The treatment
Caviar – it’s not just a tasty appetiser beloved by Russians and gourmets the world over. This delicacy also happens to have a similar make-up to our own body cells. Thanks to its abundant protein, water, lipids and minerals, it can be used as the ultimate high-end anti-ageing ingredient.
Like most people would be, I was at first a little apprehensive about the idea of a caviar facial. Thankfully, nightmare scenarios of being smothered in fish roe never materialised. Instead, my face, hands and décolletage were delicately covered in a light, white, caviar-based cream from the award-winning Kerstin Florian range, which had a pleasant, faint smell of sea salt and a hint of seaweed. This scent, together with the warming effect provided by being cocooned in layers of soft sheets, allowed me to drift off and imagine I was sunbathing on some distant shore – no small treat when you consider how far Beijing is from the beach.
We say
Also including a multi-acid skin exfoliation, this 90-minute treatment promises to reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity. While I can’t yet vouch for any lasting effect, I certainly came out of the spa glowing and invigorated, as if I’d just come back from some sun-kissed holiday. Gabrielle Jaffe
The treatment
Located on the 64th floor of the China Summit Wing, this branch of Chi eschews grand views in favour of closeted relaxation. As I arrive, I’m curiously asked to fill out a questionnaire over a pot of peppermint tea. The idea is to hone the experience to clients’ tastes and needs, and soon a small pot of perfumed essence containing one of the five elements (in this case, ‘Wood’, the ‘element of movement and dynamism’ – or sticks and trees, in my experience) is then hurriedly produced.
After this, the treatment starts with a quick foot and leg exfoliation, followed by a basic shoulder massage and acupressure to the face. Then the real stuff begins. According to traditional Chinese medicine, amber helps get rid of toxins. The stuff is infused into one of various fragrant lotions and potions from skincare brand Biodroga, designed to promote elasticity and firmness, which is massaged into my skin. The facial finally ends with a rejuvenating moisturiser – leave your make-up at home, girls. Remember though, for maximum effect, avoid putting products on your face for at least a few hours afterwards.
We say
This facial lasts a staggering 90 minutes (yes, I also thought that was a little excessive at first), but the time whizzes by and the location is very hard to beat. Round the day off with a cocktail at the 80th-floor bar, Atmosphere – you’re unlikely to ever have a day quite as extravagant. And even though the view isn’t always clear, at least you can sip your drink in the cosy knowledge that your skin, unlike the air, will have been scrubbed clean. Clarissa Sebag-Montefiore
Chi 1,180RMB plus 15 per cent. 朝阳区建国门外大街1号
The treatment
Following a shower and steam session, I receive a simple ‘ginger foot buff’ treatment, as the therapist helps select ESPA products to be used on my face and body. After explaining what kind of result you would like to get from the treatment, sniffing a few samples and feigning knowledge, the massage begins. Firstly, the masseuse uses acupressure, and then hot, silky smooth stones are run along your muscles – and Christ, they’re hot! After this, a lengthy head massage with ‘scalp mud’ is followed by a quick facial to seal the treatment.
We say
At nearly two hours long, like all of these treatments, you might not have the time or the money to invest in one of these massages regularly – it’s more of a treat (for yourself or someone else). Jade is important to China and the stones are a surprisingly vital part of the treatment, even if using an precious gem might not be entirely necessary. When applied to your skin, the heat can feel intense at times; but it is this effect that leaves your muscles relaxed, floppy and happy, and it has to be said that the jade has a rather sensuous texture. The deep aromas lull you into the realm of milk and honey and the head massage is so relaxing you won’t want to leave. Clare Pennington