After making its name as a long-time spa and cosmetics staple in Shanghai, the Beijing branch of Herborist is now taking the lead on what they do best - providing a mixture of luxury services that incorporate their own range of skin- and body-care products.

Visitors will need to make an appointment before heading to their peaceful location at the Village in Sanlitun. The list of basic body care services is long, covering everything from face to feet and a range of common dermatological maladies - aging, sun damage, acne and more. Included in almost every treatment is a massage to increase blood flow and circulation to the face, head, and neck.

During the 90-minute, 480 yuan "Aromatherapy and Toxins Removing Facial Care" treatment, a body care specialist uses water and a strong astringent to clean the face at least three times in a row.

At some point during these cleansings, she also finds time to massage the nose - an odd pleasure indeed.

Once the skin is beyond clean, she blasts steam on it for a few minutes and follows that up by dotting a small vacuum about the outer nose to suck up deeply embedded debris.

Also included in this treatment is a repeated application and removal of Herborist-brand hydrating eye gel, toner, and "All-day Arousing and Extremely Moisturizing Cream".

While it seems impossible to leave this treatment with dry skin, be warned that achieving the feat means that eyebrows may be shaved and shaped - be sure to tell them whether you agree in advance.

While the facial and beauty services are notable, most visitors to the spa are after a full-body massage experience.

All massages begin after a refreshing splash in the shower. The booth is stocked with Herborist shampoo, conditioner and body wash, so there's no need to bring anything from home.

These products leave the body feeling as clean and fresh as it smells. Despite not being able to crank the water to a particularly high temperature and there being a lack of any material to wash with, the shower is a fine way to relax before treatment or massage.

After the shower, grab a fresh towel and a crisp, simple cotton robe. Also available are a pair of disposable, paper underpants that are not only unflattering but also quite uncomfortable - skip these if modesty allows.

The "Refreshing the Spirit Seven-Qi Massage" is a basic 60-minute full-body oil massage. According to the services list, the goals are "to relax the muscles, bring balance to the body and reduce mental stress to maintain refreshment".

When belly-down on the table, the smells of a bowl of rose water near the face and the oils being applied permeate everything but don't overwhelm. These oils are a blend of lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass and peppermint.

Body care specialist Linda will then massage the shoulders and upper back with quick and deep strokes, taking on the feel of at least two pairs of hands. Unlike many Beijing masseurs, Linda doesn't work like a robot; she feels knots and works them out like a master.

Overall, the experience was pleasant and inoffensive, if only mildly mediocre. Spa-goers with more direct complaints have many options and should consult with a staff member over a complimentary cup of tea before starting a treatment.

For the figure-conscious, there's a 90-minute "Shape-slimming Therapy" - a combination of massage and "high-tech apparatus" to remove excess water, toxins and fat to shape and slim the figure, at 680 yuan.

For relief of chronic back pain, there is a 60-minute "Spine and Du Channel Points Care", which focuses on easing spinal pressure and discomfort with acupuncture and massage.

Those suffering from a woman's curse can choose a 6-minute "Uterus Care Secret Prescription" that, if done regularly, can ease the pains and irregularities experienced during that time of the month as well as increase overall uterine health for 480 yuan.

And finally, for anyone looking to get cupped, scraped and subjected to the experience of "fragrant ear candles", Herborist also sells itself as a blend of modern technology and Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts; all of these services are available in packages that are combined with massage.

China Daily

(China Daily 10/12/2010)