Go to town for the beat spas

Balinese touches at the Park Hyatt.[Photo provided to Shanghai Star]

Water’s edge at Park Hyatt

As therapist Wei Shanshan kneads your back muscles to the soft rhythms of traditional Balinese music, close your eyes and convince yourself you are in a Southeast Asian tropical paradise. After you reluctantly leave the lilac-scented massage bed, indulge in some soul-searching, just as Elizabeth Gilbert did in her book Eat, Pray, Love.

The spa here offers a delectable note of Balinese serenity, delivered from an altitude of 400 meters above a maddening crowd of 18 million people.

Since May, the Park Hyatt Shanghai has been offering its authentic Balinese massage. And it has been “very serious about being authentic”, according to spa manager Yang Lei.

Wei, the therapist, was sent to Bali for a month’s training. She brought back not only the massage skills but also the music, herbs and oils, not to mention a healthy suntan to complete the ambience.

The 90-minute treatment costs 980 yuan, excluding a 15-percent service charge. Reservations are recommended as only a handful of therapists have been specially trained to provide the treatment.

Address: 85F, Park Hyatt Shanghai, 100 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area district (世纪大道100号柏悦酒店85层)

Phone: 021-6888-1234