Soothing yet swanky, CHI, The Spa sits at the third floor of the Shangri-La Hotel and boasts of a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi, in addition to the usual spa necessities. With nine treatment rooms done up in a very zen style, you’ll start loosening up with the ambience itself. There’s also two couples’ rooms if you’re making the spa outing a date day.
Following through on the name and meaning of Chi (universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality), this spa is all about holistic healing. So expect treatment using natural products and authentic treatment as opposed to just a quick sense of rejuvenation. They also have Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga, Udwartana, Pinda Sweda and Shirodhara, which focuses on relaxation.
But when in an Oriental hotel, one must stick to originals, no? So off we trooped to try the Chi Signature Massage. Ready for 90 minutes of sheer indulgence, we started off with a short but very accurate foot massage that combines healing and relaxation. Then came the real deal – a soothing and gentle massage that combined elements of Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology. You’ll be asked whether you want strong or light pressure, so make sure you say exactly what you like. Slowly but surely, you’ll find that your muscles are eased out of their knots (thanks but no thanks, desktop jobs!) and the stiff and tense grip over your body will wear off.
We also tried just a head massage that is partly with oil and part dry. And it was fantastic. If you’re ever tired, but don’t quite have the time for a full-body massage, just do a head massage. It’ll revive you just the same. There’s even a wonderful Balance massage which works with principles of yin and yang to restore the fine balance of the body and mind.
Then hop into the Jacuzzi for further lounging before a quick steam to open up the pores.
