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A Tale of Two Spas

Does massage on a budget really satisfy? - By Neelam, Sep 12, 06

Evian Spa

The spa is to Shanghai what the corner shop is to England; a conveniently recurrent feature. Ranking just above boutique browsing and hot chocolate waffles on my list of most addictive pastimes, the massage has become something more of a need than a desire. But choosing the right massage place is important especially if you’re counting the hours until payday. So what can you get for your hard earned rmb nowadays? I took it upon myself to find out heading over to the budget conscious Lulu Massage Centre and the unashamedly luxurious Evian Spa.

The difference between the high and low end of the massage spectrum doesn't stop at numeric outlay, but continues on aspects of quality and ambience. Usually, massage on a shoestring will be based on vigorous techniques that may be a little rough for western tolerance, and will pay little attention to pleasing the ears, eyes or nose. Most luxury spas however will bend over backwards to make sure that a massage becomes a whole body experience carefully designed to please from every angle possible. I walked into Lulu massage centre with trepidation, as locating a wallet friendly masseuse can be a gamble, especially if you fear a mid-massage proposition. But I left feeling invigorated, thanks to a 60rmb, 70 minute blind body massage (and before you ask: no, I wasn't blindfolded.) This technique represents a traditional Chinese method with the rationale that a blind masseuse can detect key pressure points on your body. An interesting experience, I thought communication might be a problem, but the masseuse had evidently learnt some necessary phrases asking me if it was too hard (which it was, but I put on a brave face of course).

A brave face that wasn't required during a relaxing Swedish body massage at Evian Spa that was enough to put me into a state of heavenly bliss. Coming in at 680rmb for an hour long session, this was by far not the most expensive treatment on the menu. Discernibly minimalist, my memories of Lulu's was that it had a very back to basics, no frills feel. So walking into Evian Spa with its mirrored walls, candles and private rooms stacked with essential oils and moisturizing products looked set to be a strikingly different experience.

I think the age old adage "You get what you pay for" rings true in the world of relaxation therapy. The most noticeable compromises for a low-cost alternative will be a communal room, no essential oils or moisturising products and a lack of skin to skin contact, as you leave your clothes on. Being economically conscious is good for a quick fix on a week night but if you are in search of a spiritual experience that oozes with luxury then Evian Spa has that definite edge. However, to be fair both did work equal wonders for my stress levels, calming my mind and giving me some much needed time out.

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