Privacy, relaxation and service that'll rub you the right way

Spa services have grown in popularity over the last few years. Even in the small community residence where I live in Beijing, there are five beauty salons that provide spa services. Though spas are mushrooming in every corner of the city, it was still a taboo for me.

I had many concerns: Is it clean? Does it hurt? And the mere fact of getting undressed in front of a stranger makes me anxious.

My first spa experience was in Penang, an island state of Malaysia, where I stayed in Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa during a three-day trip.

Chi, The Spa is considered a signature facility in the resort. I was told it would be a huge regret to live in the resort without enjoying the spa service.

After some hesitation, I was determined to try it.

Chi, The Spa was in a secluded corner of the resort. Enclosed by soaring centuries-old rain trees, the spa is composed by 11 spa villas built in a distinctive Himalayan style with Malay influences in its rich timber wood flooring and stonewalls.

At the reception room, I was asked to complete a medical disclosure questionnaire and to checkmark a list of my favored items such as colors, tastes and daily living habits that will help decide which of the five elements I belong to.

From its name, I can see that the spa draws inspiration from traditional Chinese philosophy. According to ancient Chinese concept, chi or qi in Chinese, represents human vital energy that governs wellbeing and personal vitality. The treatments provided in Chi, The Spa are designed on the basis of the Chinese philosophy of five elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth, to achieve a balance between positive yang and negative yin energies within the body.

After a few minutes' evaluation of my completed form, a therapist came to me and told me that I belonged to the "earth" element. So the oils and fragrances used in my therapy are customized to my personal element sign, the therapist said.

Then I was led to a spa suite.

It was a quiet, well-designed environment. The suite is equipped with a changing room, a treatment room and a small courtyard. My therapist, a woman in her 30s, greeted me at the gate. Her kind smile put me at ease.

She brought me into the changing room and asked me to ring the bell when I was ready.

The "meditation room" is clean and sanitary, with dim lighting, soothing music and pleasant aromas. The therapist led me to the meditation table. While instructing me to take off the robe, get on the table and lie face-down, she stood at one side of the table holding a large piece of towel, which became a curtain between me and her. When I was ready, she covered me with the towel.

The therapist rubbed a mixture of aromatic oil into my skin. The pressure of her touch was perfectly comfortable - gentle and firm. Her hand movements were so smooth that I envisioned murmuring streams and high mountains, and flowing waters, now and then. I regret not being able to see the performance of the therapist, but I could imagine her graceful and rhythmic movements.

To my great comfort, my privacy was carefully protected. I was always covered with the towel during the message, and only the part being massaged was exposed.

I took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and began to retreat and relax. With the background music, my mind was led into an illusory world that was beautiful and peaceful.

Time flowed fast at the massage table. When I was woken up by a gentle voice, I realized that already one hour had passed.

When I walked out from the spa, I felt I was another person - refreshed, rejuvenated and happy.

(China Daily 09/06/2007 page19)