Willow Stream - A Fairmont Spa

What: Signature Experience: Mystic Peace (90 min)

Where: Fairmont Peace Hotel, 20 Nanjing Dong Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu. Tel: 6321 6888

Why: You want to step out of time for a while

How much: RMB 1,180 + 15% service charge

Hidden down the winding corridors of the centrally located Fairmont Peace Hotel, a luxury five star with a distinct 1920s/30s feel to it, the Willow Stream spa proves a worthy find, a hidden haven, transporting its visitors to a place almost outside of time itself.

On arriving at the spa, you can exchange your clothes for a fluffy dressing gown and slippers and unwind at your leisure before beginning your treatment, either in the quiet room with a cup of herbal tea and a magazine, or in one of the spacious rain showers with delectably fruity shampoos and shower gels to enrich your senses.

I’d already released some of my tension by taking advantage of both of these options before beginning my signature experience, which took place in a cosy low-lit room with soft, melodic music. My masseuse, Helen, lead me to my treatment bed, and after I climbed under the cotton sheets, she began my treatment, using a sunflower scented oil from Kerstin Florian, peeling back the sheets and gently but expertly kneading knots from my body, one area at a time.

From the warmth and cosiness of my bed, I was completely at peace and it was desperately hard not to drift into infinity. My ninety minute massage was as good as they get, and passed by so quickly I was reluctant to leave, instead leisurely enjoying the peace and tranquillity of Shanghai’s best kept secret, Willow Stream.