The Portman-Ritz Carlton complex is an expat haven on Nanjing Lu. This five-star hotel is optimal for business conferences, with dozens of meeting rooms, multiple bars, lounges, restaurants and a pretty eighth-floor terrace lawn which they open for special occasions.... Read more
The JW Marriott Shanghai has laid its mark on Shanghai in spectacular fashion. Located within one of the city's signature building (Tomorrow's Square), and within walking distance of People's Square and East Nanjing Road, the Marriott is ideally located for some of... Read more
This is one of the nicest-for-the-money bathhouses in Shanghai. Korean style, you get to strip and splash around in hot rooms and cold pools (sex segregated) and then move upstairs where there are huge rooms of armchairs to relax, plus these little heated igloos to... Read more
They say it's "only for members", but you're allowed to show up and "try it" for 150rmb during the week. That's meant to be a one-time deal, but who's going to know? On weekends it's members only. Membership gets you a year in the gym and use of the indoor and... Read more
Shanghai has a beach! And it's way out in Jinshan on "line 22" which actually isn't a line at all, it's a bullet train. You can use your metro card though, and you don't need your passport. Tickets down there cost 10rmb, then entry to the beach area itself during... Read more
This pool’s got nice space for lounging and a small slide for the kids. It used to cost 70rmb a person for the day, and children under 1 meter would get in for free, but they've recently been put under new management and it seems like the details are a little iffy. Read more
Ambassy Court is known for being a high-end establishment with a popular sports club and swimming pools in the summer. It’s a stone's throw away from the American Consulate, Shanghai Library and even hosts the popular new French restaurant, Le Cuivre. This modern... Read more
This is the pool in the Julu Lu compound where you find Maya Mexican restaurant. The location is excellent, and they let in non-resident shitbirds like us, too. And they're open year-round. Okay, the pool's not huge, but it's good enough for a dip. Busy on weekends,... Read more
Shanghai International Tennis Center is located at Regal International East Asia Hotel. Types of sports include squash, badminton,tennis and swimming. Read more
Situated in Xujiahui, Oriental Manhattan even stands out among these high-end neighbourhoods. Offering both flats and houses, the compound is maintained and managed to a high standard. There is a beautiful garden in the heart of the complex, as well as some... Read more
One of two big water parks in Shanghai, located right next to Happy Valley. The park design is world class, with a dozen full-sized water slides, kids areas, cute stone sculptures of dragons and worms, a giant Mayan god who dumps water on everyone, "scuba diving" in... Read more
Bund Financial Center's Fitness club on the Bund, which includes a 25m long swimming pool, a sauna/steam room, a jacuzzi, an infinity pool with a 180 degree review view, and 32,000 square feet of the usual state-of-the-art work-out equipment in gleaming, brightly lit... Read more
The Puxi location's second branch of a member's only club and gym. Includes an indoor and outdoor pool, plus a well equipped gym. There are multiple studios for fitness classes like aerobics, yoga,... Read more
Will’s is a fitness powerhouse, with over 115 branches across the country. Will’s Gym is the (much) cheaper alternative to Will’s VIP, offering smaller facilities but more locations. Read more
Yuan Spa covers over 3,000 sqm of recreational and wellness space including 12 spa treatment rooms, a 24hour fitness centre, swimming pool, whirlpool, steam and sauna rooms, a beauty salon and a juice bar. Also has parent and baby swimming lessons. Read more
Beautiful, high-end spa in the Mandarin Oriental. Probably one of the most high-tech spas in town, with technology to show you what your face will look like in five years time (eeeek) plus treatments rooms, couples rooms, an advanced beauty centre, a 24-hour fitness... Read more