Banyan Tree’s Shanghai location is the city’s first all river-view hotel. Inside, its luxury spa is utilizing the same award-winning Asian therapies that Banyan Tree Spas have become known for—creating a balance of the five elements, both in rejuvenating treatments and in the interior design of the 11-room facility. The spa, in congruence with its trendy location on the Bund, (a region riddled with both contemporary business facilities and historical landmarks) combines modern and edgy Asian décor with a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
In addition to the many popular menu offerings within the spa's beauty salon, nail bar and treatments rooms, there are a few packages that are uniquely Banyan. The signature Banyan Hot Stones treatment, for instance, is a soothing 150-minute warm stone massage that is accompanied by clarity oil and the utilization of pressure points to balance the “qi” by detoxifying and energizing the body. If hot stones being rubbed all over your body doesn't sound enticing, the spa also has a Classic Rejuvenation menu based on the healing benefits of the Chinese five elements.
The Gold Swedish massage uses Gold Oil and a blend of frankincense, camphor and patchouli to purify; the Wood sports massage includes Wood Oil, and blends of sandalwood, cedarwood and benzoin to inspire creativity and renew; the Water island dew massage leads you into relaxation (such as with their rain Yin and Yang Rain Mist treatments) with Water Oil and a blend of geranium, rosemary and cypress; the Fire Lomi Lomi massage revitalizes and soothes aching muscles with Fire Oil and a blend of black pepper, ginger and cassia; and the Earth Balinese massage balances and recharges the body with Earth Oil and a blend of sandalwood, jasmine and clary sage. The elements are applied to the body through the specific oils, as well as Chinese herbs, both through ingestion, and topically.
The spa offers a package called a Banyan Day, which is a full day of services including a massage, body scrub, bath, facial and hand and foot treatments, as well as access to a health-conscious lunch menu. Following all Banyan Tree Spa services is 30 minutes of Calm Time. Guests can take some time to themselves to sip a soothing herbal drink or nibble on refreshments, take a relieving footbath, or just sit back and enjoy some peace and quiet before they exit the serene surroundings and reenter the real world.