Dragonfly

What: Hot Stone Full Body Massage

Where: Dragonfly @ Anfu, Room 202, 322 Anfu Lu, near Wukang Lu. Tel: 5406 0680. Web: www.dragonfly.net.cn

Why: The winter has you chilled to the bone

How much: RMB 510

In a city where massage parlours run the gamut of dive to high end, Dragonfly dominates the mid-range scene with hard-to-beat prices in a therapeutic environment. With new locations popping up in just about every corner of Shanghai, there is no excuse not to pamper yourself. And the newest member in the Dragonfly family found a home in an über chic refurbished old theatre from the 1930s.

Now that the colder months are upon us, dipping into a winter slumber with the help of toasty warm stones has never felt better. This seasonal treat soothes those chilled limbs with just the right amount of pressure. The stones can get into those places that are hard to reach with hands alone. The specialist can apply the amount of pressure as per your request, but as someone whose motto is ‘no pain, no gain’, this massage delivers.

The masseuse jumps onto the table and digs in, kneading and manipulating the rocks into the sweet spots that are overlooked in ordinary massages. The warmth from the rocks makes for easy access in opening those tight muscles up. 

The tendency to tick off that laundry list of errands that shamefully plagues the best of us during a relaxing rub down didn’t make an appearance during my session. In fact, instead of experiencing the usual post-massage drowsy haze, I was surprisingly refreshed and energetic.