The word Spa comes from Latin, "Solus-Par-Aqua." Solus means healthy, Par means through and Aqua is water. So, Spa means making one healthy through water. Now, Spa has been a popular way to relax oneself and keep fit.

*Best Philosophy

The Chi Spa - Shanghai

The Chi Spa concept is based on a combination of ancient Himalayan and Chinese healing rituals. The therapies use the five Chinese elements, metal, fire, wood, water and earth, to balance your yin and yang. Each time you come, you are asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine your element. "We use different types of essential oils according to which element you are on the day of your treatment," says Spa Manager Mary Yip. "Your mood and the time of day might change your element, so our therapist needs to tailor your treatment according to the current status of your mind and body." Try the calming Chi Balance massage (1 hour and 20 minutes, RMB 1,350) or the Himalayan Healing Stone Massage (2 hours and 20 minutes, RMB 1600), a Tibetan technique involving hot stones heated in oil that will literally open your eyes.

*Best Tropical Escape

Mangrove - Sanya

An Asian oriented spa, the recently opened Mangrove Tree Spa is the ultimate in tropical relaxation. Situated on Sanya's Yalong Bay, Mangrove is "devoted to your well-being and will transform your mind and nurture your soul," says Mangrove's Joanna Lin. All rooms include a bathroom, steam room and either wet and dry areas that overlook a lake, or opt for the garden spa pavilions that overlook the sea. Try the green tea scrub for skin that has been overexposed to the tropical sun followed by a Thai massage that will stretch your muscles to perfection. The rooms are constructed of wood, with soothing tones and an open, airy feel that puts your mind in the tropics while your body is in blissful relaxtion.

*Best Spa Products

Quan Spa - Sanya

Quan draws inspiration from local Chinese beauty and healing rituals. True to its name, at Quan water plays a central role in helping guests achieve balance and vitality. "Quan offers treatments that work," say the attentive staff. "It's simple. We avoid fad style treatments and offer treatments that have a long tradition of use within different cultures throughout the world." The real treat at Quan are the organic products imported from Australia. Jurlique is low in preservatives, not tested on animals, contains no petrochemicals and strictly follows the principles of aromatherapy. Try the Mandarin Body Scrub for RMB 350 where a combination of jojoba oil (a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory), natural sea salts and organic Mandarin essential oils are gently massaged into your body under the relaxing jets of the Vichy Rainshower.

*Best Decor

Mandara - Beijing, Shanghai, Zhuhai, Sanya

Mandara refers to an ancient Sanskrit myth and the quest to discover the precious elixir of immortality and eternal youth. "Different from any other spa in the world, Mandara has embraced the legend by creating an oasis of serenity and natural splendor," says Annie Liu, spa manager. The interior of Mandara Spa is very old world Orient with an imperial Beijing feel, incorporating traditional stone, wood and ceramic decorative pieces with fabrics in deep greys, peaches and cream tones. The impressive entrance is across a bridge of wood beams bound by copper sheeting. On either side stand two stately antique wood doors, reminiscent of China's imperial past. Consider indulging in a facial fit for a queen, The Pearl of the Orient (90 minutes for RMB 460), which uses an ancient beauty secret (pearl powder) discovered by Empress Dowager Cixi or indulge emperor style with the Mandara Magic involving two therapists and five different massage styles.

*Best Value for your Money

Juma Spa - Shanghai

Inspired by ancient Javanese health and beauty rituals, Jamu places a great emphasis on remedy practices presented in a Balinese inspired decor based on Indonesian-style teakwood furniture and ornaments. "We seek to offer a personal touch by knowing our guests by name, their lifestyle, special needs and preferences," says manager Jessica Mok. Unique treatments include the Javanese Lulur - a royal beauty treatment favored by the Central Javanese princess. Skin is exfoliated with a traditional lulur scrub made of turmeric, rice and other natural spices, believed to be nature's best exfoliating method to deep-cleanse rough and dry skin and help reveal the radiance of a softer and clearer complexion. Three hour packages start at an incredibly low RMB 550.

*Best Spiritual Awakening

Banyan Tree - Shanghai

Banyan Tree Spa offers treatments inspired by sacred Himalayan beliefs, Chinese Tui Na and the ancient Chinese five elements philosophy in natural surroundings 3,200 meters above sea level in the remote wilds of Tibet's Shangri-La. "Banyan presents the epitome of romantic serenity coupled with exotic sensuality and brims with the wonders of nature," says Banyan's Maggie He. Specializing in treatments to ease muscle pain after strenuous hikes, one of the most outstanding packages is the Himalayan Bliss (£¤1,280), with a rice wine bath, black sesame scrub and a massage using soft river stones, hand carved by monks from the Kopan monastery that contain sacred mantras and the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, to soothe the flow of chi.

*IBest Traditional Therapy

Angsana Spa - Suzhou

Angsana Spa was "inspired by the exotic Angsana Tree noted for its crown of golden fragrant flowers that burst into bloom unexpectedly," says Lu Liqing, Angsana's communication executive. The signature Angsana trademark bursts of slick tangerine and cool lime green colors make up the delicious interior decor and ready guests for Angsana's signature treatment, the Angsana Massage. This traditional Oriental Tui Na therapy dates back to the Shang dynasty and uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the harmonious flow of qi (energy) through the meridians of one person to another to aid the body in healing itself naturally with the assistance of a specially formulated euphoria oil.

*Best Weekend Indulgence

Plateau - HongKong

The 80,000 square feet Plateau Spa in the Grand Hyatt was designed by John Morford, who created the hotel featured in the movie Lost in Translation. Officially launched in May 2004, Plateau was recently voted "Spa of the Year" by readers of the South China Morning Post and Harper's Bazaar. Rooms are large and inspire Zen like vibes. The large saunas, where you can steam away while enjoying the view of the harbor, attract groups for fun weekends away. Many repeat customers swear by the June Jacobs products, exclusive to Plateau, that are designed to help maintain a youthful appearance, or try one of their fun packages like Culinary that includes a salt and pepper scrub, manicure and Plateau cuisine (RMB 1,800).

*Best Fusion Massage

I-Spa - Beijing, Shanghai, Hongkong

Situated in the city center at the InterContinental Hotel, I-Spa is essential for overworked and busy professionals. The design is a mix of modern lines, classic creams and light greens that evoke a European chic ambiance. There are a total of 10 rooms, each focusing on different treatments including facials, tanning, foot reflexology, body massage and Vichy shower, but the true treasure is the InterContinental Massage (1 hour 45 minutes for RMB 980). In a stroke of brilliance, I-Spa fused the East with West by combining the Western concept of soothing oil massages with traditional Chinese massage that focuses on healing muscles to create a relaxing, holistic experience. Muscles are firmly manipulated as the skin is richly moisturized with essential oils, leaving the body with the deepest sense of muscle relief without leaving the city.

[Source: City Weekend]