What: Relaxation Program

Why: After a day pounding the pavements at the Expo, a relaxing massage is just the ticket to soothe your aching muscles

How Much: Treatments range from RMB 110 – 980. The Relaxation Program costs RMB 400.

Where: InterContinental Expo Shanghai. 1188 Xueye Lu, near Nanmatou Lu. Tel: 3858 1188. Web: www.intercontinental.com

Just a stone’s throw away from the impressive China Pavilion, the InterContinental Expo Shanghai ensures their guests live and breathe the motto “Better City, Better Life”. With an entire floor dedicated to Spa InterContinental and Balance Fitness, the new hotel is a soothing sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the Expo.

The relaxation began the moment I stepped into the spa. An expansive lobby and welcoming receptionist invited me to lounge on one of the comfy couches while sipping rose tea and taking in gorgeous views of the Huangpu River, giving me a much-needed moment to transition from the hectic outside world into the tranquil spa environment. After calming my inner turmoil, my therapist led me to my treatment room – an impressive suite that not only contained the massage table, but also comfortably included a chair, table and couch, not to mention a full private bathroom.

Once I was done oohing and aahing over the impressive square footage, I settled in for my 90-minute Relaxation Package. For the first 60 minutes, the therapist coaxed a week’s worth of stress out of my tired body with long, smooth strokes and vitality aromatherapy oils. I just couldn’t resist extending the hands-on experience, so I opted to finish up the remaining half hour with an oriental head massage, rather than the aromatherapy bath.

The overall massage was on par with the standard treatment at any of the major five-star hotels around Shanghai, but the attention to detail and ultra private environment made this spa experience a step above the rest. From the matching bra that pairs with the disposable underwear to the lavender scented eye pillow for when you lay on your back, Spa InterContinental has everything covered.

The massage isn’t the end of your day at the spa here. After you’ve enjoyed the rain shower in your treatment room, choose from two locations to bask in your after-massage glow: a tranquil pool-side oasis with padded chairs and babbling water or a semi-private room with lounge chair, personal TV and full-on views of the Nanpu Bridge. If it were any more relaxing, no one would leave. 

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