Wedding Supplement: It Takes Two: Dragonfly’s Couples Massage
By Giorgio Smith & Miranda Cottington
What: 90 minute couples massage including a 30 minute body scrub and 60 minute aromatic oil massage
Where: Dragonfly. 206 Xinle Lu, near Fumin Lu. Tel: 5403 9982
Why: You deserve this – both of you.
How much: RMB 956
Whether marriage is a long way off, you're celebrating an anniversary, or, lucky you, you're in the middle of planning a wedding, a couples massage is a great way for both you and your special someone to relax together. Dragonfly's couples room is designed to allow both of you to enjoy soothing luxury at the same time. Here's what both he and she said.
He Says...
Perhaps the biggest drawback of this place is the walk up the stairs to get to it. From the reception area, the masseuse led us to the winding staircase of the renovated townhouse and up three flights of stairs. On our way up my girlfriend turned to me and said, “Are we there yet?” I cracked a joke, saying, “We've got the penthouse, baby.” And when we finally arrived, it turned out that we did.
With two antique-styled teak beds, an old opium lounger and lots of Buddhist kitsch, the room radiated an inviting and sleepy feeling. After changing out of our clothes, we both started in with a body scrub using Dead Sea salt. Apparently Dead Sea salt has got a bunch of minerals to help with moisturising and balancing the skin, and the scrub was certainly soothing. The best part, though, was the lavender oil massage. The aromatic smell of the oil, combined with the expert strokes of the masseuse working around my back made my brain shut off. I didn't hear a peep from her, either.
After it was over, we got dressed and rested on the opium lounger, forgoing a shower together (rats!) and sharing a cup of tea. It was a nice feeling, chatting like that. I felt ready to talk with her about just about anything.
She Says...
Going out for dinner or parties has been done to death for couples in Shanghai. For a nice alternative, I think there’s nothing more romantic and relaxing than a couple’s massage, especially on cold days when my skin gets dry.
Under the dim lights, we climbed up to the top floor, which seemed a bit unromantic yet it was worth the effort when we found ourselves in an exclusive room with twin massage beds and a classic Chinese feeling.
While we were sitting on the antique-style opium lounger, comfortably getting undressed, I noticed a Champagne menu on the lounger and said to my boyfriend, “This would be great for celebrating my birthday.” “When is that, again?” he joked. “Not funny,” I said, smiling.
When it was time for the massage, the two of us started in at the same time and pace with a 30 minute soothing body scrub, followed by a calming 60 minute oil massage. We were too relaxed and comfortable to disturb the intimate silence, although I could swear I heard him snore a bit as he passed out.
After the therapists worked their magic, the big shower room offered a more romantic choice for us, but I didn't want to wash away the light lavender smell on my smooth body. While there was no rose-petal bath or other classic romantic treatments as I might have hoped, it ended up being a wonderful date. We both walked away feeling much lighter and relaxed in body and heart.
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