CHI The Spa, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Besides a terrific location in the heart of the Sydney CBD, CHI The Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel has an impressive lineup of facilities and treatments to experience on a romantic getaway.

• Location: Level 2 of the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, in The Rocks.
• Treatment menu: CHI’s massages and treatments are based on traditional Asian wellness practices, along with Australian healing techniques and botanical ingredients, and Sodashi products. Overall there is a wide range choice, from massage and body treatments to facials and entire “journeys”, which can be experienced as day spa packages or wellness retreats.
• What else is there: There is a lovely relaxation room and an indoor pool which is part of The Health Club.
• Why go: Whether you’re a guest of the hotel, or staying in the Sydney CBD, the spa is an elegant space in one of Sydney's most sought after hotels and locations, with a menu of indulgent treatments which are perfect for a romantic getaway.

The Space

CHI is Shangri-La's signature spa brand, and it draws inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La legend. It is designed to be a place of inner peace, enchantment and wellbeing, and this lavish and expansive spa is indeed that. It has six private spa suites, coupled with a comprehensive menu of indulgent treatments based on authentic natural healing methods from Asia. From the moment you walk into the spa you are met with a wonderfully uncluttered space and a strong sense of privacy. The decor is adorned with Asian artefacts, warm woods and ambient lighting; it's hard not to feel tension slip away as a wave of relaxation overtakes you. Each of the six spa suite has its own changing area, a steam shower, and a toilet exclusively for guests' use before their treatments. Several have the added bonus of an infinity edge spa tubs for a leisurely soak. And there’s a lovely relaxation room with booths where you can relax in silence before and after your treatment, getting into the right frame of mind for a morning or afternoon of pampering.

The Treatment

Back at home I’d perused the spa menu and almost salivated over the choices, but in the end due to some time constraints I opted for a 90-minute Signature Himalayan Hot Stone Massage which had come highly recommended. After filling in a form to reveal my Chi element, which turned out to be Earth, and from which the basis of my massage would evolve, I was shown to my spa suite to change in private. Then the  treatment began with a traditional foot cleanse, and I was given information about the oils that would be used to suit my Chi element. The massage began with hands and oils and a focus on my back and neck, where I always store tension. Before long the hot stones were introduced, natural salt stone crystals containing 84 naturally-occurring minerals and salts. The first two were placed in the palms of my hands, followed by pairs of stones tracking meridian lines and eventually coming to rest along the spine. The heat is deeply relaxing, while also helping the oils to absorb into the skin. This is a wonderful treatment to not only soothe sore muscles but promote physical and mental relaxation, and they told me it’s also very good for jet lag. After the massage ended I had time to reflects. CHI spa is glamorous yet serene, providing guests with a truly holistic and relaxing experience. It was a shame I didn’t have time to try anything else, but there’s always a next time. 

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The Asian decor.
• The quiet ambience.
• The choice of treatments on offer.

Insider Tips  

• There are a few rules and regulations visiting this spa. For one, upon arrival at CHI, a consultant will have a chat to you before your treatment to determine your element and ensure that you have the treatments that suit your needs.
• If you are staying in the hotel, make time to use the indoor swimming pool at The Health Club.

The Details

CHI The Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney is located at 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW, www.shangri-la.com.