Named after the constellation in which the Capella star sits, the award winning Auriga Spa at Capella Shanghai offers a world class conceptualized health and wellness for an unique and ultimate luxury spa to remember. mylifestylenews writes.
A good spa is hard to find, especially when you are looking for an ultimate indulgence as some of those wellness centres over promise and do not deliver. The Capella Hotel brand has garnered accolades as one of the pre-eminent boutique brands that truly delivers on personalized service. With the establishment of their in-house spas under the Auriga brand, signature treatments as well as bespoke specially-curated menu of treatments exclusive to Capella Shanghai make this wellness experience even more admirable.
Set in a type of dwelling with a courtyard surrounded by building, almost a siheyuan architectural design in a smaller scale that is commonly found throughout China, this Shanghai courtyard house urban sanctuary is a wellness centre with a difference, as its location is nestled in one of Xuhui District’s last remaining clusters of Shikumen architecture tucked away on one of the historic clustered laneways which is also the entrance next to the hotel reception that make the arrival experience even more charming and memorable.
Subsequently, there is a charm about the building and interior design that sets it apart from many other luxurious spas in new build properties, so we knew we were in for a treat. The interior is more like a classic residential old-world mix of wood panelling, Chinese wooden screens and plush furnishings that exuded a sense of warmth and comfort (a nice counterpoint to the winter temperatures outside).
As they could not build upwards due to the restrictions in the historic district, it goes down, so the space is far more voluminous than you would have first thought and encompasses a lot of amenities: 7 treatment suites; luxuriously appointed separate male and female change rooms; a relaxation lounge; sauna and steam room; vitality pool; movement studio; flotation tanks; a salt room; and a fully equipped gym.
In keeping with all of these facilities, each treatment room embodies the Auriga spirit, marrying soothing simplicity and pure indulgence delivered with a tailored, holistic approach to your form, mood and senses incorporating traditional techniques and organic, natural ingredients. Luxury indulging is also aided by the use of the luxury skincare brand CARITA from Paris, so who could ask for anything more?
We were a little time poor, so we opted for the true Signature relaxation Massage. Auriga Therapists are champions of nature and we were escorted by our two warm and welcoming therapists to a couples suite, which we must say was quite a luxurious indulgence.
Most importantly though, was the whole massage sequence, which they managed with aplomb. The aroma oil was duly selected to maximize the benefits followed by a foot cleansing ritual. As always, they asked about the ambience - the background music, temperature and lighting – and we were slowly slipping into relaxation heaven. We had each given instructions as to how soft/hard the pressure should be and we both agreed after wards that this had been followed meticulously. The long flowing strokes did wonders for our jet-lagged muscles and after some initial kinks being ironed out with some serious thumb/palm work, we slowly slipped into a semi-slumber for some much needed relaxation.
The 90-minutes spa treatment seemed like a blink of the eyes especially when you are indulged and being pampered in all senses. We were then adjourned to the graceful and cozy relaxation lounge to sip a cup of hot herbal tea to further sooth our bodies and calm our mind.
The Auriga Spa in Capella Shanghai is a destination that we think would be unrivalled for its ambience and thoughtful touches as well as its historic location. If the signature spa treatments not enough to satisfy your spa craving, the Auriga Detox Day would be another level of indulgence that offers a bespoke Sleep Therapy and Qi programme featuring Guasha and Tuina massage focusing on renewal and retrospection, tapping into celestial rhythm, marrying soothing simplicity and pure indulgence to unlock your inner sense and embody the true Auriga spirit.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 5/5
Amenities: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Experience: 5/5
480, Jianguo Road (W), Xuhui District,
Shanghai, China
Tel: +86 21 5466 6688
Shanghai, China
Tel: +86 21 5466 6688
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.
Lighting
ReplyDelete