Massage (also known as Anmo, tuina, 推拿, 按摩), manicures and other pampering healthcare related treatments are abundant, wallet/purse friendly and available virtually 24 hours a day in Beijing. Whether you are in need of a simple rub down by a blind masseur to unknot your muscles after a strenuous day or an oil massage with essential oils which is fit for royalty, Beijing’s massage parlors are an affordable and suitable way to unwind. Sumptuous day spas are the most opulent and costly on the scene. Spas such as Mandara in Palm Springs boast truly international level quality and service, but without the prices you can expect when you visit a spa in many other countries . Other styles of therapy such as Shiatsu, and Thai are also broadly available across the city. Here are some of the more opulent establishments offering top-class massages.

Kocoon Spa

“Kocoon spa is a French owned holistic day spa created from the shared passion of mother and daughter” is how this spa is described on its own website. Many of its clientele are in complete agreement. This spa exclusively for women is light on the decoration, in both senses of the word- filled with natural lighting and decorated in a simple, pleasing on the eye manner which is different to the frilly over the top, pinkness of many of the city’s spas. This spa which places an excellent customer focused service is probably the Beijing expat’s most popular trendy, ‘wellness resource’ and a wonderful place to get a massage. The current specialty is Kocoon’s Tropical package (RMB600) which involves 20 minutes of exfoliating with tropical body scrub followed by a rinse off in a private shower and a 60 minute Swedish massage using 100% natural essential oils.

B1/F, TheOpposite House,Sanlitun VillageNorth, 11SanlitunLu, Chaoyang District

朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯Village北区The Opposite HouseB1层

Tue-Sun 10.30am-8.30pm

6410 5016

Madara at Palm Springs International Club

Found within the Palm Springs International apartment complex, near the centrally locatedChaoyang Parksouth gate is the Palm Springs Cub and its spa which is otherwise known as Mandara. Mandara’s name is a nod to the ancient Sanskrit myth and a search for the much sought after and coveted, precious elixir of everlasting youth. The incredible foyer of the Spa is across a wooden footbridge that is made of timbers joined together with copper. Over the bridge are two majestic looking old fashioned wooden doors which hint at the quality of service and the opulence to be found within the building. The theme of the spa’s decoration takes you on a journey along the world renowned Silk Road and each room features its own unique style replete with paraphernalia related to the fabled stretch of road. Examples include a Persian room and a Venetian room. Services at the spa include foot massages, manicures, pedicures and a broad variety of fantastically indulgent beauty treatments.

Palm Springs International Club, 8 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District

朝阳区朝阳公园南路8号

6539 8888 ext 8080/8081, fax 6539 7561

Green T House

With a layout and philosophy based upon the Tang dynasty era bathhouse, the out-of-town spa retreat features a painstakingly planned blend of architecture, antiques and artworks. Serving as both a restaurant and a Spa it features a huge tea bath which is cool in the summer and heated at winter time. The Spa also features a massive jacuzzi with terrace views that can hold way over a dozen people . The most luxurious package provided by Green T House is entitled ‘The Bamboo Leaves are Green’, which is a treatment course that spans over 4 hours, starting with a rejuvenating green tea bath featuring bamboo extracts and sea salt, proceeded by a meditation session, steam scrub, palm pressure massage and the Green T. House’s ridiculously extravagant and famed, ten-handed massage. The package comes to an end with a facial, head massage and some specialist strains of tea. The T. House also offers top class dining facilities which provide unique, carefully thought out dishes and top class service.

Capital Airport 首都机场

318 Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District

朝阳区崔各庄乡合各庄村318号

Daily 11.30am-11.30pm

8456 4922 ext 8, 136 0113 7132, 136 0113 7232