November 29, 2007

Asia | China | Beijing

Beijing’s New Stress Busters

By Sandra Ramani

Balance your chi with a four-handed massage.

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Whether it’s to detox from all that pollution or escape the constant sound of construction, pre-Olympics Beijing needs a break. Fortunately, JW Marriott is on the case: With last week’s opening of their new property, at China Central Place (a three-towered complex also housing the new Ritz-Carlton, Beijing), the plush JW unveils another outpost of their in-house Quan Spa. One of 12 new Quans opening in Asia over the next two years, the spa features nine treatment rooms, an indoor pool, and a “heat experience zone.” You can also expect private hot tubs and signature treatments such as the Indoceane Ritual, a sweet-and-sour scrub with nourishing milk bath.

Quan is just the latest oasis to hit Beijing this year: the 11,000 square-foot CHI Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel — a serene, Tibetan temple-inspired spot with 11 private suites — opened in April. The same month saw a new addition to the JingChen empire of spas at Beijing Landmark Towers. The menu is rooted in traditional Chinese treatments (four-handed massages, anyone?), and is open until 2 a.m. every day (no, it’s not that sort of place). And in 2008, look out for Green T. House Living Spa, whose dramatic design aims to light up the spa scene much like Green T. House restaurant did for the city’s dining spaces. All of which means both Beijingers and visitors can, as Olympic fever heats up, get some quality downtime — along with the occasional gas mask.