Pressure Cooker

What: Aromatic oil massage

Why: For a good, old-fashioned rubdown

How Much: RMB 248 for 60 minutes

Where: Green Massage, 202 West Retail Plaza, Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Xikang Lu (and other locations around the city, see website for details). Tel: 6289 7776. Web: www.greenmassage.com

Stepping out of the heat into the cool, dark of Green Massage is a relief. Nestled among the restaurants and retail spaces of Shanghai Centre, the spa is unobtrusive and somewhat out of the way – though its location makes it a popular choice for residents of the complex.

If you’re looking for specific relief from aches and pains, you’ve come to the right place. Just tell your therapist where you would like some extra attention and prepare to take all you can handle.

This particular massage requires total nudity, so don’t bother keeping the supplied disposable panties on, unless you want to undergo the rather embarrassing experience of trying to wiggle them off while lying face down on the table as your therapist stands by, politely stifling a giggle at the inelegant sight.

Although it’s not the most relaxing oil massage we’ve ever had, it’s certainly one of the most effective, with the therapist's nimble hands kneading relentlessly at sore spots until each knot was undone.

If you’re not a fan of firm massages, let your therapist know from the start. Even though the pressure can be painful at times, it feels as though it’s gainful pain, and despite such vigorous attention, we still managed to fall sound asleep on the table. It’s amazing what air-conditioning, dim-lighting and general tiredness can overcome.

After 60 minutes you may feel light-headed – maybe from the massage, or the sleep, it’s hard to say. So relax and drink some tea before making your way back to the dressing rooms and beyond.

Face Off

What: Spring-Summer 2010 Freshness and Tone Facial

Why: Because it takes a little help to feel fresh during the Shanghai summer

How Much: RMB 600 per treatment

Where: Dragonfly, 386 Hongfeng Lu, near Biyun Lu (and other locations around the city, see website for details). Tel: 3872 6996. Web: www.dragonfly.net.cn

If you live nearby and haven’t made it to Dragonfly’s latest offering in Jinqiao, don’t put it off any longer. For a start, to make it even more convenient for local residents, a free transfer service can pick you up at Green Sports and Leisure Centre and drop you at Dragonfly's door.

This particular Dragonfly is very different from some of its Puxi brethren. There is so much space and the whole feel of the place is airy and light. What it lacks in retro character, it makes up for in modern elegance.

Their signature Spring-Summer 2010 facial features exclusive Sothys products and begins with a quick test to make sure your skin won’t react with any of the products. Then comes a series of cleansing, toning, stroking, black-head extraction and masking.

Once the mask is on the real fun begins as you relax into a head and shoulder massage from your therapist. Don’t attempt this treatment on an empty stomach – the smell of the rhubarb and wild berry mask will make your mouth water.

You’ll emerge from the experience with a healthy glow and lovely smelling skin, as well as a free gift – a small tube of Sothys to call your own.