What: Lomi Lomi Hawaii therapy

Why: Who doesn’t want a touch of the tropics?

How Much: RMB 980 for 90 minute Lomi Lomi Hawaii Therapy. Or until 31 March, RMB 6,350 for five sessions of the Lomi Lomi Hawaii Therapy Package (includes Lomi Lomi, Evian Exfoliating Body Scrub and Colour Hydrotherapy Underwater Bath).

Where: Evian Spa, Three on the Bund, 2F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu. Tel: 6321 6622

When we first heard about the Lomi Lomi Hawaii therapy treatment, we couldn’t help but imagine pineapple scented oils, a warm tropical breeze, and luau music lulling us softly in the background.

Instead, Evian Spa – China’s first Clarins’ partner spa – takes a more authentic approach to this ancient Hawaiian technique. Lomi Lomi, which means ‘rub’ or ‘massage’ in Hawaiian, aims to free the body’s energy flow and get rid of physical and mental stresses with intuitive massage strokes.

The spa’s minimalist surrounds of water moats and mostly white décor help put you into a quiet state of mind. Entering the Evian Spa’s 35 metre high atrium entrance, with its grey carpet of circular designs and large granite rocks, you feel like you’re walking through a zen garden of sorts. The waiting room is complete with white relaxation chairs, warm comforters and of course, a glass of Evian water.

When the treatment is finished, the therapist walks you back to Evian’s change rooms, attentively holding onto your arm in case you float away from feeling so wonderfully relaxed.

Our treatment room was simple in décor and enhanced with a soft blue light bordering the ceiling. Lying face-up, the spa therapist begins the treatment with a few deep-breathing exercises, squeezing different parts of the body from head-to-toe while asking you to relax each muscle. After all this, you are prepped for what comes next.

Using essential lavender oil, the therapist first rubs and kneads the back of your legs, and then moves up to your back, neck and arms. The strokes combine traditional techniques with Lomi Lomi practices, in which masseuses also apply long, purposeful strokes with their forearms and elbows, making for a gentle and stimulating treatment.

Evian Spa’s 90-minute Lomi Lomi isn’t a far cry from traditional aromatherapy massages, and it doesn’t exactly transport you to the tropics either. But you are left feeling gently reinvigorated – which is pretty much the same effect you would get from an island vacation anyway.

When the treatment is finished, the therapist walks you back to Evian’s change rooms, attentively holding onto your arm in case you float away (or accidentally fall down) from feeling so wonderfully relaxed. Then, after getting changed, happily spoil yourself with the spa’s array of Clarins lotions and creams while you attempt to mentally prepare for Shanghai’s hustle and bustle.