Peninsula Spa

What: Bamboo Harmonizer

Where: The Peninsula Shanghai. The Bund, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Beijing Dong Lu. Tel: 2327 2888

Why: Your body needs, nay, demands the highest quality and comfort

How Much: RMB 1,600 + 15%

The Peninsula Hotel is the James Bond of Shanghai’s hotels, exuding a classic, refined style that blends effortlessly into its cosmopolitan surroundings. The hotel’s spa is no exception, offering treatments that blend organic, traditional approaches to wellness with cutting edge spa techniques.

I, too, feel Bond-like making my way down the spa’s well-appointed hallways of lush wood paneling in my slippers and robe. The massage starts with a foot massage and a bit of chatting with my masseuse, (Money) Penny wherein I pick the fragrances that will define my spa experience. Afterwards, it’s a brushing and full body scrub. Before it begins, Penny places a hot bowl of aromatic salts under the headboard. In minutes, I’m transported to a state of deep relaxation.

After the scrub, I rinse off quickly in the spacious, slate-tiled shower, then settle in for a bamboo oil massage. Penny uses pieces of bamboo and hot oil to softly, but firmly roll away the stress of the day. When I walk out, I’m ready to take on anything, even that oh-so heavy mantle of International Man of Mystery.