydrotherapy pool, and wet sauna.
Each of the five treatment rooms follows a nature theme, named after healing plants like sandalwood. Like the spa reception, these rooms feature soft light from Shoji screens.
For a unique experience, the writer chose the Thereal Zen Wood Therapy. Similar to Tibetan singing bowl therapy, this multi-sensory treatment uses sound to balance the mind and ease tension.
It includes a Rain Bamboo ritual as preparation for a deep-tissue massage. The masseuse uses a bamboo tool to mimic the sound of rain, adding a soothing element to the massage.
Shanghai Auriga Spa: Chinese Meridian Massage
Shanghai Auriga Spa is located within the brick-clad walls of Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li, in the historic Xuhui District.
Designed by the late interior designer Jaya Ibrahim, the spa block mirrors the style of 1930s Shikumen buildings, accessed via laneways (Jian Ye Li) where community life once thrived. Its interiors blend chinoiserie with modern European details.
Arriving early allows guests to explore the spa’s facilities, spread over three floors. Despite its size, the residential scale creates an intimate experience.
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Amenities include gender-specific steam and sauna rooms, a gravity-free Vitality Pool, a salt room, and a Flotation Therapy pod room.
The seven treatment rooms feature a residential style, with wall mouldings, table lamps, timber floors, and pitched ceilings clad in whitewashed timber panelling.
The writer chose a Chinese Meridian massage, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This treatment is performed fully clothed, without oil.
Its aim is to clear energy blockages, restore Qi (vital energy) and blood flow, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being.
The masseuse applied pressure with thumbs, fingers, and palms to specific points along the body’s energy pathways. The writer gradually relaxed, especially when the masseuse pressed the base of their feet, inducing immediate slumber.
Mi Xun Spa, Upper House Shanghai Part of the experience at Mi Xun Spa in Upper House Shanghai (formerly The Middle House) involves descending into the basement and walking through a curved tunnel clad in charcoal-coloured stone.
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The cavernous space offers immediate relaxation, distancing guests from the city’s bustle and bright sunshine. Famed Italian architect Piero Lissoni’s minimal-luxe style provides a calming backdrop.
A unique offering is the INDIBA® Treatment, a non-invasive radiofrequency therapy using 448 kHz frequency (RF) energy through Proionic® Cell Boost technology to accelerate natural healing at the cellular level.
Traditionally used in sports medicine for pain relief from joint pains and inflammation, INDIBA® also aids in breaking down fat deposits, stimulating collagen and elastin production, and relaxing muscles in the wellness category.
“Traditional heat-based therapies target only the superficial layers of the skin, limited to the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat layer. However, INDIBA® goes beyond the surface, addressing underlying issues, including fascia, muscle, and bone,” says Beverly Dong, Director of Spa.
The writer experienced the 60-minute INDIBA® Immune System Healing Treatment. The masseuse applied a specialized conductive gel used in radiofrequency treatments to ensure proper penetration of RF energy. The gel’s warmth was immediately soothing.
The INDIBA® machine’s flat metal discs, functioning as electrodes, rubbed the gel over the body. Post-session, the writer felt relaxed, with less stiff muscles. They were advised to hydrate, similar to post-workout, as their muscles had undergone a metabolic session.
