Get Set, Ready, Relax!: Beijing's Best Spas
Bodhi
Thai-owned Bodhi focuses on western, Thai, and Chinese treatments. The spa takes pride in the fact that a treatment at Bodhi provides an affordable retreat, as it’s one of the first high-quality but non-hotel spas in Beijing. Most treatments are a combination between dry Chinese massages and oil treatments with a Thai twist, for example their signature aromatherapy massage (priced at RMB 348 for 60 minutes), which uses selected essential oils imported directly from Thailand.
Daily 11am-12.30am. 17 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6417 9595)
Hummingbird Spa
Originating in Singapore, Hummingbird Spa offers a variety of soothing services to international clients, ranging from massages, facials, body treatments, waxing, and nail care. A regular manicure starts at RMB 100 while gel nails will set you back around RMB 280. Massages are of equally good value, coming in at RMB 438 for an entire 120-minute revival treatment designed to alleviate all that big-city-living stress. A second location has recently opened at Park Avenue.
Daily 10am-midnight. 6 Chaowai Dajie, Central Park Tower 26, Unit 103, Chaoyang District (6533 6922)
Kocoon Spa
A French-owned and managed boutique spa in Sanlitun, Kocoon Spa opened in 2009, and prides itself on using only the best products imported from the UK, USA, and France. Services include waxing, massages, manicures and pedicures, facials, and spa packages, with a focus on a personalized treatment. You’ll also find a library full of books about self development, meditation, mindfulness, and Sufism to get you in the mood. Massages start at RMB 250 for 30 minutes, or opt for their signature massage (RMB 695 for 70 minutes or RMB 975 for 100) for an experience that can only be described as pure bliss.
Tue-Sun 10.30am-8.30pm, Thu 10.30am-9.30pm. B1/F, The Opposite House, Sanlitun Village North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6410 5016)
Liangzi Massage and Gym
Liangzi is a chain massage parlor best known for their foot and other massage options, especially those rooted in Chinese traditions and TCM principles. Jump on Dianping for deals, including as little as RMB 168 for a 90-minute foot massage and reflexology treatment. Other branches are located in Dongzhimen, Jianguomen, Wangfujing, and the Asian Games Village.
Daily 10am-1am. 55 Kexueyuan Road South, Zhongguancun Village, Haidian District (6586 8888)
Lily’s Nails
While not necessarily just a ‘spa,’ Lily’s Nails is a favorite for its affordable massages, eyebrow plucking, waxing, and reliable nail services. If you go regularly then a VIP card is definitely worth it; RMB 2,000 gives you access to their services for approximately one year and discounts all services by 30 percent. On top of that, two days a month are designated VIP days, giving card holders 50 percent off.
Daily 11am-11pm. 5/F, 5009, 3.3 Fashion Plaza, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (5136 5919)
No. 8 Hot Springs Club
A bathhouse that feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of its Chaoyang Park location, No. 8 Hot Springs Club has separate women’s and men’s facilities, with mandatory nudity, and baths of varying temperatures. There is also a spacious sauna and a steam-filled Finnish bath which is included with your RMB 298 (plus 10 percent service charge) entry fee. Food, massages, and other tailored services will set you back extra.
Open 24-hours. 8 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6591 8888)
This article first appeared in our magazine. Read the rest of the Beijinger September/October issue here.
On another note, tickets are now on sale for our October 15-16 Pizza Fest at the Zaha Hadid-designed Wangjing SOHO. Tickets are limited so buy ahead to make sure you don't miss out! Click here to purchase.