Presents to pamper this Christmas

Treat a loved one (or yourself) to a spa gift this holiday season. Here are the best pampering options to gift, whatever your budget. 

Dragonfly

What is it? Lymphatic Drainage Oil Massage. It might not be the catchiest name, but it’ll do all kinds of good for a party-weary body. The therapy includes a thorough body massage with heated cushions, plus eye masks and lavender oil to help you relax. The massage focuses on tackling key areas of toxin build up and improves blood circulation, releases blockages from your energy channels and stimulates cellular regeneration. 

And the price? 398RMB for the hour-long treatment, or pick up some Dragonfly Christmas gift vouchers for 100RMB or 188RMB. 

Subconscious Day Spa 

What is it? Let someone choose their own indulgent therapy from this sophisticated urban retreat, with its eco focus and calming vibes. During the festive season Subconscious is also offering buy-one-get-one-half-price on their range of massage oils, if you fancy turning yourself into a home-grown masseuse. 

And the price? Available in denominations of 100RMB, gift vouchers can be used for treatments like the signature oil massage (280RMB) or balance cleansing facials from 450RMB.

Floatasian 

What is it? Nothing says ‘Happy Christmas’ like floating naked in a dark tank full of water. Provided claustrophobia isn’t a concern, consider gifting a session at this new Swedish spa. Advocates swear by the health benefits of Floatation Therapy, aka Sensory Deprivation Therapy. Floating in salt water at a temperature of 35 degrees creates a sense of weightlessness and equilibrium, which can help muscle tension and pain, tackle insomnia and reduce stress. 

And the price? Until Saturday 31 December, Time Out readers can buy a gift card for 399RMB (normally 488RMB).

The Peninsula Spa 

What is it? Is there any more classic hotel in Shanghai than The Peninsula? This hotel oozes refinement and class, and its spa takes that to the max. Class like this comes at a cost, of course, but this Christmas they are offering a real bargain that will earn you plenty of Brownie points. The Winter De-Stress & Immune Booster is an 80-minute therapy that includes Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine wellness techniques, beginning with a ginger foot ritual and either a circulation scrub or ‘reflex zone foot massage’, followed by a body massage using aromatic warm oils and volcanic hot stones, and ending with an Oriental head massage. The Peninsula encourages arriving early to make use of their relaxation room; so what with this first and making decadent use of the pool afterwards, you can basically spend the whole day at the classiest joint in town. 

And the price? The wonderful Winter De-Stress & Immune Booster is 880RMB (normal price 1,680RMB), and you can also have access to The Peninsula’s pool and gym too on the day of the treatment. 

Flower Fingers 

What is it? We love these cute spas for their amazing-value manis, pedis and massages, plus those big squashy chairs and endlessly friendly staff. If you know someone who is also a fan, buy them a gift that gets much more for your money. 

And the price? Splurge on a membership card for Christmas for 2,000RMB and you get an additional 500RMB credit. Go crazy with a 5,000RMB membership card, and it will come topped up with 6,500RMB worth of credits. Given that basic manicures start from 49RMB, and oil massages from 188RMB, the card will have its owner pampered for quite some time to come. 

Waldorf Astoria 

What is it? If buying just one special person a spa treat isn’t enough (and you want to get yourself involved too), why not splash out on a group party in the Waldorf Spa Suite? This festive season, indulge in a Waldorf Red Velvet Afternoon Tea and Champagne in your private suite – while getting yourselves pampered from head to toe. The decadent package includes three-hours use of the Spa VIP Suite, an Aroma Flower Bath, a 90-minute Oriental stress massage and a 30-minute ReFa Facial Shaping Treatment, plus the afternoon tea and bubbles. 

And the price? The package is 2,500RMB for two people, with an additional 1,280RMB per person.