Yuan Spa, Hyatt on the Bund

What: Yuan Massage (90 min)

Where: Hyatt on the Bund, 199 Huangpu Lu, near Wuchang Lu. Tel: 6393 1234

Why: For a luxurious oil and acupressure massage fit for a queen

How much: RMB 780

I've lost count of the number of spa treatments I've had over the years, but my signature 'yuan massage' treatment at the Hyatt on the Bund's Yuan Spa will definitely stand out in my mind for months to come as one of, if not the best spa treatments I've experienced in Shanghai.

Tension from my busy day was relieved the moment I walked into the spa, and I was able to unwind before my therapy in the Jacuzzi and sauna area. After changing into my fluffy dressing gown, I was met by my masseuse, Amy, who led me to my treatment room.

Serene music drifted over me as I relaxed into a plush armchair with a cup of herbal longjing tea and began the first part of my treatment: a soothing foot massage. This was followed by a hot oil massage on the treatment bed, with Amy expertly kneading the areas I was most tense using a jade stone baller, and applied pressure to acupressure points along my sore body. Special attention was given to my shoulder and back area, however my legs and head were also massaged gently but firmly, the knots in my tired body being worked out so that I found myself unravelling, and sinking into a state of complete and utter bliss.

Hot towels were applied to my back to soothe my tired skin, and when I rolled onto my back for the final part of my treatment, a lavender scented eye mask had me cast under a spell of serenity. The 60 minutes came to an end all too soon, but not before I was able to enjoy another cup of wonderfully scented herbal tea and the feeling of calm across my newly awakened body.