Shanghai Spas|Shanghai, China

The Retreat at The Sukhothai Shanghai

Traditional Southeast Asian healing in Shanghai

VERIFIED LUXURY

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Tucked beneath The Sukhothai Shanghai, The Retreat pulls from long-held Southeast Asian traditions to craft its unique approach to wellness. Rather than relying on more predictable rituals, its signature treatments draw on tui na massage, meridian work and energy-balancing techniques rooted in centuries-old healing traditions.

While the treatments take inspiration from ancient wisdom across the region, the spa channels the more contemporary, minimalist side of Shanghai. Designed by acclaimed Shanghai-based firm Neri&Hu, this subterranean retreat is reached by following a pebble-lined garden path and unfolds as a series of dark stone corridors, low ceilings and softly lit spaces. The result is a sleek, cocoon-like sanctuary that feels far removed from the energy of Jing’an above.

Our Inspector's Highlights

The Retreat’s design reflects the broader vision for The Sukhothai Shanghai, which was also conceived by Neri&Hu. Instead of duplicating the Thai influences of the original Bangkok property, the designers embraced Shanghai’s cosmopolitan character, using natural stone, subdued tones and clean architectural lines throughout the hotel. The spa carries this philosophy underground, creating a refuge that feels perfectly suited to its surroundings.
While many hotel spas squeeze treatment rooms into whatever space is available, The Retreat does the opposite. Its five private treatment suites, for both solo and couples’ sessions, are notably generous in size, with dark stone surfaces, timber massage beds, warm earthy accents and cream-colored subway tiles.
Throughout the luxury spa, botanicals take center stage. Heated herbal compresses release the fragrance of locally sourced ingredients as therapists work to relieve tension, while aromatic oils and mineral-rich salts are incorporated into treatments designed to soothe tired muscles and restore balance.
The experience doesn't have to end when your treatment does. The Retreat forms part of The Sukhothai Shanghai's wider wellness offerings, which include a 25-meter heated indoor pool, a fully equipped fitness center, a dedicated yoga and Pilates studio, and separate sauna and steam rooms.
Far from a one-note wellness experience, therapies draw inspiration from across Asia, from traditional Chinese medicine to Thai herbal compress rituals, Himalayan pink salt treatments and Ayurvedic sleep-enhancing massages. Better yet, therapists often blend techniques to create treatments tailored to each guest's needs.

The Treatments

The Shanghai spa’s headline bodywork experience, The Retreat Signature Massage, brings together a slow, relaxing Thai massage using an aromatic herbal compress made from regionally sourced herbs. The poultice is first heated, then applied with gentle pressure to release muscle tension and stimulate circulation.
For those seeking better sleep or combating jet lag, it’s worth trying the targeted Ayurvedic Sleep Well Therapy. Tailored to your personal needs, the experience begins with a light-touch massage to stimulate energy points, followed by a deep full-body massage to prime you for a better night’s sleep.
The Retreat's traditional Chinese medicine offerings include the Fourteen Meridians Massage, which uses targeted pressure along the body's energy pathways to encourage balance and circulation, and tui na, a therapeutic Chinese massage that combines kneading, stretching and acupressure techniques. Traditional add-ons such as gua sha, cupping and foot reflexology are also available.
Ideal before a special event or big evening out, the WishPro Speed Facial combines cleansing, massage and a customized serum-infused capsule with WishPro's patented magnetic pulse technology. The treatment is designed to boost absorption of active ingredients while targeting concerns such as hydration, radiance and firmness.
Designed as a full-body wellness reset, the 90-minute Immunity Boosting Therapy starts with an infrared sauna session where you’ll progress through a series of salt, aroma, sound and light therapies. Guided qi gong — a traditional Chinese mind-body practice — lymphatic drainage and an immunity-enhancing massage round out the experience for an intriguing blend of Eastern healing traditions and contemporary wellness technology.

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